12-10-17
NIEKERK CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH December 10, 2017 Morning Worship Service – 9:30 am Second Week of Advent Prelude Advent Reading – Peace: The Good Shepherd ~Excerpted from The Jesus Storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones~
*O Little Town of Bethlehem (The Glory of Christmas) Welcome to Worship *The Lord’s Greeting *All Is Well ~Little Lambs is dismissed~
Offering: Niekerk Christian Education Fund ~PLEASE SIGN AND PASS THE FELLOWSHIP REGISTER~
Prayer *Angels We Have Heard On High Children’s Message Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (page 440) Message: “Underrated in Bethlehem” Prayer of Application *Hark! The Herald Angels Sing *God’s Blessing *Once in Royal David’s City – Gray Hymnal 346:1-4 *Postlude * Invites those who are able to stand Worship Participants: Pastor John Douma Organist – Karen Lucas Pianist – Laura Elzinga
WORSHIP SERVICE NOTES Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. This evening we welcome Pastor Ren Broekhuizen back to our pulpit. Next Sunday, Pastor John will lead us in worship in both our morning and evening services.
Evening Worship Service – 6:00 pm Prelude Welcome to Worship *The Lord’s Greeting *O Come, All Ye Faithful – Gray Hymnal 340 *Angels from the Realms of Glory – Gray Hymnal 354 Scripture: Luke 2:2-14 (page 1593) Message: “Great Joy” Prayer of Application *Joy to the World! – Gray Hymnal 337 *Holy Is the Lord *Rejoice the Lord is King – Gray Hymnal 408 Offering: Niekerk Christian Education Fund ~PLEASE SIGN AND PASS THE FELLOWSHIP REGISTER~
Prayer *Good Christian Friends, Rejoice *God’s Blessing Shout to the Lord *Postlude * Invites those who are able to stand Worship Participants: Pastor Ren Broekhuizen Organist – Karen Lucas Pianist – Laura Elzinga
Advent Celebration Series. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one big story, the story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. From Adam and Eve to the great King David and the prophets of Israel, every story points to a Child, the one upon whom everything would depend. This advent season we celebrate that story.
Deacons’ Offering Report: Loose money in today’s offering is for the Niekerk Christian Education Fund. Next week’s offering is for the Holland Deacon’s Conference. Last week’s envelope collections totaled $12,231. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness! Nursery Attendants: THANK YOU! Today: AM Anita Windemuller, Steve, Lisa & Cody Kragt PM Kim Walters & Kathie Helder Next Week: AM Laura J Bosch, Leah Douma, Marcy Brower, Lori & Ashley Klaasen PM Jan Hop & Brenda Van Dyke Little Lambs: “Christmas” —Lora, Bethany & Kimberly Van Houten Advance Notice: We will not be having Little Lambs next Sunday, December 17. Catechism: The 4th through 12th grade classes will meet in En Gedi. Sunday School meets in the All Purpose Room.
THIS WEEK AT NIEKERK Today
9:30 AM 10:45 AM 10:45 AM 6:00 PM Monday 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM Wednesday 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Friday 9:00 AM
Morning Worship Morning Fellowship Catechism & Sunday School Evening Worship Congregational Meeting GEMS Order Pickup Craft Day Wednesday Family Night Awakening Hand2Hand Packing
YOUTH MINISTRIES Christmas Party! We will be having our Christmas Party following the WFN meal in En Gedi from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Wednesday, December 13. See you all there! Boston Mission Trip! We are excited to announce that the Youth Group and their leaders will be heading to Boston for our 2018 mission trip! Sign up today!
OUR CHURCH FAMILY Happy birthday to Nonie Rietman! She will be 87 years old on Friday. Her favorite verse is, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
ANNOUNCEMENTS Niekerk News Reminder. It’s that time again to gather information for the January 2018 newsletter. Please submit reports, thank you notes, volunteer lists and all other news by next Sunday, December 17. The Niekerk News mailboxes are located in the bottom right hand corner of each mailbox section or send an email to [email protected]. Thank you! The church will be locked after the morning worship service and will be reopened at 4:30pm. Absentee Ballots are available at the Information Center for those who cannot make the congregational meeting tomorrow. Vote, place your ballot in an envelope, write your name on the outside of the envelope and place it in the designated box. Please remember to pick up your GEMS meat orders tomorrow night prior to and after the congregational meeting. Thank you again for supporting our fundraiser! Proposal to Sell/Demolish the Niekerk Parsonage. In your mailbox there was information regarding a proposal to sell/demolish the Niekerk parsonage. There will be a vote on this proposal at the congregational meeting tomorrow. Grow in Grace: We would like to thank Julie Kalman, daughter of Vern and Phyl Hoeksema, for painting the artwork recently hung near the library. Her generous application of time and talent has created this wonderful keepsake for our congregation. Inspired by our 150th Celebrations, her composition captures a cherished benediction and quietly reminds us of our unity in Christ. Nursery Volunteers are needed for Christmas Day! Contact Melanie Russcher at [email protected].
Valet Parking is available for both services at the EAST entrance. Starting 1/2 hour before the service begins, you can bring your car under the canopy, and we'll park it for you. After services, your car will be removed of snow and returned to the canopy area. Questions? Todd Sneller 616-218-2074. Be a Valet Volunteer! Please consider serving as a valet volunteer this winter. More information on the sign-up sheet at the Information Center. Hate driving in the Winter? We'd love to pick you up for worship services! More information and sign up at the Information Center. Love Driving in the Winter? Many would prefer not to. Would you be willing to pick them up? Sign up at the Information Center. College Student Breakfast! Laura would love to take as many of you out to breakfast on Tuesday, December 19, at 10am. Location to be announced. Let me know if you are available to attend. The Social Action Committee requests prayer for non-profit organizations. Pray they may be God’s hands and feet as they serve him. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 Heights of Hope is looking for 17 more individuals to become Allies for our Circles program starting in January. We are looking for people who are willing and able to encourage, listen, and support leaders from our community as they work toward positive life changes. Circles meets on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. Please call or email Tracey Hoesch if you feel a stirring in your spirit to engage with our community in this way! 319-331-0122 or [email protected]. Heights of Hope is also looking for groups willing to provide meals for Circles starting January 16th! To sign up, please visit www.heightsofhope.com/meals. Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Mitten-Plus Drive. We collected amazing 4,678 items and distributed them to 18 agencies. We are grateful for the many hours and efforts that go into this project each year.
Heights of Hope Wishlist: HOH is looking for the following NEW items to be donated for their new community center. If you are interested in donating any of these items, please contact Tim Kraal or one of the deacons: New set of pots & pans Tupperware/Pyrex containers New Printer/Paper Coffee, creamer, sugar, and stir sticks 2-3 Sturdy white folding tables Pop Cans! The Youth Group is still collecting pop cans! Please help by bringing in your rinsed cans. Church Assistance Program. Four out of five adults in the US report constantly or often checking their email, texts and social media accounts. This nonstop use of technology is associated with higher stress levels. Are you feeling pressure to keep up? Is it affecting the quality of your work, relationships and happiness? Free, professional help is available by calling our CAP at 616-455-6210 or 1-800-442-0809. Dates for Your Calendar: December 18 Cadets and GEMS December 25 Christmas Day Service December 27 YG Movie Day January 8 Council Meeting January 8 Cadets & GEMS January 10 Wednesday Family Night January 22 Cadets & GEMS January 24 Wednesday Family Night
NIEKERK STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION PASTOR - John Douma Phone: 616-240-7181 Office Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am Monday–Thursday Email: [email protected] SUMMER ASSOCIATE – Ross Hoekstra Phone: 712-441-8035 Email: [email protected] ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – Julie Mulder Phone: 616-396-4388 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am to 2 pm Email: [email protected] PRAYER COORDINATOR – Brian Bosch Phone: 616-392-8635 Email: [email protected] WORSHIP COORDINATOR – Kristi Driscoll Phone: 616-212-3031 Email: [email protected] YOUTH DIRECTOR: Laura Bosch Phone: 616-510-3029 Email: [email protected] ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR - Jamie Brower Phone: 616-403-9735 Email: [email protected] GENERAL TREASURER – Mike Dozeman Phone: 616-610-2580 Email: [email protected] FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – Kathi Petroelje Phone: 616-481-5289 Email: [email protected] PRAYER LINE: 616-396-2697
**All services are streamed live** **Go to www.niekerkcrc.org under “services” menu**
*O Little Town of Bethlehem (The Glory of Christmas) Welcome to Worship *The Lord’s Greeting *All Is Well ~Little Lambs is dismissed~
Offering: Niekerk Christian Education Fund ~PLEASE SIGN AND PASS THE FELLOWSHIP REGISTER~
Prayer *Angels We Have Heard On High Children’s Message Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (page 440) Message: “Underrated in Bethlehem” Prayer of Application *Hark! The Herald Angels Sing *God’s Blessing *Once in Royal David’s City – Gray Hymnal 346:1-4 *Postlude * Invites those who are able to stand Worship Participants: Pastor John Douma Organist – Karen Lucas Pianist – Laura Elzinga
WORSHIP SERVICE NOTES Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. This evening we welcome Pastor Ren Broekhuizen back to our pulpit. Next Sunday, Pastor John will lead us in worship in both our morning and evening services.
Evening Worship Service – 6:00 pm Prelude Welcome to Worship *The Lord’s Greeting *O Come, All Ye Faithful – Gray Hymnal 340 *Angels from the Realms of Glory – Gray Hymnal 354 Scripture: Luke 2:2-14 (page 1593) Message: “Great Joy” Prayer of Application *Joy to the World! – Gray Hymnal 337 *Holy Is the Lord *Rejoice the Lord is King – Gray Hymnal 408 Offering: Niekerk Christian Education Fund ~PLEASE SIGN AND PASS THE FELLOWSHIP REGISTER~
Prayer *Good Christian Friends, Rejoice *God’s Blessing Shout to the Lord *Postlude * Invites those who are able to stand Worship Participants: Pastor Ren Broekhuizen Organist – Karen Lucas Pianist – Laura Elzinga
Advent Celebration Series. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one big story, the story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. From Adam and Eve to the great King David and the prophets of Israel, every story points to a Child, the one upon whom everything would depend. This advent season we celebrate that story.
Deacons’ Offering Report: Loose money in today’s offering is for the Niekerk Christian Education Fund. Next week’s offering is for the Holland Deacon’s Conference. Last week’s envelope collections totaled $12,231. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness! Nursery Attendants: THANK YOU! Today: AM Anita Windemuller, Steve, Lisa & Cody Kragt PM Kim Walters & Kathie Helder Next Week: AM Laura J Bosch, Leah Douma, Marcy Brower, Lori & Ashley Klaasen PM Jan Hop & Brenda Van Dyke Little Lambs: “Christmas” —Lora, Bethany & Kimberly Van Houten Advance Notice: We will not be having Little Lambs next Sunday, December 17. Catechism: The 4th through 12th grade classes will meet in En Gedi. Sunday School meets in the All Purpose Room.
THIS WEEK AT NIEKERK Today
9:30 AM 10:45 AM 10:45 AM 6:00 PM Monday 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM Wednesday 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Friday 9:00 AM
Morning Worship Morning Fellowship Catechism & Sunday School Evening Worship Congregational Meeting GEMS Order Pickup Craft Day Wednesday Family Night Awakening Hand2Hand Packing
YOUTH MINISTRIES Christmas Party! We will be having our Christmas Party following the WFN meal in En Gedi from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Wednesday, December 13. See you all there! Boston Mission Trip! We are excited to announce that the Youth Group and their leaders will be heading to Boston for our 2018 mission trip! Sign up today!
OUR CHURCH FAMILY Happy birthday to Nonie Rietman! She will be 87 years old on Friday. Her favorite verse is, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
ANNOUNCEMENTS Niekerk News Reminder. It’s that time again to gather information for the January 2018 newsletter. Please submit reports, thank you notes, volunteer lists and all other news by next Sunday, December 17. The Niekerk News mailboxes are located in the bottom right hand corner of each mailbox section or send an email to [email protected]. Thank you! The church will be locked after the morning worship service and will be reopened at 4:30pm. Absentee Ballots are available at the Information Center for those who cannot make the congregational meeting tomorrow. Vote, place your ballot in an envelope, write your name on the outside of the envelope and place it in the designated box. Please remember to pick up your GEMS meat orders tomorrow night prior to and after the congregational meeting. Thank you again for supporting our fundraiser! Proposal to Sell/Demolish the Niekerk Parsonage. In your mailbox there was information regarding a proposal to sell/demolish the Niekerk parsonage. There will be a vote on this proposal at the congregational meeting tomorrow. Grow in Grace: We would like to thank Julie Kalman, daughter of Vern and Phyl Hoeksema, for painting the artwork recently hung near the library. Her generous application of time and talent has created this wonderful keepsake for our congregation. Inspired by our 150th Celebrations, her composition captures a cherished benediction and quietly reminds us of our unity in Christ. Nursery Volunteers are needed for Christmas Day! Contact Melanie Russcher at [email protected].
Valet Parking is available for both services at the EAST entrance. Starting 1/2 hour before the service begins, you can bring your car under the canopy, and we'll park it for you. After services, your car will be removed of snow and returned to the canopy area. Questions? Todd Sneller 616-218-2074. Be a Valet Volunteer! Please consider serving as a valet volunteer this winter. More information on the sign-up sheet at the Information Center. Hate driving in the Winter? We'd love to pick you up for worship services! More information and sign up at the Information Center. Love Driving in the Winter? Many would prefer not to. Would you be willing to pick them up? Sign up at the Information Center. College Student Breakfast! Laura would love to take as many of you out to breakfast on Tuesday, December 19, at 10am. Location to be announced. Let me know if you are available to attend. The Social Action Committee requests prayer for non-profit organizations. Pray they may be God’s hands and feet as they serve him. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 Heights of Hope is looking for 17 more individuals to become Allies for our Circles program starting in January. We are looking for people who are willing and able to encourage, listen, and support leaders from our community as they work toward positive life changes. Circles meets on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. Please call or email Tracey Hoesch if you feel a stirring in your spirit to engage with our community in this way! 319-331-0122 or [email protected]. Heights of Hope is also looking for groups willing to provide meals for Circles starting January 16th! To sign up, please visit www.heightsofhope.com/meals. Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Mitten-Plus Drive. We collected amazing 4,678 items and distributed them to 18 agencies. We are grateful for the many hours and efforts that go into this project each year.
Heights of Hope Wishlist: HOH is looking for the following NEW items to be donated for their new community center. If you are interested in donating any of these items, please contact Tim Kraal or one of the deacons: New set of pots & pans Tupperware/Pyrex containers New Printer/Paper Coffee, creamer, sugar, and stir sticks 2-3 Sturdy white folding tables Pop Cans! The Youth Group is still collecting pop cans! Please help by bringing in your rinsed cans. Church Assistance Program. Four out of five adults in the US report constantly or often checking their email, texts and social media accounts. This nonstop use of technology is associated with higher stress levels. Are you feeling pressure to keep up? Is it affecting the quality of your work, relationships and happiness? Free, professional help is available by calling our CAP at 616-455-6210 or 1-800-442-0809. Dates for Your Calendar: December 18 Cadets and GEMS December 25 Christmas Day Service December 27 YG Movie Day January 8 Council Meeting January 8 Cadets & GEMS January 10 Wednesday Family Night January 22 Cadets & GEMS January 24 Wednesday Family Night
NIEKERK STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION PASTOR - John Douma Phone: 616-240-7181 Office Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am Monday–Thursday Email: [email protected] SUMMER ASSOCIATE – Ross Hoekstra Phone: 712-441-8035 Email: [email protected] ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – Julie Mulder Phone: 616-396-4388 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am to 2 pm Email: [email protected] PRAYER COORDINATOR – Brian Bosch Phone: 616-392-8635 Email: [email protected] WORSHIP COORDINATOR – Kristi Driscoll Phone: 616-212-3031 Email: [email protected] YOUTH DIRECTOR: Laura Bosch Phone: 616-510-3029 Email: [email protected] ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR - Jamie Brower Phone: 616-403-9735 Email: [email protected] GENERAL TREASURER – Mike Dozeman Phone: 616-610-2580 Email: [email protected] FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – Kathi Petroelje Phone: 616-481-5289 Email: [email protected] PRAYER LINE: 616-396-2697
**All services are streamed live** **Go to www.niekerkcrc.org under “services” menu**
