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Marc Hoogstad (youth pastor)
1105 Exmouth Street
519-336-8808
Matt and Danielle V have a new phone number. If you need to reach them, their new
number is 226 - 776 - 3350
1934 – 2015
The purpose of First Church in Sarnia is:
LOVE
SHARE
The love of God is celebrated.
The love of God is shared.
The love of God mobilizes us to care.
G
~page 3~
Are you able to help? Sandra V will be starting the cancer treatments in London on
Tuesday, Feb. 10th. She will need these treatments every day for six weeks. Some
assistance with transportation would help the family a whole lot. If you are in a position
to help, please call the family and make the arrangements. We pray the treatments will
be used to heal Sandra.
CARE
~ MILESTONES: Happy birthday and God’s blessings ~
Feb 1 Jason P
Feb 12 Alyssa B
Gavin B
Rick N
Feb 2 Joey H
Feb 13 Travis F
Freda S
Lex K
Kurtis T
Cheryl S
Feb 3 Amanda B
Mia V
Feb 6 Karin S
Corrie V
Feb 7 Adrian S
Feb 14 Ed D
Feb 8 Kerry B
Anthony S
Feb 10 Brian R
Tilly V
Feb 11 Rachelle G
Ann N
Marinus T
Sunday, February 1, 2015
reetings in the name of JESUS! Today we celebrate our 81st anniversary
at First Church. With joy, we celebrate the faithfulness of God and the
unfailing mercies of our Lord; who has called us, established us, and kept us as a
congregation throughout these many years. It is indeed by His grace that we worship
and work together as a family throughout the years. May we continue to be a people of
Light, proclaiming the good news of salvation and the coming of His glorious Kingdom,
of which we are His ambassadors.
A special welcome to all our guests! We are delighted that you have chosen to
worship with us today, and hope that you are blessed in the worship time you spend with
us. Please feel free to call upon the host couple, any of the elders, or the church office if
we can be of any further assistance to you.
Today we welcome Pastor Dirk Miedema as he leads us in both our morning and
evening worship services. We pray that the Lord will bless and strengthen him, that
each of us will be encouraged by the message he brings, and that we will apply the
spoken Word in ways that the Lord makes clear to us.
Following this morning’s worship service, everyone is invited to join us
downstairs in the fellowship hall for a time of conversation and coffee, tea or
juice. The prayer room upstairs is also always open after the service, and
there will be people there to pray for you for whatever concern you may have.
Our Church Family:
Sharon L has moved to Trillium Villa to receive convalescent care. She will be
living there for 2 months, and visits would be greatly appreciated.
Living Hope~ On January 22nd God called Emery B home to be with him. We extend
our sympathies to Mandy and her family as they grieve his loss.
Please continue to remember those members who cannot worship with us due to
health concerns: Alice B, Corrie B, Gerry B, Annette B, Martha B, Ann B, Betty D, Janny
D, Alyse D, John D, Coba F, Elizabeth K, Janny T, Wieb T, Mary V, Wilma V.
OUR GIFTS WE BRING
Today:
Next Week:
AM: 1. Ministry Shares 2. Bible League of Canada
PM: Diaconate
AM: 1. Ministry Shares 2. LDCSS
~page 4~
~Deacon’s Corner~
Our second morning offering is for the Bible League of Canada (formerly World Home
Bible League). Did you know that about half of the money used for this ministry comes
from the Bible for Missions Thrift Stores across Canada? (7 million dollars) You can also
support The Bible League by donating to, shopping at, or volunteering at your local Bible
for Missions Thrift Store.
Our evening offering is for the diaconate. Our deacons provide local financial support to
families both within and outside of our fellowship.
~Our thanks today to~
Serving Elders/Deacons:
A M: *Gerry V, Pete V, JT S, Jack T
P M: *Bert H, Freda S, Harry V, Dianna B
Clint and Leeanna H, Clarence and Alice V
Greeters:
Michael and Ethel D
Ushers: Dora B, John R
Sound Tech:
Sean S
Projection Tech: John P
Sunday School: Alice V, Claire V, Stacey H, Lauren T
Prayer Room:
Pete and Linda W
Library Attendants: Tracey Z, Margriet S, Betty B
Nursery:
Amanda Z, Kelly V, Stephen N, Ashley S
2
Coffee Servers:
~Scheduled for Next Sunday, February 8, 2015~
Serving Elders/Deacons:
A M: *Ed D, Matt V, Brian H, MaryAnn D
P M: *Pete V, John P, Pete V, MaryAnn D
Coffee Servers:
Pete and Linda Weening, Ed and Sonja DeVries
2
Rob and Henny D
Ushers: Carol P, John B
Sound Tech:
Tom S
Projection Tech: Ian S
Sunday School: Tracey Z, Claire V, Patti K, Lauren T
Prayer Room:
Pete V and Alice R
Library Attendants: Marg R, Alice V, Nina V
Nursery:
Margriet S, Sonja V, Michael D, Maddie K
Greeters:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Combined Executive meeting Tuesday February 10, 2015 at 7:00pm at Redeemer CRC
Full Council meeting Tuesday February 17, 2015 at 7:30pm at First CRC
Council RETREAT Saturday February 21, 2015, Nick’s Family Restaurant, 1716 London
Line, at 8:00 a.m. (park in the back)
~page 5~
NOMINATIONS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS: It is the time of year when we need to
think and pray about nominations for elders and deacons. Retiring elders are Ed D, Bert
H, Alex K, and Diane P, and retiring deacons are Brian H, Carol P, and Freda S. Please
take a moment to thank these people for their faithful service. We require 4 new elders
and 3 new deacons and offices are open to both men and women who are confessing
members. Please prayerfully consider who you feel are gifted for these tasks and
submit their names in writing or by email to Harry V [email protected] . It is
suggested you take a moment to speak with those you are nominating to encourage
them. Pray that those nominated will consider this a calling from God and trust in his
equipping for the task.
PMC will be meeting on Monday February 2nd 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Council wants the congregation to note that on Sunday morning, Feb. 15, Seminarian
Marg R will be welcomed to our pulpit. Marg is licensed to preach through Calvin
Theological Seminary. She has been attending Seminary for several years through the
long distance learning program. We are very happy that Marg is able to share her
special gifts with her own church family. God's blessing as you preach here, as well as
in other churches in Classis Chatham, and as you continue your study.
ANNIVERSARY - Our 81st church anniversary falls on Thursday, February 5th. To
celebrate the blessing of another year, please join us in the fellowship hall for coffee and
cake after todays morning service. Hartelijke gefeliciteerd met de verjaardag van je kerk!
(Congratulations on the anniversary of your church!)
POT LUCKS: It's that time of year again! The beginning of each New Year can bring
such hope and promise; not to mention some good times of fellowship with friends and
family! We invite you to join us in celebrating the blessings of another New Year with
your congregational district at the Annual District Pot Lucks. Please bring a main dish as
well as either a salad or a dessert. Single people who are not able to prepare a large
dish are encouraged to bring whatever you can, or at very least just bring yourself!
Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 will be on February 22. If you are unsure of which district you are
in, please refer to the lists on the bulletin board located on the wall adjacent to the library
on the back of the sanctuary.
I will be out of the country on the ATLAS mission trip, combined with a week’s vacation.
For those 2 weeks Kristy N will be filling in for me in the church office, with normal office
hours. Please have your bulletin announcements in to the church by 4:30 on
Wednesdays as usual ([email protected] ), or put them in my mail slot, where she
can retrieve them. The office will be closed on Tuesday, February 3, but will be open
February 4 and 5.
Thank –you!
~Betty
~page 6~
HEALTHFUL REMINDER - At this time of year, especially, the spread of illness from
viruses and bacteria can happen very quickly and affect a large number of people. Many
of us will bounce back pretty quickly, but we should consider those with health conditions
that may complicate their ability to fight off illness. With that in mind, please remember to
practice frequent and thorough hand-washing, particularly if you will be greeting people,
serving food or drink, caring for babies or toddlers, or will be in contact with someone
with a compromised immune system. If you have been in close contact with someone or
you yourself have been sick, please consider staying home for 48 hours after exposure,
or after symptoms are gone. If you are a scheduled greeter and would prefer not to
shake hands, feel free to keep your hands in your pockets or behind your back, and
greet with a smile instead! :)
The best way to know that you've done a pretty good job of washing your hands is after
wetting your hands, work soap into a rich lather, and scrub (both sides, between fingers,
and under nails) for 20 seconds...keep track of the time by humming the "Happy
Birthday" tune from beginning to end twice.
~page 7~
PASTOR MARC FAREWELL EVENING On Sunday, February 15, 2015 we are
planning to say Farewell to Pastor Marc after serving is Sarnia for almost 11 years. We
are all invited to a potluck supper and time to say goodbye and worship together to be
held at Redeemer CRC. For the potluck please bring your favourite main dish, salad or
dessert as well as your dishes and cutlery. Drinks will be provided.
It's time for the SECRET SISTER reveal! Thanks to those who participated this past
year. Please find a way to reveal yourself to your secret sister over the next few weeks.
FREE VHS MOVIES: All VHS movies need to go. If your VHS player still works,
please help yourself to our fiction movies. In their place the library committee has
purchased many DVD movies including Veggie tales, Adventures in Odyssey, and many
family friendly movies etc. Come check them out!
GEMS ANNUAL SOUP AND CHILI DINNER: Would you like to have a fun night out
with great fellowship and even better food? Please join us at the
GEMS Annual Soup and Chili fundraising dinner at Sarnia Christian
School on Saturday, Feb. 7 starting at 4:30 until 6:30pm. There is a flyer
in your mail slots with all the information you need. Mark your calendars
and enjoy an evening and let the GEMS serve you!
~SARNIA CRC YOUTH~
FUSION: Tonight we will be joining in with Redeemer's prayer service and presentation.
The service will begin at 6:30, but feel free to come in at the regular time. Hope to see
you there!
VIDEO AND BOARD GAMES NIGHT: Come on out this Friday night to Redeemer CRC
for a night of video and board games! We're making it a full night - 7-11pm, and so we
are requesting that people bring $5 to help cover the costs of delicious snack foods.
Bring your favourite board games too! See you Friday!
SERVE 2015: We have received confirmation that this summer's mission trip will be to
Thunder Bay ON from July 11-18. If you want to attend, it's time to sign up now! Get your
registration forms from Pastor Marc or from Lauren Vanderlaan today!
YOUNG ADULTS: Join others from Ontario for a weekend retreat on January 30February 1 at Maranatha CRC in Woodstock. Featured speaker Sid Ypma. This
weekend will include small-group sessions, social time, food and activities! For more info
visit the Facebook page “YA Retreat 2015” or email [email protected]
YARN CLUB: Knitting and crocheting blankets and sweaters for the babies of the
Dominican Republic. We will meet on Wednesday February 4 at First CRC in the library
from 1 – 3.
Pastoral Care Team’s next Hymn Sing at Vision Nursing Home will be held on
Thursday (February 5th) at 10 a.m., and we’d like to invite you to come and join us as we
share this time with the residents. We’ll meet in the new chapel, which is on the ground
floor, just inside the main entry door off of Brock Street. We hope to see (& hear :-) you
there! If it appears that the weather might cause cancellation of the Hymn Sing, please
call Henny D, Jennie K, Diane P, or Toni K to confirm this
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.
Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with
your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Have you
thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse?
Retrouvaille is a program to help couples heal and renew their marriages! Retrouvaille
provides marriage help! The word Retrouvaille is a French word meaning rediscovery.
The program offer tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands
of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully
overcome their marriage problems by attending the program. If your marriage suffers
from disillusionment please contact Retrouvaille for confidential information about the
program. To register for the March program beginning with a weekend on March 20th22nd in London, Ontario, please call 519-842-7370 or email:
[email protected] or visit the web site at www.retrouvaille.org.
There are also brochures on the bulletin board or talk to Carolyn Nienhuis (519) 3830448 or email: [email protected] if you have any questions.
Mark the Date! LDCSS invites you to enjoy ‘An evening in Paris’ at their Spring Fund
Raising Banquet on Saturday, March 7th. For details visit www.ldcss.ca
~page 8~
Welcome Wednesdays comes to LDCSS! Grades 9-12 Admissions Open Houses.
Dates: February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6, 9:30-11:30 AM, 12:30-2:30 PM. Come
experience LDCSS in action! RSVP: 519-455-4360 ext.231or [email protected]
LDCSS school tours are also available by appointment.
FANSHAWE CHAPLAIN- If you or someone you know is attending Fanshawe College
this semester, Chaplain Kelly Sibthorpe and Good News CRC welcomes you!
Good News Church is located five minutes from campus! Contact Chaplain Kelly
Sibthorpe through Facebook messenger or e-mail at [email protected] or text 226236-5201. We have great student events/Bible Study to help you connect with others.
Peace- Chaplain Kelly
CLASSIS CHATHAM HIGHLIGHTS:
~ Tammy H of Diaconal Ministries, Canada made a presentation on behalf of the
Synodical Task Force to Study the Offices of Elder and Deacon. This report is
scheduled to be discussed at this year’s Synod at Dordt College in Iowa.
~Classis approved an Overture from Talbot Street CRC, London,to amend the
Supplement to Article 84 of the Church Order, which addresses regulations for
reinstatement of office bearers guilty of sexual misconduct. This overture will be
submitted to this year’s Synod.
~Classis approved the appointments of Harry V (First CRC, Sarnia) as Treasurer and
Ron M (Grace CRC, Chatham) as Stated Clerk for Classis. Outgoing Treasurer Oscar D
and Stated Clerk Barry W were thanked for their faithful years of service.
~Yvonne L was introduced as Classis Chatham new Safe Church Leader. Patricia V
was thanked for her faithful service
~In Executive Session, in accordance with Church Order 17-a, and with the concurrence
of the Synodical Deputies, Classis approved a Separation Agreement between Living
Hope CRC, Sarnia and Rev. Richard V
~Classis was blessed with a variety of other speakers and reports.
DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES
KIDS CORNER - Liz and Lucille try to befriend the new kid at school, but he seems to
prefer the iguanas. But when Gerald gets caught throwing eggs at Grandpa’s house, he
is forced to rethink his choice of friends. Follow the Kids Corner 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.
GOT A QUESTION ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY? - Disability Concerns and our network of
hundreds of volunteer disability advocates are eager to help your church overcome
barriers of attitude, architecture, and communication. Contact us at
[email protected] or 888-463-0272.
~page 9~
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL IT’S WORTH! Dr. Jeff Weima, Professor of New
Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary will be presenting a seminar at Maranatha
Christian Reformed Church, 94 Elgin St. SOUTH, Cambridge, on Saturday, February 7,
at 9 am, followed by lunch and a demonstration preaching from 1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Registration is $20 before January 26 and at the door at 8:15 a.m. for $30; email
[email protected] . Pastor Weima will be preaching on Sunday, February 8 at
10 am at River City Church, Galaxy Cinema, Cambridge Center Mall and at 4 pm at
Maranatha Christian Reformed Church. The seminar and preaching is intended for lay
persons, church leaders, pastors, students who have a desire to become more confident
in their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. For more information, visit
www.jeffweima.com
FREE WEBINAR - Join us on February 4 when Mike Hogeterp and Mark Charles will
present "Icebergs in History-The Doctrine of Discovery". They will examine how the DoD
may have shaped our relationships with Indigenous Peoples and address key questions:
"What is the DoD?" "Why is it important?" and "What does it have to do with ministry
today?" For details and registration for this free, one-hour event, visit
crcna.org/webinars.
BAD WEATHER PROCEDURE: Winter is upon us, and in the event of bad weather
which would necessitate canceling a worship service this would be the procedure:
The decision will be made at least 2 hours before the service (by 8:00am or 4:30pm)
Elders would call the people in their district to advise them.
Please listen to the following radio stations for cancellations:
WNFA 90.7 FM
FOX FM 99.9 AM
CHOK 1070 AM
If we can be of assistance……
Youth Pastor Marc Hoogstad (O) 519-337-6485
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours (at Redeemer CRC) are Tue. and Thurs. from 2 to 5 p.m.
Betty Boot (O) 519-336-8808
E-mail [email protected]
Office Administrator:
Church Office hours are Tue. & Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thurs. 9 am. – 4 pm
Chair of Council:
Harry Verburg (519-331-8919)
E-mail: [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Lucille VanderVies (519)542-3080
E-mail: [email protected]
Clerk of Council:
Dianna Brown (519)330-0793
E-mail: [email protected]
Pastoral concerns: Contact either Harry Verburg (see his info above), or
Diane Plug (519)383-1096 E-mail: [email protected]
Prayer Coordinators
Ethel DePooter (519-336-3169) and Ann Veenkamp (519-383-0887)
Treasurer:
Ray Kapteyn (519-332-0868)
E-mail: [email protected]
Custodians: Doris Calderon & Libardo Rubio (519-491-6609)
[email protected]
The Network:
www.crcna.org/network
Please have all bulletin announcements into the office by 4 p.m. Wednesday
Website: www.sarniafirstcrc.com