Weekly Bulletin - Blyth Christian Reformed Church

Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
Page 1
“Today in the town of David a
Saviour has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
Welcome: We welcome each one who has come today to worship here on this Fourth Sunday of
Advent. Please join us for a cup of coffee after the morning worship service in the fellowship hall
downstairs. This evening the Sunday School children will present their Christmas concert. A
separate order of worship will be handed out.
WORSHIP SERVICE ~ 10:00 AM
He Makes All Things New
GATHERING TO WORSHIP
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
* Song: Holy Emmanuel
* Call to Worship
A voice cries: “In the wilderness
prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a
highway for our God.”
As we worship today, let us prepare to
welcome God’s powerful work in our midst,
in our hearts, in our community,
and in all of creation.
Let us worship God.
* God’s Greeting
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The love of God the Father,
The grace of God the Son,
The power of God the Spirit is with you.
Amen
* Song of Response #480(LUYH), sung
twice: Wait for the Lord
ADVENT CELEBRATION
Advent Reading
The angel told Mary that she was expecting a child:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.
Elizabeth, Mary’s relative was also pregnant, six months along. Elizabeth had not been
able to have children, but God had blessed her with a miracle. In a few months her child
would be born.
Nothing is impossible with God!
When Mary heard that Elizabeth was also expecting child, she didn’t waste a minute. She
got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah’s house,
and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb
leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly,
You’re so blessed among women,
and the babe in your womb, also blessed!
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
*
*
Bulletin # 51
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And why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me?
The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears,
The babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.
Blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come
true!
Mary responded with a song:
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.
Lighting of the Advent Candle
During this Advent season we have been getting ready for the coming of Jesus Christ.
The fact that Jesus came should mean several things to us. It means that we can
celebrate Jesus’ past, coming to Bethlehem as a baby. It means we can be encouraged
because he still lives with us. It means that he is coming again to take us home to live with
him forever. It also means that we can shout with the glad angels by saying, “Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!”
The four candles shining together announce that Jesus came for each of us and he is the
Light of the World!
Song: Born in Bethlehem
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Call to Holy Living: Isaiah 55:1-13
Song of Response : Hallowed Manger Ground
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Prayer for Illumination
Children’s Time
Children’s Song #86(LUYH), 1,2,3:
Away in a Manger
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-56
Message: He Makes Things New
Prayer of Application
* Song: Celebrate the Child
RESPONDING WITH THANKSGIVING
Prayer for God’s People
Offertory Prayer
Offering
* Song: Offering
GOING WITH GOD’S BLESSING
* Benediction
* Song: Bethlehem
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
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SERVICE SCHEDULE
Today:
Pastor Gary Van Leeuwen will be leading us in both services.
The Sunday School children will be presenting their Christmas program in the evening service.
Christmas: The Christmas Service will be lead by Pastor Gary Van Leeuwen at 10:00 am on
Thursday, December 25th.
Next Sunday: We anticipate celebrating the profession of faith of Peter and Tammy Nonkes
along with the baptism of their daughter Ava Sunday morning. Pastor Gary will be leading the
service.
There is no evening service.
New Years Eve Service: will be held on Wed, Dec 31st at 7:30 pm
New Year's Day Service: Our New Year's Day service will begin with a time of fellowship at
10:00am followed by a service of praise and prayer beginning at 10:30am. We thank the council
members in advance for providing the goodies that will make our pre-service fellowship even
better.
OFFERING SCHEDULE
Today:
(1) Church (2) AM: Voice of the Martyrs Canada. This is a non-profit
charitable organization dedicated to helping, loving and encouraging persecuted Christians
worldwide. The ministry provides suffering believers assistance in a vast variety of ways. They
also serve to raise national awareness and greatly needed prayer support. Their mission is to
glorify God by serving His persecuted church.
PM: (Sunday School Christmas Program) will be used by the Church School teachers to select
one or more gifts from the World Renew Gift Catalog.
Christmas - Dec 25: Food Bank in Clinton
Next Week:
(1) Church
(2) Huron Christian School
New Years Eve - Dec 31: Ramoth House
New Years Day - Jan 1: Salvation Army Food Bank in Goderich
Jan 4: Alzheimer Society of Huron County; Jan 11: Youth Unlimited
Jan 18: Blyth youth SERVE-team.
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
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KEEP IN PRAYER

Congratulations to all those celebrating birthdays this week:
Clarence Poortinga Jr. – Dec 21
Laurian Top – Dec 22
Siep Bosma – Dec 23
Mary Schultz – Dec 25

Pray for those who are travelling this Christmas season. Let us ask God for safety on the
roads and for wisdom and discretion should the weather turn quickly.

Keep in prayer those who are lonely during the holiday season. Those who have lost loved
ones, who are estranged from parents or children, who are feeling the consequences of
broken relationships, and for those who may be distant from their loved ones are in special
need of our attention and prayer and hospitality. May they find in us the love and
compassion of God in this time of year.
Greeters
North
Greeters
South
Greeters
Back
Ushers
Today
Dec 21
Next Week
Dec 28
Two Weeks
Jan 4
Keith & Helen
Lapp
Jim & Sylvia
Parish
Dave & Kirsten
Passchier
Gaye Datema
Dan Baarda
Ed & Joanne
Salverda
Dave & Christina
Salverda
Jim & Val
Shortreed
Merv Datema
Audrey Bos
Richard
Siebolt & Annie
Siertsema
Bert & Brenda
Sjaarda
Mark & Diana
Sjaarda
Peter Uyl
Lisa Baarda
Jamie / Laurina
Kirsten
No Evening
Service
Andrew Bos
Cheryl Bakelaar
David Passchier
Ellen VanSchaik
Kendra Bos
Quintin Sjaarda
Leanne
Emily
Andrew Bos
Cheryl Bakelaar
David Passchier
Jane Klasen
Justin Shortreed
Laurina VanDorp
Emily W
Richard & Tracy
Bergsma
Art & Corrie
Bos
Pre-Service
Singing
Redeemed / Janelle &
Jason
Music- am Hillie / Sunday School
pm
Program
PA
Douwe Top
Projector
Jamie Reinink
Camera
Justin Baarda
Nursery
Kim Greidanus
AM
Naomi Filiatreault
Lauren Bos
JK – gr 1
Kendra
SS Helper
Coffee
Calvin & Cheryl
Servers
Bakelaar
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
Page 5
Christmas Day
Greeters
North
Greeters
South
Greeters
Back
Ushers
Music
PA
Projector
Camera
Nursery
Coffee
Servers
George &
Cheryl
Poortinga
Bert &
Carol
Reinink
Gerrit &
Karen
Rylaarsdam
Raymond
Wilts &
Jesse
Baarda
Jannie/
choir/
Top
family
Richard
Audrey
Kyle
Christina
Salverda
Shannon
Siertsema
Emily VL
Elders
and
Deacons
New Years Eve:
Ushers: Justin Baarda and Calvin Bakelaar
Music: Tracy / Brooke
PA: Micah Nonkes Projector: Mark Siertsema
Camera: Jacob Nonkes
New Years Day
Greeters
North
Greeters
South
Greeters
Back
Ushers
Rob &
Andrea
Ken &
Judy
Mike &
Deb
Rick
Steele
Eric
Shortreed
Shortreed
Siertsema
Nonkes
Preservice
Singing
John
&
Jane
Music
Hillie/
Tina
Bos &
family
PA &
Projector,
Camera
Douwe
Jamie
Justin
Nursery
Coffee
Servers
Karen R
Chris
Exel
Shelby G
Hans &
Audrey
Boonstoppel
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Window: Send your interesting Christmas articles, poems, memories, etc for the Church
Window by Dec. 21st to [email protected].
Phone number change: Due to a Bell error, John and Derkje Wesselink's phone number has
been changed to 519-482-3389 (in Huronview)
Budget 2014 - Just a reminder that the last chance to contribute to the 2014 church budget is
December 28, 2014. Please prayerfully consider what you are able to give this year. The deficit
to date is still $27,000, it would be great to balance the budget.
SOUP 'N SKATE: Tuesday, December 30th
Skating from 10:30 – 11:30am at the Blyth Arena and
Soup served at the church from 11:30am – 1:00pm.
Attention Curlers: You are invited to be part of the annual LDCSS Curling Bonspiel, February
14, 2015, at the Aylmer Curling Club. Cost $500.00 per team, sponsors are encouraged. All
snacks and lunch provided free for curlers. To register, please contact Albert at 519-773-3238 or
email [email protected] by Jan 31, 2015.
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
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Huron Christian School invites you to help in "Building on the Foundation of Christian
Education". To participate please come visit the school, pick an envelope(s) from the display with
a donation amount earmarked on it, and make a financial contribution to HCS. We invite you to
come to the school anytime to do this or participate in one of our upcoming events such as the
blood donor clinic on Dec 26. If you are unable to come to the school please feel free to mail in a
donation of your choosing. Look in your church mailboxes for more information.
YOUNG PEOPLE/ADULT’S NEWS
SOUP 'N SKATE: Tuesday, December 30th - Please see the list of items sent out this week that
you will need to bring by family. A duty list will go out yet before the date. If you can't bring your
items and/or won't be there, please let a youth leader know in advance. Thanks!
YOUTH EXECUTIVE meeting is Wednesday, January 7th @ Becky's house @ 7:30PM. We hope
to have our Winter/Spring calendar out after this meeting.
Next YOUTH GROUP: Thursday, January 8th - Emily & Kaleb on snacks.
Next FAITH INSTRUCTION night will be Tuesday, January 13th. Jacob & Mark on snacks.
TRILLIUM FORMAL planning meeting is @ Becky's house on Wednesday, January 15th @
7:30PM.
Young People Hockey:
Sat, Dec 27
Sat, Jan 3
Sat, Jan 10
Sat, Jan 17
Sat, Jan 24
Sat, Jan 31
in Blyth vs Exeter
in Blyth vs Palmerston
Blyth off
in Blyth vs Drayton
in Blyth vs Exeter
Blyth off
at 8:00 pm
at 8:00 pm
at 8:00 pm
at 8:00 pm
OTHER NEWS
KIDS CORNER - Mary's Miracle: The birth of Christ is the incarnation of God in human history.
Kids Corner presents this dramatic presentation of the miracle of Jesus as seen through the eyes
of Mary. Follow the adventures of Liz and his pals every week: subscribe for free at
getkidscorner.com. Find more great resources for kids and parents at kidscorner.net.
CONSTRUCTION FOR HEALTH - Use your construction skills to improve health care in Malawi.
Serve alongside community workers to repair homes on the Nkhoma Mission Hospital compound,
providing suitable housing for hospital staff. The goal of the program is to provide safe and secure
housing and support for the work of Nkhoma Mission Hospital in ways that will express our love
for, encourage, and strengthen their ability to provide quality healthcare in Malawi. More
information available at www.worldrenew.net or [email protected].
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Bulletin # 51
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Last Chance to sign up for the Kenya Prayer Safari - You have the opportunity to serve handin-hand with local Kenyan leaders by praying with them for ministry centers and people in
leadership positions in Kenya's capital city. Join the Prayer Safari on February 5-16. Visit
crwm.org/safari to sign up.
HIGH ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP - Rock climbing, orienteering, rope courses, arts and crafts
are some of the activities at this adventure camp high in the Staja mountain region of Romania,
where youth are challenged in creative problem solving, facing and conquering fears, team work,
compassion and more. You are invited to be a North American Christian role model and come
alongside Romanian camp leaders in this unique ministry that empowers youth with the skills to
live life well. Additional details can be found at www.crwm.org or contact [email protected]
Nicaragua ONTARIO Youth Team - Join other youth from Ontario on World Renew’s 2015
March Break team to help alleviate hunger in Nicaragua. Work alongside community leaders and
youth - building relationships, bridging culture, helping with different projects, and growing in faith
and leadership skills. Does this sound like the challenge you're looking for? Contact
[email protected] for additional details.
Merry Christmas from World Renew - World Renew would like to wish you a blessed Christmas
as we remember the birth of our Savior. In the midst of the turmoil and crisis in our world, we can
place our hope in Jesus. We can also extend Christ's hope by giving a gift to those who are living
in poverty. Thank you for your gifts to World Renew through the Gift Catalog program and through
your church offerings to help those who need it most. To find out more, visit worldrenew.net.
THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR
Sunday
Sunday School (Pre K –gr 1) ................................................................................. after the offering
Sunday School / Faith Instruction Classes (gr 2 – gr. 8).........................................after am service
Sunday Services .............................................................................................. 10:00 am & 7:30 pm
Monday
Exercise group .................................................................................................................... 9:30 am
Thursday
Christmas Service ............................................................................................................. 10:00 am
Bulletin Deadline ................................................................................................................. 5:00 pm
Saturday
Tykes Hockey at the Blyth Arena ........................................................................................ 7:00 pm
Young People Hockey in Blyth ............................................................................................ 8:00 pm
Church & Minister: 519-523-4743
Minister: Pastor Gary Van Leeuwen email: [email protected] .
Home: 226-523-5566 and cell: 519-441-7805
Clerk Mr. Rick Steele 519-526-7446 e-mail: [email protected]
Blyth CRC Web Site: www.blythcrc.ca
Bulletin Announcements: call Anita Boven: 519-523-9492 or e-mail
[email protected] before 5:00 pm on Thursday.