IRETON CHRISTIAN REFORMEDNEWSLETTER JULY 2014

Hi Everyone,

Summer is here, the rains have come, the crops and gardens are growing, and God continues to do things that reveal his power and authority. I had the opportunity to talk to several people who are dealing with devastating loss because of the flood waters. I have heard people who have lost most of their earthly possessions praise God for his goodness and for the many people who have already come to help. Some of these same people are also overwhelmed with the uncertainty of the future because of the financial burden. Many people were caught without flood insurance and some say they couldn’t get it. There are a good number of people who are still paying the mortgage on their home and now their homes have been condemned and must be torn down. The house is gone but the mortgage is not and many are wondering—“What do I do now”?

As a church and community we would like to respond to the needs of the people in Rock Valley. More information will be made available over the next few weeks. Please prayerfully consider helping financially.

This spring reminds us once again just how powerless we are. As hard as we try to hold things back, we just are not able to stop the water, the wind, the rain, the hail, or anything for that matter. God is a gracious God and in his word he reminds us of his love and authority. His word also reminds us that we are unable to live life apart from him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Scripture also reminds us that living apart from God is a lot more dangerous than just trying to do things without him or acknowledging him. The next verse in John isn’t one we like to hear.

If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. John 15:6

What will it take for each of us to stop and realize there is a God and it isn’t us? There are consequences that come with the choices we make. There are consequences to the things we try to avoid. There as many consequences waiting for us for the things we have not done. Like a little child who was able to sneak a cookie just after his mom said no cookies, we think just because we were able to get-away with it that there will not be consequences; some we will face in this life-time and others in the next. I wonder how many times in our lives we have excused or justified ourselves? How many times have we thought we got by with something we did or something we didn’t do?

Summer is here, the rains have come, the crops and gardens are growing, and God continues to do things that reveal his power and authority. But how are we revealing God’s power and authority in our daily life. Is it going to take flood waters, wind or hail, to get us to stop long enough to be real with ourselves or to be real with God? Is it going to take a tornado to realize the stuff we have is just stuff and the value of life is far more precious? When will we realize that the blessings we have are not for us to hoard and keep for ourselves but to be a blessing to others. What do I do in a day that shows I believe and love God? What consequences do I need to take responsibility for before it’s too late? My suggestion it that next year we rename Independence Day to Dependence Day acknowledging our dependence and need for Jesus in our lives.

Blessings~Pastor Norlyn

THANK YOU

Dear friends,Yesterday's Denver Post ran an article about The Table in their Grow (outdoor)

section. We are honored and surprised to be included in Denver's only major newspaper. The story about how this story came to be is a good one but I'll spare you all the details here.

Mainly, we want to thank you for your role in this story. While the article highlights our work here in Denver, we want to recognize you all for the various ways you support our work: praying, funding, donating land, telling your friends, words of encouragement, etc., etc. Without you, there would be no Denver Table.

With gratitude and on behalf of The Table,Craig and Jeanine

craig.broek@gmail.com303-722-1989

THANK YOU!! To all who were able to help with the Rock Valley Flood Relief work. We were able to help some very needy families. There will be more work to be done as time goes on.

HILLCREST CARE CENTER SCHEDULE

(Chairman is requested to call Hillcrest (551-1074) before 9 A.M. on the morningof your service to remind them that your group will be there in the evening.)

HILLCREST SERVICE – MONDAY, AUGUST 4 at 6:30 pm.Gerald Postma, chair, Josh Hooyer, Lyle De Wit, Les Dorhout, Jack Riepma, Pete Dekkers, Bryan Bonnema, Kelly Noteboom, Doug Broek, Brad Dekkers, Brandon Dekkers.

WELCOME We welcome Kayla Haarsma Dekkers to Ireton CRC. Kayla is married to Brandon Dekkers and lives just outside of town. Kayla is a graduate of Unity Christian and was a member of Faith CRC in Sioux Center. Please take time to welcome Kayla.

PRAYER REQUESTNew City Church—Kansas City, MO (A church plant of Heartland Classis)

Prayer Partners,Our Lord Jesus tells us regarding prayer that we can ask, seek, and knock. We read these wonderful word in Matthew 7:7 - 8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him that knocks, the door will be opened." Without doubting and believing fully that God is able, let's ask, seek, and knock

Bold Prayers: 1. Conversions/New Birth. Pray NCC folk will be bold and courageous (but not arrogant or pushy) in witnessing to their neighbors and co-workers about Christ Jesus. Pray for open doors. Specifically, please pray for two of my friends/neighbors: Matthew and Bashon2. New Church Plant. "Dear Lord, open a door for a church plant in Lee's Summit (a suburb of KC). Provide leadership. Give discernment (to NCC leadership). Extend your church and kingdom." 3. Arts Camp. NCC will offer an Arts Camp for kids in our community on August 4 - 8. "Dear Lord, touch the hearts of the children who attend. Use NCC as instruments of your grace and peace." On Saturday, August 12, we have a Prayer Walk through our community. 4. Summer Bible Studies on/ for Discipleship: 1. Women's Wednesday evening study on Parables. 2. Men's Wednesday morning study on Prayer. 3. Thursday evening Theology Table Talk on Christian Doctrine. "Dear Lord, may we grow in your grace and knowledge, and may this knowledge of you always transform and translate our lives into loving and sacrificial service for you." 5. Justice Ministries. This summer NCC is studying the book by Richard Stearns "The Hole in Our Gospel." "Dear Lord, expose us to your truth regarding mercy and justice. Help us see the injustices around, and then help us act accordingly." Our first open "Think Tank" on the book will be Sunday, July 13.

Prayer Partner's, please pray boldly (ask, seek, knock)--believing that God is more then able to do what he says. NCC is here in Kansas City to advance his church and kingdom---that's why we are here! Pray we will be all God wants to be--for his glory and honor.

Thank you,Your missionaries in Kansas City,Andy & Toni

Andy Vanden AkkerPastor of Community LifeNew City Church8711 Wornall Rd.Kansas City, MO 64114www.newcitychurchkc.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS  

THE NEW WEB PAGE is going online—July 10. There are several features that you should take note of.

1. The Front Page-- will include announcements that will be updated weekly if not more. It should be the first place you look—to see if church is being canceled- or anything else that is important for the week.

2. The Prayer Page—will include weekly prayer updates. 3. A Calendar—that will list all the events happening in church. On that page there is a link to click on

to go directly to both Ireton Christian School and Unity’s calendar pages. 4. The Fellowship Page--This page is not entirely operational but includes a page for each group in

church. Including a page for Sunday School, GEMS, the various Bible Study groups, youth group, Faith Fellowship and others. Each group will have control over their page.

5. The Info Page— will begin in August and will include worship folders, the announcement sheet, newsletters and information about Ireton CRC.

6. The Media Page- Will open the first week of September and you will be able to listen to recorded worship services.

There are many other features including photos and links to the CRC and our mission and vision statements. The same web address has been used. www.iretoncrc.com

FAVORITE SONG LIST We are well on the way of reviewing and learning about the songs we love to sing. Here is the list of songs in order. In addition to this list there were more than seventy songs that were mentioned one time.

1. Ten Thousand Reasons2. In Christ Alone3. Amazing Grace –Amazing Grace, My Chains 4. By Faith5. Abide With Me6. Lord I Need You7. Blessed Assurance8. When Peace Like a River

Then there several that tied for next. Ancient WordsCome Thou FountDoes Jesus CareGod Moves in a Mysterious Way

WORSHIP SERVICES CALENDARJuly 6 10:30 AM Community Service in the Park. Lunch to follow. Burgers, buns,

drink, and table service will be provided. Please take a cold dish and dessert and lawn chairs. The offering will be for Hope Haven Wheel Chairs. In case of rain—Ireton CRC.

July 6 6:00 PM Combined Service—at Ireton CRC ( Hawarden and Lebanon)August 3 9:30 AM Rev Dale EllensAugust 3 6:00 PM Barry MiedemaAug 10 6:00 pm Combined Service at Hawarden CRC- Note the changed date-- Aug 31 6:00pm Combined Service at Lebanon CRC (Labor Day Weekend)

COMMUNION SCHEDULE July 20, September 14, November 2PM –Reformation Day, November 30—Advent.

PRAISE TEAMS FOR JULY AND AUGUSTJul 13 None Jul 20 Verla, Don VS, Pam, KaitlynJul 27 Cherie, Carmen, Dick, AngelaAug 3 Patsy, Doug, Cinda, Katie, SharlaAug 10 Pastor, Ryan, Sydney, Jorga, CarmenAug 17 NoneAug 24 Verla, Don VS, Marlene Don MAug 31 Cherie, Nathan, Jill, Kelsie

VBS REMINDER-- July 28-31 6:00pm-8:30pm Program 8:00 on the 31st. We are the host church.

UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOLPlans are underway for the celebration of 50 years at Unity Christian High School, August 8-10, 2014 with many events for all ages. An anniversary worship service is being planned for Sunday, August 10, at 1:00 a.m. (note the time change from the newsletter) in the Knight Center on Unity’s campus. Former Teacher Glenn Vos will be the speaker. This will be a time of praise and worship and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness. The later morning hour was chosen so that churches could gather for their weekly worship service and still allow time to join the celebration at Unity. More details will be coming later.

ADVANCE DATESCouncil Meeting—Tuesday August 5, 6:15 pm Lunch and Devotions JoshElder Meeting—Tuesday August 5, 7:15 pm

MAY OFFERING TOTALS

General Fund $8935.00

Special FundsChristian Ed $ 679.00The Table    50.00Benevolent 449.75Gems/Haiti 410.00

JUNE OFFERING TOTALS

General Fund $8631.55

Special FundsHope Haven $161.00Building Fund       484.00Building Roof   525.00Christian Ed    536.50

JULY OFFERING SCHEDULEAM PM

6 Hope Haven (Community service) ICS budget13 Christian Education Christian Education20 Building Fund / Benevolent Building Fund27 Christian Education Christian Education

AUGUST OFFERING SCHEDULEAM PM

3  Mid Sioux opportunity           10  Christian Education Evening at Lebanon 17  Northern Lighthouse Northern Lighthouse 24  Amistad Amistad 31  Building Fund    Evening at Lebanon

GREETERS & COFFEE SERVERS

July 6 Ireton Community Service

July 13: Dick & Harriet BonnemaTim & Lori Bonnema

July 20: Calvin & Patsy BootsmaDoug & Audrey Broek

July 27: Daryl BykerBrent & Cindy Davelaar

Aug. 3 Brad & Sheila DekkersBrandon & Kayla Dekkers

NURSERY ATTENDANTS

July 6: AM: Ireton Community Service PM: Jan Fedders, Jordan Davelaar

July 13: AM: Raelle Dekkers, Kortnie Bonnema PM: Nicki Weida, Sydney Miedema

July 20: AM: Jennifer Miedema, Cody Davelaar PM: Carmen Noteboom, Lila Sieck

July 27: AM: Mandy Bonnema, Lindsey Broek PM: Audrey Broek, Paige Fedders

Aug. 3: AM: Susan Ten Napel, Mikaela Broek PM: Tammy Sieck, Erin Miedema

USHER SCHEDULE

July 6 (PM) Kolton G, Doug Faber, Eric Faber

July 13 Kolten G, Keaven Faber, Brad Fedders

July 20 Cainen VW, Brian Gradert, Kameron Gradert

July 27 Cainen VW, Josh Hooyer, John Jongma

August 3 Travis Viet, Lynn Juffer, Jeremy Koopmans

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

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July 8 Tim & Lori BonnemaJuly 11 Gerald & Rhonda PostmaJuly 15 Justin & Raelle DekkersJuly 15 Jim & Mandy VietJuly 18 Marlin & Leah SchoonhovenJuly 28 Randy & Tammy Sieck

July 7 Breanna BonnemaJuly 7 Shirley Ten NapelJuly 9 Mary HooyerJuly 11 Randy SieckJuly 12 Nicole AnemaJuly 12 Trish AnemaJuly 12 Jordan DavelaarJuly 14 Mandy BonnemaJuly 15 Art HammingJuly 15 Celia Ten NapelJuly 15 Mike Vander WindtJuly 16 Jackson KramerJuly 16 Lynn JufferJuly 16 Tim Vander PlasJuly 20 Jeff StatemaJuly 20 Kelsie Van BeekJuly 21 Pastor Norlyn Van BeekJuly 26 Rylee ZomermaandJuly 26 Ryder ZomermaandJuly 27 Rachel HulshofJuly 28 Doug BroekJuly 30 Howard HulshofJuly 31 Jeannie Lee

Council minutes of Ireton CRCFeb. 27, 2014, 7:00 PM

Present- Pastor, Josh Hooyer, Mike Vander Windt, Tim Bonnema, Randy Sieck, Doug Ten Napel, Daryl Byker, Gerald Postma, Willard Koopmans, Art Hamming, Brady Van Sloten

1. Doug Ten Napel opened with prayer and short devotional2. Motion made and 2nd to approve minutes held Feb. 4, 2014-Carried3. Offering receipts- Budget----------------------8301.00

Building Fund (roof)-----385.00 Home missions-------------278.00 Hope Haven-----------------775.00 Christian Ed----------------852.75

4. Offering schedule-April 6---Chr. Ed13---The Table18---Benevolent20---World Missions

27---Gems5. Sue Ten Napel asked to be relieved from Sunday School Superintendent.6. Hawarden CRC will not be at the combined service on March 2 due to that they are

having a Preacher preach for them that they are considering to call7. Discussed the retreat and develop master plan on how to implement changes8. No update on technical team9. Good report on Dordt Day of Encouragement10. Pastor gave his report11. Motion made and 2nd to approve Pastor going to Calvin TS Conference-April 10-12

Carried12. Had a meeting with the Education and Music committee about “The Story”13. Motion made and 2nd to approve VBS on July 28-31 in our Church with program on July 31 @ 8:00 PM-Carried14. Motion made and 2nd to approve group of ladies using fellowship hall for exercise video—Carried15. Talked about possibility of adding 2nd set doors by main entrance. Will see how much it would cost16. Motion made and 2nd to approve Pastors report and Committee reports-Carried17. Will be starting Hillcrest service in April18. Our Church is responsible for sound system, Praise Team, Order of Worship, Printing of bulletins, key board and speaker/amp, special Music, Radio

announcements, Hawarden cable, shopper, and 2 Deacons to take offerings19. Next meeting – April 8, 201420. Motion made 2nd to adjourn-Carried21. Pastor closed with prayer

Ireton CRC Council meeting held April 8, 2014, 7:15 PMPresident- Norlyn Van Beek

Clerk-Daryl Byker

Present-Gerald Postma, Daryl Byker, Doug Ten Napel, Art Hamming, Willard Koopmans, Randy Sieck, Mike Vander Windt, Tim Bonnema, Brady Van Sloten, Josh Hooyer

1. Doug Ten Napel opened with prayer and a short devotional2. Susan Ten Napel has resigned from being Sunday School Superintendant.3. There is a new Hill Crest schedule4. Motion made and 2nd to approve membership transfer of Todd & Lora Puttman and

Becca Ten Napel to New Life Reformed Church in Sioux Center- Carried5. Motion made and 2nd to approve membership transfer of Dave & Margaret

Van Donkelaar and family to Bethel CRC of Sioux Center-Carried6. Motion made and 2nd to approve inviting Hawarden CRC to Gems service on April 27,

2014, PM service-Carried7. Classis Youth Leaders asked for feedback on what the Churches expect from them. 8. Received request from Northern Lighthouse in Lincoln Ne. More details will be coming

next month9. Motion made and 2nd to approve Baptism of Mia Grace Weida on May 11, 2014-Carried10. Discussed Healthy Church/Denominational Survey. Will be meeting some Sunday

morning to go over a few things11. Classis meeting report- 1st time that 100% of Classical Ministry shares were paid in full.

Sheldon 1st CRC Pastor will be seeking ordination in CRC Denomination. Presently he is ordained in Presbyterian Denomination.

12. Discussed possible dates for going to Banquet in Sioux Falls13. Worship Calendar

Worship Service CalendarApril 6 Lindsey Broek Report on Service Project April 13 AM Dordt Praise Team- Palm SundayApril 18 PM Good Friday Service—7:00pmApril 20 Easter

6:30 am Cemetery Service7:15 am Sunrise Service8:15-9:30 Breakfast 10:00 AM Service—(No PM service)

May 25 AM Memorial Day Service (We are in charge of Praise Team&Service)June 1 AM & PM Pulpit Supply June 8 AM & PM Pulpit SupplyJul 6 AM Community Service in the Park (in charge of food and music)

PM Host Combined H & LAug 3 PM at Hawarden Aug 31 PM at Lebanon ( Labor Day Weekend)

14. Communion Schedule April 18—Good Friday, June 8—Pentecost, July 20, September 14, October 26PM –Reformation Day, November 30—Advent.

15. Siouxland Unity needs to fix some holes in walls before we can go and paint there16. Pastor gave his report17. Pastor will not be going to Calvin TS Conference on April 10-12.

18. Motion made and 2nd to approve Pastor attending Pastors on Point in Stillwater, Mn. On April 30-May 3, 2014 with a floating Sunday on May 3-4.-Carried

19. Education Committee met with people on how to start “The Story” on Feb. 18. Will bestarting on Sep. 7, 2014

20. VBS will be held in our Church on July 28-31, 2014. Program will be July 31 @8:00 PM21. Gerald is responsible for Easter breakfast22. Motion made and 2nd to approve the use of Church on Oct. 10&11, 2014 for

Katie Ten Napel wedding23. Motion made and 2nd to approve purchase of Easter Lily for $125-Carried24. Motion made and 2nd to approve shutting off phone to Study in parsonage.

Use 712-441-3361 instead-Carried25. Motion and 2nd to approve lawn spraying and fertilizer-Carried26. We have paid all our fair share for this year27. March Receipts

General--------------15,008.57Building------------------314.00Home Missions---------420.00Cadets/Home office---130.00Cadets/Local----------300.00Christian Ed----------775.00The Table-------------30.00

28. May offering schedule 4---Christian Ed11—Tuition Assistance18---Christian Ed25—Every Ethne/Steve Dekkers

28. Unity will be celebrating there 50th anniversary Celebration Service on Aug 10, 2014 at11:00 AM in the Knight Center

Dear Pastor and Council:Plans are underway for the celebration of 50 years at Unity Christian High School. August 8-10, 2014 has been selected as a specific time to celebrate God’s faithfulness with weekend events. The main reason for contacting you at this time is to inform you of the Sunday worship service being planned. The anniversary worship service will be held on Sunday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Knight Center on Unity’s campus. This will be a time of praise and worship and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness. The later morning hour was chosen so that churches could gather for their weekly worship service and still allow time for their members to attend our service. As a Council we ask you to make your congregation aware of the anniversary service to be held in addition to your regularly scheduled worship time.If you have any questions about celebration plans, and particularly the worship service, you may contact me. In His Service, Wayne Dykstra- Principal

29. Next meeting will be held May 14, 2014 at 7:1530. Pastor closed with Prayer

Council minutes of Ireton CRC held May 14, 2014President-Norlyn Van Beek

Clerk-Daryl BykerPresent- Present-Pastor, Art Hamming, Gerald Postma, Willard Koopmans, Daryl Byker, Josh Hooyer, Brady Van Sloten, Randy SieckAbsent with notice- Tim BonnemaLate with notice- Mike Vander Windt

1. Art read a short devotional and opened with prayer2. Motion made and 2nd to approve minutes of meeting held April 8,2014-Carried3. There will be a leadership Summit on August 14-15, 2014 in Sioux City-Carried4. There will be a Faith Formation held in Sioux Center on May 28, 20145. Motion made and 2nd to approve receipt of membership of Kayla Haarsma Dekkers-Carried6. Motion made and 2nd to approve paying Le Mars Praise Band for Youth Service on March 28,

2014 $100 from Church and $100 from Youth Group-Carried7. Siouxland Unity are working on fixing holes in their Church8. Update on Haiti was given9. Pastor gave his report10. Motion made and 2nd to approve Easter service in 2015, with times at 7:15 AM and 9:30 AM –

Carried11. Pastor will be coming home from vacation on June 7, 2014 and Pastor will be preaching in

Friendship Community in Sgt Bluff on June 8, 201412. Pastor gave report on “Pastor-Church Relations Continuing Education Grantee Questionnaire”13. Motion made and 2nd to approve week of vacation for Pastor on Aug. 3, 2014-Carried14. Education- no meeting15. Worship- no meeting16. Building- different projects were discussed17. Motion made and 2nd to approve cabinet and stencil work-Carried18. Christian Education- no meeting19. Offering receipts------ General-------------9757.00

World Missions----575.00 Christian Ed-------642.50 Gems home office-179.00 Gems for Haiti-----185.00 The Table-----------624.00 World Missions----151.00 Benevolent---------129.00

June offering schedule- June 1-------Christian Ed 8--------General Budget/Benevolent

15-------Christian Ed 22-------Building Roof 29-------Tuition Assistance

20. Motion made and 2nd to approve Pastors report and committee reports-Carried21. Motion and 2nd to approve baptism on June 15, 2014 for Sadie Fedders and Bennett Hooyer-

Carried22. Reformation Day Service will be held on Nov. 2, 2014 in 1st Reformed Church23. Different things were discussed for next month agenda24. Next meeting on June 24, 201425. Pastor closed with Prayer