1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

*THE THANKSGIVING
Calendar of Upcoming Events at First CRC
THE LAST SUPPER: DECLARATION & PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Lent Worship: Forgiven and Free: Christians are called to be a forgiving people first and foremost because they are a
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION:
Above All
Leblanc/Baloche
Sunday
March 29th
2015
COMMUNION
PRAYER
*SENDING SONG
Let it Be Said of Us
by Steven Frye
*POSTLUDE
__________________________________
Preacher: Rev. Joel Schreurs
Musicians: Christy Bol, Barb Hogan, Becky Vermeer, Larry Young, Hunter Lawrence.
Welcome to all our visitors. We hope you experience God’s peace,
Christ’s love and the Fellowship of The Holy Spirit with us today.
Please fill out a Connect Card found on the back tables.
We celebrate Communion today focusing on Christ’s forgiveness
for all our sins. All who are baptized and wish to serve our Lord are
welcome to join us for Communion.
Following the service, you are invited to come to the front if you
wish to have someone pray for you, or to attend one of these
offerings:
Cup of coffee or tea in the back of the Sanctuary
CEP Meeting (Christian Education Program) in Pit Stop
Reformed Foundations Class in the Emerson House
No Choir Rehearsal Today!
No Sunday School this week or next ~ Easter Break.
SOODSMA FAMILY SUPPORT
Thank you all for your interest in walking alongside Karen and her
children. This information is to let you know how best to support her:
-
-
There are sign-up sheets in the foyer to add your name to a list of
those helping with meals, childcare and home maintenance.
A web-site is being developed that will enable us to sign-up for a
specific task on a specific date. Once completed, we will notify
everyone in the Connections. If your name is on a sign-up sheet, you
will be notified so you can access the site and choose a specific date to
help.
There is a Jason Soodsma Children’s Memorial Fund established at
Wells Fargo Bank, #7958717360. Contribute at any Wells Fargo Bank.
The Soodsma Family’s correct address is: 2539 South Andes Circle
Aurora, CO 80013.
EASTER GREETERS
If you would like to greet on Easter, or be part of the Welcome Team,
contact [email protected].
MAGNIFY ACTORS FOR EASTER
We are staging four scenes to go with a choir song for Easter. If you
have been part of this, please meet on the front pew steps following
today’s service. We will be practicing for 20 minutes.
READERS Of All AGES DESIRED FOR GOOD FRIDAY
We’ll be focusing on the final words of Jesus during our worship service.
Since there are 7 words, or passages of Scripture, we need 7 Readers!
Please contact [email protected], if you would like to help.
Holy Week Begins~Palm Sunday
*BENEDICTION
forgiven people. As we journey toward the cross during this season, we will be reminded of our identity as forgiven people each
Sunday through the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. As we receive these gifts of grace each week and are assured that
Christ’s Body and Blood was given for “the complete forgiveness of all our sins,”
pray that we will be strengthened to share with others what we have received from Him!
Sunday, March 29th: Palm Sunday
Pastor Joel Schreurs is preaching from I John 1:5-2:2.
Reformed Foundations Class meets today, from 11-12noon in Emerson House.
CEP Meeting in Pit Stop at 11.00am. No Choir Rehearsal today. No other Sunday School this week.
Offering: Benevolence
Nursery Leader: Gina Van Byssum
Helpers: Anne Buteyn, Caleb Jonker, Melanie Jonker, Logan Posthumus
Children In Worship: “Jesus’ Last Supper”
Story Teller: Davinia Lyon Helpers: Gracie Hansum, Mikaila Bol
Nursery Care during Sunday School Hour: Felicia Richeson
Prayer Ministry Elder: Lisa Lohmann & Joel J.
Sound: Jim DeHaan Video: PPT: Carter Sanderson
DVD Delivery: Household 3 & Lord’s Supper Preparation: Household 3
Coffee: Bill & Connie Smit
Monday, March 30th
6:30pm—Count Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 31st
7:30am—4:30pm—Classical Conversations—Home-schooling Group throughout the building.
9:30am—Staff Meeting
Wednesday, April 1st: No Family Night
6:00am—Dance Rehearsal
6:45pm –8:00pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, April 2nd
9:00am—Sew & Sews
9:15am—Faith Café
Good Friday, April 3rd
FORGIVEN
AND FREE
6:30pm—Good Friday Service
Saturday, April 4th
10:00am—Dance Team Practice in the Sanctuary
Easter Sunday April 5th: No Sunday School
Pastor Joel Schreurs is preaching.
Choir meet in Fellowship Room, Singing “Empty Now” and “Hallelujah Chorus”, No rehearsal following service ~ Blessed Easter!
Nursery Leader: Brianna Van Andel Helpers: Darin Gunnett, Ann Rajewski, Noah Van den Boogaard
Prayer Ministry Elder: Cyndi Berghuis & Eric Den Braber
Sound: Bob Reynolds Video: PPT: Carter Sanderson
DVD Delivery: Household 4 Lord’s Supper Preparation: Household 4
Coffee: Englesman, Jonker, Case
Readings to enable you to follow Jesus on the way to the Father, through His cross, death and resurrection:
Today: The Parade:Mark 11:1-11
Monday: The Temple: Mark 11:12-19
Tuesday: The Conflict: Mark 11:20-13:27
Wednesday: The Preparation: Mark 14:1-10
Thursday: The Farewell: Mark 14: 12-31
Friday: The Death: Mark 14:32-15:47
Saturday: The Silence: Mark 16:1
Sunday: The Winner: Mark 16:2-8
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly
beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each
other and forgive one another if any of you has a
grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13
Palm Sunday
First Christian Reformed Church
1814 S. Emerson Street Denver, Colorado 80210 303-733-4936
First Church Connections is published for distribution at Sunday worship services.
Submit announcements to [email protected] by noon Thursday.
Pastor Joel Schreurs
Nancy Waanders
Kim Csepe
Shirley Van Heukelem
Rebecca J. Schaefer
Larry/Alyse Young
Minister of the Word
Worship Coordinator
Director of Faith Formation
Programs & Office Administrator
Administrative Assistant
Custodians
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
We are an intergenerational family of God,
celebrating, seeking and sharing abundant life in Jesus.
PALM SUNDAY
ALL WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE PALM PROCESSIONAL~
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP, SUNDAY SCHOOL, PARENTS OR ANYBODY...
PLEASE GATHER DOWNSTAIRS IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.
SHARING KINGDOM CONCERNS
PRELUDE
»
WELCOME
»
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL
*PROCESSIONAL SONG
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
LU 145
Humble and riding on a donkey,
we greet You.
Acclaimed by common people and caroled by children,
we cheer You.
Moving from the peace of the countryside to the corridors of power,
we salute You, Christ our Lord.
You are giving the lowly a new dignity;
You are giving majesty a new face;
You are giving those who long for redemption a new song to sing.
With them, with heart and voice,
we shout “Hosanna!”
*SONG
Let the Weak Say I Am Strong
LU 800
*GREETING
*PASSING THE PEACE
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND GRATITUDE
SONG FOR GOD’S PEACE
Salaam
LU 298
OFFERING
BENEVOLENCE FUND
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
*SONG
Lord, Make Us Servants
KIM CSEPE
vs. 1.2.4.5.
LU 904
»
»
A nnouncements
We lift these families before the Lord, Our God: Soodsma’s, Engel’s and Andringa’s, along with families
we know who are deeply missing a treasured loved one.
Please pray for restored health and mobility for Jean Allen, battling pneumonia and facing surgery.
Continue to pray for sustaining grace for Norman and Joyce Baker, as doctors treat him for
complications with pneumonia. Pray for wisdom for his medical team.
Please pray for Ronda Abkes and extended family while they grieve the passing of her Uncle, Gelmer
Andringa. Gelmar and his wife worshiped at First Church, and will be remembered fondly.
Leader: As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is God’s love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
People: The Lord be with you.
Psalm 103: 11-12
Children: And also with you
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE
1 John 1:5-2:2
This is the Word of The Lord.
Thanks Be to God.
SERMON
REFLECTION:
“The Wo/Man in the Mirror”
page 1228
Pastor Joel Schreurs
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Have Thine Own Way Lord! Have Thine Own Way!
LU 737
*Lets us know when to stand during worship; Bold print indicates when we speak together.
PPCC is taking applications for teacher/assistant teacher’s positions for the 2015-2016 school
year. If you love children, please contact us soon at: ppcc@plattparkchildren’s center.com
or by phone at #303-282-7722.
In Remembrance of Jason Soodsma. Jason was a child of God and beloved member of our congregation.
CHALLENGE TO FAMILIES
You are asked to write a memory or share a story about Jason for Karen, Seth, Ariadne and Halle to read
that will help them know and remember this godly man. Paper can be found on the coffee table in the back Volunteers in Action’s Annual Spring Yard Clean-up for elderly homeowner’s will be held
between April 25th-May 9th, with you choosing your most convenient time. This is a great
of the Sanctuary. Please return them to the basket or to the church office.
opportunity for families with children to model service in their communities. Please contact your
Following the worship service, if you would like prayer, or if you have questions about the beliefs or practices VIA Deacon’s Representative Cory Vermeer at #303-598-8846 for details if your family is willing
of First Church, elders are available at the front of the sanctuary to meet with you.
to take on this fun, relational activity!
STEPHEN MINISTERS ARE HERE FOR YOU
NEW CLASSES AND UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRST CRC:
Who could receive the care of a Stephen Minister? Someone like Esther who was faced with a major
CEP (Christian Education Program) Informational Meetings ~
decision. Or, Someone like Elijah who thought he was all alone. If you would like to know more about how a Learn more about the commitment First Church has to Christian Education. Attendance at one
Stephen Minister could help you...please call: Alice Waanders #720-283-8084.
of these meetings is required to participate in academic year 2015-2016. TODAY following
service in the Pit Stop. March 29th, from 11-12 noon.
MISSION UPDATE
Questions welcome at [email protected]
The Table Ministry invites your participation in their Spring Seed & Supplies Drive
The Table Gardens continue to open doors for us to engage the neighborhood with tangible grace. We invite (Un)Hurt: The Healing Power of Forgiveness, Wednesday Nights at 6:45pm.
your participation in the launch of our gardens in 2015 by helping us collect some non GMO seeds and
We will follow the UnHurt Curriculum which leads us through practical steps toward forgiveness.
supplies. Look for a supply list in your boxes and a collection bin in the foyer underneath the coffee.
Please RSVP to Kim Csepe at [email protected]
Opportunity to Serve—ESL Conversation Group~ Cascade of Hope
We are partnering with Cascade of Hope, the ESL Ministry, led by Victor Perez, to provide conversation
groups for students learning English, beginning Friday, April 10th, from 7-8pm. Consider participating as this
is a great opportunity to get to know English learners and use your English skills to benefit others. Come
once, or as often as we meet. Contact Kim Csepe at [email protected] for more information.
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
Children (ages 3-K) are dismissed to attend a worship service designed for their
comprehension. Visitors and parents are always welcome to attend.
PLATT PARK CHILDREN’S CENTER
Please look for a flyer in your box from Platt Park Children’s Center. PPCC is having a Silent
Auction on April 25th. There will be many wonderful items for bidding. Join us for a fun night
supporting a great community preschool!
UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD & BEYOND
Denver Christian High School presents The Little Mermaid: April 17th, 7:00pm or Saturday,
April 18th at 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Come and spend an hour Under The Sea at Southern Gables Church, 4001 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
and see these amazingly talented students perform, as well as an exciting guest appearance by
Denver Christian’s CEO, Todd Lanting, cast in the hilarious role of Chef Louis!
Joshua Station 9th Annual SPRING THEATER event: Thursday, April 16th, 6:00pm
Enjoy an evening at the Lakewood Cultural Center, featuring “42nd Street”. Seating is by
reservation only and all donations will allow several more families to call Joshua Station home. Call
#720.377.1103 or [email protected] to reserve seats. First CRC has reserved a table for 10.
MOAB 2015 ~ Save the Date for the Annual Men’s Retreat in Moab, Utah ~ May 1-3 at Slick Rock!
Just as iron sharpens iron, the camaraderie of other men offers a unique opportunity to pursue Kingdom
adventure, call forth latent gifts and rekindle zeal for abundant life. Moab offers a naturally beautiful setting
and intentional time for physical and spiritual refreshment, so you can focus on where God is moving,
leading, connecting, calling...Friday, May 1st through Sunday morning, May 3rd. Fire pit time mornings and
evenings to share both the joys and challenges of life. Primary activities include hiking and biking.
Invite a friend, tune-up your bike and register on-line today: [email protected]
CROSSROADS BIBLE INSTITUTE
Each month Crossroad Connection, the broadcast ministry of CBI offers inspiring messages, interviews,
letters from prison and news about restorative justice. Episodes are available weekly at www.cbi.tv, including
this week’s show: “Coming to Grips With Poverty in America”.
Reformed Foundations Class: Wondering what it means to be a part of a “Reformed” church?
You are not alone! Join Pastor Joel during the education hour (11-12noon) today in the
Emerson House, to learn more about our “theological accent” and the way it impacts life and
ministry at First CRC.
THE AMAZING RACE ~ WEDNESDAY, April 29th during Family Night:
Intergenerational teams of 2 will embark on a race throughout church visiting a variety of
“countries”, where games and activities will be provided! Help is needed: with decorations, game
leaders and clean-up. See the flyer in your mailboxes for specifics, or contact the
[email protected].
YOUTH GROUP NEWS
Save to your Calendar: Next Youth meeting will be Sunday, April 19th from 5-6:30 Let Gina
(630-248-0966) or Alyse (303-582-4036) know if you have questions.
SPRING GROW GROUPS ~ APRIL 12-MAY 10
GROW GROUPS: a time to grow in faith together, to grow in closer communion with God
and to grow in love for all by serving Him. This is a great way to connect with church family,
to give and receive encouragement, to listen to what God is saying and to nurture
relationships regardless of age, stage or spiritual maturity.
Grow group leaders will be contacting you with plans for a shared meal on April 12th, 11-12n.
Groups will meet during the education hour for fun, intergenerational study of God’s Word
the next three Sundays: April 19, 26 and May 3. The Spring session will culminate with group
service projects the week of May 10th.
Contact Kim Csepe, Director of Faith Formation, at [email protected].