Children and Youth Ministries

O C T O B E R 2017 O F F I C E 567-4665 P R A Y E R L I N E 567-3950 Maurice Moments Children and Youth Ministries Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Our Members who are celebrating an "Over 80 birthday this month: Darlene Wichers 3339 450th St. Orange City, IA 51041 *Darlene will celebrate her 86th birthday on October 15 Marge Van Ommeren 211 Kentucky Ave. SW Orange City, IA 51041 *Marge will celebrate her 81st birthday on October 16 Hospitalizations We pray for our church family who have been hospitalized or have health concerns: Chris Budden, Bryan Van Gelder, Alison Lenters, and Val Dykstra. Sympathy MRC Family News We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Arloa Jansma. She passed away on September 14. Her funeral was held in our church on September 20. Her obituary is as follows: Arloa Cynthia was born on October 8, 1921, at Maurice, the daughter of John A. and Gertie (Kuiken) Brink. She was raised on a farm northeast of Maurice, where she graduated from the high school. On November 25, 1941, she married Pierce John Jansma at the First Reformed Church. They farmed east of Maurice, where she was a homemaker. She also did housekeeping for others and wrote the Maurice News for the Sioux County Capital. In 1981, they retired into Maurice. Pierce passed away on January 30, 1984, after more than 42 years of marriage. In 2009, Arloa moved to the Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community in Orange City. She transferred to Prairie Ridge in 2014. She was a member of the First Reformed Church, where she served as librarian and treasurer of the library for 35 years and participated in women s circles. She also attended the Women s Club and the Senior Citizens group, both in Maurice. Mrs. Jansma enjoyed watching Hawkeye basketball games, watching quiz shows on television, doing counted cross-stich, and solving jig-saw and crossword puzzles. She was known as The Pie Lady, because she made many, many apple pies for others. She also wrote poetry for family celebrations, especially wedding anniversaries. Survivors include her daughter and her husband, Sheryl and Duane Laman, of Norwalk; two sons and their wives, Kenneth and Mimi Jansma, of Carmichel, California; and Mark and Priscilla Jansma, of Maurice; five grandsons, Steven Laman, Mark (Abby) Laman, Gregory (Angie) Jansma, Kevin (Kelly) Jansma, and David (Sara) Jansma; fourteen greatgrandchildren; and two sisters, Esther Reppe, of Eugene, Oregon; and Audrey (JR) Siebersma, of Orange City. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Edwin Brink; and two sisters, Dorothy De Jong and Caroline Smits. We extend our sympathy to the family of Lyle Van Der Stoep. He passed away on September 16. His funeral was held in our church on September 19. His obituary is as follows: Lyle Dean was born on May 16, 1961, at Sioux Center, the son of Dick and Gladys (De Jager) Van Der Stoep. He was raised on a farm near Maurice and graduated from the Maurice-Orange City High School. On August 27, 1982, he married Karen Joy Klein in Maurice. They made their home on his family s farm northwest of Maurice. In addition to farming, he worked for Van Der Stoep Electric in Sioux Center, True Value Hardware Store in Ireton, and he co-owned L & D Electric in Ireton. Lyle was a member of the First Reformed Church in Maurice. He enjoyed camping, farming, and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife of more than 35 years; four sons, Lukas Van Der Stoep, and his fiancé, Samantha Stewart, of Sioux Center; Jacob Van Der Stoep, and his wife, Ashley, of Orange City; Matthew Van Der Stoep, and Kyle Van Der Stoep, both of Maurice; a grandson, Elijah Broesder; a brother, Larry Van Der Stoep and his wife, Marcia, of Maurice; and his father-in-law, Ronald Klein, Maurice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Evelyn Van Der Stoep, and his mother-inlaw, Lois Klein. Births Congratulations to Caleb & Jill Haverdink on the birth of their twins, Alora Joy and Benjamin Jacob. They were born on Wednesday, September 6 in Sioux Falls and were welcomed home by big brother Micah and big sisters Trinity and Anna. The proud grandparents are Greg & Laura Haverdink of Orange City, and Dennis and Lesa Kruger of Sheldon.

Thank You Notes To our MRC Family: Thank you seems like too simple a phrase, when our hearts are filled with appreciation and gratitude. We want to thank everyone for the cards, notes, text messages, visits, prayers, meals, and gift cards as we navigate this brain tumor journey. By the time this prints, Bryan will have one radiation treatment left. The next phase is 6 months of chemo in pill form. We are thankful that this can be done at home and the daily trips to Sioux Falls will subside for a time. Thank you for caring for us and our boys during this time. - Bryan, Kelly, Brett, & Carter Van Gelder We would like to thank everyone for the prayers and thoughts, cards, food, and phone calls while Al was in the hospital and his passing away. Thanks to Pastor Wick for his many visits and comforting words. It was a comfort to us knowing that prayers were being said. Thank you for being a caring church family. - Eileen Wichers & family Thank you for the prayers, cards, flowers, food, and words of comfort following the passing of brother Allen. We appreciate your kindness. - Bob & Wanda Wichers, Marlin & Darlene Wichers We would like to thank the congregation for everything you have done for us since the birth of our daughter, Cordelia. The many meals, gifts, and kind words have been greatly appreciated. - Mike & Laura Vander Stelt and family Thank you for all the sympathy cards, calls, and hugs given with my sister-in-law s death. Also for praying for Brenda. Your prayers were so special to all of us. I am so blessed to have such great people to support us. Thank you Maurice people and a great God. - Grandma Wanda Thank you so much for praying for me before, during, and after my brain surgery. I m back at work. I have a few headaches, but m doing well. God is so good. -Brenda Herbst Thanks to many who have encouraged us as we experienced the loss of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother. It was through your hugs, crying with us, visiting us, sending a card, bringing us food, praying for us and giving us gifts that we felt your love. MRC was a big part of Arloa s life for many years, and she still asked about the church just days before her death. Thanks to all who have visited her over the years. You have shown what it means to be a part of a church family, and have encouraged us in our sorrow. - Mark & Priscilla Jansma, Dave & Sara Jansma and family Collin Van Donkelaar - Profession of Faith Please give information about yourself: Family: Gary, Cherie, Christa, Caylee, Ciana, Candra, and Cambrea Hobbies: Working in the shop on anything and everything, and riding four wheeler. Going to NCC for light duty diesel and automotive tech. What you enjoy about Maurice Reformed Church: It s one big family. I have attended it since I was born and the church family is very welcoming. I also enjoy the yearly four wheeler trips. Welcome to the fellowship of MRC, Collin!

NURSERY Thank you to all the Nursery volunteers for your time given to this ministry. If anyone would like to be added to the Nursery Volunteer list, please contact Lisa Smit. 8:30 Service 10:45 Service October 1 October 8 Dan & Jen Leusink Svanna Borchers Sharon Vermeer Michelle Deinken Christa Van Donkelaar Brent & Kelli Hooyer Eric & Jessica Oolman October 15 Loren & Melissa Dykstra Jason & Kristi Hargens October 22 October 29 Dave & Amanda Dykstra Sierra Borchers Brian & Stephanie Feenstra Colette Hofmeyer Katie Koole Cali Mulder Jill Muilenburg Marcia Cleveringa Miranda Mulder Prayer Room October Date 8:30 Service 10:45 Service October 1 Laura Haverdink Jerry Vermeer October 8 Lori Van Gorp Jen Van Noord October 15 Don Van Horssen Miranda Maassen October 22 Colette Hofmeyer LaDonna De Vries October 29 Dyan Vander Sluis Marissa Maassen Wednesday Night Meals October 4 - Tater Tot Casserole, Roll, Snicker Salad, Bread Pudding and Cookies October 11 - Creamed Chicken on a Bun, Chips, Oreo Fluff Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Cookies October 18 - Pork Loin, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll, Poke and Pour Cakes October 25 - Pal Party - Taverns, Coneys, Hot dogs, Baked Beans, Chips, Peaches, Chocolate Brownie If you are looking for small group study material that used to be in the Equipping Pastor s office, it has been moved to the Teaching Pastor s office at the end of the hall. Please feel free to help yourself.

Recycled Teenagers Outing On October 20, we will be going to the Old Highway 60 in Sheldon. We will meet at the church at 6 PM to share rides. Please RSVP to Evonne Wielenga (567-4235) Newsletter Items Due October 20 October Memory Verse Senior 55 + Program October 18, 2017 at 2 PM in the MRC Hall. Rob Meerdink and his dog Sunday Rob will share his music in song and also share his love for pet therapy. Come and enjoy this great and final program of the year! Remember, there s always food, fun, and fellowship!

Letter from Ross & Stacy Hoekstra Maurice Reformed Church, Thank you so much for the expression of confidence in my ability to be your next Teaching/Lead Pastor. Throughout this process we have experienced God s presence because of your love and support. That has been felt even when the journey has not gone according to our plans. We are humbled and honored by the extension of the promise of a call. After many late-night conversations and prayers, we enthusiastically accept this promise of a call. Of course, it is contingent upon me passing my classes, so I will have to do some serious studying. But we feel that our story with MRC is just beginning and we are eager to join with you in God s mission field. MRC has a special place in our hearts and we look forward to calling it home. Although this means there will be a little time before we get there, we trust that God is preparing a place for us. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:20-21 Grace and Peace, Ross and Stacy Hoekstra If you would like to send Ross & Stacy a little note of encouragement, you may send those to ross.hoekstra@westernsem.edu Christmas is coming!! I know you don t want to hear that but the Sioux Stockmen 4H Club (we meet the 2nd Monday of the month in the Maurice Community Center) is planning their Community Service project. We are going to pack Operation Christmas Shoe Boxes! We are inviting you to help us with donations of gifts and cash (to help pay for the shipping). If you are internet smart, the link for gift suggestions is https:// www.extension.iastate.edu/sioux/sites/ www.extension.iastate.edu/files/sioux/ Newfinancialaidapplication.pdf. Otherwise there will be a flyer in your church mail box in the next couple of weeks. There will be a Christmas wrapped box by the mailboxes to place your donations in. November 12 will be the last day for donations. Thanks in advance for your help! - Sioux Stockmen Club The Staff Relations Team would like to remind the congregation that October is Staff Appreciation Month here at MRC. We encourage each family to make our staff feel appreciated and cared for by placing cards and notes of affirmation and appreciation in their mailboxes during the month of October. We the Staff Relations Team really appreciate all that the staff does behind the scenes to make MRC a special place to worship and to learn about God and His plan for our lives. Appreciation can be shown in other ways as well if writing notes is not your gift. Below is a list of our staff at MRC. Emily Borger Secretary Jan Budden Assistant Secretary Wick Hubers Congregational Care Pastor Bonnie Wolf Children s Pastor Jon Eveland Youth Pastor Mike Kamerman Custodian Shellie Vander Schaaf Music Coordinator

Pioneer Club is underway! October will be an exciting month as our first Pal Party approaches. Pal Night is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th. It will be held in place of the regular Pioneer Club activities from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Once again this year, we want to have a Trunk-or-Treat for our Pals. If you want to decorate a trunk and provide treats for about 100 kids, sign up at the info table in the fellowship hall. We are also looking for Pals for our kindergarten through 5th graders. If you are interested in being a Pal with a young person, contact our Pal Coordinator, Vicki Schrock. Pioneer Club planning meeting is at 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 29th. We will be meeting in the multipurpose room. Children and Worship is looking for leaders! This ministry has not yet begun due to lack of volunteers. Second service is the time that leaders are needed. Let Bonnie Wolf know if this is something you would do! Thanks! Precious Jewels will sing at both services on October 15. Gather and Grow Listed below are the subjects our children will be learning about in Sunday school. It would be wonderful if you and your children could gather and grow as you read through the scripture with your kids! Be sure to talk about it before coming to Sunday school each week. I have included a question for you and your child to talk about. All students age 3 through fifth grade do the same Bible story. What a great thing to do as a family! Also, please follow up and ask your child about what they learned in Sunday school that day! October 1 - Unit 25 Lesson 4 - Rejection at Nazareth - Luke 4:16-30 What does the word gospel mean? October 8 - Unit 26 Lesson 1 - Jesus Healed an Official s Son - John 4:46-54 What happened when Jesus performed miracles? October 15 - Unit 26 Lesson 2 - Jesus Drove Out Evil Spirits - Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37 What did the evil spirit know about Jesus? October 22 - Unit 26 Lesson 3 - Jesus Healed Peter s Mother-in-Law - Matt. 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39 - How can we show we are thankful to Jesus? October 29 - Unit 26 Lesson 4 - Jesus Cleansed a Leper - Matt. 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16 Who can take away our sin?

Jr. High Ministries Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 Schedule: October 4 - Humble Service in the Body of Christ (Spiritual Gifts) - Romans 12:3-8 October 11 - Sub Sandwich Assembly Night October 18 - Harvest Party (joint with Sr. High) at Bob & De Ann Cleveringa s October 25 - PAL Night Lunch: Lunch is a pan of bars/2 dozen cookies and 2 two liters of pop or juice. October 4 Brandon Vander Sluis, Hope Vander Zwaag, Autumn Van Donkelaar October 11 - Caylee Van Donkelaar, Ashlyn Aberson, Gabe Borchers October 18 - Provided October 25 - Provided ANNOUNCEMENTS Interested in being a part of the Jr. GAP/Sr. High Worship Team? Whether it is singing, playing an instrument, or running soundboard - we would love to have you join us! Contact Mike Kamerman or Carissa Cleveringa if you are interested! Jr. GAP Sioux Falls Fun Day (Saturday, October 21)! We will be spending the day in Sioux Falls, schedule may include Thunder Road, Sky Zone, etc.! More information to come. Sign up will be in the Jr. GAP over the next couple weeks. Parent Opportunity - If you are interested in helping assemble subs on October 11, please contact Jon Eveland. October Birthdays - October 10 - Rebecca Dykstra October 14 - Autumn Van Donkelaar October 24 - Blaze Van Noord

Sr. High Ministries Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Schedule: October 4 - Service Project (Rocky Mountain High Mission Project) October 11 - Small Group Night Week 9 - How to make the most of your life Pt. 2 October 18 - Harvest Party (joint with Jr. GAP) at Bob & De Ann Cleveringa s October 25 - PAL Night Lunch: Lunch is a pan of bars/2 dozen cookies and 2 two liters of pop or juice. October 4 - Ashley Deinken, Justin De Weerd, Morgan Feenstra October 11 - Provided in Small Group October 18 - Provided October 25 - Jaci Davis, Amber Hathaway, Breanna Oolman ANNOUNCEMENTS Interested in being a part of the Jr. GAP/Sr. High Worship Team? Whether it is singing, playing an instrument, or running soundboard - we would love to have you join us! Contact Mike Kamerman or Carissa Cleveringa if you are interested! Parent Opportunity - On October 4 (during youth group), we will be gathering as a group to make freezer meals for those in our church family that may need encouragement, a blessing, and may be in need of a helping hand. Parents, if you would like to assist on this night, along with the students, contact Jon Eveland. October Birthdays: October 5 - Caitlyn Bushby October 10 - Amber Hathaway

October Special Offering--The Center for Financial Education (Mark Special on offering envelope) Families in today's society are continually being bombarded with tremendous financial pressures. Debt, creditors, poor spending habits, and inadequate living conditions are the harsh reality that individuals in our communities are being confronted with. The Center for Financial Education (CFE) is a non-profit organization that offers free financial education for individuals and families in need of financial assistance. They assist clients in budget development, organizing debts, balancing checkbooks, managing bills, and paying creditors in a timely manner. They promise to offer sincere and confidential financial guidance to clients. Their mission is to transform lives through Christ centered financial education. The financial education training is based on the practices of Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University. MRC has partnered with CFE to individually counsel families in need and through teaching of Financial Peace University course. ******************************************************************************************************************* Pray for Mark & Deb Wilson working with the RCA in Cambodia Mark & Deb are currently in the United States visiting supporting churches. They will return in October to continue working with Cambodian Church leaders encouraging them that they are created in the image of God among a culture that often tells them they have no value, and are over-worked, abused and often ignored. Mark teaches at the Phnom Penh Bible School and works with the Theological Education by Extension Association of Cambodia by drawing out, building up, and encouraging growth of the gifts and skills of Christian leaders. As a result, these leaders can lead the churches and Christian ministries to equip other believers. Pray with the Wilsons for the following requests: For their home church in Cambodia, the Nimet Kampuchea Church, that those who share in the preaching may bring this message of love. For the Phnom Penh Bible School staff and faculty, students and alumni, that they will be blessed to be a blessing and then pass this message of love on to other believers. For many who are affected by floods recently, especially the poor, and the Phnom Penh Bible school and the Wilsons who will return to clean up in their home. For Mark & Deb and their son Zach who is studying at Northwestern College as they separate in October. For Mark as he continues to live with chronic pain pray that he can continue his ministry and passion and that the medications can manage his pain for him to be able to work. ******************************************************************************************************************* HUNGER SUNDAY November 5 at MRC How are You Helping the Hungry? Watch for Details, how you can serve through MRC

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 8:45 and 10 AM Michael Scott 9:35-10:35 - SS 6:30 PM The Refuge Dedication Service 2 6:30 PM Bell Choir Practice 3 9 AM Staff Meeting 1-5 PM Stitches Of Love 4 5:15 PM Family Meal 6:30 PM Pioneer Club 6:45 PM Jr. GAP & Sr. High 8:05 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 5 6 7 8 7:30 AM Adult Choir Rehearsal 8:45 and 10 AM Terry Maassen 9:35-10:35 - SS Night - Triple Box (Schrock s) 9 6:30 PM Bell Choir Practice 7:30 PM Good News Bible Study 10 9 AM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Consistory Meeting 11 2 PM Golden Hour Bible Study 5:15 PM Family Meal 6:30 PM Pioneer Club 6:45 PM Jr. GAP & Sr. High 12 13 14 15 8:45 and 10 AM Rog Voskuil 9:35-10:35 - SS 16 6:30 PM Bell Choir Practice 17 9 AM Staff Meeting 1-5 PM Stitches of Love 7 PM Mission Team Meeting 18 2 PM Senior 55+ Program 5:15 PM Family Meal 6:30 PM Pioneer Club 19 20 6 PM Recycled Teens at Old Highway 60 in Sheldon 21 6:45 PM Jr. GAP & Sr. High Harvest Party 22 8:45 and 10 AM Aaron Bart -Worship led by Master s Ringers 9:35-10:35 - SS 6:30 PM NWC Worship Team 23 1-4 PM Yarn Connection 7 PM Faith Bible Study 24 9 AM Staff Meeting 7-9 PM Yarn Connection 25 5:15 PM Family Meal 6:30 PM Pioneer Club PAL Party 6:45 PM Jr. Gap & Sr. High 26 27 28 29 8:45 and 10 AM Sean Schuller 9:35-10:35 - SS 30 31 5:00 PM Pioneer Club Planning Meeting - Multipurpose Room