As we open our hearts to God, may we extend our hands in friendship to one another. May all who have come to worship know that they’re sincerely welcomed in this house of God. Be of good cheer!
Message: Put On A Heart Of Gold
Scripture: Eph. 4:32-5:2
Offering: General Fund
May 1, 2016
Prayer Requests:
This week we are asked to pray for Pastor John and Jean VanHemert, Roland and Esther Vanden Bos, Len and Terry Vander Woude, Don and Tena Vanderpol. Suggestions for prayers would be for their spiritual growth, opportunities to see Christ in their everyday life, and anything else that God puts on your mind for them.
Announcements:
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper today. As we take this supper, we remember that Jesus Christ graciously gives us the most important of all things. It is something money cannot buy—eternal life and forgiveness of sin. May you receive today what He wishes to give to you. The bread we use is allergen free and contains no wheat, dairy, nuts or soy. However, it may contain egg.
Hospitality is hoping to have gluten free crackers and cookies each Sunday available during the social time after the service. The goodies will be on the left cart in front of the window and will have a notice that it is gluten free.
Following the service this morning there will be a congregational meeting in the sanctuary. The deacons will be giving a financial report and we will be voting on the Covenant Contract that was provided last Sunday. Copies of the Covenant are available this morning on the information stand in the foyer.
This Wednesday is our monthly “day of prayer” and everyone is encouraged to take an hour and spend it in prayer, even if you have not signed up for a specific time. A list of suggested prayers is enclosed in today’s bulletin.
Our sermon next Sunday will be “The Meaning of the Ascension,” based on Luke 24:50-53. Everyone is encouraged to prepare their heart for the message. The monthly sermon topics with scripture are listed each month in the Heartbeat.
The following members are being presented by the council as slate of candidates for Elders and Deacons: Elders—Faye Hop, Joe Pruitt and Don Recker; for Deacons—Lisa DeSalvo, Elaine Snapper and Terry Vander Woude. Today at the Congregational meeting the church family will be asked to cast their vote whether or not to accept the names as presented by council. On May 15th we will draw lots and the Holy Spirit will select our next Elders and Deacons. We give thanks to Mark Ruiter and Brian Koning for their service as Elders and to Christine Speyer and Connie Knutson for their service as Deacons.
Servants Next Sunday, May 8: Greeters: Lou and Evelyn Kooistra; Nursery: Avis Kaemingk and Esther VandenBos; Snacks: Joanne Schultz and Jolene Skovron; Ushers: Joe Pruitt and Len Vander Woude; Prayer Room: Lorraine Brouwer; Sunday school: Diane Button, Ida Richards, Herm and Ali Laninga; Children and Worship: Rosa McAlister and Amber Obbink.
CHURCH HISTORY WORKSHOP: Please come to this 3rd event in the Vitality Pathway for Congregational Renewal on Sunday evening, May 15th. Our start time has changed to 5:00 pm to include another yummy soup potluck, and childcare will be provided. In the workshop, from 6:00 till 8:00, we’ll be discussing our church history, asking attendees to reminisce about the good events and the difficult events of each decade in our congregation’s history. After creating a by-the-decades chart of these events, we will then invite all present to reflect on any patterns, both good and bad, that emerge. We will also talk about how to sustain the healthy trends and steps we could take to mitigate and stop the difficulties. Please plan on coming and mark your calendars now.
Volunteers are needed to bring a pot of soup or dessert to the potluck on May 15th. Please let the church office or Terry Vander Woude know if you are willing to bring either item. Rolls and beverages will be provided.
Time to clean out the closets and garage for a fundraiser to help the Konings with their adoption of a boy from China. The event has been set for July 22/23 and donations may be placed in the first and middle portables. Brian and Melissa are also taking reservations for your family to schedule a photo shoot. See the Heartbeat for more information.
Cascade Family Bible Camp is scheduled for July 7-11. Warm Beach Camp offers campsites, cabins, and lodge rooms. You can enjoy the buffet in the dining hall or cook over an open fire. Registration forms are available online at www.cascadefamilybiblecamp.org. First-time registrants will receive 50 percent off registration. Speakers include Jon Brown, Grant Vanderhoak and Geoff Van Dragt.
Join churches in the Lynden area on Thursday, May 5, as they unite with one voice in worship on the National Day of Prayer at First Reformed Church, 610 Grover St. The combined service will be led by YWAM North Cascades starting at 6:30 p.m. and include prayers for our community and our nation. For more information, call 354-4221 or e-mail Mike@LyndenFRC.org.
The May issue of The Heartbeat, our monthly newsletter, is available this morning. It has also been posted to the church’s website.
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