Announcements for 5-24-26

If anyone is musically talented on the piano or organ and would be willing to play on traditional Sundays, which is typically twice a month. Please contact the church office or Cheryl Hulstein. Thanks

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*VBS is just around the corner! We will be serving lunch all 3 days. Food lists have been split between 3 churches. Our list can be found on the welcome table in the Gathering Space. Stop by to see what you can contribute.

Thank you!

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God is the Father of all compassion and of all comfort who supports us in all our trouble 

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Our prayer concerns….                                                                                                                                      

Bill Kastein                                                                    

Merlin &  Jackie Groen                                                    

Roger DeBey (knee infection)

Scott Hunt                                                                    

Rod Grooters

Jeff Hrdlicka                                                                                    

JoAnn Douglas

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                                      

Alice Feikema  (Hospice)                                    

Kathy Van Olst                                                                            

Phyllis Fiegen (Tammi Top’s mom)

Russ Carver (Rachelle Johnsen’s dad)                                         

Greyson Austin (Marlene Mellema’s grandson)

Janice Den Besten                                                         

Todd Altman (Jack & Esther Altman’s son)

Ron & Cathy Birkeland                                                              

Kaitlin Altman (Todd & Patty Altman’s daughter) thyroid cancer     

Bill Saeger (Jackie Groen’s brother)                                              

Linda Person (Kari Jurrens’ mom)                                                         

Betsy Mans (Cal & Cheryl Mans’ daughter in law- chemo treatments)

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

(addresses are available by request)

 Arnie & Donna Kwikkel                   Wilma DeRoo                     JoEllen Sorgdrager            Merlin & Jackie Groen                      Joyce Mellema                    Harriet Hoff  

*Prayer Time- in the sanctuary, Wednesday 12-2*

All are welcome who have recently lost a loved one to death. 6:30 Monday nights through June, here at church.

*Care Elders’ Training- May 27^th @ 6:30pm

The May 2026 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                                         **Bulletin announcements are due Fridays by 9am*

*Church offices will be closed Monday, May 25*

Church and Area Happenings:

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 May 24, 2026 at 9:30am 

Prelude: “Build Your Kingdom Here”

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome /Announcements/ Prayer

Children’s Message

Praise Service:

“Reckless Love”

“Goodness Of God”

Congregational Prayer

Offertory Hymn: “All Hail King Jesus”

Doxology #625

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-6:4 

Sermon: God’s Design for the Family

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: “Come Thou Fount” 

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Come Thou Fount”

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

Serving us this week 5-24-26

DOOR GREETERS - (N) Barb Dreke & Karen Reemts (S) Art & Karen Flier (SE) Wayne & Geneva Grooters

NURSERY- No Nursery- Memorial Day 

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- John & Peggy Metzger 

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Lonn & Jammie Kellenberger

SOUND SYSTEM- Matt Kock

VIDEO TAPING- Johathon Kock

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Berlyn DeWit

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Kristi Metzger

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General Fund

Serving us next week 5-31-26

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Joe & Judy Gacke (S) Gary & Karen Van Wyhe (SE) Curt & Anita Dieren

NURSERY- Kayla Van Wyhe & Jersie Klarenbeek

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Barb Dreke & Jeannie Ellsworth

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Luke & Danielle Grooters 

SOUND SYSTEM- Dustin Bosch

VIDEO TAPING- Jonathon Kock

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Dave Hulstein

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Shannon Rodger

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General Fund

ELDERS

Nate Schulte -2024-26

Randy Bosch, VP-2024-26

Joel Vis, Clerk- 2025-27

Rodney Vanden Top- 2025-27

JD Hommes- 2026-28

DEACONS

Shawn Van Wyhe -2024-26

Jordan Menning -2024-26

Evan Metzger, Property Chair-2024-26

Kade Griesse, Chair of Deacons- 2025-27

Brad Rypkema, General Treas.-2025-27

Jerry Mulder, Benevolent Treas.- 2025-27

Braeden Schulte-2026-28

Mike Pulscher, Clerk-2026-28

Kyle Grooters-2026-28

FINANCIALS as of 5-17-26                                                                                                                                         Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:         $1,835.00                              $174,416.09                        $271,483.35

Benevolent Fund:  $7,766.00                               $112,061.85                        $76,459.42

                                       *Online donations are now added to designated funds*        

*There was a mistake in last weeks general fund YTD offering, the correct amount is $172,581.09. Sorry for the mix-up and we appreciate your generosity and support*

Sunday School 5-17-26

                      Last Year’s Attendance: 82                               Last Week’s Attendance: 64

                      Last Year’s Offering: $78.00                             Last Week’s Offering: $78.00

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 5-24-26:

11am OCC Committee Meeting (Connections Room)

MONDAY 5-25-26:

CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY!

TUESDAY 5-26-26: 

6pm Grace Circle

6:30pm Grief Share (Elijah Room)

WEDNESDAY 5-27-26:

11-1P Staff Outing

12-2pm Prayer time (Sanctuary)

6:30pm Care Elder Training (Elijah Room)

THURSDAY 5-28-26:    

FRIDAY 5-29-26:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

SATURDAY 5-30-26:    

6pm Paint Your Spouse or Pal (Fellowship Hall)

SUNDAY 5-31-26: 

11am Mission meeting (Martha Room)

5/24/2026                         God’s Design for the Family                              Eph. 5:21-6:4

Intro: Our culture’s condition reflects the condition of the family.  

1. Foundational Principles of a Godly and Growing Marriage
1. Husband and Wife, who first submit to God.  
1. Submission= Voluntary act of humility, trust, and surrendering of one’s will out of love.
2. Following God because we trust and love him. 

1. The Two becoming One Flesh.  (Vs. 31 Man will leave and cleave)
1. 100% and 100% (Love = Sacrifice) 
2. Recognition you are on the Same Team (One is hurt, both hurt)
3. Communication and Trust: Same page, Same goals, Same dreams, understanding.

1. Roles in God’s Design for Marriage
1. Husband’s Role is to be the leader of his house. (Head)
1. Lead through love for the benefit his wife/kids.
1. Love your wife as Christ Loved the Church
1. Sacrificing your own desires and needs for what’s best for the family.
2. Dance = Knowing her strengths, weaknesses, passions, beauty and giving her the ability to grow and show them off.  
2. When men lead through pride, control, abuse, neglect or domination it is sin.
1. On the Same Team=One is hurt you are both hurt. 

1. Wife’s Role is to support and submit to her husband.
1. Voluntary act of love = I will follow your lead because I trust you.
1. Not a doormat or Silent slave
2. Respectful Communication is vital to the marriage of the husband and wife.
1. Eph. 4:29
1. Speaking to one another and about one another.
2. Always assume the Best!

God’s design for marriage draws us closer to God and each other. (Car and Restaurant) Love and Respect!

1. Godly Families don’t just happen. (Require Intentionality)
1. Same goals, Same direction, Same purpose. 
1. Family Mission Statement: “Our family seeks to glorify God with our words, actions, time, and deeds according to His word. To make disciples and humbly serve those around us.”

1. Training and instructing your kids in the Lord. 
1. Do not exasperate your Children! 
1. Follow me as I follow Christ.

1. Children Obey your parents! (Honor your Father and Mother)
1. Adult Children, too.