Announcements for 9-7-25

~Are you building your life for Christ? The time to do so is now! BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) will have a women’s group meeting this year on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in our church. Join us as we study “Exile and Return,” a powerful journey through the Old Testament, where God’s people were called to build His kingdom in a foreign land. For more information, please contact Carole Bosch at 402-981-5019.

~Operation Christmas Child season is here!
We’re excited for a church-wide packing party this fall and need your help gathering supplies. A list of suggested donations is on the table in the gathering space. (Note: We already have plenty of crayons and hair bows.) As you shop for school supplies, small toys, and WOW! items, please pray for each child who will receive a box. Every gift is an opportunity to share the Gospel and invite children into discipleship. If you crochet or sew, contact Amy Schulte for handmade gift ideas. Let’s Share the Good News and reach children around the world for Christ!                  

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 online: https://frcrockrapids.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3107719

The September 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)

*Care Elders’ Training September 13^th @ 9am (Elijah Room)

Oaks’ Club (anyone over the age of 50) September 15^th @ 1pm (meet at RR Historical Society Museum)

~Justice for All is having their Annual Meeting and Auction Thursday October 9^, 2025 at the South building of their ministry campus in Rock Valley. Every year there is an opportunity to hear about the highlights of the past fiscal year, trips and financial report along with a catered meal. After a short meeting there will be an auction with items donated to help provide support for JFA. From homemade items, to gift cards, meat bundles and more will be up for bidding. Join us to hear a ministry update and stay for the entertainment of Zomer Auctioneering. If you’d like to donate an item contact Joel De Wit – joeldw@jfa-nwiowa.org or 712.739.0055, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Thursday October 9, 2025, Meal starts at 5p Auction starting at 645p.

“Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress…” – Psalm 31:9a

Our prayer concerns….                                                                                                                                      

Betty Vanden Heuvel                                                       

Dustin Bosch                                                                      

Rod Grooters                                                                                      

Eldora Krull (Hospice)

Alice Feikema  (Hospice)                                                  

JoAnn Douglas

Karen Flier                                                                     

Chuck &Twilla Hoekstra 

Merlin Groen                                                                   

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) 

Janice Den Besten                                                                          

Doris Iwen (Lance Iwen’s mom)   

Russ Carver (Rachelle Johnsen’s dad)                                          

Mandie Sprock (Marilyn Mammenga’s daughter)    

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

Eldora Krull                                    Harriet Hoff                                     Donna Kwikkel         Alice Feikema (Crown Pointe- Sioux Center)                                                                         Addresses available upon request at church office

Church and area happenings:

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 WORSHIP SERVICE 
 September 7, 2025 at 9:30am 

Prelude: “I Saw The Light”

WE APPROACH GOD

Welcome /Announcements/ Prayer

Children’s Message

Hymn: “Great Things”

Hymn: “Who You Say I Am”

Congregational Prayer

Offering Hymn “Gratitude”

(offering plates will be passed)

“Doxology” #625

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Scripture: Jonah 2

Sermon: Surrender

WE RESPOND TO GOD

Closing Hymn: “Jesus Loves Me”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Give Thanks”

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

Serving us today 9-7-25

DOOR GREETERS- 

NURSERY- 

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Praise and Picnic at Island Park

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- 

SOUND SYSTEM- Matt Kock

VIDEO TAPING-

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- 

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Brenda Van Hofwegen

VAN DRIVER- Mike Klarenbeek

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- Benevolent Fund

Serving us next week 9-14-25

DOOR GREETERS- (N) Nate & Amy Schulte (S) Brad & Ashley Rypkema (SE) Ben & Nicole Gerleman 

NURSERY- Kayla Van Wyhe

COMMON GROUND (before worship)- Women’s Ministry (serving muffins for free will donation)     

COFFEE BREAK (following worship)- Women’s Ministry

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYER LEADER- Dwayne Postma

SUNDAY SCHOOL COOKIES- Linda DeBoer

SOUND SYSTEM- Justin Groen

VIDEO TAPING- Brad Rypkema

PROCLAIM PRESENTER- Elise Kahl

MEDICAL ASSISTANT- Nicole Larson 

VAN DRIVER- Paul Van Wyhe

*THE LOOSE OFFERING- General 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 8-31-2025                                                                                         Last Sunday                      YTD Offerings                     YTD Budget

General Fund:          $7,736.44                            $351,505.71                         $461,436.50

Benevolent Fund:   $275.00                                $144,334.20                         $135,247.00

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 9-7-25:

10:30am Praise and Picnic at Island Park

MONDAY 9-8-25:

12pm Quarterback Club

TUESDAY 9-9-25: 

6pm Night Mom Co.

WEDNESDAY 9-10-25:

8am Staff Meeting (Martha Room)

9:30am Joy Circle (Rm 105)

6:15pm Jr. Youth Group (Youth Room)

8pm Sr. Youth Group (Youth Room)

THURSDAY 9-11-25: 

5-8pm Football Team meal (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Peace Circle (Martha Room)

FRIDAY 9-12-25:   

8am Men’s Bible Study (Martha Room)

SATURDAY 9-13-25:

9am Care Elders Training (Elijah Room)

SUNDAY 9-14-25:

9am Evangelism Committee Meeting (Connections Room)

10:45am SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS

2pm TEC Meeting (Youth Room)

5:30pm Father Son Bible Study (Pastor Steve’s House)

8/31/2025                                     Surrender                                                Jonah 2

Intro: Recap of Jonah 1

1. God Demonstrates His Love
1. Warns, but doesn’t force or stop us
1. Jonah
2. Children
3. Us

1. Pursues Us
1. Jonah
1. Word of the Lord, Storm, Captain, Fish
2. You and Me
1. People, Scripture, Experiences
3. Never more than One Step away from God

1. God hears our Cry
1. Jonah: Distress and Realm of the Dead
2. You and Me

1. Surrender
1. You can’t do it on your own…

1. Give up and Give God total control
1. Picture
2. Daily: Take up your cross and follow me. 

1. God is our Salvation

1. When we surrender our lives, he saves us and makes us new.

Are you running from God?  Are you Drifting?  Are you surrendering daily?