THANK YOU……………THANK YOU…………THANK YOU



IRETON CHRISTIAN REFORMED NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2014

Hi Everyone,

A man came to me awhile back and asked if I would be willing to invest in a business venture he had been working with. I just kinda laughed at him. But he was serious and went on to explain. For just a $1000 a month in five years I could expect a return of $1000 a month for ten years. He went on to explain some of the details but it sounded a little suspect. He asked me why I wouldn’t participate and my first response was, I don’t have a $1000 a month. He then went on to give me the same pitch only this time with $500 a month. My response was the same, so he went on again with the same pitch for $150 a month. The amazing thing was- each time he gave me the pitch the investment went down but the payout was the same; $1000 a month for ten years. I could have said a lot of things—but I asked how could that be? If your investment varies so will your payout-- either that or he was being a thief.

There is no way a legitimate investment of $150 will yield the same as a $1000 investment. People live like that though. Many people are expecting the same return on an investment as the next guy even though they are not making the same kind of investment. I guess that is my challenge again as we go through The Story. Many people are making investments of time coming to church, reading at home and in study groups; that’s the $1000 dollar investment. There are people who only come to church and invest $150. If you have not fully invested in the study of The Story please do so. Some of you have maybe tried it once—and for whatever reason didn’t give it another chance. Please do so. Not for my sake but for yours but not only that. Come for the sake of seeing God work not only in the lives of the people in scripture but in your own life, in the life of your family and for the benefit of the body. There is much more at stake than you realize.

A few weeks ago several pastors from several denominations met and I had the opportunity to be there and hear a conversation that has stuck in my heart and mind. The discussion was centered around people’s participation in Bible studies and specifically why people do not. Here is a bit of that conversation.

1. People attend church but are spiritually dead and therefore cannot receive nourishment from God’s word.

2. People don’t want to participate in study opportunities because they think it is a waste of time—think about what that says about their spiritual condition.

3. People want their time for themselves or use the excuse, to be with their families. What they are really saying is that they are selfish and ultimately are depriving their hearts, the body which is the church they are supposed to be a part of, and their own families.

4. People are afraid they might have to read or share something they don’t want too. If that is the case then the person who is leading should resign. Attending a study should not have any kind of pressure to read or talk if they don’t want to.

5. People are afraid of confrontation or disagreement. The real issue is that too many people think they have all the answers instead of coming with an open heart and mind where things can be discussed and even argued about but do so with an attitude of growing together and not arrogance.

6. People say they are too busy—How can anyone say that and expect God not be too busy for them?

7. People say that if I feel like I have to go—I don’t go with the right attitude. True- but then change your attitude and go; but go regardless of attitude or feeling.

8. People are afraid to study because they know they should be changing things in their life.

9. People say, those who attend Bible studies are conceited and not welcoming. Again- then there is a problem with the leadership and should be changed—so then be part of the change.

10. Some say they don’t need to study—I do it at home. Great! But come and be a leader or a least be a part of learning and growing together. What you are really saying is that I can’t learn anything from anyone else.

I realize many of these are a bit harsh—but I also did say as we begun with The Story we were going to hold each other accountable. We still have more than 25 weeks to go—Please do invest your energy and efforts. There are extra books on the table if you don’t have one. Please take one and invest some time in it. God promises that whenever his word is sent out—it will not come back void. Blessings~Pastor Norlyn

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[pic] THANK YOU [pic]

Thank you to everyone who upheld me in your thoughts and prayers during my surgery and recovery time. Special thanks for your visits and the many cards and food brought in. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

God is Good, all the time….All the time, God is Good! Pam De Wit

Thank you to the community for your support of the Pool Fund Raiser. We were able to double our goal.

City of Ireton Pool Committee

Thank You to every one of you who sent cards of sympathy and/or personally expressed sympathy when Ang’s Grandpa Kiel passed away. Such perfect words just when we needed them. 

  We also want to say Thank You to those who sent cards or brought over meals when Hadlee joined our family. We can't thank our church family enough for the support and prayers, not only during those weeks of emotional highs and lows, but also during our whole adoption process.  We can't do it alone and it is so comforting to know there are believers praying for you when you can't or when the waiting was long. Thank you.

God Bless,

Jim and Angela Dekkers

Thank you to all who offered up prayers on behalf of our family, when Adam received his football injury.  We praise God that he has experienced complete recovery!  The Viets

THANK YOU!!! We want to THANK EVERYONE who has helped with silage piles in any way. The food donations have been wonderful and we thank everyone who has donated something for us to eat while covering our piles.  The extra hands from the congregation to throw the tires have been tremendous and we can’t thank you enough. Your continued support and help for our Christian Ed Unit is so much appreciated, thanks again!!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ordination Service for Cory Van Sloten - You are invited to the ordination service of Cory Van Sloten on October 12 at 3:00pm at Lebanon CRC. Please join Cory and his family in celebrating God’s grace in reaching this day and looking forward to all that God has planned.

Elder Meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 6:15pm

Council Meeting on Tuesday October 7 at 7:15pm

The Banquet- We have the opportunity to serve at the Banquet in Sioux Falls on Monday November 3. Please reserve that date—more details later.

Growing in Faith Opportunities

Over the next number of months there are many wonderful opportunities to grow in faith and celebrate God’s work by attending some or all the events listed below. Please do prayerfully consider attending.

Transport for Christ will hold their annual banquet Saturday, October 25 at 6:00pm at the Ramkota Inn, Sioux Falls. The Master’s Voice Quartet will provide the entertainment. The meal is paid for by sponsors. Reserve your tickets by contacting Pastor Norlyn.

Cursillo—“A Short Coarse In Christian Living” will be held at Inspiration Hills from 7:30pm Thursday evening through Sunday at 5:00pm. The men’s weekend is Nov 6-9. The women’s weekend is 13-16. The cost to attend is paid for by previous attendees and sponsors. Please prayerfully consider attending a weekend that will help equip you for the life of a Christian in the world today. For more information go to or talk to Pastor Norlyn or Cherie. Registration deadline is October 16.

Prayer Summit: Seeking God's Face- Oct 24-25

Join us as we worship, pray, and learn more about what it means to cultivate a desire for and the skills to seek the face of God. We will be gathering in Sioux Center on the evening of October 24 and the morning of October 25. Individuals and churches from the tri-state area are invited to be inspired, encouraged, and edified in their practice of prayer and to pray together. Keynote speaker, Rev. Moses Chung, says, “Prayer is as vital as the air we breathe. If we don’t pray, we die—spiritually.” Moses was raised as a part of the Korean prayer tradition and is currently serving as Director of Home Missions for the Christian Reformed Church. Breakout sessions will include: “Listening Prayer” by Tony De La Rosa, Rejoice Community Church in Le Mars; “Prayer Saturated Churches” by Barb Hibma, Classis Heartland Prayer Coordinator; and “Praying for Your Pastor” by Shawn Lohry of Yasha Ministries in Sioux City Further details and registration information are on the table. This is a joint effort of the CRC and RCA to serve you the people of God.

Faith Formation Workshop- November 15, 9am-12:30 pm Covenant CRC—Syd Heilema

How can we seek to make our congregations places in which all members of the community—from the youngest to the oldest—find a spiritual home and are challenged to grow in Christ?

How can we cultivate the kind of hospitality in which seekers feel welcomed into God’s family?

The expected outcome for each group in attendance is a clearer vision of the shape of congregational health, specific "handles" for working towards it in the long-term, and a tentative action plan for the short-term. More info to come—talk to Pastor Norlyn if you are interested. We hope to have a team of 6-8 people from our church attend.

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HILLCREST CARE CENTER SCHEDULE

HILLCREST SERVICE will be Monday, October 6 at 6:30 pm.

*Art Hamming, chair, Randy Sieck, Celia Ten Napel, Lynn Juffer, Doug Faber, Howard Bomgaars, Brent Davelaar, John Jongma, Jay Broek, Don Van Sloten, Howard Hulshof (Chairman is requested to call Hillcrest (551-1074) before 9 A.M. on the morning of your service to remind them that your group will be there in the evening.)

HILLCREST SERIVCE will be Monday, December 1 at 6:30 pm.

Willard Koopmans, chair, Mike Vander Windt, Jeremy Koopmans, Brady Koopmans, Bob Eisma,

Mike Kramer, Click Anema, Cal Bootsma, Wes Westra, Jim Dekkers, Don Mulder

WORSHIP SERVICES CALENDAR

Oct 12 AM Baptism Hadlee Ann Dekkers

Oct 26 AM Dordt College Praise Team

Nov 2 PM at 1st Reformed—Reformation Day, Communion

Nov 26 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Service

2014 COMMUNION SCHEDULE

November 2 PM –Reformation Day, November 30—Advent

THE STORY SCHEDULE ( please try and read the passages or chapter before Sunday’s Service. )

5-Oct Chpt 5 – New Commands and New Covenant Exodus 19-20, 24-25, 32-34,40

12-Oct Chpt 6 – Wandering: Moses Numbers 10-14, 20-21, 25,27

19-Oct Chpt 7 –The Battle Begins: Joshua Joshua 1-2, 6, 8, 10-11, 23-24

26-Oct Chpt 8 –A Few Good Men and Women: Judges Judges 2-4, 6-8, 13-16

2-Nov Chpt 9-- The Faith of a Foreign Woman: Ruth Ruth 1-4

9-Nov Chpt 10- Standing Tall, Falling Hard: Saul 1 Samuel 1-4, 8-13, 15

16-Nov Chpt 11- From Shepherd to King: David 1 Samuel 16-18, 24, 31, Psalm 59

23-Nov Chpt 12- The Trials of a King: David 2 Samuel 11-12, 18-19, Psalms 23, 32, 51

30-Nov Chpt 13- The King Who Had It All: Solomon 1 Kings 1-8, 10-11, 2 Chronicles 5-7,

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PRAISE TEAM SCHEDULE

Oct 5 Cherie Jill, Doug

Oct 12 Patsy Dick, Angela, Sharla, Kaitlyn

Oct 19 Gerald 3 yr -3rd( up to 5th) Grade Special Music- Leah and Donna

Oct 26 Pastor Dordt Praise Team

Nov 2 Verla Don, Nathan, Cinda

Nov 9 Cherie Sunday School Class 6-8th Grade- Tammy Sieck

Nov 16 Pastor Youth Group

Nov 23 Patsy 20-30s Bible Study-

Jim &Angela Dekkers

Nov 26 Gerald (Wednesday evening)

Thanksgiving

Nov 30 Verla Don, Ryan, Sydney, Jorja

SEPTEMBER OFFERING TOTALS

General       $6,910.00

General building fund.    1,580.00

Kooima flood relief.      1,101.00

Christian Education     908. 64

Memorial Fund        150.00

OCTOBER OFFERING SCHEDULE

5 Christian Education

12 The Banquet

19 Christian Education

26 Food bank of Siouxland

NOVEMBER OFFERING SCHEDULE

2 Christian Education      P.M. At First Reformed

9      The Table

16    Christian Education

23   Building Fund  (Roof)

26    World Missions/World Renew/Home Missions.    Third to each unless specified

30   Benevolent

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUND

SEPTEMBER 2014

Receipts:

Offerings (Aug) $ 510.70

Silage Piles $ 5,000.00

Disbursements:

UCH $10,000.00

ICS $ 8,000.00

2014/2015 Fair Share

ICS 16 students @$1700.00/student = $ 27,200.00

UCHS 9 students @ $2075.00/student = $ 18,675.00

Total Fair Share $ 45,875.00

Fair Share Paid $ 18,000.00

Fair Share Balance $ 27,875.00

The school year is off to a great start. We want to THANK EVERYONE who has helped with silage piles in any way. The food donations have been wonderful and we thank everyone who has donated something for covering the piles. The extra hands from the congregation to throw tires have been tremendous. Your support and help for our Christian Education Unit is so much appreciated.

GREETERS & COFFEE SERVERS

Oct. 5: Doug & Susan Ten Napel

Pastor Norlyn & Cherie Van Beek

Oct. 12: Rodney & Wanetta Vander Plaas

Mike & Jill Vander Windt

Oct. 19: Don & Verla Van Sloten

Jim & Mandy Viet

Oct. 26: Benjy & Nicki Weida

Ryan & Angela Zomermaand

Nov. 2: Bryan & Mandy Bonnema

Dick & Harriet Bonnema

NURSERY ATTENDANTS

Oct. 5: AM: Angela Dekkers, Lindsey Broek

PM:. Raelle Dekkers, Kalena Dekkers

Oct. 12: AM: Nicki Weida, Lila Sieck

PM: Jennifer Miedema, Courtney Bonnema

Oct. 19: AM: Carmen Noteboom, Paige Fedders

PM: Mandy Bonnema, Mikaela Broek

Oct. 26: AM: Audrey Broek, Erin Miedema

PM: Susan Ten Napel, Olivia Fedders

Nov. 2: AM: Tammy Sieck, Cassady Dekkers

PM: Service at 1st Reformed

USHER SCHEDULE

October 5-

Jacob Z. Benjy Weida, Ryan Zomermaand

October 12-

Cody D, Howard Bomgaars, Bryan Bonnema

October 19-

Cody D., Dick Bonnema, Tim Bonnema

October 26-

Adam V., Calvin Bootsma, Doug Broek

November 2-

Adam V., Nathan Broek, Daryl Byker

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

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Oct. 6: Josh & Mary Hooyer

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Oct. 7: Marlene Broek

Oct. 8: Dick Bonnema

Oct. 8: Cinda Faber

Oct. 8: Benjy Weida

Oct. 10: Sharla Gradert

Oct. 10: Sara Hulshof

Oct. 13: Erin Miedema

Oct. 15: Don Mulder

Oct. 16: Gerald Postma

Oct. 17: Mary Eisma

Oct. 18 Damian Van Beek

Oct. 23: Kory Bonnema

Oct. 23: Jorja Zomermaand

Oct. 23: Zoey Zomermaand

Oct. 25: Patsy Bootsma

Oct. 25: Bob Eisma

Oct. 27 Kayla Fedders

Oct. 29: Lori Bonnema

Oct. 30: Doug Ten Napel

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