Bethany United Reformed Church
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www.bethanyurc.com/sermons.htm
Updated listserve address co-urc-owner@yahoogroups.com
3/4/07
MORNING WORSHIP
9:30 A.M.
THE OPENING
Call to Worship
Silent Prayer
*Song of Praise................................................ 368
*Votum and Salutation
CONFESSION
God’s Law of Life
Song of Response........................................... 440
Assurance of Pardon
Congregational Prayer
*Song...................................................... 122:1, 5-8
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Scripture ............................................... Exodus 15
Sermon ............................... Sing Songs of Praise
Applicatory Prayer
THE RESPONSE
*Song ............................................................... 283
Offertory Prayer
Offerings:
1. General Fund
2. Bethany School Society
*Doxology ..................................................... 317:4
THE DISMISSAL
*Benediction
*Moment of Meditation
Organist.................................................... Bea Rhoda
Pianist ...................................................... Jan Bartels
EVENING WORSHIP
5:00 P.M.
THE OPENING
Hymn Sing
Call to Worship
Silent Prayer
*Song of Praise............................................... 137
*Votum and Salutation
CONFESSION
*Confession of Faith
*Song of Response............................................ 89
Congregational Prayer
*Song............................................................... 153
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Scripture.............................................. John 15:1-9
Sermon........................................ Union with Christ
Applicatory Prayer
THE RESPONSE
*Song.................................................... 65:1-3, 7-9
Offertory Prayer
Offering.................... Mid-America Ref. Seminary
*Doxology......................................................... 491
THE DISMISSAL
*Benediction
*Moment of Meditation
*Congregation Standing
Organist.................................................... Jan Bartels
Pianist.................................................... Priscilla Boot
Song Leader...................................... Ron Lotterman
We welcome all who are worshiping with us today. May God bless the proclamation of His Word to our hearts and lives. If you are visiting, please take a moment to fill out a visitor card and place it in the box in the fellowship hall. Also, please join us for the coffee fellowship following the morning service.
This week Friday, March 9, marks the 54th anniversary of the organization of our church. Let us give thanks to God for His blessings and guidance through the years and pray that He will keep us faithful to His Word in the years to come.
Elder greeters are Henry Rubingh, Rich Deppe and Mike VanBemden.
Foyer greeters: A.M. North door-Al Rumph family. South door-Annette Selden family. P.M. North door-Doug Sjoerdsma family. South door-Bob & Marcia Smits. Next Week: A.M. North door-Tom & Angie Dykema. South door-Sid & Agnes Ellens. P.M. North door-Elmer & Joy Hunderman. South door-Rich & Theresa Pyper.
Nursery: A.M. Jana & Evan Westrate, Cathy, Cambrie & Corissa Atsma. P.M. Carla, Caryn & Cayte Baker. Next Week: A.M. Lori & Melanie Lotterman, Connie Parks, Katie Selden. P.M. Sue, Rachael & MaryJo Moelker, Hope Nobel.
Coffee Servers: Hope & Hannah Nobel, Harold & Barb Postma. Next Week:Dale Pasma family.
Library: Elisabeth VandenToorn. Next Week: Emily Postma & Sheryl Warner.
A/V Room: A.M. Paul & Eric, P.M. Aaron & Todd. Next week: A.M. Ron & Matt, P.M. Craig & Nick.
Ushers for March: A.M. North-Ben Bosch, Center-Bob Huisjen, South-Fred Rozema. P.M. North-Chris Kuipers, Center-Nick Suwyn, South-Mark Ilbrink.
The offering this evening is for Mid-America Reformed Seminary, which is based Dyer, IN. Mid-America Reformed Seminary is a school where young men are trained in sound, Biblically reformed doctrine as they are preparing for the Ministry of the Word.
Next Sunday evening the offering will be for debt reduction.
Church Family News
Ann Pylman returned home after being hospitalized this past week. There is little that could be done to improve her condition. She remains weak. Continue to pray for Ed and Ann.
Fred Rozema continues to have problems with his pancreas. He underwent a procedure on Friday which doctors hope will bring healing and recovery in the weeks ahead.
Gavin VanderWall had a pacemaker put in on Thursday to help stabilize his heart. Pray that this surgery will be effective. Pray, too, that God will continue to be with him and his family.
We express our sympathy to John and Clara Groelsema in the recent death of Clara’s brother, Harold Wind, at the age of 82. May the Lord comfort the Groelsema family with His Word and Spirit.
We congratulate Harold Bartels who will celebrate his 91st birthday on Thursday, March 8. May God continue to bless in the coming years.
We would like to express our appreciation for the cards and other expressions of care that we received from our church family after Faith’s birth as well as for those following Brian’s grandma’s death. It is good to know that you pray for us when life is busy and difficult at times. Thank you all! Brian & Priscilla Boot
I would like to express my appreciation to the congregation for the cards and prayers for Donna on her birthday. Thank you! Fred Hoekzema
We would like to thank the congregation for the many cards, prayers and support shown us after the death of my brother. Rich and Theresa Pyper
I would like to thank the congregation for the cards, prayers and expressions of sympathy following the death of my brother. They were very much appreciated. Gerda Sytsma
Madeline Bylsma’s room number is now 262 at Sunset.
New phone number for Andrew and Beth VanderMeer is
681-0233.
MISSIONARY MAIL: We are now collecting birthday cards for Sandy Hegeman (April 8) and Earl Bowers (April 13).
Announcements
CATECHISM ASSIGNMENTS: Grades 7 & 8: Lord’s Day 20, questions 1-10. Review Q & A 21, 25, & 27. Grades 9 & 10: Lord’s Day 22, questions 5, 7-8, 11-12, 18-21. Memory work Job 19:25-26. Grades 11 & 12: Read pages 373-399. Part I-Review 1-5; Part II-1-3; Part III-1; Part V-1,2.
SENIOR CHOIR will meet at 4:30 this afternoon.
POST HIGH/YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY will meet after the evening service today. Study lesson 4. If you need study material, see Pastor Freswick.
CONSISTORY will meet tomorrow evening at 7:00.
BELL CHOIR will meet tomorrow evening at 8:00.
TUESDAY MORNING LADIES BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:45. Study lesson 5 in the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp. Nursery is provided.
MEN'S BIBLE CLASS: We continue this week with Chapter 10 concerning the article: "I believe in the Holy Spirit."
LADIES A.M. BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:30 Wednesday. Study lesson 17, Acts 19:21-41.
LADIES BIBLE FELLOWSHIP will meet Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Study Lesson 1 in Book 2 on the Gospel of John. Refreshments: Barb Deppe & Edie Adams.
SUNDAY EVENING ADULT BIBLE STUDY will next Sunday. We will continue our study of Chapter 29.
Council has formed a committee to evaluate support for, and giving to, the Bethany Christian School Society. This committee was formed in response to concerns about the rising cost of Christian education and the ability of our parents to pay for it. As a congregation, we have a long history of support for the Christian Education of the children of our congregation. In light of the increasing need for assistance we are evaluating how best to: assist parents financially, gain accountability from parents, and keep the congregation aware of the School Society’s financial needs. The study committee, in conjunction with the council has formulated a questionnaire that was in the bulletin for two weeks. Please take the time to fill it out so that the study committee can properly understand the congregation’s perspective. Feel free to contact any of the study committee members with questions: Craig Baker, Chuck DeBoer, Bob Huisjen, Todd Moelker, Al Rumph.
The SCHOOL SOCIETY EASTER PIE SALE is underway. This sale will continue until March 18 when all the orders must be turned in. The pies will be ready for pick up March 31 in time for your Easter gatherings. Please return your completed pie orders into the order form box on the table in the fellowship room.
PANCAKE DINNER The Senior High Youth Group will be having a pancake dinner on Wednesday, March 14 from 5-6:30pm. Money raised will help offset the cost of convention.
THANK YOU The Senior High Youth Group would like to thank everyone who donated pop cans. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
PIZZA KITS The Senior High is selling pizza kits. If you do not receive a call please use the form in back of church by the mailboxes.
Requested Announcements
Rev. McGee, URC missionary to Trinidad, is requesting a team of 10 volunteers to conduct two VBSs over a two-week period this coming June or July. Participation in this project will require involvement in fundraising and the Harvesters for Christ study/training group. Volunteers must be at least seniors in high school. We'd love to see a diverse age group again this year. For more information, contact Marv VandenBerg at 530-8734.
All women are cordially invited to attend the annual Corner- stone URC Conference 2007. Ann Dunham, a former Bible Study Fellowship teacher/leader for 20 years will speak on Psalm 46:10: Be Still and Know that I Am God. The conference will be held at Cornerstone URC in Hudsonville on Friday evening and Saturday, March 16 and 17. Please contact the church at 669-2190 with any questions or to receive a brochure. Brochures are also available in the literature rack in the fellowship hall.
INSPIRATION OF OUR IMAGINATION - March 19-23 is the week that has been chosen by Jenison Christian School to celebrate the many talents with which our students have been blessed. This year's theme title for Fine Arts Week was submitted by sixth grader, Danae Postma and is Inspiration of Our Imagination. Various arts related events will take place during each school day of March 19-23 and parents, grandparents and friends will be able to witness the expression of these talents on Thursday night, March 22, when a school wide Open House will be held from 7:00-9:00 PM. Please mark your calendar and join us!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 26 for Zion Christian School's annual Spring Fundraising Dinner. The dinner will be held at Zion Christian School in the gymnasium. The speaker will be Rev. Marcusse, pastor of Faith URC in Holland. Punchbowl will begin at 6:00, with dinner served at 6:30. Please make your reservation to join us by calling Carla Baker at 878-7777 by Monday, April 16 to reserve your place.
Please join us on March 7, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Trinity URC, 7350 Kalamazoo Ave SE, as Word and Deed Ministries will host a presentation of its work in Malawi, Africa. Our guest speaker, Vasco Kachipapa, will address his work in the Christian Church with the young people of Malawi. For questions or further information, please contact David Byker @ 813-5374 or the Word and Deed office @ 896-3160.”
Zion Christian Seniors are taking orders for sub sandwiches again for their class trip to Washington D.C. Please contact any Zion student or sign the list in the back. Thank you.
Zion Christian School invites all young marrieds and parents of infants through five years olds to join us for a preschool and kindergarten open house on Thursday evening, March 15 from 6:30-7:30. Please join us if interested in partnering with a fast growing, K-12 school firmly committed to God’s Word and its summaries as expressed in the creeds and confessions of the Reformed faith. Questions can be directed to the school office at 878-9472.
From Mid-America Reformed Seminary: It is with deep gratitude that the students, faculty and staff of Mid-America Reformed Seminary thank you for your most gracious support of our work. We consider it a privilege to labor with you for this important task of training men to bring the good news of Jesus Christ. Our work would be impossible without you. Thank you!
Church Calendar
Sunday 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service
10:50 a.m. Sunday School
10:50 a.m. 5th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. 6th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. 7th & 8th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. Senior High Youth Group
4:30 p.m. Senior Choir rehearsal
6:30 p.m. Post High/Young Adult Bible Study
Monday 7:00 p.m. Consistory Meeting
8:00 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal
Tuesday 9:45 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Men’s Bible Class
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Ladies A.M. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Ladies Bible Fellowship
7:00 p.m. Cadets
7:00 p.m. 9th & 10 Grade Catechism
7:00 p.m. 11th & 12th Grade Catechism
2/25/07
MORNING WORSHIP
9:30 A.M.
THE OPENING
Call to Worship
Silent Prayer
*Song of Praise................................................ 189
*Votum and Salutation
CONFESSION
God’s Law of Life
Song of Response........................................... 417
Assurance of Pardon
Congregational Prayer
*Song........................................... 211:1, 4, 6-8, 22
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Scripture ............................... Exodus 13:17-14:14
Sermon ............................ Walk through the Water
Applicatory Prayer
THE RESPONSE
*Song ............................................. 283:1, 5, 6, 10
Offertory Prayer
Offerings:
1. General Fund
2. Bethany School Society
*Doxology ................................................... 211:23
THE DISMISSAL
*Benediction
*Moment of Meditation
Organist.................................................... Jan Bartels
Pianist ..................................................... Hope Nobel
EVENING WORSHIP
5:00 P.M.
THE OPENING
Hymn Sing
Call to Worship
Silent Prayer
*Song of Praise............................................... 170
*Votum and Salutation
CONFESSION
*Confession of Faith
*Song of Response.................................... 86:1, 3
Congregational Prayer
*Song............................................................... 469
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Scripture............................................. Revelation 4
Lord’s Day........................................................... 52
Sermon............................................. See His Glory
Applicatory Prayer
THE RESPONSE
*Song................................................................ 318
Offertory Prayer
Offering............................... Zion Christian School
*Doxology......................................................... 491
THE DISMISSAL
*Benediction
*Moment of Meditation
*Congregation Standing
Organist.................................................... Lois Ripma
Pianist...................................................... John Fikkert
Song Leader...................................... Ron Lotterman
We welcome all who are worshiping with us today. Let us rejoice and be thankful because our God is King. If you are visiting, please take a moment to fill out a visitor card and place it in the box by the mailboxes. You are also invited to join us for the coffee fellowship following the morning service.
This morning the Sacrament of Baptism will be administered to Faith Noelle Boot, infant daughter of Brian and Priscilla Boot.
Elder greeters are Tom Kooienga, Dan Atsma and Al Rumph.
Foyer greeters: A.M. North door-Ed & Marilyn Toonstra. South door-Eric & Mindy Toonstra. P.M. North door-Mike Toonstra family. South door-Steve & Sara Toonstra. Next Week: A.M. North door-Al Rumph family. South door-Annette Selden family. P.M. North door-Doug Sjoerdsma family. South door-Bob & Marcia Smits, Helen Smits.
Nursery: A.M. Michelle Hilton, Luanna Jipping, Susie & Lydia Kamps. P.M. Sandra, Elizabeth and Emily Horan. Next Week: A.M. Jana and Evan Westrate, Cathy, Cambrie & Corissa Atsma. P.M. Carla, Caryn & Cayte Baker.
Coffee Servers: Ron & Marlyn Woudenberg, Bryan Roodvoets family. Next Week: Hope & Hannah Nobel, Harold & Barb Postma.
Library: Sandy Horan & girls. Next Week: Elisabeth VandenToorn.
A/V Room: A.M. Doug & Matt, P.M. Tyce & Kyle. Next week: A.M. Aaron & Stephan, Dan & Eric.
Ushers for March: A.M. North-Ben Bosch, Center-Bob Huisjen, South-Fred Rozema. P.M. North-Chris Kuipers, Center-Tim VandenToorn, South-Mark Ilbrink.
Next Sunday evening the offering will be for Mid-America Reformed Seminary.
Church Family News
Bob Morrow is has had some difficulties in recent days. He is currently at a rehab center. Bob and Betty are considering a move in the near future.
Continue to pray for Gavin VanderWall and his family. Gavin’s breathing is better; however, his heart still needs the pacemaker. Pray, too, that God will continue to uphold and encourage Joel and Alicia and Jacob, Nolan and Caleb during this difficult time.
We express our sympathy to Gerda Sytsma in the recent death of her brother, Enoch Dykstra at the age of 78. May God graciously comfort Gerda and her family with His Word and Spirit.
Several of our members will be celebrating birthdays in the next week: Sadie Hoppe will celebrate her 83rd birthday on Saturday, March 3; John Groelsema will celebrate his 89th birthday next Sunday, March 4 and Neal Baas will celebrate his 81st birthday, also next Sunday. We congratulate each of them and wish them God’s blessing in the years to come.
Telephone number for Rev. Bill and Aletha for the next few weeks is 698-8476.
Announcements
CATECHISM ASSIGNMENTS: Grades 7 & 8: Lord’s Day 20, questions 1-10. Grades 9 & 10: Lord’s Day 21, questions 5-10, 12-19, 21-22; memory work: Col. 1:18, I Jn. 1:3. Grades 11 & 12: Read pages 399-419. Part I-Review 6,7; Part II-4,5; Part III-2; Part IV-3,4.
SING-A-LONG: Please join us tonight after the evening service for our monthly Hymn Sing. Enjoy a time of fellowship, praise and "finger food".
DEACONS will meet tomorrow evening at 7:00.
BELL CHOIR will meet tomorrow evening at 8:00.
TUESDAY MORNING LADIES BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:45. Study lesson 4 in the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp. Nursery is provided.
MEN'S BIBLE CLASS: This week we will return to Chapter 9 of our study guide to look at Question 7 regarding the imprecatory Psalms and their relevance to the final judgment and then begin Chapter 10 on the profession: "I believe in the Holy Spirit".
KINGDOM SEEKERS meet this week. Snack and Devotions…Corissa Atsma, Katie Suwyn, Mrs. VanDellen.
JR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP: We will be meeting at church Saturday, March 3 at 2:30 to go bowling and out for pizza. The leaders will bring the kids home afterwards. Please contact a leader if you have questions.
POST HIGH/YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY will meet next Sunday after the evening service. Study lesson 4. If you need study material, see Pastor Freswick.
URCNA DIRECTORY: If you would like a URCNA directory, please sign the sheet on the shelf by the mailboxes. Cost is $5.00.
The SCHOOL SOCIETY is starting its EASTER PIE SALE today. This sale will continue until March 18 when all the orders must be turned in. The pies will be ready for pick up March 31 in time for your Easter gatherings.
POP CAN DRIVE This is the last week for the pop can drive. Bring them to the kitchen and put them in the marked container. Thank you for your support.
PIZZA KITS The Senior High Youth Group has begun selling Little Caesars pizza kits. If you do not receive a call from one of the youth, please use the order form in back of church.
ADVANCE NOTICE Mark your calendars for the Pancake Supper sponsored by the Senior High Youth Group. The date is Wed. March 14 from 5:00-6:30.
GARAGE SALE 2ND Annual Bethany Senior High garage sale is scheduled for Friday April 20 and Saturday April 21. Save your gently used items and donate them to the sale. If you have items you would like to bring now, please see Michelle Hilton
RYS CONVENTION The deposit for convention was due a few weeks ago. If you have not paid, please see one of the leaders. You may also turn in their completed registration form.
PRAYER LINE UPDATES: If you would like to receive Prayer Line updates by email, please email the church office at Bethany@iserv.net so your address can be added to the list.
Council has formed a committee to evaluate support for, and giving to, the Bethany Christian School Society. This committee was formed in response to concerns about the rising cost of Christian education and the ability of our parents to pay for it. As a congregation, we have a long history of support for the Christian Education of the children of our congregation. In light of the increasing need for assistance we are evaluating how best to: assist parents financially, gain accountability from parents, and keep the congregation aware of the School Society’s financial needs. The study committee, in conjunction with the council has formulated a questionnaire that is published in this week’s bulletin. Please take the time to fill it out so that the study committee can properly understand the congregation’s perspective. Feel free to contact any of the study committee members with questions: Craig Baker, Chuck DeBoer, Bob Huisjen, Todd Moelker, Al Rumph.
Requested Announcements
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 26 for Zion Christian School's annual Spring Fundraising Dinner. The dinner will be held at Zion Christian School in the gymnasium. The speaker will be Rev. Marcusse, pastor of Faith URC in Holland. He will be speaking on the Importance of Christian Education. The evening will also include student musical performances. Punchbowl will begin at 6:00, with dinner served at 6:30. Please make your reservation to join us by calling Carla Baker at 878-7777 by Monday, April 16 to reserve your place.
Girls’ Soccer Coach Needed: Zion Christian School is looking for
a girls’ varsity soccer coach. Please call Joanna at 878-9472 ext. 15, if you are interested.
Preschool and Kindergarten enrollment is now open at Zion Christian School. If you seek a distinctly Reformed education for your child, please contact the office at 878-9472.
Calvin Christian High School presents Donovan’s Daughters by Shirley McNichols on March 1,2 and 3 at 7:30 PM at the Godwin Heights High School Auditorium, 50 – 35th St. Tickets may be purchased at Calvin High School office or at the door. Prices are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students. For information, call the high school office at 538-0990.
All women are cordially invited to attend the annual Cornerstone United Reformed Church’s Women’s Conference 2007. Ann Dunham, a former Bible Study Fellowship teacher/leader for 20 years will speak on Psalm 46:10: Be Still and Know that I Am God. She will explore the teachings in Scripture regarding God’s character, His holiness, and how we can rest in Him through submission. The conference will be held at Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Hudsonville on Friday evening and Saturday, March 16 and 17. Please contact the church at 669-2190 with any questions or to receive a brochure. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to fellowship with sisters in the faith as we glorify God together and grow in the knowledge of His Truth. Brochures are also available in the literature rack in the fellowship hall.
Please join us on March 7,2007 at 7:00 PM at Trinity URC, 7350 Kalamazoo Ave SE, as Word and Deed Ministries will host a presentation of its work in Malawi, Africa. Our guest speaker, Vasco Kachipapa, will address his work in the Christian Church with the young people of Malawi, particularly focusing on changing cultural and behavioral lifestyles with the gospel message. We welcome all, especially young adults, who share an interest in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. For questions or further information, please contact David Byker @ 813-5374 or the Word and Deed office @ 896-3160.”
Zion Christian Senior are taking orders for sub sandwiches again for their class trip to Washington D.C. Please contact any Zion student or sign the list in the back. Thank you.
Church Calendar
Sunday 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service
10:50 a.m. Sunday School
10:50 a.m. 5th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. 6th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. 7th & 8th Grade Catechism
10:50 a.m. Senior High Youth Group
4:00 p.m. Senior Choir rehearsal
5:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service
6:30 p.m. Sing-A-Long
Monday 7:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting
8:00 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal
Tuesday 9:45 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible
Study
7:30 p.m. Men’s Bible Class
Wed. 7:00 p.m. Kingdom Seekers
7:00 p.m. Cadets
7:00 p.m. 9th & 10 Grade Catechism
7:00 p.m. 11th & 12th Grade Catechism
8:00 p.m. Pastor’s New Member Class
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Jr. High Youth Group
Bowling
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