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Luke 2:1-20 New International Version (NIV)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the

town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to

register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her

firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there

was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks

at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around

them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you

good news that will cause great joy for all the

people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has

been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This

will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in

cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor

rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into

heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go

to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,

and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When

they had seen him, they spread the word concerning

what had been told them about this child, 18 and all

who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds

said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these

things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The

shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for

all the things they had heard and seen, which were

just as they had been told.

IN THIS ISSUE:

The Birth of Jesus 1

Christmas Prayer for Busy Women 2

GEMS Club meeting

Council Communique’ 3

Ladies Bunco Night 4

Advent Journey Prayer Stations

Gift of Warmth Collection

Grace Church Holiday Dinner 5

Art Connect

Christmas Eve Service

IRA Distribution Requirement

The Legend of the Poinsettia 6

The History of the Christmas Tree 7

Many Peoples Church newsletter 8

Missionary Prayer Calendar 11

Blue Christmas Service 13

Christmas Joy activity 14

Auld Lang Syne

The Recipe Page-Freezing Cookies 15

Birthdays & Anniversaries 16

How Can We Pray for YOU?

Serving God-Serving Others 17

Elder/Deacon Districts 2018-19 18

Grace Church Ministry Teams 19

Activity Pages 20-22

Grace Church—Our Values 23

Newsletter Submission Deadline

Reflectio

ns o

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2

Are you on Facebook? You can

help us let others know about

Grace Community Church by

‘liking’ us on our facebook page

and giving us a good review! This

is an easy way to share with others how much

you love our church!

Find us at:

https://www.facebook.com/Grace-

Community-Christian-Reformed-

Church-232666100126076/

3

Grace Community CRC Council Communique Council Meeting, November 5, 2018

I) Minutes of the council meeting held President Bob Cooper opened the meeting by reading from Psalm

36: “His love endures forever,” and led in prayer.

II) Minutes of the council meeting held October 1, 2018 were approved as presented. Jim noted that the

seniors account mentioned in item IX (New Business) of just over $900.00 had already been turned

over to the church.

III) Financial Report: Jim Wassenaar commented on the September and October reports. Overall we’re

holding our own pretty well, with just a slight deficit. Discussion followed on how the congregation

could be challenged to make up that deficit. The Deacons will discuss this further.

IV) Pastor’s Report:

a. Michael plans to hold a team leader meeting to continue to use the congregational luncheons to

further meaningful discussions within our congregation.

b. Michael connected with his coach and the new pastor at (formerly) Calvin CRC to hold another

Faithwalking seminar sometime next year.

c. Thinking about connecting with younger families, he would like to consider having an intern some-

time within the next few years.

d. He reported that a contractor is remodeling the home they own, with goal of completion in

January.

e. We discussed the practice of children participating in the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Mike, Bob and

Eleanor will look into the CRC practice.

V) Team Reports:

a. Elders: Received for information.

b. Deacons: Received for information.

c. MAST:

1. Recommended that any memorial gifts in honor of Byron Breems be placed in the stained-

glass window fund. Motion adopted.

2. Requests that special offerings be taken for denominational Ministry Shares. Jim Kamper will

notify the MAST team when offerings will be scheduled so that the congregation can be noti-

fied ahead of time.

d. Building and Grounds:

1. Ken Schutt painted the outside trim on the church building.

2. Jim Wassenaar reported that the Fire Department would like to install a lock box so if

necessary they can enter the building without breaking down a door. He will follow through

with them to ensure that this happens.

e. Worship Team: a group from Trinity Christian College will lead worship on November 11. Brian

Kamper has arranged for this group and is beginning to take a leadership role in worship

planning.

f. Fellowship Team: The all-church Christmas dinner is scheduled for Saturday, December 8 at 5:00

p.m. Dave and Joyce Phillips are heading up the arrangements for this dinner.

g. Prayer Team: The Prayer and Fasting sessions will begin this week.

h. Mission/Education Team: The mission luncheon will be Sunday, November 11. Pastor Michael will

speak about his recent trip to the Middle East. Pledge Forms will be distributed.

i. REACH: Rob reported that they are continuing their discussion on prayer. There are five

students.

(continued on next page

4

Grace Community CRC Council Communique

VI. Classical, Denominational Items:

a. Classis will meet on November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Faith CRC. A motion was adopted to delegate

Pastor Mike, Elder Bob Cooper and Deacon Trudy Kooy to the meeting.

b. Deano Su information: A job description has been developed for a potential Chinese church plant

near the Loop. Pastor Mike wrote a letter to Hyde Park CRC informing them of this process. He

also forwarded this letter to the classical home missions committee.

IX. The meeting was closed with a time of group prayer.

X. Next Council meeting date: Monday, December 3, 2018

Respectfully Submitted,

Eleanor Lamsma, Clerk of Council

(continued from page 3)

5

If you are over age 70 ½ and have an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), you know that the government requires that we take a distribution from our IRA each year. You can take out the required amount, spend it on something for yourself or your family—and pay taxes on it.

Or, you can ask your financial advisor to send that distribution directly to the nonprofit charity of your choice. And Grace Community Christian Reformed Church is qualified to receive those donations. This is a win/win situation. Of course, it would be a win for the church, but it’s also a win for the donor—you will pay no taxes.

While this requirement can be fulfilled at any time during the year, if you still need to take the required minimum distribution, you may wish to consider it as one part of your year-end giving.

If you have questions about making a gift to Grace Community Church from your IRA, contact your financial adviser or contact Barnabas Foundation at 888- 448-3040. If you plan to make a gift to Grace Community from your IRA, please let Jim Wassenaar, Grace Church’s Treasurer, know.

6

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Dr. Joel Poinsett, who was the first ambassador to Mexico,

brought the bright red star-shaped flower to the United States.

Hence, it was names as Poinsettia. It is also known as 'Flame

Leaf' or 'Flower of the Holy Night'. The legend related to this

favorite Christmas flower is Mexican too. However, there are

two versions of the story. In one version, the two small chil-

dren of the story are known as Maria and her little brother

Pablo; while in another version, two cousins are mentioned by

the names of Pepita and Pedro. Whatever be the names, the

story goes like this:

There was once a brother-sister pair who was very poor. They

lived in a village and they had barely enough to eat two full

meals a day. As the Christmas time approached, festivities, parades and parties in the village attracted the

children. The gaiety of the season in itself was quite charismatic. Moreover, a large manger scene was be-

ing set up in the village church and all the children were eager to go to Baby Jesus and give him the best

present. Mario and Pablo also wanted to give expensive presents to the Holy Child that He will love.

While all children were discussing, what they think is best for the baby and what they will buy as the gift

for Him, Mario and Pablo knew that they had no money to buy the presents and had nothing that they

could gift to the child.

Yet, they could not let go of the temptation to see the baby just once and give something to Him. On

Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church a little earlier than others to attend the service. Since

they had nothing to give to the child, they thought of plucking some weeds that was growing along the

roadside to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus and decorate his crib. While they were still decorating the crib

of the Baby, other children also arrived. Now, children can be very cruel when it comes to teasing and

making fun of others. Mario and Pablo were almost in tears for shame and helplessness when a miracle

occurred. Suddenly, the weeds burst into bright red petals that looked like stars and were so beautiful that

everyone was awed by their beauty. Everybody realized and said that a gift of love is dearer to Jesus than

the most expensive presents that money could buy. Ever since then, Poinsettia flowers have become

favorites for Christmas decorations.

7

THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

How it all got started:

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.

In the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year falls on December 21 or December 22 and is called the winter solstice. Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the solstice because it meant that at last the sun god would begin to get well. Evergreen boughs reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the sun god was strong and summer would return.

The ancient Egyptians worshipped a god called Ra, who had the head of a hawk and wore the sun as a blazing disk in his crown. At the solstice, when Ra began to recover from the ill-ness, the Egyptians filled their homes with green palm rushes which symbolized for them the triumph of life over death.

Early Romans marked the solstice with a feast called the Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans knew that the solstice meant that soon farms and orchards would be green and fruitful. To mark the occasion, they decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs. In Northern Europe the mysterious Druids, the priests of the ancient Celts, also decorated their temples with evergreen boughs as a symbol of everlasting life. The fierce Vikings in Scandinavia thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it, in the 16th century, when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first record of one being on display was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania, although trees had been a tradition in many German homes much earlier. The Pennsylvania German settlements had community trees as early as 1747. But, as late as the 1840s Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not accepted by most Americans.

It is not surprising that, like many other festive Christmas customs, the tree was adopted so late in America. To the New England Puritans, Christmas was sacred. The pilgrim ’s second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out “pagan mockery” of the observance, penalizing any frivolity. The influential Oliver Cromwell preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated “that sacred event.”

Continued on page 12

8

(continued on next page)

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to Jesus, crying out,

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-

possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So

his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she

keeps crying out after us.” Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the

lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord,

help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s

bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the

dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have

great faith! Your request is granted.” (select parts of Matthew 15:22-27 –NIV)

November 20, 2018

Dear members of Grace Community Church,

I wonder what caused the disciples of Jesus to so dislike outsiders – those people determined to get

attention from Jesus. Children with persistent parents, Samaritans and Canaanites and religious

leaders – all of them thinking their issues deserved special attention from Jesus. In fact, as you read

the gospels, it may well be that engaging with outsiders was the part of ‘discipleship’ the followers

of Jesus liked the least. At one point James and John ask Jesus if they should (though it sounds ‘if

they could’) “call down fire” on some Samaritans who refused to let Jesus and his disciples pass

through on their journey to Jerusalem. On that same journey the whole crowd following Jesus

attempted to silence 2 blind men who keep crying out: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me.” And

when the Canaanite woman above shouts those same words, some of his disciples urge Jesus to:

‘Send her away. She keeps shouting out the same thing over and over again.’

Clearly, his closest followers become quite possessive of Jesus. They see themselves as protectors of

Jesus as well. They put ‘Jesus came to deliver us and reestablish the kingdom of Israel’ on the front

end of their faith. In their minds, engaging with these outsiders got in the way of Jesus doing that.

And Jesus himself, within ear shot of his disciples, said to the Canaanite woman: “I was sent only to

the lost sheep of Israel.”

9

This Canaanite woman did, after all, belong to one of the nations God commanded his people to re-move from Canaan - the land God promised to give to his people. Did her presence remind the disciples of the truth that God’s people had failed to achieve full possession of the promised land? Their ancestors – contrary to God’s command against it – allowed and at times even embraced the worship of the gods of Canaan. Perhaps her cries for mercy reminded them of Israel’s weakness and failures. Clearly, her national identity carried more weight with the disciples than the awful condition of this Canaanite woman’s daughter.

I remember learning about identifying the Canaanites that lived around us. We didn’t call them Canaanites – but we identified them as outsiders – people living apart from the promises of God. Some of those Canaanite neighbors didn’t go to church. Some went to a church but their going didn’t keep them from washing their car in the driveway on Sundays. Their car washing broke the 4th commandment. They chose to ‘work’ on the day about which God said “You shall not do any work.” We leaned toward counting Roman Catholics as Canaanites - outsiders – as well. They played Bingo and won prizes and even money – which we were told ‘was really entry level gambling’ – and they did this right at church. All kinds of people ‘out there’ chose to live apart for the promises of God. We prayed that someday they would ask God to show them mercy. So much human attention and effort focuses on ‘what makes us great.’ Followers of Jesus say: “God’s mercy makes me great. Apart from God’s mercy, I’m not that great at all.” And Jesus confirms that perspective. ‘I’m here for God’s lost covenant people.’ Their greatness comes to them as a result of God’s mercy toward them.

In this encounter with the Samaritan women, Jesus appears to prioritize his followers – the insiders – over the needs of an outsider. When the persistent Canaanite woman makes her way to Jesus, falls to her knees and cries out: “Lord, help me;” Jesus responds by saying: “It is not right to give the children’s bread to the dogs.” I imagine the disciples and Jesus’s closest followers doing ‘fist pumps and high fives’ when they hear Jesus say it. ‘We’re right. Jesus came for us.’ But then the woman says the words that turn that way of thinking upside down. “Yes it is right, Lord,” she says. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

This Canaanite woman’s demand for mercy – her declaration that mercy is right – and not the “send her away” response Jesus’ followers offer- earns the title “great faith.” Her demand for mercy makes her great.

Here is a short list of some of the major mercies God has poured out on the people and ministries of Many Peoples Church:

1 - It’s been a year of miracles for Earl – MPC’s chief evangelist and musician. First God delivered Earl from his addiction to methadone (a drug intended for short term use to help people addicted to an opiate to break the opiate habit –

Many Peoples Church Newsletter (continued from previous page)

(continued on next page)

10

Many Peoples Church Newsletter (continued from previous page)

but a drug that many addicts become addicted to) and God carried Earl through the hellish 3 months of withdrawal and recovery. Then, in June, Earl was diagnosed with throat cancer. Again God walked close to Earl through the radiation and chemo therapy. At his October and November visits his doctor says the cancer is in remission. Join in our thanksgiving.

2 – After 11 years of principal and interest payments to the bank, Ruth and I were able to payoff the loan for The Common Cup.

3 – We found that, from a business perspective, it made since to close TCC at 4:00 pm each day. That makes the overflow space at TCC available in the evenings for a variety of ways to engage with our neighbors and introduce them to this God who loves mercy. A couple of young people in their late 20’s are interested in working with me to shape those gatherings. We want to invite people to come and tell their stories. Our prayer is that open ended story telling will prompt some people to ask about and learn about how their story is wrapped in the story of God’s love – a story centered on the mercy of death’s defeat and everlasting life.

4 – We continue to meet each week for worship at Grais Place. Each week, we call on God to show mercy. Each week God keeps showing me that the heart of greatness is found in the place where divine mercy meets human need. Mike keeps crying out for God to deliver him from his addiction – even as divine mercy meets him with forgiveness and reminds him that through Jesus he too is a loved child of God. Pat cries out for a new apartment because the owner of the one she lives is not renewing leases in the building. God assures her that her eternal home is secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus and that she should not hesitate to demand mercy from the people who work to secure affordable housing for neighbors like her.

Thank you for praying for and financially supporting the ministries of mercy God carries out through Many Peoples Church. Our ministry takes on so many different shapes that I continue to both be amazed and humbled by the opportunities God provides us to make mercy come to life. Praise and thanksgiving for mercy.

In service to Christ,

John

Youth group members from Ridgewood CRC

in Jenison Michigan enact mercy on a commu-

nity garden in the Bridgeport neighborhood

where MPC’s former associate pastor and

Loyola chaplain Mike Moore is working to

plant a new church.

Rev. John L Hoekwater (773-727-3827 or johnhoekwater@gmail.com)

11

12

THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the 19th century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the Puritan legacy.

In 1846, the popular royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Unlike the previous royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable—not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree had arrived.

By the 1890s Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S. It was noted that Europeans used small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their Christmas trees to reach from floor to ceiling.

The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, while the German-American sect continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and nuts. Electricity brought about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became an American tradition.

CHRISTMAS TREE TRIVIA

Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.

In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.

Between 1887-1933 a fishing schooner called the Christmas Ship would tie up at the Clark Street bridge and sell spruce trees from Michigan to Chicagoans.

The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122-foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1933. Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House.

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.

Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family.

continued from page 7

(continued on next page)

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CHRISTMAS TREE TRIVIA continued from previous page

Most Christmas trees are cut weeks before they get to a retail outlet.

In 1912, the first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected in New York

City.

Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.

100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.

98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.

More than 1,000,000 acres of land have been planted with Christmas trees.

77 million Christmas trees are planted each year.

On average, over 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre.

You should never burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace. It can contribute to creosote buildup.

Other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past.

Thomas Edison’s assistants came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas

trees.

14

Traditional Song Modern English Translation

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o’ lang syne!

Chorus: For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu’d the gowans fine, But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’t in the burn Frae morning sun till dine, But seas between us braid hae roar’d Sin’ auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere, And gie’s a hand o’ thine, And we’ll tak a right guid willie-waught For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint’ stoup, And surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne!

Times Gone By

Should old acquaintances be forgotten, And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintances be forgotten, And days of long ago!

Chorus: For times gone by, my dear For times gone by, We will take a cup of kindness yet For times gone by.

We two have run about the hillsides And pulled the daisies fine, But we have wandered many a weary foot For times gone by.

We two have paddled (waded) in the stream From noon until dinner time, But seas between us broad have roared Since times gone by.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend, And give us a hand of yours, And we will take a goodwill drink (of ale) For times gone by!

And surely you will pay for your pint, And surely I will pay for mine! And we will take a cup of kindness yet For times gone by!

Monday, December 31

15

With all the cookie baking that will be (or already is) going on, here are a few tips

for freezing your dough to bake later and your already baked cookies to serve later!

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

1) After mixing your dough, chill it in the refrigerator until firm.

2) Shape dough into a large ball or disk.

3) Place the ball/disk in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.

4) Thaw the dough in the refrigerator.

How to Freeze Drop Cookies

1) Place individual cookie portions on waxed paper lined cookie sheets and freeze.

2) Once frozen, put the portions into freezer bags. Don’t forget to label them!

3) Remove as many portions as needed and bake. No need to thaw. Be sure to add additional baking time.

How to Freeze Baked Cookies

1) Wrap cookies in plastic wrap and stack them in an airtight container.

2) Thaw wrapped cookies at room temperature before serving.

3) Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

THE RECIPE PAGE

FROM THE EDITOR: If you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share, please put a copy in

the newsletter mailbox to be used in a future issue, and don’t forget to add your name!

16

4 Tom & Darlene

Huisenga

2 John Langeland

3 Joyce Jones

6 Christian J.

Beezhold

9 Sue Weidenaar

11 Carol Breems

14 Ken Schutt

15 Ryan Soucek

18 Brian Kamper

Jeannette Veen

20 Connie Dykstra

22 Marilyn Brucken

Katelin Ismail

25 Pauline Meekma

27 Joyce Phillips

29 Dean Unger

31 Jack O’Connor

www.gccrc.org/online_giving

3 Harry Beezhold

6 Lorraine Foster

Makenzie

VanKuiken

7 Lynne Wiegers

10 Trudy Kooy

11 Sofia Kialanda

18 Lois Huizenga

20 Jim Wassenaar

25 Yvonne Deckinga

27 Warren Kuipers

30 Hannah Soucek

31 Rika Kooy If you would like our Prayer Team to be ‘prayer warriors’

for you, for a need in your life, or the life of a loved one or friend,

visit our website at: http://www.gccrc.org/

prayers_for_u

You can also visit our Prayer Room

on Sunday morning after the service —

on the south side of the building.

Reminder:

Anyone holding a

meeting or event

at the church is

asked to please remember to

monitor who is entering the

building when doors are left

unlocked for attendees to come

in, and to close and lock all the

doors of the church after every-

one has arrived. Please do not

leave the doors propped open.

Also, if you are the last to leave,

please make sure ALL doors

are locked before you go.

If we all do our part,

we can make our church

building a safe environment for

everyone to enjoy.

FROM THE EDITOR: Do you have a story or

memory about how your

ancestors came

to America?

Memories of growing up in

another time with

different clothes, music,

food prices, etc.?

Why not submit a story to

the newsletter and share

your memories with others?

Or maybe you’ve had a

“God” moment in your life?

When something happened

that can only be explained

as having come from God.

Why not share your story

with others?

Submit your story for the

newsletter by placing it in

the newsletter box on the

wall outside the office.

17

Accompanists 2 Bob Cooper & Diane Ritzema 9 Pedro Kialanda 16 Diane Ritzema 23 Diane Ritzema & Eleanor Lamsma 24 Diane Ritzema 30 Catherine Solle & Diane Ritzema Childcare 2 Hannah Soucek & Barb Wassenaar

9 Sarah Huisenga & Kaitlyn VanKuiken

16 Dean Unger & Joanne Hofstra

23 Ann Sroka & Darlene Huisenga

24 Laura Soucek & Sarah Huisenga

30 Barb Wassenaar & Hannah Soucek

(substitutes: LeAnn Kooyenga & Joyce Phillips)

Congregational Prayer

2 Bob Cooper 9 Michael Kooy 16 Diane Ritzema 23 Ed Ritzema 30 Tom Huisenga

Greeters 2 Helen Noort & Clareen Sluis

9 Warren & Ruth Kuipers

16 Tom & Darlene Huisenga

23 Catherine Solle & Karen Buikema 24 Vince & Nancy Sommer 30 Fred Veen & Jean Kok

Library Week 1 Evelyn Van Dellen Week 2 Clareen Sluis Week 3 Gloria Kamper Week 4 Evelyn Luchtenburg Week 5 Gloria Kamper

Prayer Room

2 Marilyn Brucken & Ruth Kuipers

9 Pastor Mike & Gary Schutt

16 Eleanor Lamsma & Jim Wassenaar 23 Ed Mudde & Tom Huisenga

30 —OPEN—

Ushers

2 Carol DenBesten - Phyllis Johnson - Rich Boersema

9 George Voss - Hank DeVries - Dean Unger 16 Gary Schutt - Vince Sommer - George Voss 23 Tom Huisenga - Rich Mulder - Bonnie Mulder 24 Fred Veen - Dan Brucken - Ed Mudde 30 Carol DenBesten - Phyllis Johnson - Rich Boersema

Projection Techs

2 Dave Phillips

9 Eleanor Lamsma

16 Ed Ritzema

23 Sarah Huisenga

24 Dave Phillips

30 Sarah Huisenga

Sound Techs

2 Chris Van Kuiken 9 Ed Ritzema 16 Jim Kamper 23 Chris VanKuiken 24 Ed Ritzema 30 Jim Kamper

DECEMBER 2018 Schedules Thank you for your willingness to serve!

December 24 —Christmas Eve Service at 4:00pm

18

Elder / Deacon Team E-mail & Phone District

Rob Soucek (2017-20) soucekr2@gmail.com 1. Anderson - DenBesten

-or- laurasoucek@hotmail.com

708-280-8799

Marilyn VandenBout (2016-19) msvbout@gmail.com

Deacon Secretary 708-422-5909

____________________________________________________________________

Bob Cooper (2016-19) coop5point@sbcglobal.net 2. DeRoos - Jonker

Council President 708-704-3147

Pedro Kialanda (2017-20) pkialanda@kialanda.com

708-407-3733

____________________________________________________________________

Gary Schutt (2016-19) gaschutt@att.net 3. Kamper - Noort

Council Vice-President 708-336-8169

Rachel Canfield (2016-19) canfieldrachel@gmail.com

708-691-0768

____________________________________________________________________

Jim Wassenaar (2018-21) barv857@hotmail.com 4. O’Connor - Sullivan)

Treasurer 708-423-9339

Fred Veen (2017-20) fredveen10900@gmail.com

773-779-2517

____________________________________________________________________

Ed Mudde (2017-20) muddeje@gmail.com 5. Togtman - Yff

708-781-8563

Trudy Kooy (2018-21) tmkooy@hotmail.com

708-663-4365

____________________________________________________________________

Eleanor Lamsma (2018-21) eleanor.lamsma@comcast.net

Council Clerk 708-903-1046

Jim Kamper (2018-21) jimkamper@ymail.com

Deacon Chairman 708-302-4484

ELDER & DEACON

DISTRICTS

19

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRY TEAMS

2018-2019

MINISTRY TEAM MEMBERS (liaison listed first)

EXECUTIVE Bob Cooper (Pres.), Gary Schutt (V.P.), Eleanor Lamsma (Clerk),

Jim Kamper (Chair of Deacons), Michael Kooy (Pastor)

ART CONNECT Michael Kooy, Christian Beezhold, Dave Phillips

BUILDING & GROUNDS Ed Mudde, Dan Brucken, Jim Kamper, Karen Buikema, Barb Wassenaar

CARE TEAM Bob Cooper, Eleanor Lamsma, Helen Noort, Catherine Solle, Fred Veen

FELLOWSHIP Gary Schutt, Larry Kooyenga, Michael Kooy

FINANCE Jim Wassenaar (Treasurer), Tom Huisenga, Karen Buikema, Barb Wassenaar

M.A.S.T. Marilyn Vanden Bout, Darlene Huisenga, Eleanor Lamsma, Michael Kooy

MISSIONS Rachel Canfield, Bob Cooper, Michael Kooy, Sue Weidenaar

NEWSLETTER Trudy Kooy, Barb Wassenaar (editor)

PRAYER Bob Cooper, Tom Huisenga, Marilyn Brucken, Michael Kooy, Ruth Kuipers,

Jestine Ivy

REACH YOUTH GROUP Rob Soucek, Karen Buikema, Carol Schutt, Laura Soucek

WORSHIP Eleanor Lamsma, Bob Cooper, Maria Kialanda, Pedro Kialanda,

Michael Kooy, Diane Ritzema, Ed Ritzema, David Van Kuiken

~ Please keep these teams and their members in your prayers as they meet together and work to

further God’s kingdom here at Grace Community Church and in our surrounding neighborhood.

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This Newsletter is a publication of

Grace Community Church.

Contributions to the newsletter are welcome

and will be considered for publication provided you include your name with

the submission.

If you have any questions concerning this

newsletter, please contact Barb Wassenaar

708.636.2848 gracechurch@gccrc.org

Submissions for the

January 2019 issue are

due no later than

Dec. 15, 2018.

Distribution:

Sun., Dec. 30, 2018.

Newsletter may be

delayed or cancelled

due to unforeseen

circumstances.

10415 S. Kedvale Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Office: 708.636.2848 Fax: 708.636.2847

gracechurch@gccrc.org www.gccrc.org

Grace

Community

Christian

Reformed

Church

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