INNERGLOW First Reformed Church Boyden, IA LaVonne Sietstra & Teresa Harms, Editors January 2019
It is time for the January issue of our Innerglow newsletter. And January always makes me nostalgic because I think back on the ministry that I have done in the past. For a few moments it feels like it was the golden time. But then I realize that those days are past, and I can t relive them, and neither can any of us. The only thing we can do is look to the future that God has prepared for us. There are new days out there. Days with adventure, days with challenge and discovery and days ordained for us by God and his Son Jesus. I ask myself if I am ready to live in the past or whether I want to live into my future. And I want to live into my future! First Reformed Church has accomplished some good things over the last number of years. We are excited about what has been done but it is no time to rest on our laurels. We have set a definition for our future: Jesus Saves, Grow & Go. It s time to pursue that. One challenge for First Reformed Church is our old system of letting those in leadership to over-function, while the rest of us let them and sit back comfortably and/or watch or criticize. This is no easy thing to turn around. We have practiced this approach for many years and it has been perpetuated by leaders in the past who determined that this was the best way to make the church run. They were right in their day, but that approach sadly fails today. Where do we begin to turn this around? We begin by volunteering to help our leaders do their job or volunteer to relieve elected leaders in order for them to do their task free from burdens. What I am describing is what I call a ministering spirit. Do you have one? Too often There s always an excuse to serve, particularly if we re looking for one. I ve made so many excuses in my life. I would be leading with the limps of previous failures how and why would God use me? For example, I was to visit a young man who was in jail, but I had some tension with his father and I didn t want to do the visit. I didn t want to go and was contemplating not going when I came to the corner I needed to turn on to visit him. Before I knew it my arms without my mental permission steered me to the jail where I made a productive visit. God was amazingly active, despite my excuses. Often when we are certain God has called us to something, we will stall because an excuse is always near. And, most excuses seem reasonable at first glance - common sense even. Think about the excuses Moses made for following God. I must be honest when I hear the conversation between God and Moses, Moses excuses make sense to me. I mean, if you re not a good communicator why send Moses as the chief spokesman for God? But God s ways are not my ways or Moses or yours. The reality is following a God-inspired, God-sized dream, always requires stepping into the unknown and that always demands we overcome our excuses. JESUS SAVES, GROW, & GO Are you stalling? Maybe you re even running out of another good excuse. If an opportunity is still staring you in the face, let me encourage you from some of the best excuses I ve used or heard which have more times than not been proven wrong. Here are 7 of the most common excuses I ve used or heard: I CAN T! Your excuse is you don t have what it takes. And, the sad part of this excuse this also means you aren t trusting God to provide what you lack. Saying I can t to a God thing is an
indicator of faith. If God calls you to it you can do it because whatever you lack, He will supply. (Gideon would love to weigh in on this excuse. Judges 6) I DON T KNOW HOW! The task seems overwhelming and you may be too proud to ask for help. So, I don t know how will just have to do for now. If you trace its roots this excuse is often fueled by either laziness, apathy or fear. (Do you think Noah knew how to build a boat the size of an ark? See Genesis 6) I DON T HAVE TIME! God calls for obedience now, but you re preoccupied. And, chances are with this as an excuse you never will have time. This one has worked for me before too for a season. What it really means is I have my time and God s time. And, more specifically, I have my agenda and God s agenda and there is no time left in my agenda. (See how Jesus liked this excuse in Luke 9:57-62) I M ALL ALONE! Leading out by faith feels this way sometimes, doesn t it? Sometimes we can t see the forest for the trees when it comes to being obedient to God s call. I once thought I was the only one with a burden to plant a church. It seemed to be a lonely burden until we stepped forward in faith. Little did Cheryl and I know God had an army of core members prepared just waiting to be asked. (Remember, Elijah thought He was alone and he found out otherwise. 1 Kings 19) I M AFRAID! And, the reality of this excuse is you can choose to let fear control you. I have - many times. Fear is simply an emotion and it s a powerful, often motivating excuse. Much could go wrong with your dream. You could mess it up! You could have misunderstood what you sense God calling you to do. Plus, our mind is capable and skilled at quickly creating worst-case-scenarios. But, know this. Trusting God, even when you re afraid to do so, always produces God-appointed and Godsized victories. In fact, you can t possibly get to the victory until you face the fear. (Could we learn anything here from Esther? Esther 3) I CAN T AFFORD IT! You re afraid the dream will be more expensive than the provision of God. You wouldn t verbalize this one, but it s real, isn t it? I can t tell you how many times I ve heard the money fear raised by potential church planters. I often say the money is in the harvest. (Tell this excuse to the widow in 1 Kings 17 or the disciples who picked up 12 baskets of leftover bread in Matthew 14) I WON T! This may be the boldest excuse. With this excuse you simply refuse. You may disguise it lots of ways, but the fact is you re doing things your way instead of God s way. You can combine all the other excuses here, because you won t even give it a try. In fact, if the truth is known, you d rather run some more. I did this one for years. (How did this excuse work for Jonah?) For each one of us personally and First Reformed Church, there will always be an excuse not to follow the dreams God lays on us. Obstacles in life are plentiful. You can keep making excuses, or you can address them one excuse at a time. The one who achieves most is often the one most willing to overcome excuses. What excuse are you using to stall on God s plan?
*everyone that participated in the Children s Christmas Program and in the Lighting of the Advent Wreath *all those that donated to the hat/mitten/scarf tree *the privilege of receiving Kaitlyn Rosenboom into our church family *all those that went out Christmas caroling *the birth of a healthy baby girl, Nayomi Grace, born to Jaycee Darnell and Ryan Reiser on November 29th *all those who donated goodies for the college boxes *those retiring off the consistory Jason Fykstra, Ken Hoogendoorn, Brent Fedders, Les Starkenburg & Marlin Uittenbogaard *Sheila Hinderks for her artwork for the Advent bulletins *a New Year full of opportunities to be of service to others *the offerings received these past months they show a commitment to the future of Boyden First Reformed Church *all the ladies who participated in Secret Sister raising each other up, praying for each other, and demonstrating the love of Jesus
*our congregational family, extended family members and co-workers that have continuing health issues Marcia Neely, Larry Salmon, Sylvester Harms, Kathy Beek, Mina Uittenbogaard and anyone else experiencing health difficulties *our newly elected consistory members Roger Nelson, Alan Warntjes, Rod Bolkema, Marv Heemskerk & Tom Reuvers *the Reformed Church in America that God s truth may be preached *the elderly and shut-ins *our missionaries Rev Barry & Teryl Bruce the wayout ministries in California; Seung & Amy Kim in Bangladesh; & Rev Tim & JJ Ten Clay *our nation s youth that God will raise up young people to stand boldly for Jesus Christ *ourselves that the Lord may strengthen our faith and encourage us to walk with Him *Awana as it comes back from holiday break pray that the leaders, volunteers & clubbers have a great 2 nd half of the year *our nation that God s blessings and influence will shape the future
The Church s one foundation For no other foundation can anyone lay that that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV) This great hymn emerged from a ragged and wearing controversy that threatened to tear asunder the Church of England. In the mid-1800s, the liberal views of German theologians drifted like a poisonous fog over Anglicans worldwide. In South Africa, Bishop John William Colenso, influenced by the German higher critics, questioned whether Moses had really written the first five books of the Bible. He also took liberal views toward Paul s book of Romans, denying the doctrine of eternal punishment. Colenso had been a tireless missionary bishop, serving the Zulu people in northeastern South Africa with laudable passion, but his emerging liberalism sent shock waves among evangelical Anglican leaders. In 1853, Bishop Robert Gray of Capetown, defending the historic faith, removed Colenso from his post. Colenso fought the order and was reinstated by a London court of law. The resulting conflict shook the Anglican Church to its foundations. One man on the side of evangelical truth was Samuel Stone, the curate at Windsor in the shadow of Windsor Castle. In 1866, he wrote twelve hymns based on the twelve articles of the Apostles Creed. The Church s One Foundation was based on the ninth article of the creed, which says: I believe in the holy catholic (universal) church; the communion of saints. The next year, Anglican bishops from around the world assembed for a theological enclave that became known as the first Lambeth Conference. The tone of the proceedings was set by Stone s hymn, The Church s One Foundation, which has been set to music by Samuel Wesley, the grandson of Charles Wesley. It became the processional for that conference, and has been of the the church s best-loved hymns ever since. Not all the verses, however, are sung today. Here is a stanza you may never have sung, but which helps us understand the passion of Samuel Stone as he wrote in defense of the integrity of Christ s holy church: Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed; Yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, How long? And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song!
25 YEARS AGO Sympathy wishes were extended to Marv and LuEtta Heemskerk for the death of LuEtta s father Ellis Reitsma. Featured in the Prime Time Worship hour was The Ambassador Quartet from George, which consisted of members Ken Mulder, Louis Vust, Marvin Johnson, Arlyn Johnson and Frances DeBerg at the piano. A Card Shower was held for Casey and Luella Smit in honor of their 45 th wedding anniversary. 10 YEARS AGO A call for volunteers was made for the after school program at Boyden First. The Deacons shared their goals of 2 projects planned for the new year tuck point around the exterior of the church and shingling of the parsonage. 5 YEARS AGO Sympathy wishes were extended to the family and friends of Angie Van Es. Prayers were requested for Jack Krull, grandson of Sam & Joan Wiertzema, due to illness and hospitalization; Pastor Dave Vander Laan for his brain surgery; Jean Doorenbos following a fall and surgery; Mady Hansmann as she started chemo treatments; and Alvin Van Marel in Tucson, AZ.
For I know the plans I have for, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 Secret Sisters! It s not too late to get involved in this program! This is a wonderful opportunity to take part in strengthening and building up our Sisters in Christ! It s not about the gifts, it s about praying for each other, loving each other and being a blessing to each other! Please talk with Teresa Harms if you have questions or wish to be involved! College Boxes! My how this past holiday season crept up on us and caught us ill-prepared! By the time we had opportunities to put these treasures together, most of the college kids were already home for the holidays!! So it was decided to wait until the kids go back to school to send them the boxes. Our goal with this ministry is to make sure the members of our congregational family who are away at college are reminded that they remain an important part of Boyden First Reformed Church and that we continue to pray for them and wish them excellence as they work for their future. RCWM Executive Committee! The business of the Holiday season affected the plans for a meeting in December. Therefore, the plan is to meet sometime this month to discuss donations and set goals for 2019. Let s make this year a beautiful example of how the women of Boyden First can be the hands and feet of Jesus! If you have any suggestions or goals for the RCWM, please share them with a member of the executive committee. Awana! How can you help this wonderful program? By volunteering to be a leader to walk along the children as they pursue a life with Jesus; by making donations to the Awana store; by praying for this program and everyone involved! Make it a goal to come to a Wednesday night and observe the amazing things that are happening here! Listen to the joy and excitement as children learn about a life with Jesus and study His Word! We promise you will not leave without seeing and feeling the fantastic benefits of this program! We are Women of God we are strong; we are beautiful; we are valuable; we are virtuous; we are loved; we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Boyden RCWM Executive Committee Kathy Beek Teresa Harms Ranae Kleinwolterink Lisa Nelson Tamie Uittenbogaard Joan Wiertzema
FUN WITH PICTURES! Did you recognize all the wonderful people from Awana? The leaders who were dressed up in the 1 st picture L to R Dave Boender, Barb Hoekstra, Vera Boender, Shauna Neuman, Jeff Neuman, Shari Fedders & Colleen Niemeyer; 2 nd picture Pat & Gerald Harms; winners of the best dressed in each age group Sparks (K-2 nd ) Whitley Diekevers & Ashlyn Van Der Brink; T&T Adventure (3 rd & 4 th ) Brooklyn Koele; T&T Challenge (5 th & 6 th ) Mia Darnell; and Trek (7 th & 8 th ) Elly Moret; and of course our fearless Awana Commander Ken Hoogendoorn! How about this family from the Directory of 1992?
Fund Balances of November 2018 Awana $1,548.41 Benevolent Fund $15,108.90 Building & Repair Fund $6,222.37 Charity Fund $912.37 General Fund -$7,663.85 Memorial Fund $6,543.39 Mission Fund $11,196.39 Scholarship Fund $15.37
HAPPINESS IS a new baby! Nayomi Grace, daughter of Jaycee Darnell & Ryan Reiser, was born on November 29, 2018. Grandparents are Jeremy & Lori Darnell. Congratulations!
Awana 2019! We are so excited to get Awana going again! It s nice to take a break during the holidays because everyone is just so busy! But we are looking forward to seeing all of the awesome clubbers again! A sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall to bring goodies for the kids on Wednesday nights. We serve the majority of the kids a snack and drink after they are done playing games. This can be cookies, bars, crackers, chex mix, etc. We have had homemade items as well as snack size bags like chips, oreos, animal crackers, etc. Please consider signing up. We ask that you bring enough treats and drink/juice for about 35 to 40 kids. They should be here by 6 pm on Wednesday evenings. Also, this year we began a class for the 7 th and 8 th grade kids called Trek. Their class starts at 6:30 pm. Most of the kids in this class are also very active in sports. Therefore, making it to a class at 6:30 will often leave them with little to no time to have supper. Therefore, we have been serving this class a light supper instead of just snacks. Things we have served in the past are pizza, tacos, sloppy joes, hot dogs, sandwiches, etc. If you are willing to help out with this small meal, there is a sign up sheet for it as well. Awana will restart on January 9 th at the same times as before. The 2018-2019 year will end on Wednesday, March 27 th with our annual Carnival! For more information or if you want to become a part of Awana, please contact Teresa Harms at Boyden First Reformed at 712-725-2366 or email frcboyds@premieronline.net.
Many of us are involved in some way with a committee or group here at Boyden First Reformed. Here is something we thought could benefit everyone! INGREDIENTS FOR EFFECTIVE TEAM-BUILDING *Before you flare up at another s faults, take time to count 10 of your own. *Sweep in front of your own door step before you pass judgment. *Minds are like parachutes they function only when open. Try to remain objective about all situations. *If you re too busy to laugh, you re too busy! *Try to see the humor in various situations, after all laughter can be the best medicine. *Our duty is not to see through one another, but to see one another through. *Try to always remain supportive and encouraging to your fellow teammate. *Let gratitude be your attitude. Just say thanks now and then to each other. Little things do mean a lot. *Many things are opened by mistake, but none so frequently as the mouth. *Be careful, be aware, be responsible, and be mature about what you say. *Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. You are important to the team. *You do have something to offer and bring to the team. *Learn to laugh at yourself, you ll have a lifelong source of amusement. *Avoid becoming defensive. Learn to go with the flow. *Swallow your pride occasionally. It s non-fattening. Remember the team and unity needed. *Tact is the ability to hold your tongue until it is under control. Think carefully before you speak. *Why must the phrase, It is none of my business, always be followed by the word but? Remember, it s none of your business. *It s nice to know when you help someone up a hill, you re a little nearer the top yourself. *Remember team support and encouragement only help to make the team as a whole much stronger and more effective. *Patience is the ability to keep your motor idling when you feel like stripping your gears. *One step at a time is so important to remember and put into practice. *You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile. Mood swings on teammates part can be very disruptive and negative. *Be open and honest with your teammates as to where you are coming from. *Praise does wonders for the sense of hearing. Let your teammates know when you appreciate a job well-done. You can really make their day. *When there s work to be done, roll up your sleeves, not your nose. *Ideas are funny things they won t work unless you do. Be committed and follow through with your plans and projects. *A person can fall many times, but they aren t a failure until they begin to blame someone else. *Don t find fault with your team, find a remedy. As a team member, it is very important that you bring your concerns to the team for discussion, but remember to come with solutions as well. *Instead of pointing a critical finger, try holding out a helping hand. *Enthusiasm is contagious and so is the lack of it. Keep the energy levels high and effective. *Open and honest communication is a top priority in making a team successful. *The only difference between the words united and untied is where you place the I.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Happy New Year! JANUARY Marlin Uittenbogaard 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Lydia Circle 9 am Installation of Esther Circle 1:30 pm Elders/Deacons Mtg Elders/Deacons Awana 7:00 PM 6:15 & 6:30 pm Consistory 8 pm Missions Offering Youth Group 6:30 PM Randy Lemke Riley Neuman Gerald & Pat Harms (50) Roger Nelson 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Awana 6:15 & 6:30 pm Youth Group 6:30 PM Laura Mouw Ashley Warntjes David & Laura Mouw (28) 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Martin Luther King Jr Day Awana Building & Repair 6:15 & 6:30 pm Offering Youth Group Innerglow News Due 6:30 PM 27 28 29 30 31 Awana 6:15 & 6:30 pm Youth Group 6:30 PM Leila Moret Wanda Slykhuis Morgan Rosenboom