Prayers:Your prayer support is appreciated for the following individuals and their special circumstances: Mary Vermeer (recovering from surgery on May 3; currently on "swing bed" status at Sanford Rock Rapids), Karyn Boer (recovering from hip replacement surgery on May 7), Ruth Hocking (recovering from pneumonia), Loren Dengler (recovering at home following heart surgery), Debbie Crane (recovering from knee surgery), Eldora Krull (scheduled for a second stent procedure on May 14 in Sioux Falls), Donna Hulshof (has finished her infusion treatments), Steve Crane (ongoing cancer treatments), Pam Foster, Bob Dreke's sister (coping with Huntington's Disease), Dawn Vanden Top (health concerns with her liver), and Tracy Draayer, Jessica Harman's mother, as she cares for Jessica's grandparents (Alice Schoneveld has stage 4 cancer; Tony Schoneveld has stage 4 COPD) at their home in California.

Your prayers are also requested for the following individuals who are coping with cancer: Frances Weerheim, Gert Van Roekel (Laurine Gerritsen's mother), Ted Hoogendoorn (receiving Hospice care at the Rock Rapids Health center), Brittany Bouwman (Tom & Sheryl Bouwman's daughter-in-law), Steve & Dave Kwikkel (Arnie and Donna Kwikkel's sons), and Marilyn Kuyper (Ethanie Pulscher's aunt).

Congratulations! To Lucas and Tara Bouwman on the birth of their son, Declan Paul, who was born on Wednesday, May 2. Tom and Sheryl Bouwman are the delighted grandparents!

Baptism: This morning Michelle and Mac McDowell are presenting their daughter, Hattie, for baptism.

Moved: Frances Weerheim has moved to Accura Health Care, 1912 Zenith Ave. Room 107A, Spirit Lake, IA 51360. If you drop her a card or letter of encouragement in her new surroundings they will help her read them.

NOTE: The north projector is currently out of commission. We do apologize for any inconveniences.

GriefShare: Our next GriefShare session will be on Monday, May 14, 6:45-8:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our topic this week will be "Lessons of Grief - Part One." We will learn about an overlooked reason for grief being so painful. We will also address why going to church can be difficult as well as the benefits of helping others. Please feel free to join us!

SIGN UP FOR SPECIAL MUSIC: A sign-up sheet is available at the information desk for those who would like to share their musical gifts in Sunday morning worship during the summer months. Solos, Duets, trios, and more are welcome to share spiritual songs and hymns as our choirs take a break this summer.

Consistory meets on Wednesday night, May 16, with the elders and deacons meeting at seven and full consistory at 8pm.

The Central Lyon Baccalaureate Service is tonight at the high school auditorium beginning at 7 pm.

Vacation Bible School! VBS Planning is underway! Our theme this year is “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus” and will be held here at First Reformed Church on June 4-8 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. We are looking for volunteers. From station leaders to kitchen help, nursery to crew leaders…there is a place for you! Please sign up at the table in the gathering space. Registration is now open. Please visit www.vbspro.events/p/2018shipwreckedvbs. All children ages 4 (as of June 4) through completing 6th grade are welcome to attend.

All Women welcome to the Women’s Connection at the Whispering Heights Senior Center in Rock Valley on Wednesday, May 16 @9:15 am. The inspirational speaker will be Nancy Dempsey of Raytown, MO with the message, “Only by Invitation”. She will share how God triumphed through the trials in her life. Viv Covey will provide the music and Jordyn Kleinwolterink will feature some exercises from Hegg Wellness Center. Brunch is $4.00. There will be an offering received for Stonecroft Ministries. Reservations are essential so call Winifred @470-5549 or Bertha @ 476-2583 if you would like to join us!!

Inspiration Hills Ladies Auxiliary Memorial Day Summer Kick-off & Auction will be held on Monday, May 28^th. The auction items will be available for viewing at 3 pm with the Live Auction beginning at 3:30 pm. A light supper will be available from 4:30 – 6:00 pm (freewill donation). Greetings from camp staff will be at 6:00 pm. There will be musical entertainment by the Klassen Family from Worthington, MN at 6:30 pm.

FINANCIALS

Offerings Sunday 5-6-18 Offerings to 5-6-18 Budget to 5-6-18

General Fund: $5,183.00 $105,264.54 $124,159.88

Benevolent Fund: $6,715.92 $60,305.20 $59,221.08

Building Fund: $405.00 $15,175.92 $43,000.02

Sunday School: 5-6-18

Last Year’s Attendance: 90 Last week's Attendance: 100

Last Year’s Offering: $134.80 Last week's Offering: $615.50

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WEEK

SUNDAY: SR Recognition Sunday

MONDAY:

6:45 pm – 8:45 pm GriefShare in the Fellowship Hall

TUESDAY:

7:00 pm TEC Council Meeting in the Youth Room

7:30 pm MOPS Steering Committee Meeting in the Fellowship Hall

WEDNESDAY:

9 – 11 MOPS in the Fellowship Hall (last meeting until the fall)

7:00 pm Elders and Deacons Meetings with full Consistory at 8:00 pm

7:30 pm Praise Team Practice

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY:

8:00 am- Men’s Bible Study in the conference room

SATURDAY:

SUNDAY: Last day of Sunday School