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CALVARY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

408 Maple Street, Pella, IA 50219 http://www.calvary-crc.org/

August 16, 2009 641-628-4552 Note: The deadline for this week is noon on Thursday. Items can be dropped off in the church office, my mailbox at church or by e-mail at secretary@calvary-crc.org. Thanks, Heidi Vande Kamp, 628-9193. If you would like to receive the weekly newsletter by e-mail send a message to secretary@calvary-crc.org or visit our website at www.calvary-crc.org.

TODAY, AUGUST 16

7:30 a.m. Prayer Meeting, Room 13 8:45 a.m. Praise & Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Service 5:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting, Room 13 6:00 p.m. Praise & Worship Service

MONDAY, AUGUST 17

9:30 a.m. Faithfully Fit Exercise Class 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting 8:30 p.m. Consistory Meeting 8:30 p.m. Deacon Meeting

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

9:30 a.m. Faithfully Fit Exercise Class, Y.H. 7:00 p.m. Praise Band Practice, Sanctuary

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

9:30 a.m. Faithfully Fit Exercise Class

MINIBUS DRIVER FOR NEXT SUNDAY: Marv De Boef – 780-0066

OFFERINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY:

AM – Calvary Education Fund - The purpose of the Calvary CRC Education Fund is to provide an opportunity for the Calvary Congregation to assist parents with the financial costs of providing a Christ-centered education for their children.

PM – Crossroads of Pella - Crossroads provides free counseling and operates as the first call for help, information and referral. Services include crisis intervention, mediation, illness support services, short-term psychotherapy, and emergency financial assistance.

PROJECTIONIST & SOUND FOR AUGUST 17-23 Projectionist: Brad Jungling 628-8607Sound AM: Craig Roose 628-9175Sound PM: Andrew De Haan 620-1230

LIBRARY NEXT SUNDAY: AM – Mindy Veenstra, Twyla Van Wyk PM – Alb Stursma, Dorothy Van Kooten

BROADCASTS FOR THE WEEK:

KRLS 92.1 FM 6:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. – Calvary CRC Worship Service. PELLA CABLE CHANNEL PTV12 Monday 7:00 p.m. – Calvary’s Morning Service Friday 7:00 p.m. – Calvary’s Evening Service BACK TO GOD HOUR: I’M AMAZED: In our busy lives, we seldom really communicate even with people who are important to us. Even though there are many ways to communicate, feelings of loneliness and isolation often intensify. Where did people in the Bible find comfort in their feelings of loneliness? Find out on the August 23 Back to God Hour. Tune in at 5:00 p.m. on KCWN, Pella, at 99.9 FM or 9:30 p.m. on KNIA /KRLS, Knoxville / Pella, at 1320 AM or 92.1 or listen anytime on your computer at www.BacktoGod.net. CROSSROAD CONNECTION: JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN: Crossroad Bible Institute recently launched a popular Bible study program for the children of prisoners. This week, Dr. David Schuringa provides a progress report using the stories of parents and children who have enrolled in the program. You can listen to Crossroad Connection – a ministry of Crossroad Bible Institute, anytime at www.cbi.fm, or on KCWN 99.9 FM on Sundays at 7:45 a.m.

Our Mission is to call the lost and equip followers of Jesus Christ through the work of the Spirit for God’s glory!

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GREETERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY:

AM - 8:45 Service Vern & Geneva Van Zanten (E. Narthex), Ed & Betty Vande Pol (W. Narthex) Shane & Megan Vande Voort (Intersection of south & West classroom Hall), Ken & Dottie Monsma (Narthex Roving Greeter) Eric & Angela Vande Zande (F.H. Roving Greeter) AM – 11:00 Service Denny & Arla Van Zanten (E. Narthex) Jim & Bev Van Zee (W. Narthex) Galyn & Lori Vande Zande (Intersection of south & west classroom Hall), Larry & Mary Van Arendonk (Narthex Roving Greeter) Case & Rachel Vander Hart (F.H. Roving Greeter) PM – Dick & Arlene Vander Laan (E. Narthex), Cory & Sandy Veenstra (W. Narthex), Mark & Nellie Vander Schel (Intersection of south & west classroom Hall), Steve & Janis Van Wyk (Narthex Roving Greeter)

ABOUT OUR CHURCH FAMILY: • Next Sunday at the 11:00 service we will

witness the baptism of Leah Hoksbergen, daughter of Joe & Katie.

• Please pray for patience for Loren Vander Wilt as he recovers from the broken bones he received from an accident this past week.

MISSIONARY OF THE WEEK:

J. ZYLSTRAS – UGANDA: Please pray for Jim and Josephine who have returned to Uganda to resume their teaching and outreach. Pray that they can restrengthen on-going programs and draw many new believers. Pray for those who suffer with AIDS, especially innocent children.

COFFEE SERVER SCHEDULE: There is a list of Sunday morning coffee time servers on the kitchen south wall. If you exchange with somebody, please replace their name with yours. PLEASE read the instructions when you serve. Servers should show up about 25 minutes before first service to prepare coffee time. The Fellowship Committee requests that 1 couple from the assigned group of servers to please stay to clean up before the 11:00 service. Today: Gary & Carol Beyer, Martena De

Groot, Joann Blom, Rick & Sue Blom August 23: Kevin & Kim Bolt, Don & Karen

Branderhorst, Mark & Lois Branderhorst

NURSERY FOR NEXT SUNDAY: You can find the Nursery Schedule for 2009 on Calvary’s Website under – inside Calvary – schedules. Infants Toddlers 8:45 a.m. Deb Monsma

Katelyn Roose Angela Vande Zande Levi Nikkel

11:00 a.m. Connie Roozeboom Shaylin Rouw

Dottie Monsma Micah Nieboer

6:00 p.m. Joann Nikkel Bruce Ribbens

WORDS OF THANKS:

Our hearts and lives are saddened with the loss of our precious stillborn great-granddaughter, Shealeigh Book. The condolences of, “the Calvary family,” have been uplifting in consoling our grief. Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold, so he picks a rosebud before it can grow old.

~ Bob & Elma Beyer

Thank you for the many cards I received for my 84th birthday. Each one was very much appreciated and Donna and I give thanks for the years God has given me. ~ Cor Bouwers Thanks to Calvary Family for the expressions of sympathy we received after the loss of our Grandson, Doug. Your prayers, cards, hugs, and visit by Pastor Art and others were much appreciated. ~ Case and Rachel Vander Hart Dear dedicated friends for missions: While on our home service, we were deeply warmed by your love and care for us. We received the much needed embrace from the Christian community. We traveled the gamut of emotion and many of you journeyed through the sorrow and joy with us. We appreciate you and are thankful for how God used you to hold us up. We want to celebrate with you the news that we received our minimum financial support of $66,000 in full for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Your generosity accomplished this feat. Thank you for seeing and addressing with us the high task of nurturing Christian leaders in Nigeria. As a new fiscal year started in July, we continue to notice your generous hearts, committed prayers, and steady encouragement. Keep up the great work! Peace. Mike, Megan, Amira, Nico, and Stella Ribbens (mribbens@gmail.com; http://www.mribbens.blogspot.com)

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OUR CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NEXT SUNDAY morning Pastor Art’s message will be from Jeremiah 36:1-32, “God’s Word is Calling.” In the evening Pastor Art’s message will be from Revelation 3:7-13, “The Faithful Ones.” THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE is looking for six volunteers to help with the fall dinner that will be held on September 16. Please call Deb Monsma at 780-8590 if you can help. THE DEACON’S gratefully report the following gifts and offerings for the month of July: Benevolence $412.50Calvary Education Fund $1,083.80Christian Reformed Home Missions $874.13CRWRC $974.40COC $523.80Kuyper College $378.00PCGS Quarterly $5,191.75 A COPY of our worship service media is available in the library. If you are shut in and would like to receive a DVD/Video copy of our worship service in your home on a weekly basis, please contact Christy Van Zee, 628-1068.

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS:

WELCOME LUNCHEON AT TRINITY CHURCH IN AMES: Iowa State students, graduate students, and their families are invited to attend Trinity CRC on Sunday, August 23. Morning worship is at 9:30 a.m. Directly after the morning service lunch will be served by the TCRC fellowship committee. This is a great time to meet the Trinity church family and other new and returning students. For more information check the church web-site (www.amestrinity.org) or phone Pastor Tom Niehof at (515) 292-4676.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: Bethany Christian Services of South Central Iowa's 2009 Tournament of Hope will be held Monday, August 31 at the Harvester Golf Course. For more registration information or to sign up your golf foursome, please call or e-mail Lindsay Loomans at 628-3247 or lloomans@bethany.org. We would love to have you join us for a great day of golf! BRUXVOORT FAMILY BENEFIT: Karlie Bruxvoort, daughter of Jim & Kathy, is a courageous 13 year old from the Pella community who was diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma cancer about 1 year ago. A fundraising event has been planned for Thursday, September 3 at the Vermeer Pavilion to support the family- 100 percent of the funds raised will go to the Bruxvoorts. A delicious pulled pork dinner will be served from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the Faith CRC praise band providing music throughout the evening. Check out the poster in the Fellowship Hall for more details. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FUN and support PCHS at the same time, please consider serving on the PCHS Eagle Booster Board. We are looking for at least 2 couples to replace outgoing couples. Eagle Boosters raises funds, mostly through concessions, and supports all programs in our school (from home economics to industrial arts, music, and sports). Parents of incoming freshman are encouraged to get involved in this opportunity to serve. If you are willing to serve in this way or want more information about it, please call: Ron Zantingh: home: 628-8435, or work: 628-2191 or Marty Nikkel: 780-7765 or Kim Nikkel: 780-7262. Thank you! PAM SCHRAM, an enthusiastic and humorous inspirational speaker, is the featured speaker for Bible League Volunteers Retreat at the Vermeer Global Pavilion Auditorium in Pella on September 18. The deadline for registering is September 8. All men (as well as other friends) are encouraged to come to the banquet and evening concert with music by Randy & Denise Beridon. There is a charge for the banquet – be sure to include the men in your reservation. For more information, see your brochure or Jo-Ann Blom 628-2882.

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FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 18, at 7:00 Classis Central Plains has a great spiritual event planned. This year is the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. The Psalms were special to John Calvin who is considered to be the greatest commentator ever on the Psalms. As part of the year-long commemoration of Calvin, Dr. Carl Bosma of Calvin Theological Seminary will speak about “How to Read the Psalms for All Their Worth,” and then moderate a discussion of how the Psalms can personally inspire and enhance your walk with God. This is the kick-off event for classis that meets at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. Coffee, cookies and fellowship will follow about 8:45. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to grow closer to God! PELLA CHRISTIAN GRADE SCHOOL has employment opportunities for the 2009-10 school year. At this time, applications are being accepted for: • Middle school volleyball coaches, must have an

Iowa coaching authorization. Application is available at www.pellachristian.net. Interested candidates should mail application to Athletic Director, Pella Christian Grade School, 216 Liberty Street, Pella, IA 50219.

• Possible full or part time aide for elementary student. Position will follow the school calendar of when classes are in session. Interested candidates should pick up an application from the school office and return it to the Principal. Questions, please contact David DeJong, Principal at principal@pellachristian.net or 641‐628‐2414.

A GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

O Lord, let thyself be found with a good gift to everyone who needs it, that the happy may find courage to accept thy good gifts, that the sorrowful may find courage to accept thy perfect gifts. For to men there is a difference of joy and of sorrow, but for thee, O Lord, there is no difference in these things; everything that comes from thee is a good and perfect gift.

-Søren Kierkegaard

A CHURCH GARDEN First, plant five rows of peas: Presence Promptness Preparation Purity Perseverance. Next to these, plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip. Squash criticism. Squash indifference. No garden is complete without turnips: Turn up for meetings. Turn up with a smile. Turn up with new ideas. Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

COOLER HEADS PREVAIL A woman was often annoyed by a male coworker. One day he had harassed her so much that she was about to explode. She decided to confront him while her blood boiled. The woman began walking to the man's desk. Before reaching his cubicle, she saw a packing case with some computer equipment in it. On the side of the box were the words "Do not get overheated." That made her stop and think. The woman took those words as a message from God. She calmed herself down and returned to her desk. Later, she told her children that instead of doing something wrong when their anger gets out of control, their prayer should be "O God, remind me that I am a Christian."

August 2009

Ministry Messenger

A Newsletter for the Classis Central Plains Churches from the Classis Central Plains Diaconal and

Home Missions Committees

A Heart for the Downtrodden: Remembering Marv BlomWhen Marv Blom passed

away on May 24, we lost a valued member of our diaconal editorial team here at the Ministry Messenger. Marv had been an active volunteer for this newsletter since it began in 1992. His Ministry Messenger work was a natural outgrowth of his diaconal passion.

“If people were in trouble, no matter what kind of trouble it was, Marv really felt for them,” said Gary Van Engelenhoven, who volunteered alongside him for several decades. “He had a big heart for downtrodden people.”

That big heart led Marv to trips around the globe as a board member for CRWRC

(Christian Reformed World Relief Committee), accompanied by his wife JoAnn. In the early 1980s he traveled to Russia when Classis Central Plains (then called Classis Pella) donated tons of seed corn to Russia. When seed corn delivery was delayed, he and his team distributed hundreds of Bibles instead. The seed corn arrived safely at a later date.

In the late 1980s he and JoAnn visited CRWRC work centers in Malawi and Zambia. Later trips took the Bloms to visit Malawi orphanages and Philippine missionaries.

After each trip, Marv shared his experience—and his

enthusiasm for relief work—with Classis Central Plains churches. The Farmer-to-Farmer program was especially important to him.

Within the United States, he was area coordinator for disaster relief projects, organizing volunteer work in Florida, Texas, Mississippi—and most recently to Parkersburg and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Don Lourens, who traveled with Marv both in the United States and abroad, remembered,

“Marv was comfortable wearing his bib overalls anywhere. He was dedicated to his goals and not concerned about what others might think.”

Despite failing health, he accompanied many of service project teams, driving around work sites on his motorized cart, an oxygen tank at his side. As Marv’s energy waned, JoAnn provided deft support for him—driving, unloading his cart, and doing the necessary high-oxygen jobs.

In 2002 Marv had been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, a degenerative disease with no known cure.

“Marv didn’t let his illness stop him,” said Gary. “I could tell sometimes he didn’t feel well, but he kept going. In fact, we sorted diaconal records

see Marv, page 2

Marv and JoAnn Blom on Marv’s 50th birthday

Ministry Messenger is produced by The Write PlaceDonna Biddle and Carol Van Klompenburg, Editors

Ministry MessengerPurpose: to inform members of Classis Central Plains of the Christian Reformed Church about mercy and evangelism projects of the Classis Central Plains Diaconal Committee and Home Missions Committee, and to inspire them toward participation.Address: Ministry Messenger, 339 Hwy T14, Pella, IA 50219 balerman@kdsi.net Members of Classis Central Plains Diaconal Committee: Randy Nugteren and Gary Van Engelenhoven (chairmen), Pastor Don Ringnalda, Charles Van Zante and Doug Van Zee. Classis Central Plains Home Missions Committee: Pastor Jeff Sajdak, ChairmanPrayer Coordinator: Marv Goodyk 641-594-2936

ACTS Grows, Acquires Full-Time Director

Giving Opportunity: NIV Bibles for Youth

SOY (Serve Our Youth) of Polk County has requested NIV Outreach Bibles to give to youth with whom SOY works at Polk County Youth Services Woodward Academy, and Youth Homes of Mid-America. Books can be purchased from your local bookstore and sent to Serve

Our Youth Network, c/o Polk County Youth Services, 1548 Hull Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316. Or you can go purchase them online at insert URL here and request them be shipped directly to the above address. On-line the Bibles cost $2.75 each or $54 for a case of 24 ($2.25 each).

together just the week before he died.”

Sheldon Starkenburg, Minister of Congregational Life and Outreach at Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, said, “Marv was one of a kind, and there is no one who can replace him. He shared Christ with countless people he met. He was a man

with a love for the Lord and a compassion for people.”

The call of Micah 6:8, listed with Marv’s obituary, was a call to which he responded:

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Marv (from page 1)

Volunteers work on one of 14 projects at the Spring Service Surge in Ottumwa.

The April 18 Service Surge brought about 200 volunteers.

receiving the help.

“All volunteer labor is free,” Bennett said. “The hosts just pay for the materials.”

Bennett said another big step would be to talk with other ministries to learn if they have similar programs, which could possibly develop into a partnership or complementary program.

“I’m just happy that we have an organization like this around,” said Jason Rens, a member of Faith Christian Reformed church

of Pella, who joined ACTS shortly after it was formed. He said helping people in need is the best part of volunteering.

ACTS plans all the details of the events, so volunteers just need to “sign up and show up.” As a “thank-you” for volunteering, participants receive a Service Surge t-shirt.

For more information or to become an ACTS volunteer, contact Joel Bennett at jbennett@actsofiowa.org or (641) 780-7858.

ACTS (A Call to Serve) of Iowa is growing. Joel Bennett recently left an eleven-year career at Pella Corporation to become its full-time executive director.

ACTS of Iowa is a nonprofit organization established in May 2006 by Bennett and Jamie Gyolai. It “connects those who need assistance with those willing to lend a hand.” The volunteers follow God’s Word by helping people in need, while also becoming closer to other Christians and members of their communities. ACTS has completed more than 140 service projects totaling more than 3,000 hours.

“On April 18, we brought 200 people to Ottumwa for one

of our Service Surge projects,” Bennett said.

He added that although the ministry is expanding, there is always room for growth. “We have had a large influx of volunteers—about 350—but we’re always looking for people with different skill sets,” he said.

In addition to more volunteers, Bennett said he would like to see ACTS receive more job requests. Financial contributions are also helpful, as well as donated tools and materials. For example, Bennett said that some contractors who replaced a deck donated the used wood to ACTS, which volunteers then built into a wheelchair ramp. Such donations help offset the costs for the hosts