Announcements for 10-5-25

Operation Christmas Child impacts children all around the world, year around! Our packing party will be Sunday, October 26. Please continue to bring supplies to the basket in the Gathering Space, and begin to pray for the children who will receive the boxes we pack.

Kids Grades K - 6th (Cherub Choir)

We have an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus by singing songs to the residents and staff at Premier Estates and Lyon Specialty Care on Sunday, October 12. We will meet at the church at 3:00 pm (north parking lot) and anticipate to be done around 4:30. We are also in need of adult drivers to transport the children to these two facilities. If you are willing to be a driver, please contact Amy Schulte or Sharon Postma

*Family Devotional books that follow our Sunday School lessons are available on the table in the Gathering Space. These are available to anyone who is interested.

~REGISTER FOR A HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! Tri-State Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is accepting applications for the upcoming weekend at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, Iowa. TEC is an interdenominational three-day Christian retreat designed to help high schoolers learn more about their faith and their community. The next TEC is November 21-23, 2025. If you would like to learn more about TEC or register, please visit www.TriStateTEC.org or email TriStateTEC@gmail.com. The cost is $50 and includes a t-shirt & other special gifts. Scholarships are available upon request.

**Adult Choir practice will begin today Sunday, October 5!  All are welcome to join us after morning worship in the David Room.”

~This small group is a “how to” and a “dig in” kind of study!

Have you been wanting to start a bible study but are unsure how to begin?  Have you been part of a bible study for years, but want more confidence to lead?  Or maybe you want to dig into God’s word with other women?  This small group is for you!

All are welcome. We will study “Having a Mary Spirit” as we look at God’s word and how to apply it to our lives.  We will discuss ideas how to start small groups.  We will hear from our Women’s Ministry President about what Women’s   Ministry is and we will end with a teaching time on Oct 26 about how to facilitate a small group. Register online: https://frcrockrapids.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3107719  

Bethel Women’s Conference 2025

Date and time:

Saturday, October 25 · 9am - 12:30pm CDT. Doors at 8:15am 

Location:

Bethel Reformed Church, 2314 Iowa 9 Lester, IA 51242             

The October Bridge Newsletter is now available in the clear boxes next to the mailboxes it will no longer be available on online, so please visit the church to pick up a copy.

Secretary’s office hours: ~ Monday, Wednesday and    

                                                 Friday 9-1 (note change)

**Bulletin announcements are due on Fridays at 9am. Thanks** (note change)

Club 512 Volunteers for 10-8-25

Games:                

1^st & 2^nd                                               3^rd&4^th                                                5^th&6^th 

Maddie Van Der Weerd                Jonathon Kock                                 Connor Altman Rhya Kelderman                           Lincoln Klosterbuer                              Jayden Daale

 Ashlyn Timmerman                       Brody Buntjer                                  Liam VanderZee

Club 512 Snack helpers:  Debbie Crane & Peggy Metzger 

Midweek Meal Helpers:  Audra Klinkenborg, Linda DeBoer, Jean Fick, Amy Sieperda & Geneva Grooters

Nursing Home Chaperone: 5^th grade -Geneva Grooters 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" ~Isaiah 41:10

Our prayer concerns….                                                                                                                                      

Jeff Hrdlicka                                                                   

Merlin Groen                                                                 

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                                       

Rod Grooters                                                                                           

Alice Feikema  (Hospice)                                                  

JoAnn Douglas

Karen Flier                                                                     

Chuck &Twilla Hoekstra 

Janice Den Besten                                                           

Greyson Austin (Marlene Mellema’s grandson)

Ron & Cathy Birkeland                                                           

Todd Altman (Jack & Esther Altman’s son)            

Kathy Van Olst                                                                    

Bill Saeger (Jackie Groen’s brother) 

Mandie Sprock (Marilyn Mammenga’s daughter)                       

Russ Carver (Rachelle Johnsen’s dad)

Bonnie Nail                                          

Birthday & Anniversary List (if you’d like a copy, please see church office)

Remembering our Nursing Home, Assisted Living & Senior Living Residents:

Pearl Folkens                          Wilma DeRoo                                   JoEllen Sorgdrager    Ruth Van Aartsen                  Joyce Mellema                                 Darlene Brinkhuis

 Donna Kwikkel                        Harriet Hoff                                     Alice Feikema                                                                                          

Addresses available upon request at church office

The Sanctuary will be open for Prayer on Wednesday from 12-2

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 October 5, 2025 at 9:30am 

Prelude: “Raise A Hallelujah”

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome /Announcements/ Prayer

Ministry of Music: Cherub Choir

Praise Service:

“How Great Is Our God”

“Goodness Of God”

Congregational Prayer

Offering Hymn “Good Ground”

(offering plates will be passed)

“Doxology” #625

(Children & Worship Dismissed)

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: Matthew 13: 10-17

Sermon: Meaning of Parables

Communion

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: “Ancient Words”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Ancient Words”

(6^th Grade and below may be excused for Sunday School)

Mission statement: “TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS!”

Serving us today 10-5-25

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Laurine Gerritsen (S) Jarod & Emily DeBey (SE) Dan & Rhona Snyder

NURSERY- Anika Springer & Sara Hrdlicka

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Shawn & Heather Van Wyhe

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)-  Rypkema Family

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYER LEADER- Marilyn McCoy

SUNDAY SCHOOL COOKIES- Marlene Mellema

SUNDAY SCHOOL HALL MONITOR- Dayna Altman

CHILDREN & WORSHIP:  Leader: Amy Schulte  Greeter: Elsie Buntjer

SOUND SYSTEM- Matt Kock

VIDEO TAPING- Randy Bosch

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Caitlin Huisman

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- April DeWit

VAN DRIVER- Lucas Bouwman

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- Benevolent Fund

 Serving us next week 10-12-25

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Mike & Ethanie Pulscher(S) Tait & Emily Anderson (SE) Tom & Kayla Vander Lee

NURSERY- Alexis Lincecum & Ashlyn Timmerman

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Girls League (Cinnamon Rolls for free will donation) 

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)-  Girls League 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYER LEADER- Geneva Grooters

SUNDAY SCHOOL COOKIES- Sheryl Bouwman

SUNDAY SCHOOL HALL MONITOR- Tara Bouwman

SOUND SYSTEM- Brad Rypkema

VIDEO TAPING- Justin Groen

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Mali Kellenberger

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Jean Fick 

VAN DRIVER- Shawn Van Wyhe

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General Fund

ELDERS

Chris Wright, Clerk-2023-25

Sharon Postma, VP-2023-25

Nate Schulte -2024-26

Randy Bosch-2024-26

Joel Vis- 2025-27

Rodney Vanden Top- 2025-27

DEACONS

Rob Van Hofwegen, Property Chair-2023-25

Justin Groen -2023-25 

Mark Boender-2023-25

Shawn Van Wyhe, Benevolent Treas. -2024-26

Jordan Menning, Chair of Deacons -2024-26

Evan Metzger, General Treas./ Personnel chair-2024-26

Kade Griesse, Clerk of Deacons- 2025-27

Brad Rypkema-2025-27

Jerry Mulder- 2025-27

FINANCIALS as of 9-28-2025                                                                                                                                                                       

                                 Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:         $38,228.74                           $429,580.05                         $514,172.10

Benevolent Fund:   $475.00                                $156,794.20                         $150,703.80

                                       *Online donations are now added to designated funds*  

Sunday School 9-28-25

                           Last Year’s Attendance: 101                           Last Week’s Attendance: 79

                           Last Year’s Offering: $117.25                         Last Week’s Offering: $57.00

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 10-5-25:

2pm TEC meeting (Youth Room)

6:30pm Mission Committee Meeting (Martha Room)

MONDAY 10-6-25:

12pm Quarterback Club (Fellowship Hall)

TUESDAY 10-7-25: 

7pm Faith Circle (Martha Room)

WEDNESDAY 10-8-25:

6am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

8:30am Staff Meeting (Martha Room)

9:30am Joy Circle (Rm 105)

12-2pm Prayer Time (Sanctuary)

2:30pm-5pm Club 512 

5pm-6:15pm Midweek Meal *Roast Beef*

6:15pm Jr. High Youth Group

8pm Sr. High Youth Group (Youth Room)

THURSDAY 10-9-25: 

5-8pm Football Team meal (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Peace Circle (Martha Room)

FRIDAY 10-10-25:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

SATURDAY 10-11-25:                                                                                       

SUNDAY 10-12-25:     

9am Evangelism Committee Meeting (Connections Room)

10/5/2025                                     Purpose of Parables                        Matt. 13:10-17 

Intro: Why did Jesus speak to the Crowds in Parables? (Poems, Bible, Prophecy)

1. What is a Parable?
1. Short Story

1. Uses Common Symbols and Language

1. Has a deeper, veiled spiritual/moral meaning.

1. Why did Jesus speak to the crowds in Parables?
1. Draw His Disciples into a Deeper Relationship with Himself
1. Vs. 11 and 12
2. Seek answers within a Relationship with God.
3. Seek answers with others in Relationship with God.

1. Without the Relationship there is no understanding.
1. Fulfilled Prophecy in Isaiah 6:9-10

1. Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast.
1. Subject: Kingdom of God
1. Spiritual connection between God and his People.

1. Symbols: 
1. Mustard Seed
1. What God does with those he is in relationship with.
2. Yeast
1. All areas of our lives are affected, when we have a relationship with God.

1. Lord’s Supper as a Parable
1. Purpose is to draw us into a closer relationship with himself.

1. Symbols:
1. Bread: Broken Body (demonstration of love)
2. Juice(wine): Blood that covers our sins
1. Sin separates us from God, Blood of Jesus unites us with God

All those with a relationship with God are welcome to the Lord’s Table.