Church office hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday Thursday Bulletin deadline: Wednesday Noon 616-451-8467 Office@CalvinCRC.org www.calvincrc.org
Season of Advent Ten o clock December 15, 2013 Prelude: Partita on "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come" David Schack Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Jason Krug Welcome and Opening Prayer * Advent Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful #76:1,3 * God s Greeting Advent Song: A Child Will Come Mark Patterson A child will come to lead us. The Savior will soon be here. A child will come to lead us; keep watch for the time is near. Keep watch in the night for the heavenly light That tells of the Savior s birth. Angels will sing of the love that he brings When the Prince of Peace comes to earth. A child will come to lead us. Lighting of the Third Advent Candle Annika Baker Advent Reading and Prayer Ingrid Baker and Ben Kuiper Advent Song: Advent Celebration Mark Patterson Celebrate the coming of the King! Light the candles one by one. Come share the joy he brings. Celebrate the coming of the King! Soon the child will reign among us, Jesus Christ, the promised One, Prince of Peace, Messiah, God s own Son. Celebrate the coming of the King! Come share the joy he brings. Hold fast, keep watch; great joy is coming! Look close, stay sharp; Christ is coming soon! Look to the heavens, follow the bright star shining in the dark of night. Soon we will find him born in a manger, He will bring us truth and light. Celebrate the coming of the King! Light the candles one by one. Come share the joy he brings. Celebrate the coming of the King! *Advent Hymn: O, Little Town of Bethlehem #88:1,4 The Little Children s Songs: Angel: Ingrid Baker Little Baby Jesus Away in a Manger Go, Tell it on the Mountain Census Time in Bethlehem Cast Mary: Maria Poortenga Joseph: Nick Overbeek B.A. Countable: Louisa Houskamp Shepherds: Tyler Stafford, Tyler Koeman, Abby Gronsman, Jackson Schierbeek Townspersons: Katie Brouwer, Morgan Burghgraef, Erin Hubka, Carolyn Prince
Census Time in Bethlehem Descant singers: 5 th and 7 th grade girls It s census time in Bethlehem, it s very, very near; Families are in the streets spreading hugs and cheer. It s census time in Bethlehem, there are people everywhere; It s almost time for Jesus birth, excitement s in the air. There is happiness and expectation, friends and family suddenly appear. Food s prepared in celebration all because census time is near. Scene 1 Jesus, Baby Boy Who is this baby? His name is Jesus, Jesus baby boy. How did you know His name is Jesus? Jesus baby boy. The angel said His name is Jesus, Jesus baby boy. Why did He come? He came to save us, Jesus baby boy. Jesus baby boy. Jesus, hope of the world, Jesus baby boy. Scene 2 He Is Emmanuel Whisperers: 5 th and 7 th grade girls Bass Guitar: Jonah Gollihugh Emmanuel, God is with us; Emmanuel, God is with us. He s above us, below us, beside us all around. He is in our prayer, He is everywhere; He s with us today, He is here to stay. He s above us, below us, beside us all around. Here s the place to start, ask Him in your heart; Sins are washed away, He is here to stay. He s above us, below us, beside us all around. Scene 3 Son of God Soloists: Annika Baker, Jacqueline Lanning, Clara Tolsma, Bobby Houskamp Amazing boy, God s own Son; He brings us joy, God s Holy One. Every knee should bow in worship to the King; Glory to God, His praise we sing. Son of God, amazing birth; this amazing Child God s gift to earth. Celebrate the wonder on this holy night; this tiny baby brings us light. A praise we sing. Gloria in excelsis deo. Gloria in excelsis deo.
Scene 4 Away In a Manger (Medley) Violin: Katie Brouwer, Erin Hubka Viola: Carolyn Prince Handbells: Morgan Burghgraef Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Precious name, O how sweet; hope of earth and joy of heaven. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Scene 5 Christmas Time in Bethlehem Descant singers: 5 th and 7 th grade girls Bass Guitar: Jonah Gollihugh It s Christmas time in Bethlehem, the day is finally here; Families are in the streets spreading hugs and cheer. It s Christmas time in Bethlehem, there are people everywhere; We celebrate Christ Jesus birth, excitement s in the air. There is happiness and expectation, friends and family suddenly appear. Food s prepared in celebration all because Christmas time is here. * Hymn of Response: Once in Royal David s City #87:1,2,5 Presentation of Offerings and Passing of Friendship Pads Offertory Prayer: Tanya Bulthuis Offering for the Ministry Fund Offertory: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Cathy Moklebust * Benediction * Doxology: Joy to the World #92:4 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, And wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. Amen. * Postlude: O Come, O Come Immanuel [#61] Robert J. Powell Organist: Ken Bos Covenant Choir Director: Maria VandenBosch Cherub Choir Director: Amy Netz Pianists: Gwen Hendrikse and Nancy Triezenberg Junior Bells and Program Director: Melanie Tolsma Assistants: Arianna and Tabitha Tolsma Cherub, Covenant, and Junior Bell Choirs
Calvin CRC Announcements for December 15, 2013 WORSHIP TODAY, December 15 The Third Sunday of Advent Morning Worship: Our Church School Christmas program is held this morning. Melanie Tolsma is directing "Census Time in Bethlehem." Our offerings are for the Ministry Fund. Evening Worship: A congregational hymnsing begins our worship and Rev. MacLeod is preaching from Genesis 6:5-8, "Only Evil All the Time." Our offerings are for Community Care variance. WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY, December 22, The Fourth Sunday of Advent Morning Worship: Our Cherub, Covenant, and Sanctuary choirs will participate in our worship offerings and Rev. MacLeod will continue the messages from the Lukan songs surrounding the birth of Christ with a concluding sermon on the Song of Zechariah in Luke 1:76-80. Our offering will be for Baxter Community Center. Evening Worship: Invite family and friends to join us for our annual candlelight "Service of Lessons and Carols." Our Festival Choir and Allegro Ringers will serve our joyful worship of God's gift of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Our offering will be for Holland Home. CHRISTMAS MORNING, December 25 We gladly join in worship on Christmas morning to celebrate the gift of God to the world in Jesus Christ. We will light the Christ candle, sing a bevy of Christmas hymns, and present our offerings for the Christian Education Endowment Fund. Rev. MacLeod will be preaching from Luke 2:14, "The Angel s Song." COUNCIL NEWS THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING last Sunday resulted in the approval of the recommended change to our by-laws and approval of the 2014 Ministry Fund budget, Giving Guidelines, and Community Care goals. CHURCH FAMILY John Joling (District #12) is now at Raybrook extended care for a time of physical therapy following his knee surgery last weekend. We give heartfelt thanks to Calvin Church members who remembered our 70th wedding anniversary with cards, telephone calls, good wishes, and also attendance at our open house. God has blessed us not only with 70 years of marriage but also with the love of our family, friends, and fellow worshipers. Richard and Teresa Herrema CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES TLC & WORSHIP CENTER CLASSES: Our TLC and Worship Center classes will not be meeting on December 29 and January 5 due to the holidays.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Our 3 rd through 12 th grade classes will resume on January 12. ALL CHURCH FAMILIES: If you have purchased a gift for the Love Eastown project, please place the unwrapped gift on the table provided in the Atrium today. These gifts will be delivered to Eastown Community Association this week to be given to the children and youth in our immediate neighborhood to the west. Please see the posted flyer on the information board for specific details regarding this giving opportunity. THANKS for your contributions. MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS THE CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Thank you for celebrating the birth of Jesus with the children during our special service this morning! Please join the children in the fellowship hall for punch and Christmas cookies decorated yesterday by our excited children. Special thanks are given to Melanie Tolsma for her work and organization in directing our program, Census Time in Bethlehem written by Pamela Vandewalker and Cherry Garasi. COFFEE GROUNDS TODAY: Specialty coffees and hot chocolate will be served after the morning worship in the Fellowship Hall. Donations are accepted and will be used to defray costs. Servers today are: Samantha Koeman, Claire Brouwer, Madeline Baas, and Jared Bulthuis. THANK YOU, COOKIE BAKERS: Much appreciation and thanks to all who contributed Christmas cookies for the children to decorate this past week. SEEKING GOD S FACE PRAYER JOURNALS: We have eleven books available for your last-minute gift shopping! The cost is $12.50, which is 50% off the retail price. Contact the office (office@calvincrc.org or 451-8467) or stop in and pick one up from Kim during the week. COLLEGE AND CAREER BREAKFAST: During the Christmas break, all college and career young adults are invited to breakfast at Wolfgang s on Monday, December 23, at 10:30 AM. RSVP to Char by Friday, December 20 if you think you can come. Come bring a new friend and greet old friends! NOTE CARD FUNDRAISER: Note cards of photographs taken by our high school youth and leaders are available today and next week. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward our youth service trip this summer. Thanks for your continued support. CALVIN CHURCH S REFUGEE FAMILY: The Khanal family (father Devi, mother Dilli, and sons Chuda and Narayan) have been with us now for just over three months and are choosing to worship with us most Sunday mornings. Chuda and Narayan love to sing but need help navigating our liturgy a bit. Devi and Dilli struggle with English and therefore also seek our help with finding and following the songs and other parts of the liturgy. If you are willing to help with this ministry by sitting with the Khanal family for a future morning service, please talk with Gord or Jane VandenBerg (email gbergn@gmail.com) or stop by the information desk to sign up to volunteer. You will be contacted to arrange a Sunday that works best for you. Thank you for supporting the family in this way!
FAMILY ASSISTANCE closes for the year Thursday, December 19 and reopens January 7. Thursday, December 19 at 10:30 AM, we will celebrate fortyfour years serving our community with a Coffee and Brunch honoring present and former volunteers. The Kent County Health Department is providing brunch and ladies are bringing homemade goodies. Lori Heyboer, RN, BSN is our keynote speaker. Interested? If you would like to come and hear how our Family Assistance Program directly helps our community, RSVP to Bobbie Talsma (827-1941). On behalf of those we serve, we express thankful praise to the twenty-five ladies who volunteer at Family Assistance and to the youth and young moms whose help has made a difference in how well we reach out and serve our community. Thank you, everyone. CALENDAR Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2013 9:30a Prayer Time (Prayer Room) 9:40a Atrium Greeters: Celia Steele, Kris Bergh East Greeters: Rob & Susan Stafford Nursery Supervisors: Kim Stapert, Sarah Williamson Nursery Helpers: Mark & Sue Hoekstra Abby Gronsman, Sam Koeman Parking Attendant: Dan Yff 11:15a Library Volunteers: Vonnie Poortenga, Ruth DeKoster Coffee Servers: Mark & Julie DeKoster, Bill & Leslie Crothers 4:40p Parking Attendant: Sean Christy Tuesday, December 17 9:30a Family Assistance 6:00p Exercise Class in the Atrium 6:45p Ministry Committee meeting 7:30p Council Wednesday, December 18 9:30a JAVA Group 5:30p Junior Bells 6:15p Cherub Choir and Covenant Choir (Houskamp) 6:30p Allegro Ringers Thursday, December 19 10:30a Family Assistance Appreciation Coffee and Brunch in the Atrium 6:00p Exercise Class in the Narthex 6:30p Eastown Basketball A 7:00p Festival Choir rehearsal 8:00p Eastown Basketball B Friday, December 20 7:30a Senior Men s Bible Study
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22 9:30a Prayer Time (Prayer Room) 9:40a Atrium Greeters: John & Eunice Stegink East Greeters: Bill & Rosemary Stevenson Nursery Supervisors: Corey Visker and Jenna Jansen Nursery Helpers: Bill & Caren Boer Doofanter Nyamor and Madeline Baas Parking Attendant: Dirk Bulthuis 11:15a Library Volunteers: Barb Hoekwater and Suzi Baas Coffee Servers: Dale & Joanie Rosema, Mark & Marlene Vanderhill 1:30p? Allegro Ringers 4:40p Nursery Attendants: Julie Wigboldy and Claire Brouwer 4:40p Parking Attendant: Randy Nyhof Christmas Day, December 25 9:40a Atrium Greeters: LeRoy & Anjean Stegink East Greeters: Mark & Wanda Sytsma Nursery Supervisors: Kim Wierenga and Julie Wigboldy Nursery Helpers: Mike & Lisa TerBeek Grace Poortenga, Tessa Keegstra, Morgan Burghgraef Parking Attendant: Kyle Heys Welcome to Calvin Church In Worship: Our worship proceeds unannounced and follows the printed liturgy. The banner visually proclaims the beginning of the liturgical year, Advent. Its design reflects a world awaiting the Messiah, with the circular form representing the familiar Scriptural metaphor Light. Its implication is both past and present. As did Israel long ago, so are we to prepare ourselves and this world with steadfast minds and joyful hearts that He may return in the fullness of time. Large print resources are available at the information desk. Our facility is equipped with the Loop hearing system. For Children: Ages 0-2: Infant and toddler nurseries are available. Children s Bulletins are in the holder in the narthex. Fellowship and Information: Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for refreshments following the morning service. An introductory church DVD is available at the Information Desk. All of our ministries are described in the colorful folders on the table near the nurseries.
Five o clock December 15, 2013 Prelude: Swiss Noel Claude Balbastre Welcome and Opening Prayer Call to Worship * God s Greeting * Congregational Hymn Sing Revised Common Lectionary selection: Psalm 146 page 507 * Hymn of Preparation: Savior of the Nations, Come #74:1-4 Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading: Genesis 6:5-8 page 5 Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God! Sermon: Only Evil All the Time Prayer of Application * Hymn of Response: How Vast the Benefits Divine #688:1-3 * Affirmation of Faith: The Nicene Creed back cover of Hymnal Evening Prayer and Offertory Prayer Presentation of Offerings Offerings for Community Care variance Offertory: Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming Johannes Brahms * Benediction * Doxology: Of the Father s Love Begotten #78:1,5 * Postlude: Bourguignon Noel Balbastre Preaching Pastor: Rev. Douglas MacLeod Pianist: John Tiemstra