Announcements for 9-28-25

Nomination Ballots: It’s that time of year as we choose our deacons and elders to serve our church. Nomination letter and ballots were emailed. Ballots are due back by October 5^th. Please place them in the box marked ballots across from the mailboxes. Please, prayerfully consider your nominations!

*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 next 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 here: https://frcrockrapids.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3107719  

Bethel Women’s Conference 2025

Discover the beauty of letting go and embracing who you were 

Date and time:

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

Location:

Bethel Reformed Church, 2314 Iowa 9 Lester, IA 51242             

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-beauty-of-a-surrendered-life-created-in-his-image-for-his-glory-tickets-1474982645799?aff=ebdssbdestsearch                                

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 10-1-25

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

                   Maddie Van Der Weerd          Jaxson Pytleski                          Connor Altman

                        Jayda Pytleski                         Brady Kirch                               Jayden Daale

                      Mali Kellenberger                   Thane Jansma                             Leo Groen

Club 512 Snack helpers:  Bonnie Nail & Doris Schneidermann 

Midweek Meal Helpers:  Glenda Hellenga, Kellie Menning, Carol Oliver, Kay Wynia & “volunteer needed” 

Nursing Home Chaperone: 

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

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”-Philippians 4:6

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                                                                                                   

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

I would like to thank everyone for the visits, phone calls, text messages & kind words during the death of my son Tyler DenBeten. The cards, memorial gifts, food & flowers were very much appreciated during this difficult time. Also thank you Pastor Steve, Amy Ryals, Cheryl Van Beek & Dan Snyder for your prayers & visits. ~Janice Den Besten and Family. 

Church and area happenings:

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 September 28, 2025 at 9:30am 

Prelude 

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome /Announcements/ Prayer

Ministry of Music

Mission Minute

Hymn: “There Is Power In The Blood” #191, v. 1-4 

Hymn: “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” #354, v. 1-3

Congregational Prayer

Offering Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” #43, v. 1-3

(offering plates will be passed)

“Doxology” #625

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: John 19: 39-42; Matthew 12: 39-40

Sermon: The Mystery of Holy Saturday

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: “Blessed Assurance” #345, v. 1-3

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Blessed Assurance” Chorus

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

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

Serving us today 9-28-25

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Craig & Kay Wynia (S) Jerry & Kerry Mulder (SE) JD & Lesa Hommes

NURSERY- Emelia Stiltz & Mali Kellenberger

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Cori Klarenbeek & Jean Fick

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Dusty & Ivy Ramsey

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYER LEADER- Jerry Pytleski

SUNDAY SCHOOL COOKIES- Jerry & Jill Pytleski

SUNDAY SCHOOL HALL MONITOR- Dayna Altman

SOUND SYSTEM- Dustin Bosch

VIDEO TAPING- Jonathon Kock

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Berlyn DeWit

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Shannon Rodger

VAN DRIVER- Ruben Fick

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General Fund

 Serving us next week 9-5-25

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Laurine Gerritsen (S) Jarod & Emily DeBey (SE) Garrett & Carly Sayler 

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

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

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 9-21-2025                                                                                                                            

 Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:         $18,028.00                           $391,351.31                         $500,988.20

Benevolent Fund:   $6,518.00                              $156,319.20                        $146,839.60

                                      *Online donations are now added to designated funds*  

Sunday School 9-21-25

                         Last Year’s Attendance: 113                           Last Week’s Attendance:108

                         Last Year’s Offering: $147.25                         Last Week’s Offering: $118.00

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 9-28-25:

*Pastor Dan Haagar will fill our pulpit today*

MONDAY 9-29-25:

12pm Quarterback Club (Fellowship Hall)

TUESDAY 9-30-25: 

WEDNESDAY 10-1-25:

6am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

9-11am Mom Co. (Fellowship Hall)

12-2pm Prayer Time (Sanctuary)

2:30pm-5pm Club 512 

5pm-6:15pm Midweek Meal *Baked Potato Bar*

6:15pm Jr. High Youth Group (Youth Room)

8pm Sr. High Youth Group (Youth Room)

THURSDAY 10-2-25:

5-8pm Football meal (Fellowship Hall)

FRIDAY 10-3-25:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

SATURDAY 10-4-25:                                                                                       

4pm Church Movie Night “Jonah” (Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary)                                           SUNDAY 10-5-25:     

2pm TEC meeting (Youth Room)

6:30pm Mission Committee Meeting (Martha Room)

THE MYSTERY OF HOLY SATURDAY

John 19:39-42; Matthew 12:39-40

Introduction: Good Friday and Easter Sunday are two days that changed the history of the world. In between these days is Saturday. What is the significance and lessons found in this day between the cross and resurrection of Jesus?

I.

A DAY OF DEATH

A.

No Doubt that Jesus is Dead

B.

Preference of Burial for Christians

II.

A DAY OF DESPAIR

A.

The Disciples of Jesus are Shattered and Scattered

1.

They experience all the effects of trauma

2.

There is defeat, disappointment, despair, “deconstruction” of their faith

B.

The Silence of God

III.

A DAY OF DESCENT? (Matthew 12:39-40)

A.

“Descent into Hell” or “Descent into Hades”?

1.

Difference between “Hades” and “Hell”

•

Sheol/Hades: Hebrew for the place/abode of the dead

•

Gehenna/Hell: Greek for garbage dump and judgment

2.

Jesus “Descended” into Hades (1 Peter 3:18-19)

B.

What Jesus Did There

1.

Proclaimed salvation to those of faith in the Old Testament times

2.

Proclaimed his victory over evil and death (Revelation 1:17-18: Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades)

3.

Sanctified the death of the saints between death and the resurrection (Revelation 14:13; 2 Cor.5:8: Philippians 1:23)

Conclusion: We live with one foot in Holy Saturday and one foot in Resurrection Sunday. What are your “holy Saturdays” where you are waiting for the Day of Resurrection?