Sympathy   We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Ed Kragt who died Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Spirt Lake, Iowa.  Ed as a long-time member of First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids until moving to Spirit Lake. Funeral Services were on Saturday, November 7 at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids. 

“Surviving the Holidays” is coming!  A GriefShare “Surviving the Holidays” seminar will be offered here at First Reformed Church on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. This seminar is helpful and encouraging for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death.   It features practical suggestions and gives reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics to be discussed include dealing with hard-hitting emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events, and where to find comfort and strength. For more information and/or to register contact Sue Haggar at the church office (472-3729). There is no charge for this seminar, and participants will receive a helpful booklet about the information shared.

Our Operation Christmas Child packing party is quickly approaching. Check out the table in the gathering space for supplies still needed. We will also need volunteers to help distribute the items at the packing party. Please let Amy Schulte know if you are interested. Thank you in advance!

Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal is set for Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020 at noon – please see the insert for ways YOU can help and/or sign-up. Thank you (this will be our 18^th year!)

HAPPY 90th Birthday to Joyce Hommes on Monday, November 9th! Cards and well wishes can be sent to her @:  1206 S. Carroll St., Rock Rapids, IA  51246.

Prayer Wall: 

• Pam Foster, Bob Dreke’s sister (coping with Huntington’s disease)
• Tanner Lincecum (pray that Tanner’s shunt will continue to work effectively)  
• Karen De Noble, David De Noble’s mother (has been diagnosed with cancer; please pray for comfort as Karen goes through chemotherapy treatments)
• Thomas Bouwman, Tom & Sheryl Bouwman’s son (continues to make progress in physical therapy) 
• Anita Dieren (continues to recover from heart surgery)
• Greyson Austin (family asks for prayers while waiting for a second surgery in the future)
• Caden Wright (please pray for Caden to remain healthy as he attends school)
• Chuck Hoekstra (pray for healing and recovery from recent back surgery)
• Gerald Postma (had surgery for a pacemaker on August 19; pray for healing and recovery)
• Jayme Van Wyhe (had double hip surgery on October 6; pray for healing & recovery)

Updates: Marilyn Kuyper (Ethanie Pulscher’s aunt; recent tests showed that Marilyn’s cancer has grown a small amount; treatment now includes a new type of drug). Melissa Moser, (Kathy Moser’s daughter-in-law) Melissa will be going to Iowa City for liver surgery on November 13 due to spreading of pancreatic cancer in her body. Please pray for the doctors, her and the family as this will be long recovery.

*Your prayers are also requested for the following individuals who are coping with cancer:  

Arlene Sterler, Robbie Korthals’ mother (Arlene’s cancer has moved to her lungs; pray for Arlene’s doctors to have wisdom as they care for her), Trish Lombard, Tara Bouwman’s mother (recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer), Vicki Van Houten, Judy Netten’s sister (Vicki has finished her chemotherapy treatment; she is now getting a preventive treatment that will finish in November), and Gail Hartter, Eric Hartter’s mother (has had a reoccurrence of cancer).                

The following have been nominated for the positions of Elder and Deacon for 2021: Elder nominees: Scott Sieperda, Shari Kastein, Dave Hulstein, and Nate Schulte. (John Metzger and Dwayne Postma, retiring elders, are submitting their names to the selection for a second term which our bylaws allow). Deacon nominees: Jeff Jager, Bryce Hunt, Curt Dieren, Nate Schulte, Jerry Mulder, Nick Beyenhof, Lance Iwen, Mike Klarenbeek, and Brandon Lenderink. (If not selected Elder, Nate Schulte will be up for Deacon). We will publish these names for three weeks. If anyone has evidence of any Biblical grounds any of these person should not be on Consistory please inform one of the Elders.

Center of Hope invites you to join us online for our Fall Benefit, Saturday, November 14 at 7 pm.  We will be highlighting the ways God has been at work this year, as well as celebrating our 20 years of ministry.  To join us that night, please visit our website www.centerofhopesf.org and click on Fall Benefit Registration and follow the instructions.  Thank you

Vacation Pastor Dan and Sue will be on vacation November 12-16.

Covid Task Force Meeting Recommendations:  *Please call the church office (472-3729) to reserve a room (The rooms available include 345, the Children’s Center, and 107). *Please remember, social distancing should still be practiced. We also ask that the tables, chairs and door handles be wiped down with wipes provided in each room.  

Club 512 Volunteers for November 11: Games: 1^st/2^nd Alex Lyman, Kadence Boender, & Jaina Groen; 3^rd/4^th Emerson Kelderman, Carter Iwen, & Ethan Hoefert; 5^th/6^th Bucky Thomas & Brycce Vande Weerd. Snacks: Doris Schneidermann & Linda DeBoer. Midweek Meal: Glenda Hellenga, Audra Klinkenborg, Jen Lincecum, Sara Hrdlicka, & Amy Caswell.

Upcoming Events *All events are subject to change   

SUNDAY: Sunday School Session 4: Zechariah the Prophet/The Promise of a Coming King
 7 pm Moms in Prayer: Traditional

MONDAY: 12:00 Noon Quarterback Club in the Fellowship Hall

5:15 pm Moms in Prayer: College & Careers

TUESDAY: 9:15 am Staff Meeting 

12:00 pm Mom’s in Prayer: Traditional

WEDNESDAY: 5:30 pm Moms in Prayer: Traditional

2:30 – 5:00 pm Club 512 

5:00 pm OCC Packing Party 

5:30 – 6:30 pm Midweek Meal will be served. All are welcome!

6:30 pm JR RCYF

6:3 0pm Girls’ League

6:15 pm Hand Bell practice

7:00 pm Praise Team Practice

8:00 pm Guys Night

THURSDAY: 1:00 pm Grandmas in Prayer

7:00 pm Peace Circle

FRIDAY: 8:00 am Men’s Bible Study in 345  

SATURDAY:   

SUNDAY: Sunday School – Unit 18, Session 1: Esther Saved Her People/God Saves His People Through a Queen 

7:00 pm Moms in Prayer: Traditional

Last Year’s Attendance:     109                       Last Week’s Attendance: 105

Last Year’s Offering:           $203                     Last Week’s Offering: $88