MORNING WORSHIP

December 13, 2009 9:15 AM

Third Sunday in Advent
Joy to the World / Unspeakable Joy
Angels from the Realms of Glory (#174)
Joy to the World / Unspeakable Joy
Litany for the Third Sunday in Advent (responsive)
L: Therefore the Lord will give you a sign:
C: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him
Emmanuel. (Isa. 7:14)
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His
shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign
on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with
justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:6-7)
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a
virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Rejoice, highly
favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this
might be. But the angel said to her…
“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child
and give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most high. The Lord God will
give Him the throne of His father David.
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.”
(Luke 1:26-33)
We light these candles in celebration. The angel of the Lord according to the
Word of God bought the message as recorded in the prophets in fulfillment of
the Lord’s will to Mary of Nazareth in Galilee.
May we know the blessedness of the Holy Spirit, trusting that nothing is
impossible with God, in our celebration of Jesus’ birth and being born again.
Ministry of Music – Children’s Choir
Now It is Christmas Time

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 Bells on a Silent Night
Piece of Peace: Forgiveness
Prayers of Thanks and Petition
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (#135)
[Children may move to their worship area.]
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (#140)
Luke 1:26-38
ANGELS! ANGELS! ANGELS!
An Angel is Sent to a Teenage Virgin Woman
Pastor Perry De Groot
Crown Him With Many Crowns
[Please pass the Friendship Pads from
one end of the pew to the other and back.]
The Lord’s Blessing
Doxology (#809)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Children’s Worship theme: Meeting the Christ Child
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome. . . Advent means “coming.” Since the advent season reflects wholly
upon the Christ event, it has little meaning apart from the celebrating of
Christmas.

Following the service, elders will be available for prayer. If you have a praise,
a need, or a question of a spiritual nature, the elders invite you to meet with them
in the Prayer Room (across from the Fireside Room, north side, first floor).
The cry room is located by the north entrance to the sanctuary. Nursery
facilities are located at the south end of the Education Unit, lower level.
Music sheets on the black stands at each entrance will be used in the
upcoming worship hour.

BROADCASTS
Radio – Sundays, 9:15 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. (KSOU – 93.9 FM)
Cable TV – Tuesdays & Fridays, 7:00 p.m. (Channel 3 or 12)
Web site address: www.frcoc.org

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 VERSE OF THE MONTH
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
8:50 AM, Chapel – Children’s Choir rehearsal
9:00 AM, Prayer Room – The “Prayer Huddle” with pastors and elders –
Anyone is welcome to gather for this special time of intercession.
9:15 AM, Sanctuary – Corporate Worship – The Youth Worship Team leads
us today in praise to God. Pastor Perry continues exploring the role of angels in
the events of Jesus’ birth.
10:45 AM – Sunday School/Disciples’ Journey – See the ivory insert for
updated information. A new opportunity begins today.
2 PM, Sanctuary – Christmas Festival Orchestra rehearsal – This is the
final rehearsal. Next Sunday morning, December 20th, we will play in the worship
hour. NEED: Are there any trumpeters who would be willing to join us? There is
a place for you in the orchestra.
6:10 PM, Lower Level, Center Section – Cherub Choir rehearsal
6:30 PM, Sanctuary – Corporate Worship – Tonight the worshipers choose
the opening hymns and give prayer requests. The Cherub Choir sings praises to
God and Pastor Stan unwraps more of God’s riches given to us in Jesus.

SERVING US TODAY
GREETERS: 8:55 AM – Trevor Starkweather/Tyler Zeutenhorst-N, Aud &
Donna Van Peursem-NW, Lyle & Mary Lundgren-S, Jessica Locker/ Raquel
Rowenhorst-SW; 6:15 PM -Vi Block-N, Jim & Leanne Bonnecroy-S
USHERS: Shelby Baker, Malea Beeson, Davis Bloemendaal, Sarah
Bomgaars, Sam Bonnecroy, Jacob Solsma, Trevor Starkweather, Johanna Suffern,
Michelle Van Wyk, Jacob Vande Griend, Josie Visser, Leah Wielenga and Anna
Zeutenhorst
COFFEE & PUNCH: Arlyn & Verdell Kleinwolterink and Harley & Phyllis
Kleinwolterink
WELCOME CENTER: June Van Oort
CHILD CARE ATTENDANTS: 8:50 AM – Leanne Bonnecroy, Mary
Reinders, Brenda Bruxvoort, Nicole Rassel; 10:35 AM – Jamey & Rachel
Valentine

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 EVENING WORSHIP
6:30 PM
Prelude – Mary Reinders
Let’s Sing Some Favorites!
[Please pass the Friendship Pads from
one end of the pew to the other and back.]
Ministry of Music – Cherub Choir
Born in Bethlehem
Silent Night, Holy Night
There’s Something About That Name
Dianne De Haan, director
Mary Reinders, piano
More Favorites!
To a Virgin Meek and Mild (#139)
Prayer Requests from the Congregation
God’s Gift (Tune: #411)
Text by Mabel J. Rosemon, alt.
1. I wonder what the angels saw, that night when they looked down upon
Judean hills and plain and silent Beth’lem town.
2. Down there in little Bethlehem they might have seen a few who looked in
hope to see fulfilled God’s ancient promise true.
3. They surely saw the manger-Child, love’s Gift and Mystery, but heights and
depths of human need, these God alone could see.
4. Through God’s compassion for the world, Christ came to Bethlehem, to win
men’s hearts to ways of truth, to live and die for them.
Galatians 4:4-7
UNWRAPPING HEAVEN’S GIFT
Pastor Stan Vandersall
Take My Life and Let it Be (#568, vss. 1-3)

The Lord’s Blessing

Take My Life and Let it Be (#568, vs. 4)

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 SERVING US NEXT SUNDAY
GREETERS: 8:55 AM – J.R. Siebersma/Shelby Baker-N, Nick & Mikkell
Baker-NW, Jim & Leanne Bonnecroy-S, Daryl & Shirley Beltman-S; 6:15 PM –
Dale & Cheryl Hiemstra-N, Norm & Velma Boonstra-S
COFFEE & PUNCH: Roger & Sheryl Koster and Ron & Diane Koele
WELCOME CENTER: Sara Van Zee
CHILD CARE ATTENDANTS: 8:50 AM - Rachel Meekma, Vicki Korver,
Dianne Van Wyk, Regan Rowenhorst; 10:35 AM - Dave & Helen Huitink

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH NEWS & NOTES

Do you know someone who is sick, in the hospital or home-bound? Why
not brighten their day by sharing an Encouragement Card to let them know you
care.
Happy Birthday wishes are requested for Cliff Mouw on his 80th
Birthday, Monday, December 14th.
Check out the new website. FRC’s website is totally revamped. There are
more features and information, pictures and updates. If you see something which
needs to be changed or altered, please contact Mark Vellinga,
vellinga@nwciowa.edu. The website address is www.frcoc.org.
Two free computer monitors available. Contact Galen Kleinwolterink,
galen@frcoc.org.
Thanks to all who were charitable and flexible enough to help out and
fellowship at last Thursday’s soup supper. Your constant support of the SURF
ministry is working to change the lives of youth in our church and community.
Thanks to the 16 bakers who volunteered to bake cookies for the refreshment
time after the S.S. Christmas program next Sunday night. What a nice treat for the
rest of us.
Worship Hospitality Training, Sunday, December 20th, 10:45 AM,
Sanctuary. The Worship & Prayer and Equipping Ministry Teams invite all
members, young and old, who have the desire and gift of demonstrating
hospitality to come to a training session after morning worship. We are planning
to combine greeters and ushers into a unique opportunity. How we approach and
welcome our members and visitors can assist in the preparation for worship.
Bring your coffee and come hear this new approach, receive some training and be
used by the Holy Spirit in fresh and new ways.
NEXT SUNDAY

AM: Choir Program/ ANGELS! ANGELS! ANGELS! An Angel is Sent to a

Man Contemplating Divorce – Matthew 1:18-25 – Pastor Perry
PM: Christmas Program

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 FINANCIAL UPDATE

Last week’s offering: $ 25,673.00 Weekly

budget need: $ 19,644.00
Offerings year-to-date: $ 471,933.00
Year-to-date Budget: $ 459,885.00

We will be receiving an offering on Christmas Eve

which will be split between Crossroads Church in Estherville
and the Inspiration Hills Building Project.

Catechism
Offerings year-to-date: $ 267.70
Catechism offerings are designated for Inspiration Hills
log cabins.

Sunday School
Last week’s offering: $ 51.00
Offerings year-to-date: $ 1,268.35 – ($472.19 was used for the Operation
Christmas Child shoeboxes)
The first $1000 goal is designated for Inspiration Hills scholarships.

CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS
First Church Prayer Line - #737-8500

IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY…
As a congregation, we express our sincere sympathy to Grace Snuttjer and Vi
Block, in the death of their daughter and sister, Karen Schakel, who passed from
time into eternity, Wednesday, December 9th.
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

WITH OUR HOSPITALIZED…

Sioux City Mercy Medical: Jim Kleis

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 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Sunday School Christmas Program practice, Saturday, December 19th, 9:30-
11:00 AM. Children may gather in their worship areas. This is the final rehearsal
for our presentation on Sunday, December 20th, 6:30 PM.
Any Pre-school - 6th grade student who would like to sing a solo or play a
piano or instrumental solo as part of prelude to the S.S. Christmas program
is invited to do so. The songs chosen must reflect the real reason for the season:
Jesus’ birth and love. Please give the following information to Tom Hydeen
before Wednesday, December 16th: your name, the title of your solo, the way you
will present your solo (singing, piano, flute, etc.). What a wonderful gift to give
back to God: the use of His gifts to praise Him and bless others.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Women’s Ministry Christmas Program Offering, designated for the Organ
Fund, was $314.
Ruth, Monday, December 14th, has been cancelled. Study Books are available
in the church office.
Real Life Women – Shoulder to Shoulder, Monday, December 14th, 7 PM,
Fellowship Hall. Join us as we continue to work on our Hat & Diaper Project.
Priscilla, Tuesday, December 15th, 9:30 AM, Landsmeer Ridge Retirement
Home. Bible Study #2 – Love. Leader: Jane Ten Clay, Hostesses: Officers.
Miriam, Thursday, December 17th, 11:30 AM, De Koffiehoek & Bistro.
Naomi Hymn Sing, Friday, December 18th, 10:30-11 AM, Heritage House.
Real Life Ministries – A night of Christmas Caroling, December 22nd, 6:30
PM. Check your mailbox for details.

WORSHIP/PRAYER MINISTRY
PRAYER MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

Prayer Warriors, Wednesday, December 16th, 6:40 PM. NOTE: There will be
no Prayer Warriors gathering on the following Wednesdays: December 23rd and
30th. Prayer Warriors gather again January 6th.
MUSIC MINISTRY REHEARSALS AND UPDATES:
♪ Cherub Choir and Children’s Choir, Wednesday, December 16th, 6:40 PM.
♪ Sanctuary Choir, Wednesday, December 16th, 8 PM.
♪ ALLELUIA! Worship Team rehearsal, Thursday, December 17th, 6:30 PM.

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 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Orange City Prayer Meeting, Tuesday, December 15th, 12 noon, ATLAS
Meeting Room.
Words of Hope has a new website – http://www.woh.org/. Check it out.

NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE news…

Would you be willing to help NWC students with their tuition? The
National Alumni Board of NWC can help you do just that. We need items for our
27th Annual Gala Auction, which will be held Saturday, February 20th. Do you
have an item to donate, a product/service to promote or a vacation property to
share? If so, please contact the alumni office, 707-7134 / alumni@nwciowa.edu
Dollars raised last year funded forty $1,000. scholarships for students. A big thank
you to those who have donated in the past.

UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL news . . .

UCHS’s Annual Christmas Concert, Thursday, December 17th, 7 PM, BJ
Haan Auditorium, Dordt College. All the school’s music ensembles will
participate. A free-will offering will be received for the Music Department.
Come and celebrate the birth of the King.

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 CHRIST
is formed in you !
Galatians 4:19

Wednesday

Catechism – Kindergarten - 5th Grade

6:40-7:20 PM

Kindergarten – Room 9 / 10
1st Grade – Room 11 / 13
2nd Grade – Room 14
3rd Grade – Room 4
4th Grade – Room 5 / 7
5th Grade – Room 1

JAM (Junior High Youth Group)

6:30-7:30 PM, First Impact

The Youth Worship Team will lead a night of pizza, prayer and praise. Bring
your friends.

SURF (Senior High Youth Group)

Special service project helping with the ATLAS Christmas Store. This is a
hands-on opportunity to serve families in need. Meet at ATLAS (322 Central
Avenue NW) at 5:45 PM to serve until 8 PM.

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 CHRIST
is formed in you !
Galatians 4:19

Sunday
10:45-11:30 AM

Sunday School – 3s - 6th Grade

3s-4/5s – Pre-School Department

Kindergarten-2nd Grade – Primary Department
3rd Grade – Room 5
4th Grade – Room 4 / 3
5th Grade – Room 2
6th Grade – Room 1

Disciples’ Journey for Teens

7th Grade – Jesus – Nahum Room

8th Grade – Gifts – Ezekiel Room
Senior High #1 – Route 66 with Mark Bloemendaal – Isaiah Room
Senior High # 2 – Seven Deadly Sins with Ross Enger – Hosea Room

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Disciples’ Journey for Adults

“And the Word was Made Flesh” – Fireside Room

High School Bible teacher, Ray Vander Laan, has opened up many treasures
of truth related to Bible history, culture and customs. Filmed on location in the
Holy Land, he explores the world situation into which the Messiah was born.
Bob Vander Schaaf facilitates 2 DVD sessions from Vander Laan’s series, Life
and Ministry of the Messiah. How appropriate to study these topics as we
approach Christmas.
December 13th – “In the Shadow of Herod”
December 20th – “The Time had Fully Come”

Belhar Confession – Choir Room

Pastor Perry will explore the Belhar Confession. In the near future each RCA
classis will vote about adopting this confession as one of the Standards of Unity.
The Belhar Confession would have the same authority as the Heidelberg
Catechism, Canons of Dort and Belgic Confession. The exploration of the Belhar
will continue thru December 20th.

Northwestern Exposure: In Celebration of John Calvin – Sanctuary

In 1509 John Calvin was born. In honor of this 500th year anniversary of his
birth, students from NWC studying John Calvin’s life, will present a session
(today) on his life and work in the Reformation.

Sunday School Guide, led by Lyle & Mary Lundgren, Herb Ritsema, Stan Vander
Aarde, Harold Van Der Weide and Wally Vermeer – Consistory Room
This class pursues a consistent study of the Bible in a systematic fashion, using
passages from both the Old and New Testaments. Join them to dig deep into the
Word.

Note: NO Sunday School/Disciples’ Journey December 27th or January 3rd; it will

resume January 10th.

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 CHURCH STAFF

Mr. Tom Hydeen, Director of Worship & Prayer

Mr. Galen Kleinwolterink, Custodian
Mr. Chris & Mrs. Sherry Lang, Directors of Mid-week Children’s Ministries
Mrs. Grace Oldenkamp, Service Coordinator / Office Assistant
Rev. Stan Vandersall, Interim Pastor
Mrs. Brenda Walhof, Church Accountant
Mrs. Aletha Beeson, Director of Sunday Children’s Ministries
Rev. Dr. Perry De Groot, Shepherding & Executive Pastor
Mrs. Missy Dokter, Administrative Assistant
Mr. Ross Enger, Director of Youth Ministries

CONSISTORY

Elders Deacons
Daryl Beltman 2010 Teresa Gunderson 2010
Arlin Brenneman 2010 Doug Te Grotenhuis 2010
Gary Cleveringa 2010 Leroy Van Kekerix 2010
Gerry Korver 2010 Kevin Verschuure 2010
Jim Bonnecroy 2011 Nick Baker 2011
J.R. Siebersma 2011 Rick Hop 2011
Wayne Westenberg 2011 Brett Mulder 2011
Jay Wielenga 2011 Craig Pennings 2011
Ted De Hoogh 2012 Don Baker 2012
Dale Hiemstra 2012 B.J. Mulder 2012
Steve Locker 2012 Ken Oldenkamp 2012
Gary Te Grotenhuis 2012 Arlen Smit 2012

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 First Reformed Church

Mission Statement: Our purpose is to give glory to God, to know Christ and to
make Him known.

Values Statements: First Church wants to be a church…

• That advances the missionary and evangelistic work of the church in the
community and the world.
• That faithfully preaches the entire Word of God.
• That joyfully and enthusiastically worships together and praises God.
• That identifies and utilizes spiritual gifts.
• That is anchored and devoted to prayer.
• That supplies loving care for each member of the church family.
• That provides a strong, Biblically-based, Christian education program to
disciple and equip all ages.
• That intentionally nurtures, trains and equips youth to know Christ and to
make Him known.
• That fosters forgiveness and reconciliation.

Our belief in the Holy Trinity is depicted by the three elliptical shapes which join
into one common area at the center. The two-edged sword in the top elliptical
area represents the Word of God which we believe is central to our faith because it
is through God’s Word that we learn of Him and His plan of salvation for us.
Participation in the sacraments of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper render support
to our belief in God’s Word. The wavy blue lines in the center of the sculpture
represent the water used in baptism. The wheat and the grapes represent the bread
and wine used in communion. We believe that God uses the proclamation of the
Word and the proper administration of the sacraments as the “means of grace”.

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 The Essential 100 Challenge

Congratulations to all of you for completing the Old Testament

part of the E-100. We will resume again December 28th
with 50 passages from the New Testament, with a message each week starting
January 3rd related to a specific passage in the readings or a topical
combination, that will take us through the beginning of March.

New Testament discussion guides are available at the Welcome Center.

Prasie God for the wonderful gift He gave us in His Holy Word !

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