faith christian reformed church
December 4, 2016 MORNING WORSHIP – 9:30 AM God Calls Us to Worship Prelude Welcome Advent Reading and Candle Lighting: *God’s Greeting *Song of Advent: #133 (WC)
Isaiah 11:1-6 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
God Renews Us By Grace Confession of Our Sin and Assurance of God’s Grace Congregational Prayer *Song of Worship: #67 (LH) “Blessed Be the God of Israel” (children ages 3 - Kindergarten are dismissed for Children’s Church)
Offertory Prayer Offering:
Faith Promise Missionaries
God Speaks to Us Through His Word Scripture: Sermon: Prayer
Romans 15:4-13 (p. 1125) CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON THE WAY! God Reveals His Grace in the Lord’s Supper
*Song of Worship: Meaning & Celebration of Communion Song of Worship: #198 (WC)
“Jesus Messiah” “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”
(this song will be sung during the passing of the wine)
Song of Praise:
“Rejoice” (A Christmas Song)
(during this song an offering for our Benevolent Fund will be taken—as God has met us in our need, God’s people meet others in their need!)
God Blesses Us to Bless Others *Benediction *Doxology: Postlude
“Gloria”
LEADING US IN WORSHIP Worship Leader & Sermon: Pastor Greg Schuringa Congregational Prayer: Jim Engel Advent Readers: Jonathan & Chelsea Barney Guitars: Matt Bulthuis, Mike Printz *Please stand if you are able
Organ: Donna Erdman Piano: Jan Slinkman Violin: Kristen Voss
(PH-Psalter Hymnal; WC-Worshiping Church)
EVENING WORSHIP – 6:00 PM We Enter His Presence Prelude *Welcome and God’s Greeting *Song of Praise: #161 (WC) *Profession of Faith: Song of Mary: #332 (PH) Prayer *Song of Worship: Offertory Prayer Offering:
“Once in Royal David’s City” Apostles’ Creed (p. 3 in the back of the PH) “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” “Your Name” (Christmas version) Faith GEMS Girl’s Club We Listen
Scripture: Sermon: Prayer
Luke 1:46-56 (p. 1013) MAGNIFYING GOD BECAUSE CHRIST IS WITHIN US We Are Sent to Serve
*Song of Response: #169 (WC) *Benediction *Doxology: #155:4 (WC) Postlude
LEADING US IN WORSHIP Worship Leader & Sermon: Piano: Guitar: *Please stand if you are able
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Pastor Greg Schuringa Jan Slinkman Matt Bulthuis (PH-Psalter Hymnal; WC-Worshiping Church)
TODAY AT FAITH Today we continue to worship in the time of year the church calls “Advent.” Advent means “coming” and we together anticipate Christ’s coming as we gather these Sundays. In the morning message we see from Romans 15:4-13 how there are Christmas presents on the way for all God’s people—four gifts to open and experience. Also this morning we have an opportunity to celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Communion. In our Communion celebration at Faith, first the bread and then the wine will be distributed by our elders. As Jesus unites all believers through His work, we will eat and drink each element in unison, when indicated by the pastor. For those who prefer grape juice instead of wine, it can be found at the center of each tray. If you are a guest this morning, and a professing member of Jesus in another Bible-believing church, you are welcome to join us at the Lord’s Table today. This evening our prayer series Drawing Near continues as we focus on the first of three songs that are prayers in Luke as he gives his inspired account of Christ’s birth. We begin with Mary’s Song and see how we, like Mary, can magnify the Lord because of Christ within us! OFFERINGS Today: AM: Faith Promise Missionaries. PM: Faith GEMS. December 11: AM: Timothy Tuition Assistance Fund. PM: Faith Benevolent Fund. December 18: AM: Faith General Fund. PM: Humboldt Community Christian School. December 25: AM: All God’s Children. 2017 Giving Envelope Boxes: In an effort to reduce waste and lower costs the deacons would like to give the congregation the option to “Opt Out” of their annual member giving envelopes. If you no longer want to receive an envelope box please add your name to the signup sheet located in the back of the sanctuary or contact the office. You can continue to specify what cause you would like to donate to by writing it on the memo line of your personal checks and/or by signing up for online giving at faithelmhurst.org/give. Many have already signed up, but if you’re not sure if you have, just sign up again. If you would like to continue to receive the boxes then no action is necessary. Thank you! PRAYER & PRAISE If you have prayer needs, please visit room 1 on the north side of the sanctuary after the morning service. Our Faith Promise Missionaries of the month are Mike & Ardy Meekhof, who serve in Zuni, New Mexico. They can be reached at Box 445, Zuni, NM 87327 or [email protected]. Please remember them in your prayers throughout December. Jim Decker went to be with his Lord last Sunday. We extend our Christian sympathy to his wife Linda and family. A funeral service was held at Faith on Friday. Congratulations to Paul & Michelle Boonstra on the birth of their son, Aaron Paul, born Friday, November 25.
Remember to pray for those who are unable to join us in worship. Today we think of Grace Bolt who lives in Saratoga Grove Retirement Home. Pastor Lanser will return to the office on Monday following his vacation. ANNOUNCEMENTS Are you interested in joining a small group? Participating in a small group is an excellent way to grow your faith and get to know others in our church. Our small group committee would love to help you find a group, or possibly even start a new one! Please contact Chuck Slinkman at 708-343-1962 if you would like more information on joining or starting a group here at Faith. The next Senior’s Bible study will be this Tuesday, December 6 at 1:15 PM. We’ll be studying Exodus 15-18 (Lesson 5 in the study guide). Please note that this will be our only meeting in the months of December & January; we’ll resume our study in February. Creative Connections will be held this Thursday, December 8 from 6:30 9:30 PM. We will be making a wooden slat Christmas tree with the painted words "For unto us a child is born." You are also more than welcome to bring your own craft you have been working on and join us for an evening of fellowship. For more information please contact Susan Middel, 630-6562801 or [email protected]. The Cadet Breakfast is Saturday, December 10 from 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Come out and join us for fellowship and good food. Donations will be accepted but are not required. Attention Christmas Choir & Instruments – We have two rehearsals planned for both groups, in addition to Christmas morning before the worship service. We need everyone at all the rehearsals to ensure getting it done and ready. Rehearsals for the Choir will be on Sundays, December 11 & 18 immediately following morning worship. Instruments will rehearse on Saturday, December 10 at 10:30 AM at church (notice the date change) and on Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 PM. Both groups will rehearse before the service on Christmas Day! The congregation is invited to pick a paper ornament from The Giving Tree/Angel Tree in the Fellowship Hall today. On the ornament will be listed a gift need. Please register your chosen tag with a volunteer or by signing your name on the appropriate sheet. Please purchase the listed item, wrap the gift and tape the paper ornament to the package. Please return the present to the Giving Tree/Angel Tree next Sunday, by the morning service of December 11. Volunteers will distribute the gifts before Christmas. If you have any questions you may contact Karen Folkerts (Angel Tree) 630-9328534 or Judy Bronger (Giving Tree) 630-665-9422. Angel Tree Party! We’ll be having an Angel Tree Party here at church at 2:30 PM on Sunday, December 11. The children who will receive the Angel Tree gifts donated by our congregation have been invited to come and join us in decorating cookies, singing Christmas songs, and hearing the Christmas story. Come and share in this time of celebration with families facing a difficult holiday season! We are collecting socks, underwear, hats, & gloves, for both men & women in all sizes, for PADS (ministry to the homeless) through the end of December. Donations can be placed in the PADS box in the Fellowship Hall.
The congregation is invited to decorate The Giving Tree/Angel Tree with children’s book and mittens, gloves and hats for ages 7 and 8. Suggested age appropriate books would be “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, “Wimpy Kids” series, etc. Also helpful would be work books in math, vocabulary and cursive writing as well as Flash Cards for addition and subtraction. These unwrapped items may be placed on or under the tree on Sunday, December 11. Save the Date: Join the Women’s Bible Study as they make dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 PM. No sewing skills are required. More information will be coming soon. All God's Children, Service Opportunity: January 28 - February 4, 2017. How would you like to Experience Gods Word, Express Gods Love and Equip Gods People in a personal way! We will have many opportunities to do just that while serving the children and the ministries of All God’s Children in Comayagua, Honduras. Please prayerfully consider joining us for a week of fellowship and service. Please feel free to contact Bob Loerop, 630-988-2625 or [email protected] for details, questions or concerns. YOUTH NEWS The Gathering Christmas Party: Join us for dinner and celebration tonight from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, and bring a white elephant gift! Cadets & Jr. Cadets will meet at church on Wednesday, December 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. We will be making plans for the Cadet Breakfast on Saturday, December 10. The following shifts are available to work: 7:00 8:00 AM, 8:00 - 9:30 AM, & 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Elmhurst Youth Groups' Christmas Bash: All students 6-12th grade are invited to join us on December 9, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, for one huge blast of a Christmas celebration with four other Elmhurst church youth ministries at Redeemer Center (345 S. Kenilworth) in Elmhurst. Rogue One with The Gathering: Join us on Friday, December 16 at 8:00 PM to see the new Star Wars movie on opening day at AMC Yorktown, Lombard. Cost: $10. Please RSVP—spaces limited! Asylum: Middle Schoolers are invited to join us on select Fridays at church for games, Bible study and small groups. Our next meeting will be January 13. Asylum Winter Retreat - save the date: January 27-29 at Dickson Valley Camp, IL. The Gathering Winter Retreat Save the Date: February 17-20 at Silver Birch Ranch, WI. Dare-2-Share Save the Date: Asylum students invited to join us on March 3-4. Details to follow. January – July 2017 The Asylum/Gathering Calendar is available! VBS Save the Date: Join us to learn about the Maker’s Fun Factory on June 12-15!
STEPHEN MINISTRY “Pray Continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
THIS WEEK AT FAITH TODAY Children’s Church will meet during the second half of morning worship. Sunday School & Catechism will meet from 10:45 – 11:45 AM. The Sermon Discussion Group will meet 15 minutes after the morning service in room 4/5. The Missions Committee will meet at 10:50 AM in the Choir room. MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 The Executive Committee will meet at 6:30 PM. The Deacons will meet at 6:30 PM. The Elders will meet at 7:00 PM. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Senior Bible Study will meet at 1:15 PM. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Men’s Prayer Group will meet from 7:00 - 8:00 AM. Bible Study Fellowship will meet at 9:15 AM. Cadets & Jr. Cadets will meet from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at church. Men’s Bible Study will meet at 7:00 PM. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Mom2Mom will meet at 9:00 AM. Creative Connections will meet at 6:30 PM. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Youth Christmas Party will meet at 6:00 PM at the Redeemer Center in Elmhurst. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Angel Tree Christmas Party at 2:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All gifts need to be returned to church by 11:00 AM. SERVING FAITH CHURCH Welcome Center: Pete Holtrop Next Week: Jack Vos Saratoga Driver: Randy Van Dahm Next Week: Marv Tazelaar Kitchen: Gary & Lisa Vander Naald*, Byron & Cathy Plate Next Week: Bob & Linda Loerop*, Valerie Hoving, Mary Huizinga Coffee Servers: Harry & Alida Boerman Next Week: Jack & Marlene Vos Library: Nancy Boer, Sharon Herlien Next Week: Jeri Cook, Laura Miller Audio Visual: Steve De Boer, Mike Speelman, Ryan De Boer Next Week: Todd Lindemulder, Mary Huizinga, Jonah Vander Naald Infant Nursery: Trudy Voss, Kelli Van Dahm Next Week: Allison Sowers, Valerie Hoving Toddler Nursery: Cathy Canelos, Nicole Huizinga, Savannah Baron Next Week: Mindy Slinkman, Mary Huizinga PM Nursery: Joy Koopmans, Sarah Schuringa Next Week: Joy Koopmans
Isaiah 11:1-6 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
God Renews Us By Grace Confession of Our Sin and Assurance of God’s Grace Congregational Prayer *Song of Worship: #67 (LH) “Blessed Be the God of Israel” (children ages 3 - Kindergarten are dismissed for Children’s Church)
Offertory Prayer Offering:
Faith Promise Missionaries
God Speaks to Us Through His Word Scripture: Sermon: Prayer
Romans 15:4-13 (p. 1125) CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON THE WAY! God Reveals His Grace in the Lord’s Supper
*Song of Worship: Meaning & Celebration of Communion Song of Worship: #198 (WC)
“Jesus Messiah” “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”
(this song will be sung during the passing of the wine)
Song of Praise:
“Rejoice” (A Christmas Song)
(during this song an offering for our Benevolent Fund will be taken—as God has met us in our need, God’s people meet others in their need!)
God Blesses Us to Bless Others *Benediction *Doxology: Postlude
“Gloria”
LEADING US IN WORSHIP Worship Leader & Sermon: Pastor Greg Schuringa Congregational Prayer: Jim Engel Advent Readers: Jonathan & Chelsea Barney Guitars: Matt Bulthuis, Mike Printz *Please stand if you are able
Organ: Donna Erdman Piano: Jan Slinkman Violin: Kristen Voss
(PH-Psalter Hymnal; WC-Worshiping Church)
EVENING WORSHIP – 6:00 PM We Enter His Presence Prelude *Welcome and God’s Greeting *Song of Praise: #161 (WC) *Profession of Faith: Song of Mary: #332 (PH) Prayer *Song of Worship: Offertory Prayer Offering:
“Once in Royal David’s City” Apostles’ Creed (p. 3 in the back of the PH) “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” “Your Name” (Christmas version) Faith GEMS Girl’s Club We Listen
Scripture: Sermon: Prayer
Luke 1:46-56 (p. 1013) MAGNIFYING GOD BECAUSE CHRIST IS WITHIN US We Are Sent to Serve
*Song of Response: #169 (WC) *Benediction *Doxology: #155:4 (WC) Postlude
LEADING US IN WORSHIP Worship Leader & Sermon: Piano: Guitar: *Please stand if you are able
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Pastor Greg Schuringa Jan Slinkman Matt Bulthuis (PH-Psalter Hymnal; WC-Worshiping Church)
TODAY AT FAITH Today we continue to worship in the time of year the church calls “Advent.” Advent means “coming” and we together anticipate Christ’s coming as we gather these Sundays. In the morning message we see from Romans 15:4-13 how there are Christmas presents on the way for all God’s people—four gifts to open and experience. Also this morning we have an opportunity to celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Communion. In our Communion celebration at Faith, first the bread and then the wine will be distributed by our elders. As Jesus unites all believers through His work, we will eat and drink each element in unison, when indicated by the pastor. For those who prefer grape juice instead of wine, it can be found at the center of each tray. If you are a guest this morning, and a professing member of Jesus in another Bible-believing church, you are welcome to join us at the Lord’s Table today. This evening our prayer series Drawing Near continues as we focus on the first of three songs that are prayers in Luke as he gives his inspired account of Christ’s birth. We begin with Mary’s Song and see how we, like Mary, can magnify the Lord because of Christ within us! OFFERINGS Today: AM: Faith Promise Missionaries. PM: Faith GEMS. December 11: AM: Timothy Tuition Assistance Fund. PM: Faith Benevolent Fund. December 18: AM: Faith General Fund. PM: Humboldt Community Christian School. December 25: AM: All God’s Children. 2017 Giving Envelope Boxes: In an effort to reduce waste and lower costs the deacons would like to give the congregation the option to “Opt Out” of their annual member giving envelopes. If you no longer want to receive an envelope box please add your name to the signup sheet located in the back of the sanctuary or contact the office. You can continue to specify what cause you would like to donate to by writing it on the memo line of your personal checks and/or by signing up for online giving at faithelmhurst.org/give. Many have already signed up, but if you’re not sure if you have, just sign up again. If you would like to continue to receive the boxes then no action is necessary. Thank you! PRAYER & PRAISE If you have prayer needs, please visit room 1 on the north side of the sanctuary after the morning service. Our Faith Promise Missionaries of the month are Mike & Ardy Meekhof, who serve in Zuni, New Mexico. They can be reached at Box 445, Zuni, NM 87327 or [email protected]. Please remember them in your prayers throughout December. Jim Decker went to be with his Lord last Sunday. We extend our Christian sympathy to his wife Linda and family. A funeral service was held at Faith on Friday. Congratulations to Paul & Michelle Boonstra on the birth of their son, Aaron Paul, born Friday, November 25.
Remember to pray for those who are unable to join us in worship. Today we think of Grace Bolt who lives in Saratoga Grove Retirement Home. Pastor Lanser will return to the office on Monday following his vacation. ANNOUNCEMENTS Are you interested in joining a small group? Participating in a small group is an excellent way to grow your faith and get to know others in our church. Our small group committee would love to help you find a group, or possibly even start a new one! Please contact Chuck Slinkman at 708-343-1962 if you would like more information on joining or starting a group here at Faith. The next Senior’s Bible study will be this Tuesday, December 6 at 1:15 PM. We’ll be studying Exodus 15-18 (Lesson 5 in the study guide). Please note that this will be our only meeting in the months of December & January; we’ll resume our study in February. Creative Connections will be held this Thursday, December 8 from 6:30 9:30 PM. We will be making a wooden slat Christmas tree with the painted words "For unto us a child is born." You are also more than welcome to bring your own craft you have been working on and join us for an evening of fellowship. For more information please contact Susan Middel, 630-6562801 or [email protected]. The Cadet Breakfast is Saturday, December 10 from 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Come out and join us for fellowship and good food. Donations will be accepted but are not required. Attention Christmas Choir & Instruments – We have two rehearsals planned for both groups, in addition to Christmas morning before the worship service. We need everyone at all the rehearsals to ensure getting it done and ready. Rehearsals for the Choir will be on Sundays, December 11 & 18 immediately following morning worship. Instruments will rehearse on Saturday, December 10 at 10:30 AM at church (notice the date change) and on Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 PM. Both groups will rehearse before the service on Christmas Day! The congregation is invited to pick a paper ornament from The Giving Tree/Angel Tree in the Fellowship Hall today. On the ornament will be listed a gift need. Please register your chosen tag with a volunteer or by signing your name on the appropriate sheet. Please purchase the listed item, wrap the gift and tape the paper ornament to the package. Please return the present to the Giving Tree/Angel Tree next Sunday, by the morning service of December 11. Volunteers will distribute the gifts before Christmas. If you have any questions you may contact Karen Folkerts (Angel Tree) 630-9328534 or Judy Bronger (Giving Tree) 630-665-9422. Angel Tree Party! We’ll be having an Angel Tree Party here at church at 2:30 PM on Sunday, December 11. The children who will receive the Angel Tree gifts donated by our congregation have been invited to come and join us in decorating cookies, singing Christmas songs, and hearing the Christmas story. Come and share in this time of celebration with families facing a difficult holiday season! We are collecting socks, underwear, hats, & gloves, for both men & women in all sizes, for PADS (ministry to the homeless) through the end of December. Donations can be placed in the PADS box in the Fellowship Hall.
The congregation is invited to decorate The Giving Tree/Angel Tree with children’s book and mittens, gloves and hats for ages 7 and 8. Suggested age appropriate books would be “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, “Wimpy Kids” series, etc. Also helpful would be work books in math, vocabulary and cursive writing as well as Flash Cards for addition and subtraction. These unwrapped items may be placed on or under the tree on Sunday, December 11. Save the Date: Join the Women’s Bible Study as they make dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 PM. No sewing skills are required. More information will be coming soon. All God's Children, Service Opportunity: January 28 - February 4, 2017. How would you like to Experience Gods Word, Express Gods Love and Equip Gods People in a personal way! We will have many opportunities to do just that while serving the children and the ministries of All God’s Children in Comayagua, Honduras. Please prayerfully consider joining us for a week of fellowship and service. Please feel free to contact Bob Loerop, 630-988-2625 or [email protected] for details, questions or concerns. YOUTH NEWS The Gathering Christmas Party: Join us for dinner and celebration tonight from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, and bring a white elephant gift! Cadets & Jr. Cadets will meet at church on Wednesday, December 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. We will be making plans for the Cadet Breakfast on Saturday, December 10. The following shifts are available to work: 7:00 8:00 AM, 8:00 - 9:30 AM, & 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Elmhurst Youth Groups' Christmas Bash: All students 6-12th grade are invited to join us on December 9, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, for one huge blast of a Christmas celebration with four other Elmhurst church youth ministries at Redeemer Center (345 S. Kenilworth) in Elmhurst. Rogue One with The Gathering: Join us on Friday, December 16 at 8:00 PM to see the new Star Wars movie on opening day at AMC Yorktown, Lombard. Cost: $10. Please RSVP—spaces limited! Asylum: Middle Schoolers are invited to join us on select Fridays at church for games, Bible study and small groups. Our next meeting will be January 13. Asylum Winter Retreat - save the date: January 27-29 at Dickson Valley Camp, IL. The Gathering Winter Retreat Save the Date: February 17-20 at Silver Birch Ranch, WI. Dare-2-Share Save the Date: Asylum students invited to join us on March 3-4. Details to follow. January – July 2017 The Asylum/Gathering Calendar is available! VBS Save the Date: Join us to learn about the Maker’s Fun Factory on June 12-15!
STEPHEN MINISTRY “Pray Continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
THIS WEEK AT FAITH TODAY Children’s Church will meet during the second half of morning worship. Sunday School & Catechism will meet from 10:45 – 11:45 AM. The Sermon Discussion Group will meet 15 minutes after the morning service in room 4/5. The Missions Committee will meet at 10:50 AM in the Choir room. MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 The Executive Committee will meet at 6:30 PM. The Deacons will meet at 6:30 PM. The Elders will meet at 7:00 PM. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Senior Bible Study will meet at 1:15 PM. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Men’s Prayer Group will meet from 7:00 - 8:00 AM. Bible Study Fellowship will meet at 9:15 AM. Cadets & Jr. Cadets will meet from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at church. Men’s Bible Study will meet at 7:00 PM. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Mom2Mom will meet at 9:00 AM. Creative Connections will meet at 6:30 PM. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Youth Christmas Party will meet at 6:00 PM at the Redeemer Center in Elmhurst. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Angel Tree Christmas Party at 2:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All gifts need to be returned to church by 11:00 AM. SERVING FAITH CHURCH Welcome Center: Pete Holtrop Next Week: Jack Vos Saratoga Driver: Randy Van Dahm Next Week: Marv Tazelaar Kitchen: Gary & Lisa Vander Naald*, Byron & Cathy Plate Next Week: Bob & Linda Loerop*, Valerie Hoving, Mary Huizinga Coffee Servers: Harry & Alida Boerman Next Week: Jack & Marlene Vos Library: Nancy Boer, Sharon Herlien Next Week: Jeri Cook, Laura Miller Audio Visual: Steve De Boer, Mike Speelman, Ryan De Boer Next Week: Todd Lindemulder, Mary Huizinga, Jonah Vander Naald Infant Nursery: Trudy Voss, Kelli Van Dahm Next Week: Allison Sowers, Valerie Hoving Toddler Nursery: Cathy Canelos, Nicole Huizinga, Savannah Baron Next Week: Mindy Slinkman, Mary Huizinga PM Nursery: Joy Koopmans, Sarah Schuringa Next Week: Joy Koopmans
