CENTRAL AVENUE Christian Reformed Church 259 Central Avenue Holland, MI December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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1 CENTRAL AVENUE Christian Reformed Church 259 Central Avenue Holland, MI December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6

2 A warm and loving welcome to everyone as we gather on this God s holy day to worship Him. A special welcome to all of our guests and visitors we are glad you have joined us! On this third Sunday in Advent, our faith journey to the manger in Bethlehem continues as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord. Pastor Dave will be leading us in worship this morning and the Chancel Choir will offer special ministry of music. This evening Pastor Chad will be leading us in worship and we will enjoy the annual Sunday School Christmas presentation. Hope Bruinsma and Jason Bruxvoort will offer special music as well as a special offertory from Mallory Jackson. This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! TODAY AT CENTRAL AVENUE 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Hosting: Fellowship Group #8 (Bob Swierenga/Ben Ashby) 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Voices of Praise 11:00 a.m. Catechism 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship NURSERY A.M. Shari Smith/Luke Troast P.M. Sue Zwiep/Samuel Visser DECEMBER USHERS A.M. Grace Vander Lugt Todd Vander Lugt Don Evink Marv Nienhuis P.M. Eric Ter Beek Shar Mannes Jerry Mannes Phil De Vries TODAY S GREETERS Lee and Pearl Beyer Bill and Norma Bruinsma TODAY S VISITOR ASSISTANT Mary Van Hof MISSED A SERVICE? CHECK OUT PAST SERVICES ON OUR WEBSITE AT UNDER WORSHIP. CDs for each of our worship services are also available. Contact the church office. MORNING & EVENING WORSHIP ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON 96.5 FM AND AM1260 AND ONLINE AT Cancellations will be announced via , the prayer line, and WOOD-TV8. Week-day events are NOT automatically cancelled if schools are cancelled for the day. Leaders will notify their groups directly. 1

3 MORNING WORSHIP PRELUDE WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP and LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE LEADER: As we light the third candle of Advent, reflect on Jesus, the Everlasting Father. PEOPLE: AS A FATHER HAS COMPASSION ON HIS CHILDREN, SO THE LORD HAS COMPASSION ON THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. (Psalm 103:13) LEADER: As Everlasting Father, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. PEOPLE: HE TENDS HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHPHERD; HE GATHERS THE LAMBS IN HIS ARMS AND CARRIES THEM CLOSE TO HIS HEART; HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE THAT HAVE YOUNG. (Isaiah 40:11) LEADER: We celebrate the coming of One Who is the first born of all creation and the perfect image of our Father in Heaven. PEOPLE: PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING. LET ALL THE PEOPLE SAY AMEN! PRAISE THE LORD! (Psalm 106:48) *HYMN: Savior of the Nations, Come - Psalter Hymnal #336 (stanzas 1, 4-7) *GOD S GREETING PASTOR: Grace, mercy and peace to you, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. PEOPLE: AMEN! 2

4 CALL TO CONFESSION from Isaiah 64:5-6 PASTOR: Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; PEOPLE: IN OUR SINS WE HAVE BEEN A LONG TIME, AND SHALL WE BE SAVED? PASTOR: We have all become like one who is unclean, PEOPLE: AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS ARE LIKE A POLLUTED GARMENT. PASTOR: We all fade like a leaf, PEOPLE: AND OUR INIQUITIES, LIKE THE WIND, TAKE US AWAY. CONFESSION OF SIN (in unison) STIR UP YOUR POWER, O LORD, AND WITH GREAT MIGHT COME AMONG US; AND BECAUSE WE ARE SORELY HINDERED BY OUR SINS, LET YOUR BOUNTIFUL GRACE AND MERCY SPEEDILY HELP AND DELIVER US; THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, TO WHOM, WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, BE HONOR AND GLORY, NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN. ASSURANCE OF PARDON from Galatians 4:4-5 PASTOR: But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, PEOPLE: TO REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW, SO THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE ADOPTION AS SONS. PASTOR: Believe this Good News: In Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven, and we are redeemed and adopted children. PEOPLE: THANKS BE TO GOD! AMEN. 3

5 CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles Creed (in unison) I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe a holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN. MINISTRY OF MUSIC: Bethlehem Light O Little Town of Bethlehem arr. by Joseph M. Martin O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in they dark street shineth the everlasting Light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight, are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above. While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond ring love. O morning stars, together, proclaim the holy birth and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth! How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! Our Lord Emmanuel! CCLI #

6 MOMENT FOR MISSIONS from Leah Koeman Beautiful Gate Orphanage, Lesotho, Southern Africa MORNING PRAYER MINISTRY OF MUSIC: In the Bleak Midwinter - words by C. Rossetti Scottish Folk Tune In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold Him nor earth sustain. Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ! OFFERTORY What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. What can I given Him? Give Him my heart, give my heart. I will give my heart. CCLI # OFFERING: Financial Assistance for Leah Koeman for her Mission Trip to Beautiful Gate in Lesotho (Beautiful Gate Lesotho seeks to share the love of God as children are cared for and protected, preserve and empower families, and mobilize the community to do the same.) (Please sign and pass the Fellowship Registers at this time.) *HYMN: Once in Royal David s City - Psalter Hymnal #346 (stanzas 1-5) (Children ages 3-4 are dismissed at this time for Children s Worship.) SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 64:1-4 (p. 740) Revelation 6 (p. 1222) MESSAGE: EVERLASTING FATHER PRAYER 5

7 *HYMN: Joy to the World - Psalter Hymnal #337 (stanzas 1-4) *BENEDICTION *DOXOLOGY: Joy to the World - Psalter Hymnal #337 (stanza 1) *MOMENT OF REFLECTION *POSTLUDE Participants: Minister of the Word, Pastor David Bast Organist, Bea Meier Ministry of Music, Chancel Choir Director, Rich Cory Accompanist, Bea Meier *Please stand if you are able. Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18 6

8 EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday School Christmas Presentation PRELUDE WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 8:1-2, 9; Matthew 21:16, 18:2-6 PASTOR: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! PEOPLE: YOU HAVE SET YOUR GLORY ABOVE THE HEAVENS. PASTOR: Out of the mouths of babes and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and then avenger. PEOPLE: FROM THE LIPS OF CHILDREN AND INFANTS, YOU, LORD, HAVE CALLED FORTH YOUR PRAISE. PASTOR: Jesus calling to Him a child, put him in the midst of them and said, Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. PEOPLE: O LORD, OUR LORD, HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH! OPENING PRAYER *HYMN: The Prophets Came to Israel - Psalter Hymnal #334 (all stanzas) (Sunday School children, please come forward to the steps during the singing of this song.) CHILDREN S MESSAGE: A LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE 7

9 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN Jesus Loves Me Tiny King Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and she laid Him in a stable bare. Oh, Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and they say that His name was Wonderful, Marvelous, the Lord of Light and Love. Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes. Oh, Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and they say that His name was Wonderful, Marvelous, the Heaven-born Prince of Peace. Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and the angels sang round His bed. Oh, Mary had a baby, Tiny King, Tiny King and they say that His name was JESUS! CCLI # LUKE 2:1-20 (p. 1018) SOLO: Angels (Singing Gloria) Angels, angels in the night; angels, angels from on high, messengers of grace, messengers of light. Angles, angels fill the skies; angels from the highest height, glory all around, heaven reaching out, a song we d never heard, how beautiful the sound: Singing Gloria! Gloria! Singing Gloria! Gloria! This day a Savior has been born. Jesus, He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign: You will find a child, and suddenly the sky was filled with sacred choir, singing Gloria! Gloria! Singing Gloria! Gloria! And they sang Glory to God in the highest heaven! Peace on the earth to those on whom His favor rests! Glory to God in the highest heaven! Peace on the earth to those on whom His favor rests! Gloria! Gloria! Singing Gloria! Gloria! In the name of Love, God is with us now, Mercy coming close, Majesty touched down. Gloria! Gloria! Singing Gloria! Gloria! CCLI #

10 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND CONGREGATION: He Is Born (Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells ) Long, long time ago the people had a hope to see Messiah come; God s special Promised One; Then angels came to say that He was born that day. The shepherds went to tell the news that Jesus Christ had come. Chorus: He is born, He is born, Jesus Christ is born! It s the time to celebrate that Jesus Christ is born! He is born, He is born, Jesus Christ is born! Merry Christmas, everyone, for Jesus Christ is born! Congregation, please join: IT WAS LONG AGO, BUT EVEN IF THAT S SO, I KNOW HE CAME FOR ME, TO DIE AND SET ME FREE. SO NOW I WILL REJOICE, AND LIFT MY HANDS AND VOICE, PROCLAIM THE NEWS TO EVERYONE THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME! Chorus: HE IS BORN, HE IS BORN, JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! IT S THE TIME TO CELEBRATE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! HE IS BORN, HE IS BORN, JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE, FOR JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! CCLI # *HYMN: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Psalter Hymnal #345 (all stanzas) SCRIPTURE: Psalm 148 (p. 623) MESSAGE: PRAISED BY CHILDREN AND ANGELS PRAYER 9

11 OFFERTORY: Oriental by Grandados OFFERING: Back to God Ministries International (Back to God Ministries International is the electronic media ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. Founded in 1939 as the weekly radio ministry program "The Back to God Hour", in 2015 the organization produces radio programs, TV broadcasts, and Internet websites in 10 languages, including children's dramas, daily devotionals, Bible resources, family resources, and cultural reflections.) (Please sign and pass the Fellowship Registers at this time.) *HYMN: Go, Tell It on the Mountain - Psalter Hymnal #356 (all stanzas) *BENEDICTION PASTOR: May Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who comes with healing in His wings, fill you with the joy and peace that passes all understanding. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. PEOPLE: AMEN. *DOXOLOGY: Chorus of Angels We Have Heart on High GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO! GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO! *MOMENT OF REFLECTION CCLI# *POSTLUDE *Please stand if your are able. Participants: Minister of the Word, Pastor Chad Steenwyk Organist, Judy Koeman Sunday School children and leaders Soloist, Hope Bruinsma Bells, James Bruxvoort Ministry of Music for Offertory Mallory Jackson, pianist Reader, Leo Steenwyk Little children, little children who love their Redeemer are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown! 10

12 THIS WEEK AT CENTRAL AVENUE Monday 1:00 p.m. Busy Hands Happy Hearts 7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday 4:30 p.m. Meal at Family Hope Center Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Cadet Christmas Party 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Thursday 12 noon Single Ladies Lunch MISSIONARY OF THE WEEK Kim and Kevin Hekman de Moran Resonate Global Missions in Guatemala NEXT SUNDAY AT CENTRAL AVENUE Fourth Sunday in Advent Prince of Peace A.M. Minister of the Word: Pastor Chad Steenwyk Offering: General Fund Nursery: Margo Hoekstra/Kirsten Buter Coffee Fellowship: FG #7 (Irv Bos/Derrick Staat) P.M. Candlelight Service Minister of the Word: Pastor Chad Steenwyk Offering: Positive Options Nursery: Marianne Bos/Sarah Visser Collections for December 10, 2017 General Fund $16, Special Mission Commitment $ Capital Improvement $ Moving Forward in Faith and Ministry $ Holland Christian Tuition Grant Fund $ DECEMBER 24 GREETERS Ron and Kaylene Johnson Jon and Jen Peters DECEMBER 24 VISITOR ASSISTANTS Irv and Marianne Bos 11

13 OUR CHURCH FAMILY Continue to remember Dewey Westra who continues to recover from his surgery on Monday. The procedure went well but he is fighting a bit of infection. Remember Ruth Timmer (at Medilodge) and Ella Windemuller (at Resthaven Maple Woods) who continue under Hospice care as well. Jack Nykamp continues to gain strength and will be undergoing surgery to remove the kidney stone tomorrow, December 18. Raj Troast was to have met with doctors on Tuesday to determine the next best treatment for his heart problems. Gerry Jipping spent time in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. He was released and is doing well with his recovery now at home. Ella Groman has moved to Medilodge Room #407 for a time of recovery and rehabilitation and Ted Brouwer has moved to Providence Nursing Home in Zeeland. Pray for these in their new surroundings. CHILDREN S WORSHIP, SUNDAY SCHOOL and CATECHISM will meet as usual this morning. Please see Youth Corner on page 15. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL will meet today at 10:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Room downstairs following worship to continue the discussion of the history behind The Reformation as part of the 500th anniversary of the event. Today the focus will be on the life of John Calvin. Coffee and cookies will be available. Please note that today will be the last day of Children s Worship, Sunday School, Catechism, and Adult Sunday School until all classes meet again on Sunday, January 7, VOICES OF PRAISE will meet this morning at 10:45 a.m. for rehearsal in the Choir Room. We offer our sincere Christian sympathy to Bob and Ellen Walters in the passing of Bob s brother, John Walters, last Sunday, December 10. May the God of all peace and comfort sustain you in yet another loss and in this time of sorrow. CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS Please join for COFFEE FELLOWSHIP in the narthex following morning worship. Hosting: Fellowship Group #8 (Bob Swierenga/Ben Ashby) Please find in your mailboxes today a report on THAKSGIVING OFFERINGS as well as a report from the SEARCH COMMITTEE. All information for the JANUARY ISSUE OF THE CHANNEL must be turned in TODAY. With the holidays falling the way they do this year, the newsletter will be typed and printed a week earlier than usual. Thank you for your cooperation. 12

14 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS cont. FINANCE COMMITTEE will meet on Monday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to serve supper at the Family Hope Ministry Center on Tuesday, December 19. Donations of candies/goodies to share with the residents are also requested to help make their holidays special. Sign-up sheet at the back of church. If you have questions, please contact Velva Yonker at / SINGLE LADIES will enjoy lunch at Southtown Russ on Thursday, December 21, at 12 noon. BUSY HANDS, HAPPY HEARTS meets every 3rd Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. All those who love to do quilting or needlework are encouraged to come to the Ministry Center for a time of work and fellowship. DISCIPLER S BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: The Men s/women s Wednesday Evening Group meets again on January 10 and will pick up their Hebrews study at Lesson #4. The Early Morning Men s Group is also now on Christmas break until Thursday, January 4 when they will continue their study of Hebrews with Lesson #2. Questions? Contact Steve Zwiep or Pastor Chad. FRIDAY PRAYER GROUP has this Friday, December 22 and 29 off for holiday break as well. On December 31, we will have the privilege to baptize Molly Kornelis, daughter of Pastor Darren and Emily, on behalf of their home congregation in California. Are you considering making PROFESSION OF FAITH? Please meet in Pastor Chad s study upstairs immediately following morning worship on December 31 or you may contact him directly. We will be forming class(es) depending on interest. Christ s church is manifest in thousands of local congregations and we invite you to be a part of that here at Central Avenue CRC. If you are interested in exploring membership contact Pastor Chad or the church office at or info@centralavecrc.org. The upcoming LOGOS WINTER RETREAT will be held January 4-6, 2018 at the Kettunen Retreat Center in Tustin, MI. The theme will be Moving on to Solid Food. Cost is $ Post-high singles ages are encouraged to register at reformedyouthservices.org by this Thursday, December 14. Contact Pastor Chad or Paul Kuiper for more information. KID S LIFE will not meet again until after the holidays. 13

15 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS cont. The Council will begin considering NOMINATIONS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS after the first of the year. Please prayerfully consider nominating those you see as qualified and submit names to Clerk Rich Cory by January 7. The next COUNCIL MEETING is Monday, January 8. Please have your agenda items to the Clerk Rich Cory by Tuesday, December 26. There are no WEDNESDAY ACTIVITY NIGHT meals planned for December. Our next meal together will be on Wednesday, January 10, Menu will include Chili, cornbread, salad bar, and lemon bars. SENIORS: Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 11, for breakfast together at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Zeeland at 9:30 a.m. There is a sign-up sheet at the back of church so the restaurant knows how many for which to plan. LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again on January 17, 2018 to continue in their study on the book of Hebrews. Please know that new members are always welcome to join us! 14

16 YOUTH CORNER December 17, 2017 CHILDREN S WORSHIP for children ages 3 and 4 will join with the Sunday School children after morning worship for the Christmas Program Practice. SUNDAY SCHOOL for Pre K 5th Grade will meet from 10:45-11:45 a.m. downstairs in the Children s Center. The kids will join in the Fellowship Room for refreshments and then gather in the Children s Center for rehearsal for tonight s Children s Christmas Program. Serving today: Sue Hoekstra CATECHISM for 6th 12th grade meets this morning from 11:00-11:45 a.m. The young people are asked to gather in The Ministry Center and wait for teachers to join in their classrooms. TODAY WILL BE THEIR LAST CLASS UNTIL JANUARY 7, A Blessed Christmas to everyone! GEMS GIRLS CLUB is on holiday break until Wednesday, January 10, 2018 for a regular meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Driver meeting and to hand out derby cars at 8:00 p.m. CADETS BOYS CLUB will meet on Wednesday, December 20, for their Christmas Party. They will be going to Rebounderz in Jenison. Please meet under the canopy by 5:50 p.m. to leave the church promptly at 6:00 p.m. Pizza and bounce passes will be provided. They will return to church by 8:30 p.m. Contact dan@andymastgreenhouse.com or call with any questions. MIDDLE SCHOOL E.T.C. & High School Youth Group WATCH THE BULLETIN FOR DETAILS ON OUR CHRISTMAS BREAK OUTING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 2. Our next meeting for both youth groups is Sunday, January 14, 2018, following evening worship. Hosts: Bushouse/Peters/Sterenberg HS Topic: Amusing Ourselves to Death 15