MORNING WORSHIP

November 29, 2009 9:15 AM

First Sunday in Advent

Prelude

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (#133)

Advent Noel
Sanctuary Choir
Lois Suffern, piano

Litany for the First Sunday in Advent

L: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise Him in the height above.
C: Praise Him, all His angels! Praise Him, all His heavenly hosts!
(Ps. 148:1-2)
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and his righteousness with
their children’s children – with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
Praise the LORD, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word!
Praise the Lord, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will! Praise the Lord, all His
works everywhere in His dominion! Praise the Lord, o my soul! (Ps. 103:17-20)
We light the first candle in celebration with the angels of the Lord.
May we know the blessedness of those who reverence and honor God in majesty and holiness from
everlasting to everlasting.

Prayer Blanket for Mike and Amanda De Koster

Prayers of Thanks and Petition

Comfort, Comfort Now My People (#132)

Luke 2:8-11, 22:39-43

ANGELS! ANGEL! ANGELS!
Pastor Perry De Groot

That All May Hear – Words of Hope

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne (#198, vss. 1-2)

[Please pass the Friendship Pads from
one end of the pew to the other and back.]

The Lord’s Blessing

Doxology (#809)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Text for Advent Noel
Prepare! He is coming, Now sing we all noel! Lift high joyful praises for He will come to dwell. We sing in one
voice, O let all rejoice! Come celebrate, prepare for the Lord, Emmanuel! The Son of God will come that night,
Prepare to see the wondrous sight! We await the mighty King, Now hear the joyous carols ring. Sing we noel
forever! Sing we all noel! Now sing we forever, now sing we all together for He will come to dwell. The Lord will
come down, Sing a merry song of cheer! The angels will gather, His holy birth is near! Come celebrate, prepare
for the Child will soon appear.

Welcome. . . What a privilege it is to join together in this hour of worship. Allow the music of the
prelude to prepare you for this experience.

Following the service, elders will be available for prayer. If you have a praise, a need, or a question of a
spiritual nature, the elders invite you to meet with them in the Prayer Room (across from the Fireside Room, north
side, first floor).
The cry room is located by the north entrance to the sanctuary. Nursery facilities are located at the south end of
the Education Unit, lower level.
Music sheets on the black stands at each entrance will be used in the upcoming worship hour.
BROADCASTS
Radio – Sundays, 9:15 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. (KSOU – 93.9 FM)
Cable TV – Tuesdays & Fridays, 7:00 p.m. (Channel 3 or 12)
Web site address: www.frcoc.org

VERSE OF THE MONTH

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
9:00 The “Prayer Huddle” with pastors and elders in the Prayer Room. Anyone is welcome to gather
for this special time of intercession.
9:15 a.m. Corporate Worship. This morning’s message is entitled ANGELS! ANGELS! ANGELS!
As we worship the LORD GOD, our

Heavenly Father, who sets the stage for the wondrous story and reality of Christmas, let us focus on
God’s amazing Gift to us. During the first part of the offertory we will view an up-to-date DVD produced
by Words of Hope, the radio ministry of the RCA. Words of Hope vision: Build the church world-wide
through media broadcasting. Good News! No Boundaries!
10:45 a.m. Sunday School/Disciples’ Journey. See the ivory insert for updated information.
2:00 p.m. Christmas Festival Orchestra rehearsal in the sanctuary. There is room for many more
players. If you are interested, please join us.
5:30 p.m. Genevan Ringers rehearsal.
6:30 p.m. Corporate Worship. We welcome Pastor Don Den Hartog to our congregation tonight. Don
is a retired RCA pastor now living in OC.
The Genevan Ringers bring two international Christmas carols to us tonight in the ministry of music.
 SERVING US TODAY
GREETERS: 8:55 AM –Nick & Mikkell Baker-N, Craig & Leah Pennings-NW, Dale & Cheryl
Hiemstra-S, Steve & Laurie Roesner-SW 6:15 PM –Mark & Miriam Vellinga-N, Harlan & Linda Ver
Steeg-S
USHERS: Jacob Solsma, Trevor Starkweather, Johanna Suffern, Michelle Van Wyk, Jacob Vande
Griend, Josie Visser, Leah Wielenga, Anna Zeutenhorst, Shelby Baker, Malea Beeson, Davis
Bloemendaal, Sarah Bomgaars, Sam Bonnecroy
COFFEE & PUNCH: Harlan & Stacie Jorgensen, Brian & Julie Junck
WELCOME CENTER: Bob & Mary Van Gelder
CHILD CARE ATTENDANTS: 8:50 AM – Judy Cleveringa, Pam Jeltema, Jacki Brenneman, Jade
De Kock 10:35 AM – Kevin & Kara Verschuure

SERVING US NEXT SUNDAY

GREETERS: 8:55 AM – Bob & Sue Conaway-N, Lois De Haan/Amy Eben-NW, Cliff & Geneva
Korver-S, Daryl & Shirley Beltman-SW
6:15 PM - John & Dianne Van Wyk-N, Mark & Amy Rassel-S
COFFEE & PUNCH: Reese & Cristi Kelch, Cliff & Geneva Korver
WELCOME CENTER: Bill & Kathy Van Marel
CHILD CARE ATTENDANTS: 8:50 AM Geneva Korver, Dawn Kroese, Rachel Leusink, Kari
Vanden Brink 10:35 AM - Norwin & Myra Bomgaars

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH NEWS & NOTES

“A friend is a present you give yourself.” Strengthen your friendship by sharing your love t hrough
the use of an Encouragement Card.
 EVENING WORSHIP
6:30 PM
Prelude – Genevan Ringers
Ukrainian Bell Carol

Once in Royal David’s City (#161)

[Please pass the Friendship Pads from
one end of the pew to the other and back.]

Gentle Mary Laid Her Child (#156)

Ministry of Music – Genevan Ringers

West Indies Carol

Prayers of Thanks and Petition

Emmanuel, Emmanuel (#140)

John 1:1-14
Jay Wielenga
HE ASKED ME TO REMIND YOU ABOUT CHRISTMAS
Pastor Don Den Hartog

Prayer for Blessing

Praise the Name of Jesus (#128)

The Lord’s Blessing

Grace, Love and Fellowship

E-100 Discussion Guides for January thru March are available in the Welcome Center.
This Wednesday, Dec. 2nd join us in the Fellowship Hall at 6:40 PM for another night of KIDS
FOR CHRIST ! The word this week is “covenant”, and we’ll focus on one of God’s promises to us, the
sending of a Savaior. What perfect timing as we enter the season of Advent!
All Church Open House Baby Shower, Sunday, December 6, 4:00 – 6:00 PM at First Impact, for
Austin Huitink, Logan Van Ravenhorst, Landon Jaime and Crystian Dokter. All men and women of First
Reformed Church are invited. Please pick up gift suggestions at the table in the Fellowship Hall today.

SOUP SUPPER – Wednesday, Dec. 9th, 5-7 PM, Fellowship Hall.

As in the past, parents and their students will provide the soup, pies and tavern. The students will be
hosting the meal as a fundraiser for future service projects and this summer’s mission trip to Logan, WV.
Please come to support our youth and to enjoy fellowship and delicious warm food.
BAKERS STILL NEEDED: Are there more bakers out there willing to make Christmas cookies for
the after Sunday School program refreshment time? Let Tom know if you can make a doz. or two for
December 20 (PM).
NEW WEBSITE SOON LAUNCHES!! A committee of volunteers has been working diligently to
revamp FRC’s website. There is a new look, new features, current pictures, updated information. Watch
for more details in upcoming announcements. Thank you to those who researched, reorganized, rewrote
and reworked the present website into a new and informative tool.
The Annual Christmas Festival Orchestra is again being formed to play on December 20 at the
morning worship hour. Students in Middle School and above and young and older adults who play (or
have played) string, brass or woodwind instruments are invited to participate.
Attention all you 40-60ish year old singles and couples G.I.F.T. (Gathering In Fellowship
Together) is going to be doing their annual Christmas caroling at Landsmeer, Pioneer Home and the two
nursing homes on Tuesday night, Dec. 1. Please meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30. After caroling we
will be going to the Pizza Ranch for a buffet supper.
NOTICE: Bulletin announcements are due in the church office by Wednesday 5 PM.

NEXT SUNDAY

AM: Rev. David Sterk – We welcome Rev. Sterk to our worship service this morning.
PM: NWC Student Drama-Life of John Calvin. – We thank the Drama Team for sharing their talents
with us.

CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS
First Church Prayer Line - #737-8500

IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY…
As a congregation, we express our sincere sympathy to Henk Aarsen, Bert & Peg Aarsen and families,
in the death of their mother and grandmother, Martha Aarsen, who passed from time into eternity, on
Tues., Nov. 24th.
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
WITH OUR HOSPITALIZED…
Orange City Area Health System: Sadie Ver Steeg

A PIECE OF PEACE

Jesus Christ came to save us from us.

“But because of His great love for us, God,

who is rich in mercy, made us alive with
Christ even when we were dead in our sins –
it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2:4-5

WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Real Life Ministries, December 22, 6:30 PM – A night of Christmas Caroling. Check your mailbox
next week for details.
 Mary-Martha, Tuesday, December 1, 12:00, Christmas Meeting - Meet in Nederlands – 1:15
PM meeting at church.
Miriam, Thursday, November 3, 11:30 AM, De Koffiehoek & Bistro
Ruth, Friday, December 4, 10:30 – 11:00 AM, Hymn Sing at Heritage House Nursing Home.
Women’s Ministry Christmas Program – Monday, December 7 – 7:00 PM – Sanctuary. Come
and join other women of our church in celebrating the birth of our Savior. Sylvia Hulstein and Betty
Vermeer will give a chalk artist presentation. We will sing some Christmas carols and take an offering
for the Organ Fund. There will not be a calling tree.

WORSHIP/PRAYER MINISTRY
PRAYER MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:
- O.C. Noon-time Prayer Meeting, Tuesday, December 1. Prayer location: ATLAS meeting room.
- Prayer Warriors on Wednesday, December 2, 6:40 p.m.
MUSIC MINISTRY REHEARSALS AND UPDATES:
- Cherub Choir and Children’s Choir, Wednesday, December 2, 6:40 p.m.
- Sanctuary Choir, Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 p.m.
- MAJESTY! Worship Team rehearses, Thursday, December 3, 6:30 p.m.
$40,000
FINANCIAL UPDATE

Last week’s offering: $ 14,232.00 Weekly budget need: $

19,644.00
Offerings year-to-date: $ 372,599.00
Year-to-date Budget: $ 419,895.00

Organ Repair Fund to date: $21,301.00

Organ Repair Fund Grows. Thanks the special gifts from
families and organizations, the fund continues to grow. If
you are interested in giving to the organ fund, please designate
your gift and the deacons will respond appropriately.
Catechism
Offerings year-to-date: $ 260.60
Catechism offerings are designated for Inspiration Hills log cabins.
cabins
Sunday School
Last week’s offering: $ 78.00
Offerings year-to-date: $ 989.35
The 1st $1000 goal is designated for Inspiration Hills Scholarships.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLAS is requesting gift donations for their 2nd Annual Christmas Store. There is a tree in the
Fellowship Hall with gift suggestions. Please take an angel, and follow the instructions, returning your
donation to the fellowship hall by Dec. 6.
Senior High Youth Group of Maurice First Reformed Church will host its 17th annual Traveling
Nativity on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 at the church in Maurice. You and your
family are invited to experience this Christmas story in a new and exciting way. Hours for both evenings
are 5:30 – 8:30 PM. A freewill donation will be received that will go towards summer missions.
 First Reformed Church of Sioux Center invites you to Extravaganza 2010, A Christian New
Year’s Eve Party, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, in the fellowship hall. Punch/Dinner at 6:30 PM and
entertainment to Midnight. Tickets ar $20 per person, are on sale from Nov. 1 thru December 1. Send
checks to Donna Den Herder, 2990 400th St., Sioux Center, IA 51250,
# 712-722-4257.

NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE news…

Annual Christmas Vespers services, Sat. Dec. 5, 7 PM, and Sun. Dec. 6, 3 PM, Christ Chapel. The
NWC music department will present the

Annual Christmas Vespers services, which include performances of a variety of carols and Christmas
musical selections by many musical ensembles, congregational singing, and readings. The event is free
and the public is invited to attend.
NORTHWESTERN/DORDT STUDENTS ART EXHIBITION OPENS DEC. 4. Students from
NWC & Dordt College will exhibit their artwork in Northwestern’s Te Paske Galley Dec. 4–16. An
opening reception is scheduled for 7PM, Friday, Dec. 4. The Te Paske Gallery is located in the Korver
Visual Arts Center along Highway 10 in Orange City. The gallery is open to the public from 8 AM to
midnight Monday through Saturday and 1 PM to midnight on Sunday.

DORDT COLLEGE news…

New Artwork by Professors David Versluis, Jacob Van Wyk, Matthew Drissell, and adjunct
professor Doug Burg is being featured in the Dordt College Center Art Gallery through January 14, 2010.
The Campus Center Art Gallery is open every day from 8 AM to 10PM.
Dordt College’s PLIA (Putting Love Into Action) students are hosting a soup supper on Friday,
Dec. 4, from 5 – 7 PM at West Commons. All proceeds will be used to support student mission teams
during spring break. If you are willing to donate pies, buns or ground beef, please call Lisa Van Boom
(722-6603) or e-mail lsvnbm@dordt.edu by Nov. 29.
Dordt College Concert Band, Jazz Band & Chamber Orchestra concert, Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30
PM, in B.J. Haan Auditorium.
Chorale Service of Lessons & Carols – Sunday, Dec. 6, 8 PM in Dordt College’s BJ Haan
Auditorium. An offering will be received to benefit music scholarships at Dordt College.
Dordt College’s Women’s Chorus, Kantorei and Concert Choir will present a concert Friday,
Dec. 11, at 7:30 PM in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.

OCCS news…
OCCS Christmas Cookie Walk, Saturday, December 5, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, Iowa State Bank
Basement in Orange City. Come and enjoy a huge selection of Christmas cookies and holiday treats
available for purchase individually and by the dozen. Bring along your own containers to fill for added
convenience!
Bakers Welcome: The OCCS Cookie Walk Committee would like to invite anyone to share your
flair! We would welcome any festive cookies, bars, candies, snacks or beverage mixes. Any items you
are willing to donate may be delivered to the basement of Iowa State Bank on Friday, Dec. 4, from 2:00 –
7:00 PM or Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7:30 – 7:45 AM. We ask that the cookies or treats are brought in well
sealed container or on decorative trays . Any help you are willing to give is greatly appreciated.
Questions, call Kari at 737-4973.
 First Reformed Church

Mission Statement: Our purpose is to give glory to God, to know Christ and to make Him known.

Values Statements: First Church wants to be a church…

That advances the missionary and evangelistic work of the church in the community and the world.
That faithfully preaches the entire Word of God.
That joyfully and enthusiastically worships together and praises God.
That identifies and utilizes spiritual gifts.
That is anchored and devoted to prayer.
That supplies loving care for each member of the church family.
That provides a strong, Biblically-based, Christian education program to disciple and equip all ages.
That intentionally nurtures, trains and equips youth to know Christ and to make Him known.
That fosters forgiveness and reconciliation.

Our belief in the Holy Trinity is depicted by the three elliptical shapes which join into one common area
at the center. The two-edged sword in the top elliptical area represents the Word of God which we
believe is central to our faith because it is through God’s Word that we learn of Him and His plan of
salvation for us. Participation in the sacraments of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper render support to our
belief in God’s Word. The wavy blue lines in the center of the sculpture represent the water used in
baptism. The wheat and the grapes represent the bread and wine used in communion. We believe that
God uses the proclamation of the Word and the proper administration of the sacraments as the “means of
grace”.
 CHURCH STAFF

Mr. Ross Enger, Director of Youth Ministries

Mr. Tom Hydeen, Director of Worship & Prayer

Mr. Galen Kleinwolterink, Custodian

Mr. Chris & Mrs. Sherry Lang, Directors of Mid-week Children’s Ministries

Mrs. Grace Oldenkamp, Service Coordinator / Office Assistant

Mrs. Brenda Walhof, Church Accountant

Mrs. Aletha Beeson, Director of Sunday Children’s Ministries

Rev. Dr. Perry De Groot, Shepherding & Executive Pastor

Mrs. Missy Dokter, Administrative Assistant

Rev. Stan Vandersall, Interim Pastor

CONSISTORY

Elders Deacons
Daryl Beltman 2010 Teresa Gunderson 2010
Arlin Brenneman 2010 Doug Te Grotenhuis 2010
Gary Cleveringa 2010 Leroy Van Kekerix 2010
Gerry Korver 2010 Kevin Verschuure 2010
Jim Bonnecroy 2011 Nick Baker 2011
J.R. Siebersma 2011 Rick Hop 2011
Wayne Westenberg 2011 Brett Mulder 2011
Jay Wielenga 2011 Craig Pennings 2011
Ted De Hoogh 2012 Don Baker 2012
Dale Hiemstra 2012 B.J. Mulder 2012
Steve Locker 2012 Ken Oldenkamp 2012
Gary Te Grotenhuis 2012 Arlen Smit 2012
 The Essential 100 Challenge

Congratulations to all of you for completing the Old Testament

part of the E-100 !
We will resume again starting December 28
with 50 passages from the
New Testament, with a message each week starting on Jan. 3rd
related to a specific passage in the readings or a topical combination,
that will take us through the beginning of March.

There are New Testament discussion guides for you

at the Welcome Center.

Prasie God for the wonderful gift He gave us in His Holy Word !