Announcements for 5-31-26

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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Thank you for the cards, prayers, kind words, and memorials in honor of our dad and grandfather.  It is hard to even imagine how spectacular it was when he met Jesus face to face!  We do know that we are filled with Jesus’ peace and love knowing His promises are true and that there is room in His house for each one of us who believe in Him.  Thank you all! ~Sharon and Dwayne, Brenda and Rob

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“How gracious and merciful is our LORD!”- Psalm 111:4b

Our prayer concerns….                                                                                                                                      

Bill Kastein                                                                    

Jerry Pytleski

Merlin & Jackie Groen                                                    

Roger DeBey (knee infection surgery)

Scott Hunt                                                                    

Rod Grooters

Jeff Hrdlicka                                                                                    

JoAnn Douglas

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                                       

Linda Person (Kari Jurrens’ mom)                                                    

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)                                                                                         

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

~We extend our sympathies to the family of Denny Netten upon his passing. Please keep his loved ones in your prayers during this time of grief and remembrance.

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  

All are welcome who have recently lost a loved one to death

6:30 on Monday nights, here at church

Church and Area Happenings: 

The June 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*

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 May 31, 2026 at 9:30am 

Prelude

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome /Announcements/ Prayer

Baptism: Elizabeth Hunt

Ministry of Music: “Gratitude”

Hymn: “Tell Me The Old Old Story” #424 v. 1-3

Hymn: “Nearer My God To Thee” #393 v. 1-5

Congregational Prayer

Offertory Hymn: “He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought” #461 v. 1-3

Doxology #625

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: Psalm 23

Sermon: VBS Theme 

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: Ministry of Music “Valley of Worship”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Gentle Shepherd” #458

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

Serving us today 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- Randy Bosch

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Dave Hulstein

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Shannon Rodger

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General Fund

Serving us next week 6-7-26

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Rich & Denise Roskam (S) JD & Lesa Hommes (SE) Laurine G & Char Lafrenz

NURSERY- Wendy Huisman & Julia Schulte

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Steve & Debbie Crane

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Collin & Rachelle Johnsen

SOUND SYSTEM- Brad Rypkema

VIDEO TAPING- Justin Groen

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Caitlin Huisman

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Brenda Van Hofwegen

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- Benevolent 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 5-24-26                                                                                                                                         

                                 Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:         $11,688.60                            $186,104.69                        $285,057.51

Benevolent Fund:  $2,690.37                               $114,752.22                        $80,282.39

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 5-31-26:

11am Mission Meeting (Martha Room)

MONDAY 6-1-26:

8:30am Bethesda Staff Meeting (Martha Room)

6:30pm Grief Share (Elijah Room)

TUESDAY 6-2-26: 

7pm Women’s Bible Study (Connections Room)

7pm Faith Circle (Martha Room)

WEDNESDAY 6-3-26:

9a-2p VBS 

THURSDAY 6-4-26:    

9a-2p VBS

FRIDAY 6-5-26:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

9a-11:30am VBS

11:30am VBS program followed by lunch

SATURDAY 6-6-26:    

SUNDAY 6-7-26: 

5/31/2026                                           VBS Theme: Psalm 23                                 

1. The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want
1. LORD = Yahweh 
2. Shepherd
1. Cowboy vs Shepherd 
2. Shall not want (Trust for provision)
1. Adventures with the Kids.

1. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he Leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
1. A Good Shepherd makes is Sheep do things.
1. Sheep are dumb and wander into danger.
1. Green Pastures and Quiet Waters
2. Local Church, Good Friends, Bible Studies, Stillness with him. 
2. Restores my Soul
1. Following the good Shepherd restores my soul.

1. He leads me in paths of Righteousness, for his name sake.
1. The Voice of the Good Shepherd
1. God’s word, Holy Spirit through godly friends and listening to God. 
1. Leads to Life
2. Rejecting God’s leading and voice leads to destruction.
2. For his name sake.
1. It’s not about you, but the LORD. 

1. Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death…
1. God is Good and Life is hard.
1. Why is life hard?  Sin and the Enemy
2. David knew the Valley of the Shadow of Death
1. Saul’s pursuit, own Sin, death of a child, rape of a daughter, death of a son, rebellion of another Son. 
2. I will fear no Evil…For you are with me, your Rod and Staff comfort me.
1. Fear vs Faith
1. Fear = Facing the future alone.
2. Faith = Facing the future with God. 
1. Rod = Protection
2. Staff = Correction

22. Prepare a Table before me in the Presence of my Enemies
1. Invitation to sit and receive from God, in the midst of the enemies attacks (peace)
1. Anoint my Head with oil and my cup overflows. (Holy Spirit)
2. Goodness and Mercy Pursue me.
3. Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever

Is the LORD your Shepherd?