Prayers:Your prayer support is appreciated for the following individuals and their special circumstances: Myron Krull (recovering from knee replacement surgery on July 26), Tanner Lincecum (recovering from surgery on July 30 to repair a shunt), Sue Faber (recovering at home), Twilla Hoekstra (recovering from surgery), Aubree Boender (recovering from a broken arm), Asher Menning (continue to pray for the blood clot in Asher’s right atrium), Pam Foster, Bob Dreke’s sister (coping with Huntington’s Disease), Donna Hulshof, Greg De Jong (recovering from bypass surgery), Jack Gable, Allison Van Aartsen’s father (hospitalized at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls; diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and is receiving rehabilitation and therapy), Dawn Vanden Top (pray that Dawn’s recent medical procedure will improve her liver function), Mykenah Horstman (recovering from spinal cord surgery), Noah Schwartze (recovering from adenoid surgery), Russ Carver, Rachelle Johnsen’s father (recovering from surgery), and Tony Schoneveld, Jessica Harman’s grandfather (has stage 4 COPD).

Your prayers are also requested for the following individuals who are coping with cancer: Gert Van Roekel (Laurine Gerritsen’s mother), Steve & Dave Kwikkel (Arnie and Donna Kwikkel’s sons), Gail Hartter (Eric Hartter’s mother), and Marilyn Kuyper (Ethanie Pulscher’s aunt).

Sympathy: We extend our sympathy to Dwayne and Sharon Postma on the death of Dwayne’s father, Gib Postma, on July 30. Gib’s funeral was held this past Friday, August 3, at the Doon Reformed Church.

Library News: Our library has some amazing, exciting, suspenseful, inspirational and thought provoking books and movies. Please come check it out. We would love to help you find a book or movie to check out. If you have any suggestions for us, please talk to us. The library is open for all ages to enjoy!

FREE: A table has been set up in the gathering space where books and tapes are free for the taking. These items haven’t been used for many years, so we’re making room for new items. Whatever isn’t taken today will be donated to the International Christian Literature Organization according to their guidelines.

DONATIONS: If you have Christian Books you would like to donate to our library please contact us.

Cheryl Hulstein, Barb Tilstra, and Brenda Vanden Top

CHISTIAN LITERATURE is being collected by our church for use in spreading God’s word throughout the world. A NEW list of acceptable and unacceptable material is in “The Bridge”. The list will also be posted above the collection boxes which will be under the south coat rack from August 1 – August 19. Thank you for sharing your unused Christian material.

Hearing Devices Available: Are you having difficulty hearing the service? Our church has a hearing assistance system. If you are having difficulty hearing during the worship service and would like to try a receiver, please check at the sound booth at the back of the sanctuary or with Dave Hulstein.

Page 2: In the August Newsletter, The Bridge, page 2 of Pastor Dan’s submission inadvertently got omitted. If you are interested in that page to read the whole article, please contact or pick up at the office. Thank you and sorry for any inconveniences.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 12th! We have reserved the pool for a private party from 5-7 PM. At the conclusion of our fun in the water, we will gather for supper and registration for education programs at the shelter house next to the pool. Hot dogs, buns and lemonade will be provided. Please plan to bring a side or dessert to share, along with table service for your family. We encourage everyone to attend, and to invite friends. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Schulte at 712.470.4883.

Looking Ahead: Church will be held at West Side Park on August 26, 2018. We will be joined by Rods ‘n Rides, breakfast will start at 9:30 am with the services following at 10:30 am. Please bring a lawn chair and plan to join us.

Manager of Church and Public Relations Hope Haven is looking to hire a leader who seeks more than a job, but a calling to work through your belief as a Christ-centered person of faith. This position will represent the philosophy of Hope Haven to the public and assure a dynamic and on-going public relations effort with churches, civic groups, schools, the business community, the Hope Haven constituency, and the general public. This position will also be active in fund raising through the support of the Hope Haven Foundation. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, comfortable with public speaking, demonstrate above average writing and computer skills, and be willing to travel extensively to call on churches and civic groups within a 100 mile radius of Rock Valley, IA. Occasional overnight travel and work on Sundays is required. A bachelor’s degree or significant experience is required and five years’ experience in a related field. Please contact Mark Siemonsma at msiemons@hopehaven.org for more information or go to www.hopehaven.org/careers. ~ Thank you

Liz Curtis Higgs, Jennifer Frens, and the Bible League International leaders join the BL Volunteers in providing you a special day with an evening concert by the Matthews Brothers on September 11, 2018 at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA. Registration brochures are available from La Vonne Grooters or online at www.bibleleague.org/retreat18.

ATLAS DONATION ITEMS: Starting Monday, August 6, ATLAS items are no longer going to be picked up at First Reformed. Please bring all of your donations to the shed designated in the Pizza Ranch parking lot. However, food and beverage donations can still go into the grocery carts on the main floor at church. ~ Thanks!

The Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Auxiliary is a vital part of our local hospital and clinic. Since 1956, we have given over $600,000 to help equip and decorate the hospital and clinics in George and Rock Rapids. This money has been raised through annual fundraisers. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this year’s Family Fun Night on Tuesday, August 14, from 5-7 pm at the Rock Rapids Island Park just west of the swimming pool. There will be a General Store where you can buy a variety of goodies. There will also be burgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and bottled water for a free-will donation. Inflatables and stationed games will provide for fun for all ages. Join us in our mission to maintain strong medical facilities and to meet the healthcare needs of the residents of Lyon County.

FINANCIALS

Offerings Sunday 7-29-18 Offerings to 7-29-18 Budget to 7-29-18

General Fund: $2,120.00 $169,524.29 $209,933.16

Benevolent Fund: $590.00 $92,402.62 $98,701.80

Building Fund: $5,142.85 $22,613.77 $71,666.70

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WEEK

SUNDAY: Care Center Services - All are welcome!

3:15 pm – Health Center

4:00 pm – Care Initiatives (Lyon Manor)

MONDAY:

TUESDAY:

9:15 am – Staff Meeting with Dave M

WEDNESDAY:

9:30 am - Joy Circle in 345

THURSDAY:

7:00 pm – Peace Circle at Lesa’s home

FRIDAY:

8:00 am- Men’s Bible Study in the Conference Room

SATURDAY:

SUNDAY: 5 – 7 pm Education Registration – Family Night at the pool!