“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.”- Psalm 145:3a

Our prayer concerns….

Rod Grooters (Hospice)                                       

Jerry Pytleski

Merlin & Jackie Groen                                        

Roger DeBey 

Scott Hunt                                                      

Bill Kastein

Jeff Hrdlicka                                                               

JoAnn Douglas

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                           

Linda Person (Kari Jurrens’ mom)                                       

Kathy Van Olst                                                  

Bill Saeger (Jackie Groen’s brother)

Russ Carver (Rachelle Johnsen’s dad)                               

Greyson Austin (Marlene Mellema’s grandson)

Janice Den Besten                                              

Todd Altman (Jack & Esther Altman’s son) legs swelling

Ron & Cathy Birkeland                                                                                                                       

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

Thank you for all the love, support and prayers shown to Jerry and our family over the past two months. The thoughtfulness shown by our church and community is greatly appreciated. ~Jerry & Jill Pytleski Family  

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~There is gift bags located in the Gathering Space for each person attending Rocky Mountain High. You are welcome to put notes of encouragement, snacks, goodies, etc. in any or all of the bags. Bags will be taken down Thursday, July 24. Thanks for your support of our young people and the big adventure that awaits them! 

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Christian Literature - Our box for collecting Christian Literature is back in place under the south coat rack along with a complete list of acceptable items.  We have just finished our April to June Words of Hope devotional and encourage you to drop your copy in the collection box.  Devotionals are one of the most requested items. Your donation can make an eternal impact!

Secretary’s office hours: ~ Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-1                                                    

*Bulletin announcement deadline weekly is 9am on Fridays*

Church and Area happenings:

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 July 19, 2026 at 9:30am 

Prelude: “Here I Am To Worship”

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome/Announcements/Prayer

Children’s Message

Praise Service:

“King Of Kings” 

“Way Maker”

Congregational Prayer

Offertory Hymn: “Awesome God”

Doxology #625

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: John 1:9-13

Sermon: True Faith

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: “Holy Holy Holy”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Holy Holy Holy”

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

Serving us today 7-19-26

DOOR GREETERS - (N) Barb Dreke & Karen Reemts (S) Scott & Amy Sieperda (SE) Corey & Heather H.  

NURSERY- Tracey & Baylor Hoefert

VAN DRIVER: Shawn Van Wyhe

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Dwayne & Sharon Postma

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Curt & Brenda Gislof

SOUND SYSTEM- Sawyer Hrdlicka

VIDEO TAPING- Breyden Dieren 

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Berlyn & Isaiah DeWit

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Brenda Van Hofwegen

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- Benevolent Fund

Serving us next week 7-26-26

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Gary & Karen Van Wyhe (S) Colin & Rachelle Johnsen (SE) Cody & Jen Hoefert

NURSERY- Kellie & Gracelyn Menning

VAN DRIVER: Mike Klarenbeek                                  

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Women’s Ministry (Joy Circle)

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)-  Women’s Ministry (Joy Circle)

SOUND SYSTEM- Dustin Bosch

VIDEO TAPING- Jonathon Kock

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Laurine Gerritsen

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- April DeWit

*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

Ken Leuthold-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 7-12-26                                                                                                                                 

                                Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:        $14,862.00                           $251,876.36                      $380,076.68

Benevolent Fund:  $375.00                                $130,674.63                      $107,043.19

                                       *Online donations are now added to designated funds*        

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 7-19-26:

MONDAY 7-20-26:

6:30pm Deacon/Elder Meeting

7:30pm Consistory Meeting

TUESDAY 7-21-26:

6pm Grace Circle

WEDNESDAY 7-22-26:

THURSDAY 7-23-26:    

FRIDAY 7-24-26:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

SATURDAY 7-25-26:    

SUNDAY 7-26-26: 

7/19/2026                                                 True Faith                                                 John 1:9-13

Intro: Recap of Heidelberg Catechism

Q #20 Are all men, then, saved by Christ as they have perished in Adam?

A #20 No, only those who by true faith are ingrafted into Him and receive all His Benefits.

1. True Faith begins with Jesus coming into the World.
1. True Light for everyone
1. God’s Justice/Righteousness: Our Sinful Condition
2. God’s Love: Plan of Redemption and Salvation 

1. False light of Satan
1. Twisting and warping of truth
1. Science, Religion, Work, Sex
2. Twisting of what God has created for good. 

1. The world does not recognize him, and his own did not receive him.
1. Creator not recognized (Denial of Jesus)
2. Jews rejected and crucified him.

1. Becoming a Child of God requires True Faith
1. Child of God
1. Belong to Jesus (Q and A #1)
2. Inheritance of God (1 Peter 1:3-4)
3. Not Natural descent, Human decision, Husband’s will
1. Ephesians 2:8-9 

1. What is True Faith?
1. True Faith is full Surrender to God. (All in or All out)
1. Requires a Basic understanding of God and Sin. (Apostle’s Creed)
1. I can’t do anything but receive what Jesus accomplished for me. 
2. Thief on the Cross/Childlike faith
3. Die to your old self and raise to new life in Christ.
1. Seed Example

1. True Faith means you are a Disciple
1. Means you Follow Jesus 
1. Beware of shallow and hollow gospel (Achieve Heaven and Escape Hell)
2. True faith means to Surrender your life to Jesus
1. Live as a child of God now and throughout eternity.
2. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.