HIGHLIGHTS

CARMEL REFORMED CHURCH

“Bound in God’s Love”

JANUARY, 2014

FOR THE NEW YEAR

H old fast to your faith (Hebrews 4:14)

A ssemble with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)

P ray earnestly every day (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

P ray for great blessings (Malachi 3:10)

Y ield not to temptation (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

N eglect not your talents and opportunities (Galatians 6:10)

E xamine yourself daily (2 Corinthians 13:5)

W ork diligently for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Y ield your members to righteousness (Romans 6:11, 16)

E xercise yourself in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7)

A im for a perfect, mature faith (Hebrews 6:1)

R edeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16)

—Gus Nichols

WHAT NOT TO TAKE INTO THE NEW YEAR

• Self-help books — Trust in God first; don’t turn to him as a last resort. (See Proverbs 3:5-6.)

• Tape measure — Consider only God’s standards; don’t compare yourself to other people.

(See Luke 18:9-14.)

• Rearview mirror — Don’t live in the past. You’ll miss out on what God is doing in your life now. (See

Philippians 3:12-14.)

• Gavel — Stop wasting time judging others. Instead, pray for them, help them and team with them. (See

Luke 6:37-38.)

• Life vest — Don’t be overly cautious spiritually. Peter experienced Jesus in a real way because he dared

to step out of the boat. (See Matthew 14:22-33.)

• Garage-door opener — We think we’re networked but often isolate ourselves. God intended for us to live

in community with one another. (See Hebrews 10:23-25.)

• Handcuffs — Don’t offer excuses about why you can’t help out. God can do amazing things through —

and despite — us. Just follow him, with no excuses. (See Mark 6:35-44.)

—Gregg McCaslin

January 5 AM: Jo Moget, Julie

Bomgaars, Dylan De Jong, Mason

Vander Lugt, Kayla Franken,

Avery Sandbulte; PM: Heather

De Jong, Taya Gesink, Anthony

Janisch.

January 12 AM: Michon Moget, Jami Sand-

bulte, Alyssa Kuyper, Jennifer Balderas, Sadie

Sandbulte, Sydney Gesink; PM: Rachel Terp-

stra, Addisyn Huizenga, Nykolas Downs.

January 19 AM: Alicia Wolfswinkel, Rachel

Van Roekel, Aubrey Sandbulte, Jayden Fed-

ders, Nick Van Regenmorter, Brendan Downs;

PM: Jackie Huizenga, Paityn Albert, Nyiah

Gesink.

January 26 AM: Ronda Leusink, Kim Nie-

meyer, Rachel Zinnel, Kasi Koedam, Kaleb

Kuyper, Jaren Pierce; PM: Ashley Hulstein,

Colin Robertson, Brianna Fedders.

February 2 AM: Jayden Smolders, Donna

Tea, Ben Van Voorst, Amber Van Regen-

morter, Gracie Vanden Brink, Anna Vonk;

PM: Carmen Maassen, Ella Zwart, Blake

Bomgaars.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

REFRESHMENT SCHEDULE

R - serve on Sunday morning; C - each bring 5

dozen cookies.

Jan. 5-R-John Leusink, Pete De Jong; C-

Ramona Vander Weide, Sherri Wolfswinkel,

Glenda Van Meeteren, Florence Sandbulte, Cheryl Lange.

Jan. 12 - R-Frieda Bartels, Verlyn Van Regen-

morter; C-Jenn Vande Vegte, Sandi Vonk,

Nora Bohl, Trish Sandbulte, Lin De Jong.

Jan. 19 - R-Lloyd De Jong, Denny De Jong;

C-Rhonda Sandbulte, Fonda Post, Conni Hul-

shof, Ronda Leusink, Amanda Haverhals.

Jan. 26 - R-Mike Haverhals, Jerry Noteboom;

C-Rhonda Haverhals, Muriel Oostra, Nicole

Vanden Brink, Colleen Bomgaars, Frieda

Bartels.

Feb. 2 - R-Les Te Grotenhuis, Jerry Renes; C-

Mimi Sandbulte, Beth Te Grotenhuis, Dianne

Van Ravenswaay, Jo Te Grotenhuis, Erica

Robertson.

Feb. 9 - R-Hans Smolders, Alan Sandbulte; C-

Eug. Sandbulte, Kaye Kuyper, Teresa Sand-

bulte, Hazel Haverhals, Helen Vande Vegte.

Call the church office by

noon on Thursday, with your

special number. If you are not

able to have special music the

scheduled time, please try to ex-

change with someone.

Top name is AM; bottom is PM:

Jan. 5 - Frieda Bartels

Angela Bahnsen

Jan. 12 - Joel Bensema

Brad Beukelman

Jan. 19 - Dave Bohl

Mike Bomgaars

Jan. 26 - Tim Bomgaars

Mary Brommer

Feb. 2 - Colleen Bomgaars

Alan De Jong

Feb. 9 - Ken De Boer

Dennis De Jong

Feb. 16 - Jan De Jong

Lloyd De Jong

Feb. 23 - Pete De Jong

Jr. RCYF

Mar. 2 - Todd De Jong

Dave Dibbet

Mar. 9 - Dustin Doornink

Brent Downs

Mar. 16 - Terry Dykstra

Henrietta Farmer

* * * * * * * * * * *

Jan. 5 AM - Marlin Van Voorst

Russ Vande Vegte

PM - Mark Van Voorst

Jan. 12 AM - Alec Vanden Brink

Preston Vander Plaats

PM - Eddie Vander Weide

Jan. 19 AM - Warren Vonk

Henry A. Wolfswinkel

PM - Tom Zwart

Jan. 26 AM - Henry J. Wolfswinkel

Kelly Zinnel

PM - Dave Bohl

Feb. 2 AM - Jerry Wolfswinkel

Chad Wynia

PM - Dennis De Jong

Jr. RCYF TO HOST SOUP SUPPER

The Jr. RCYF will be hosting

Carmel’s annual Soup Supper, on

Wednesday, January 15. They

will be serving soup, sandwiches

and pies from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in

the church Fellowship Hall. A freewill dona-

tion will be accepted and will go towards fund-

ing for the Middle School Retreat as well as

other Jr. RCYF activities.

The Jr. RCYF would appreciate donations

of food for the supper. A sign up sheet, along

with recipes, is by the mailboxes, for those

who would be willing to donate food items for

the supper.

Invite your family and friends to attend the

Soup Supper on January 15.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

NEEDED: A person or cou-

ple who would be willing to

coordinate and deliver meals

for “Hearts to Hands”. “Hearts

to Hands” brings meals to those

who have been hospitalized, those who are

grieving the loss of a loved one and those who

are celebrating the birth of a baby. If you are

looking for a way to serve in Carmel Church

and would be interested in this, please contact

Hospitality Elder, Alan Sandbulte.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

We extend our sympathy to the

family and friends of Marie Vande

Kamp who passed away on Dec. 24

at the age of 95 years. Marie grew up

near Carmel and was a lifetime mem-

ber of Carmel Church where she sang in the

choir. After her marriage to Walt Vande Kamp

they made their home in Rock Valley, where

she was living at the time of her death. Walt

passed away in 1998 after 41 years of mar-

riage. She enjoyed making Christmas candy,

playing board and card games, word finds, col-

lecting Dutch delft and having coffee with

friends.

Marie is survived by two children, Carmel

Church member John Vande Kamp and Mari-

etta (Duane) De Kruyff of Pella, Iowa. She is

also survived by a grandson, Cody De Kruyff.

At the December Elders’

Meeting we welcomed a new

family into the communicant

membership of Carmel. Jake

and Ashley Anderson and

their infant son, Brock. Jake comes to us by

transfer from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of

Rock Valley. Ashley through reaffirmation of

her faith.

The Anderson’s make their home at 1006

Colfax Street in Boyden. Jake is employed by

the city of Boyden and Ashley is a Social

Worker at Royale Meadows Care Center in

Sioux Center. Their son Brock Jacob was born

on October 15.

In their spare time the Anderson’s like to

watch the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoy going to

I-Cubs games. They also enjoy spending time

outdoors. They are not related to anyone in

Carmel, but have many friends here who en-

couraged them to give Carmel Church a try.

Be sure to welcome the Andersons to Car-

mel Church. They will be publicly welcomed

on January 5, at which time they will receive

the sacrament of baptism for their son, Brock.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

On December 1, we celebrated

the sacrament of baptism with Anna

Lynn, daughter of Seth and Amanda

Haverhals. Anna was born on Octo-

ber 25. Anna’s Carmel Church

grandparents are Mike and Hazel Haverhals.

On December 22, we celebrated the sacra-

ment of baptism with Elijah Dale, son of Arlin

and Kelly Post. Elijah was born on June 13.

Carmel Church grandparents are Warren and

Fonda Post. Elijah was baptized by his grand-

mother Pastor Katie Van Veldhuizen from

Hull.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The Men’s Prayer Group that

meets on the second and fourth

Wednesday morning of each

month will not be meeting in Janu-

ary or February. They will resume meeting on

March 12 at 7:30 a.m. All men are welcome!

Deacon’s Corner – January 2014

Offering Schedule - A new offering schedule for the coming year will be in your mailbox

soon. An explanation on the various causes can be found on the back of the schedule. If

you have any questions concerning the offering schedule, please talk to a deacon.

Mission Commitments - The Mission Committee met a few months ago and decided on our mission

commitments for the coming year. Watch your mailbox later this month for a detailed explanation of

our commitments for the coming year.

Outreach Fund – The Outreach Fund is available to assist Carmel Reformed Church members partici-

pation in mission projects/trip by providing financial assistance for registration and travel expenses.

This does not include normally scheduled JR/SR youth group trips. The fund will reimburse ½ of travel

and registration costs up to $500.00 per individual per calendar year. Please contact the Outreach Fund

deacon or one of the other deacons for an application form.

Adoption Fund – For those considering an adoption please consider inquiring as to whether you will

qualify for the Carmel Reformed Church Adoption Assistance Fund. This fund makes available up to

$1,500 to assist active Carmel Reformed Church members with adoption costs. See any deacon for de-

tails and a copy of the application form. All requests will require consistory approval.

Zestos –The Zesto’s Freezer in the church kitchen is stocked with food items for those who are in need.

If you are in need, please help yourself to whatever is in the freezer, no questions asked. If you know

someone in the surrounding communities that is in need this would be a great opportunity to be the

hands and feet of Jesus by taking some food items to them.

Christian Care – The Christian Care Fund is available to assist with financial needs for those who are

encountering difficult circumstances and are struggling to cover their basic financial needs. Please see

the Christian Care Fund deacon if you are in need of assistance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Men’s Book Club meets on the second Thursday of each month to dis-

cuss their book of the month. They will meet on January 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the

Moses Room for discussion on the book “Marked for Death: Islam’s War Against

the West and Me” by Geert Wilders. All men are welcome to join us. Below is a

synopsis of this month’s book.

Fanatics, terrorists, and appeasers have tried everything to silence Geert Wil-

ders, Europe’s most controversial Member of Parliament—from putting him on trial

to putting a price on his head. But Wilders refuses to be silenced—and one result is this book.

For years, from his native Netherlands, Wilders has sounded the alarm about the relentless

spread of Islam in the West. And he has paid a steep personal price, enduring countless death threats

and being forced into a permanent state of hiding.

Now, for the first time, Wilders offers a full account of his long battle against the zealots who

have already slaughtered his countryman Theo van Gogh—whose killer also threatened to murder Wil-

ders himself.

PIGS-IN-THE-BLANKET

The pigs-in-the-blanket are gone. Many

people, no doubt enjoyed those yummy pigs

over the holidays. We would like to thank all

those who helped make and package the pigs-

in-the-blanket. Special thanks to Barb Punt for

heading up this project.

Proceeds after expenses are approximately

$2,500 and will go toward needed improve-

ments in the sound room.

There are a few dozen pigs that are not yet

paid for. Please put the money in the church

office mailbox. Thank you.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

A Day To Inspire, Encourage, and Equip

God's People for Ministry

Plan to attend the annual Day of Encour-

agement at Dordt College on Saturday, Febru-

ary 1. As in the past, this is an event geared

toward the work of church leaders, but this

year, they have made it a day for every mem-

ber of the church. A variety of speakers will

cover topics including church leadership, wor-

ship, cultural changes, missions, personal

growth and more. Fellowship and workshops

for every person of the church: students, moth-

ers, deacons, musicians, shepherds, fathers,

volunteers, leaders, helpers, worshipers, bro-

ken people, and more. There are sessions for

ministry basics for consistory members, semi-

nars aimed at spirituality and leadership plus

seminars on outreach and service.

Keynote speaker, Hugh Halter, author and

founder of Missio will speak on “The Big

AND”. Sometimes it seems that everyone is

talking and sometimes fighting over missional

or attractional practices of church. But what if

God has designed every church to be both

deeply missional AND relationally attractive?

Halter will take you back to the roots of Chris-

tian practice and help you find the balance of

the AND.

Brochures are on the literature rack. Infor-

mation can be found at www.dordt.edu/doe.

Early bird discount ends January 17.

S. S. MISSION PROJECT

Our Sunday School

mission offering in De-

cember was $291.50. So

far we have collected

$1,119.12 for “Feed My

Starving Children.” We are making a differ-

ence in the lives of over 4000 people.

$100 = Feeding 400 people

$500 = Feeding 2,000 people

$1,000 = Feeding 4,000 people

Mission offering in Sunday School is taken

the second Sunday of every month.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

COLLECT THOSE COINS

Kids, have you been collecting

your coins for the Hipporollers?

During a recent children’s message

we saw how easy it would be for

women and children in Kenya to

haul water, if they had a Hipporol-

ler. In March, and again in June we will be

collecting your coins during a children’s mes-

sage. One Hipporoller costs $125. How many

Hipporollers will we be able to supply? Get

Mom and Dad, grandpa and grandma, aunts

and uncles to help you by collecting coins.

Your coins will provide an easier way for those

in Kenya to haul water to where their families

need to use it.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Pritchard, Trevor

Dorm 319 Unit 814

GFAFB, ND 58207

ET3 Burrington, Daniel P.

USS Kauffman

Dept. CS Div. CE

FPO AE09576-1513

* * * * * * * * * * * *

PRAYER MEETING

The January Prayer Meeting will be held

on Wednesday, January 8, instead of Jan. 1.

COMPEL

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Now in it’s 12th year COMPEL Women’s

Conference will be held Friday, January 24 and

Saturday, January 25 at Marina Inn in South Sioux

City, NE. This year’s speaker at the conference is

Deidra Riggs, contributor to (in)courage and man-

aging editor at www.thehighcalling.org. Check

her out at www.deidrariggs.com.

Cost for the conference is $45 per ticket and

includes Friday snack, and Saturday breakfast.

You can register online at:

www.compelconference.org. All tickets will be at

the door with a nametag. Early registration ends

January 20. On January 21, ticket price increases

to $55. If you are not comfortable registering on

line, contact Barb Clark at 712-274-2847.

Hotel reservations are not included in the

ticket price, but can be made at a special rate of

$84 per room before January 1, 2014 by calling

the Marina Inn at 402-494-4000.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

NWC SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION

Would you be willing to help Northwestern

College students with their tuition? The National

Alumni Board of NWC can help you do just that!

We need items for our NWC Scholarship Auction

to be held Saturday, February 8, 2014. Do you

have an item to donate, a product/service to pro-

mote or a vacation property to share? If so, please

contact the Advancement event’s office at 707-

7134 or email events@nwciowa.edu. Dollars

raised at the Scholarship Auction last year funded

fifty $1,000 scholarships for students. A big thank

you to those who have donated in the past!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

HELP ME BE

Lord, help me be your heart today,

providing hope for those who stray.

Lord, help me be your love today,

displaying grace in every way.

Lord, help me be your Word today,

proclaiming good when all is gray.

—MaryAnn Sundby

SIOUXLAND

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Use your abilities to help

Spend a few Hours a day with us

Donate your household goods

Provide lunches - snacks

The rewards are limitless!!

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with

God and people everywhere from all walks of life,

to develop communities with people in need by

building and renovating houses so there are decent

affordable houses in decent communities in which

every person can experience God’s love and grow

into all that God intends.

Siouxland Habitat is dedicated to promoting

volunteerism for everyone. Our volunteer pro-

grams include diverse opportunities for youth, re-

tired seniors, individuals, groups, builders and non-

builder alike.

Please call 712-255-6244 or email volun-

teer@siouxlandhabitat.org to schedule a time to

help! Recruit your friends, family and coworkers!

Our organization has plenty of opportunities to

get involved. The time you spend with Siouxland

Habitat will have a lasting and positive impact in

our community.

So what are you waiting for?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

JUSTICE FOR ALL

WORK PROJECTS MINISTRY

Justice For All is planning for the 2014 Jan.-

Feb. Work Projects Ministry and would love to

have you join one of the teams! The work projects

are wonderful opportunities to serve others but also

to experience and understand God’s Kingdom in

new and important ways! Projects are being

planned in Mexico, Mississippi, & Tennessee

throughout the months of January & February. For

specific locations and dates, check out our website

www.jfa-nwiowa.org; call Pat at 712-476-2804; or

email patvp@jfa-nwiowa.org. There will be an

informational meeting on Monday evening, Janu-

ary 6, 2014 at JFA Ministry Center, 1335 Valley

Dr, Rock Valley, IA at 7:00 p.m. You can sign up

at the informational meeting or by contacting Pat at

JFA. If you are interested in the Mexico trip,

please contact Pat by the end of December.

JANUARY

1 - Mrs. Heather Sas

2 - Dave Frick

Alan Sandbulte

3 - Mrs. Yaby Doornink

Owen Sandbulte

4 - Warren Valentine

5 - Mrs. Karen Hulstein

The Vernon Sandbulte’s

6 - James Vanden Brink

Mrs. Carrie Van Voorst

7 - Mrs. Barb Punt

The Stan Prins’

8 - Mrs. Chrissy Ebbert

Myrna Schelling

Pete De Jong

9 - Akenna Sandbulte

Jeremy Meendering

Karter Hooyer

Paityn Albert

Mrs. Vicki Vander Lugt

10 - Morgan Rozeboom

Kisara Kooi

Ian Vander Lugt

Mrs. Joanne Moget

11 - Seaton Sandbulte

Bernie Mulder

12 - Carter De Jong

Howie Klarenbeek

Allen De Jong

14 - Paul Kleyer

Mrs. Kelly Calton

Mrs. Rhonda Haverhals

Mrs. Lois Wichers

15 - Tim Van Donge

Leon Franken

The Todd Van Essen’s

16 - Gene Vander Vliet

18 - Britney Vonk

Les Te Grotenhuis

20 - Colten Smolders

Dan Fedders

Glenn Rozeboom

21 - Nathan Maassen

Tiffany Prins

Mrs. Colleen Bomgaars

Mrs. Muriel Oostra

22 - Mrs. Lori Bates

Mrs. Glenda Van Meeteren

23 - Nicole Post

25 - Tommy Bomgaars

Brady Punt

Henry Sandbulte

Mrs. Dianne Van Ravenswaay

26 - The Kelly Zinnel’s

27 - Mrs. Paula Van Voorst

28 - Tyler Franken

Mrs. Joan Te Grotenhuis

29 - Dan Faber

Jordan Leusink

The Dan Fedders’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATLAS of Sioux Center invites you to Harp & Bowl Community Prayer every Thursday evening

from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church Chapel. Come and go as your schedule allows. For

more details visit www.siouxcenterpandw.blogspot.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bring your family, neighbors and friends to enjoy a FREE meal together at New Life

Reformed Church on Thurs., January 9, serving from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The meal is free

and open to everyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Adoption Support Meeting. Katelyn’s Fund Orphan Ministry invites you to please join us at 7:00

p.m. on Thursday, January 9, in the Fireside Room of First Reformed Church, Sioux Center. Is This an

Adoption Thing? - guest speaker Tressa Dykstra-Van Voorst. Tressa Dykstra-Van Voorst is a mother of

five and a pediatric nurse practitioner in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Sanford Chil-

dren’s Clinic. She will help families recognize (and discuss the treatment of) developmental concerns

within the context of adoption.

(For answers to the puzzle stop at the church office.)