Announcements for 12-8-24

*Reminder: Peace Circle will be meeting on December 12^th at 6pm at Primrose Market, downtown Rock Rapids. 

Christmas Caroling

We will be caroling the afternoon of December 15. All ages are welcome to participate. The commitment is only for a couple of hours but has a lasting impact. This is such a meaningful experience for the people we carol to and also for those who are caroling. There will be a time of fellowship with others afterwards while we enjoy sandwiches and goodies. How can you help?  We need:

• Carolers
• Homemade Christmas cookies as we would like to also give a little goodie plate to the people we are caroling to
• Help provide sandwiches / goodies for the carolers when they are done
• People to help organize this event (to call the people we will sing to, organize the routes, help with setup/serving the sandwiches/goodies for the carolers)

If you know of anyone who would love to be caroled to or if you are willing to participate in any way, please contact the church office or Sharon Postma at 712-470-0533.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”-Isaiah 7:14b

Our prayer concerns….                            

Scott Hunt (Recovery from knee infection)

Marilyn Mammenga (healing for leg fractures)                             JoAnn Douglas

Loren Dengler                                                                  Twilla Hoekstra (healing after surgery)

Merlin Groen                                                                   Greyson Austin (Marlene Mellema’s grandson)

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                                        Nancy Bosma (Mary Klinkenborg’s sister) 

Kathy Van Olst                                                                      Eldora Krull      

Karen Flier                                                                                          Ellen Schram (Jeff Schram’s mom)             

Marv Faber (Gordy’s brother)                                                        Russ Carver (Rachelle Johnsen’s dad)

Bill Saeger (Jackie Groen’s brother)                                            Janice Den Besten

Doris Iwen (Lance Iwen’s mom)                                                       Nancy Aaker (Shari Kastein’s mom)

Todd Altman (Jack & Esther Altman’s son)                           Carlton Woodruff (Rachelle Johnsen’s uncle)                                         

Mandie Sprock (Marilyn Mammenga’s daughter)                          

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

Pearl Folkens                                                                      Wilma DeRoo                                       JoEllen Sorgdrager                                           

Ruth Van Aartsen                                                                 Joyce Mellema                                   Lucille Smit                    

Eldora Krull                                                                         Darlene Aeilts                                    Harriet Hoff

Doris Calkins                                                                          Darlene Brinkhuis                                            

Addresses available upon request at church office       

The Sanctuary will be open for prayer each Wednesday from 12-2

The December 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 Thursday 9-1.

**Bulletin announcements are due on Thursdays at 9am. Thanks**

Club 512 Volunteers for 12-11-24

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

                              Leo Groen                              Maddie Van Der Weerd                            Ephraim Hoefert

                          Jayson Huygens                               Alexis Austin                                      Tanner Lincecum

                         Liam Vander Zee                             Avery Harman                                     Quinten Sprock

                                                                                                                                                     Aston Van Beek

Club 512 Snack helpers:  Bonnie Nail & Doris Schneiderman

Midweek Meal Helpers: Glenda Hellenga, Audra Klinkenborg, ReNae Leuthold, Kellie Menning & Rachelle Johnsen

Nursing Home Chaperone:  Nate Schulte

Church & Local Happenings

FIFIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 December 8, 2024 at 9:30am 

12/8/2024               Advent Part 2: The Announcement            Luke 1:26-56 

Intro: Recap of Advent part 1: God inviting Zachariah and Elizabeth into his work.

1. Lord invites us into His work.
1. Lord invites Mary into His Work (Mary Visited by an Angel)
1. Lord’s Work…(Fulfill Prophecy)
1. Virgin Birth to a Son (Isaiah 7:14)
2. Jesus (Save people from their Sins)
3. Reign forever on the throne of David

1. Our Invitation:
1. Prompting by the Holy Spirit, Word from God, Answer to Prayer
1. Who am I that the Lord would use me?
1. Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Ruth, Mary
2. Talk to neighbor, Co-worker, family, friend
3. Volunteer in a ministry, teach Sunday School, or Bible Study
4. Go to seminary, Become pastor or missionary?

1. Our Response
1. What was Zechariah’s Response?
1. Doubt: How can I be sure of this?  Give me a sign or assurance.

1. What was Mary’s Response?
1. Trust, Faith, and Wonder (How will this be? What is the game plan?)

1. What is our response?
1. Ignore or Doubt?
2. Trust, Faith, and Wonder?

1. The Lord’s Game plan
1. The Lord will do the Heavy Lifting
1. Mary
1. The Holy Spirit will do a supernatural work in you!
2. Hypostatic Union: Fully God and Fully Man
1. Jesus is Savior and Lord
2. Us
1. He will change hearts, open eyes and ears to receive.

1. The Lord promises to be with us. (Trust him by following Him)

1. He promises to surround us with others.
1. Mary and Elizabeth