Announcements for 4-18-21

Welcome: I'm Scott Van Ravenswaay, I grew up a hop, skip, and a jump down Highway 75 in Sioux Center. Before heading off to Western Theological Seminary I was a lifelong member of Carmel Reformed Church, where one of your own, Steve VanWyhe is now ministering. I love the Lord and spending time in His word as well as out in His world. One of my favorite summer activities is kayaking. Last year I made a failed attempt at taking one down the smaller spillway portion of the Rock River in your Island Park Campground which made for a pretty funny video. Currently, I serve as the pastor of your neighboring Bethel Reformed Church of Little Rock. I live in the parsonage there with my dog, Elvis, and a whole bunch of books. 

**This morning our Pre-K and Kindergarten Class will recite the The Lord’s Prayer. Next week, our First Grade Class will recite the Psalm 23 and John 3:16. Parents: please have your 1^st graders to their classroom by 9:15 AM. When they are finished, the children will join their families for the remainder of worship. Thank you!

Summer Special Music: Musicians and Non-musicians wanted for Special Music for summer.  You can sing, play an instrument, dance, act, or share your song testimony.  A song testimony is telling us how God spoke through a song to you, what a song means to you, or how God used a song in your life.  Sign up in the gathering space or contact Valerie Lenderink, frcmusic@premieronline.net.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS:  If you are interested in becoming a member of our congregation, please plan to attend our Membership Class on June 27. Please contact Cheryl Van Beek for more details or to sign up. Deadline for registration is June 1.

~Mark your calendars! VBS will be June 8-10, 2021 (Tuesday – Thursday). There are registration forms on the table in the gathering space. Online registration will be coming soon. We would love to have you join us, whether a child or adult volunteer! Please talk to Amy Schulte about positions available.

Common Ground and Coffee Break will be merging beginning June 6.   There will be coffee available before worship while coffee and cookies will be offered from the Common Ground Station following worship.    We are looking for more volunteers to serve as “Coffee Monitors” following worship and also monetary donations to provide cookies.   Contact Tait Anderson or Cheryl Van Beek for more information or to sign up.

The children and grandchildren of Elizabeth (Betty) Vanden Heuvel are requesting a card shower for her 90th birthday on May 2. Greetings can be sent to 1405 South Third Avenue, Rock Rapids, IA 51246.

*Justice for All will be working alongside Grace Reigns Ministry in Colorado City, AZ from April 30^th – May 7^th.  We are inviting anyone interested going on this trip to contact JFA.  During the week you will serve their community and learn about their culture through God’s redemptive eyes. Please call Nick LeLoux at  Justice for All to sign up at (712) 476-2804. Deadline to sign up is April 20^th.

       **Justice for All is organizing a co-ed softball tournament on May 15 at the Sports Complex in Rock Valley  Cost to enter a team is $200, Champions win a t-shirt, concession stand will be available. Deadline to register is May 7.  Register through JFA website or contact Joel 712.476.2804, again inaugural co-ed softball tournament on May 15 in Rock Valley. Join JFA for a day of fellowship, softball and fun!

   Dordt University’s annual Ag Day will be held on campus on Friday, April 23 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Come join us for games, animals, machinery on display, and so much more! There will be fun for all ages! Lunch is served from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, with part of the proceeds going towards Growing Hope Globally. If you have any questions, please email Helen.Zeutenhorst@dordt.edu. 

We are working to update our printed church directory. There are several paper copies located in the gathering space. Please take a minute to review your entry and verify that it is correct, noting any changes. Thank you!

   Praise Reports          &        Prayer Requests          

• Praise to God for individuals using their spiritual gifts during our vacancy!
• Celebrating the opportunity to meet in person and the availability of technology,

         allowing us to worship as one!

Our sympathies to Mary Hoogers, her Brother-in-Law, Herm Van Beek passed away on 4/10/21

Veryl Blue (Anita Dieren’s dad)- prayers for upcoming knee surgery, pain & guidance

Thomas Bouwman (Tom & Sheryl Bouwman’s son)- prayers for effectiveness in rehab

Pam Foster- prayers needed as she deals with Huntington’s Disease, Praise God that dental appt, went well

Tyler Den Besten (Janice Den Besten’s son)- pray for healing as he goes through rehab therapy

 Rod Garrison (Roberta Flier’s brother)- please pray for strength to handle each day

Greyson Austin- prayers that his body works with medication & wisdom for future surgery

Caden Wright- prayers that he remains healthy as he attends school

Prayers for individuals coping with cancer:

Gail Hartter (Eric Hartter’s mom)                          Lora Puttman (Kellie Menning’ s mom)

Karen De Noble (Dave De Noble’s mom)               Curt Smook (Kay Wynia’s dad)

Arlene Sterler (Robbie Korthal’s mom)            Marilyn Kuyper (Ethanie Pulscher’s aunt)

Carl Vande Weerd (Cheryl Van Beek’s brother)  

Melissa Moser (Kathy Moser’s daughter-in-law)

Elton Hilbrands (Judy Gacke’s brother & Lucille Smit’s son)

Nursing Home/Assisted-Living Residents: 

  Wilma DeRoo                               Helen Overman                     Norma Kruse                        JoEllen Sorgdrager                      Christina Vonk                       Missy Perkins                       Pam Foster                                    Joyce Hommes                       Lucille Smit                         Garlene Mulder                            Edna Jongerius                         Barb Rust

     Mary Vermeer                             John & Ruth Van Aartsen

*Bridge Newsletter- The April 2021 Bridge newsletter is available at the welcome center. If you would like a copy feel free to take one as they will not be put into mailboxes. It is also available under the updates tab on the church website

Task Force Meeting Recommendations:

                 Morning worship will continue but with the following requests:

Starting today April 18, all pews will be available to sit during worship, chairs will be set up in the Narthex for those who are uncomfortable in the sanctuary. We will continue to have masks available for those that would like them. If you feel you are at risk, are not comfortable being in a crowd, or do not feel well, we encourage you to stay home and join us via Livestream.

**Please Call Church Office to reserve Meeting Rooms**

 Church Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am-1pm and Friday from    9-12

           *  Bulletin announcement deadline is now Thursdays at 11am.

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
 MORNING WORSHIP 
 April 18, 2021 at 9:30am

WE APPROACH GOD

Prelude: “Wonderful, Merciful Savior”

Welcome, Announcements and Prayer

Memory Work: Pre-K & Kindergarten “The Lords’ Prayer”

Praise Service: 

“Lord I Lift Your Name on High”

“You are Holy”

“Great are You Lord”

Congregational Prayer                                   

Ministry of Music: Bellettes

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Children’s Sermon 

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Message: “Martha’s Rough Day”

Prayer of Response

Closing Song: “They’ll Know we are Christians by Our Love”, #284

Benediction

Sending Chorus: Doxology, #624

TODAY 4-18-21

Music – Praise Team 1

Nursery– Shawn & Heather Van Wyhe Family

Coffee Break – Dave & Heather Springer

Sunday School Cookies- Sheryl Bowman   

Prayer with SS Teachers- Jen Kock

Ministry of Music - Bellettes

Pulpit Supply- Pastor Scott Van Ravenswaay

Congregational Prayer- Shari Kastein 

Scripture Reader – Jody VandeWeerd

Sound System – Sawyer Hrdlicka   

Video Taping – Matt Kock  

Proclaim Presenter – Lincoln Kock 

Common Ground – Joel Vis Family

Medical Assistant- Jody VandeWeerd

*The Loose Offering – Benevolent Fund

SERVING NEXT WEEK 4-25-21 

Music – Praise Team 2

Nursery– Tami & Ashlyn Murray

Coffee Break – Kyle & Emily Grooters

Sunday School Cookies- Joel & April DeWit 

Prayer with SS Teachers –Paul Van Wyhe

Ministry of Music-

Pulpit Supply- Steve Poole

Congregational Prayer- Paul VanWyhe

Scripture Reader – Kristi Wright

Sound System – Curt Dieren

Video Taping – Ella & Jeff Jager

Proclaim Presenter – Jac VanWyhe

Common Ground – Pytleski Family

*The Loose Offering – General Fund

Upcoming Events  

SUNDAY 4-18-21: 

Sunday School Lesson:  Inspiration Hills 

7pm MOMS IN PRAYER (traditional)

MONDAY 4-19-21: 

5 pm MOMS IN PRAYER (College and Careers)

TUESDAY 4-20-21:

12pm MOMS IN PRAYER (traditional)

WEDNESDAY 4-21-21:   

9-11 MOPS

5:30 MOMS IN PRAYER (traditional)

6:30 SRCYF (Toby Mac and Cheese at Island Park)

7-8 pm Club 512/ JRCYF @ Air Madness (End of year party)

THURSDAY 4-22-21: 

1pm MOMS IN PRAYER (Grandmas)

FRIDAY 4-23-21:   

8am Men’s Bible Study

SATURDAY 4-24-21:   

SUNDAY 4-25-21: 

Sunday School Lesson: Session 1: Jesus Healed Ten Men