As His children we need to walk within these boundaries to truly be free. As
important ..... fellowship. Please join us. Sons of Encouragement by Francine.
Rivers.
HIGHLIGHTS CARMEL REFORMED CHURCH “Can’t Wait For Sunday”
DECEMBER, 2017 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom. 16:20) In this verse we see first, the birth of Jesus Christ; second, the peace of Jesus Christ; and third, the victory of Jesus Christ. The Birth of Jesus Christ The first gospel promise is found in Genesis 3:15 where God tells the serpent that Eve’s offspring “shall bruise your head.” Her offspring, Jesus, finally came after many moons and defeated Satan by His life, death, and resurrection. When Paul says that God “will soon crush Satan,” he is alluding to Genesis 3:15, which speaks of Christ’s first coming. Here, in Romans 16:20, Paul points us to Christ’s Second Coming and the ultimate defeat of Satan. Satan is defeated and will ultimately be “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur” and “tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10). This is true because the promise that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23) was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. As you journey through the Advent season ponder the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth was promised and His birth came to pass: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7a).
The Peace of Jesus Christ The God of peace sent His Son to be “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6) over the world. The little baby in the manger owns the nations and the ends of the earth is His possession (Ps. 2:8). The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that Jesus Christ “shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD...and he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace” (Micah 5:4a, 5a). Peter tells us what our Advent and Christmas attitude toward Christ should be: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). Today wars and rumors of wars abound, and violence seems to have free reign. Nevertheless, believers (continued on next page)
(continued from page 1) are not to despair, for Jesus is their Prince of Peace in this fractured world. We count everything as loss because of the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord (Phil. 3:8a). And we thank Him for His peace “which surpasses all understanding” and “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). The Victory of Christ Advent is a time of waiting, and Christmas is a time to celebrate. What are we waiting for? What are we celebrating? We are waiting for the ultimate crushing of the Devil (Christ’s second coming) following his initial crushing (Christ’s first coming). Notice that the “God of peace” will defeat Satan. This reminds us that God will destroy the great dragon through His Son, Jesus Christ. But notice as well that God will crush Satan “under your feet.” This means, first, that in Christ we will walk all over the hell-bound beast and grind him into the dust. And second, this emphasizes that he will forever cease threatening us and God’s new heavens and earth. This, of course, points to the victory of Christ and the elimination of all His enemies, including Satan and his demons. It also transports our thoughts and desires to the day when Jesus “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). “At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus” (Heb. 2:8b, 9a). Jesus was higher than the angels, and then he was made lower than the angels, though He still ruled over the angels. And soon and very soon your “eyes will see the king in his beauty” (Isa. 33:17a). Oh, come Lord Jesus! Pastor Mike
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All women of Carmel Church are invited to participate in a “Secret Sister Ministry” of caring and sharing with other sisters in Christ. You will each be given a “Sister” that you can pray for and encourage throughout 2018. It is wonderful to have someone that prays for you daily and is there to send you an encouraging note, give you a small gift or just a card. We will be keeping our “Sister” a secret, so don’t let anyone know who you have. At the end of the year you will tell your sister who you are and can share a prayer together. Please know that you are agreeing and committing to praying for your sister daily and we’d like you to remember your sister monthly with a card, note or small token of your choice. If you are unable to continue at any time throughout the year please let us know so we can assign someone else to pray for and encourage your “sister”. Have fun and get to know your “sisters”! You can be the instrument that God has placed in this person’s life to give them the encouragement they need right when it is needed. “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23. This is a voluntary opportunity for any and all Carmel women. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form found in your mailbox or stop at the church office for one, and place it in the box on the “Coffee Station” in the Fellowship Hall by December 31.
December 10 AM: Ronda Leusink, Kendra Heitritter, Jocelyn Terpstra, Meriah Robertson; PM: LeaAnn Van Regenmorter, Alydia Sandbulte. December 17 AM: Stephanie Vande Vegte, Janice Leusink, Andrea Sandbulte, Kaylen Wolfswinkel; Christmas Program: Sara Sandbulte, Sydney Gesink, Charli Bomgaars, Anna Vonk. December 24 AM: Becky Ochsendorf, Donna Tea, Jenny Luevano, Sofia Sandbulte. December 25 Christmas Day: Taylor Punt, Verlyn Van Regenmorter, Chloe Wynia, Taya Gesink. December 31 AM: Kiley Landman, Ashley Laackmann, Nyiah Gesink, Joanne Luevano; PM: Brooke Faber, Tikvah Tea. January 7 AM: Nikki Hulstein, Lindsay Johnsrud, Brianna Fedders, Cassidy Bollinger; PM: Stephanie Mulder, Averi Huizenga.
Call the church office by noon on Wednesday, with your special number. If you are not able to have special music the scheduled time, please try to exchange with someone. Top name is AM; bottom is PM: Dec. 10 - Nate Maassen Tony Madsen Dec. 17 - David McAlpine Christmas Program Dec. 24 - Music Committee Dec. 25 - Music Committee Dec. 31 - Josh Meendering Rod Moget Jan. 7 - Stephanie Mulder Mitch Nettinga Jan. 14 - Adam Nibbelink Melinda Nibbelink Jan. 21 - Derick Niemeyer Jerry Noteboom Jan. 28 - Eric Ochsendorf Brad Oostra Feb. 4 - Orlin Oostra Bob Oostra Feb. 11 - Cherub Choir Ryan Oostra
PLEASE find a substitute or trade with someone, if you are unable to be in the nursery. Please substitute an adult for an adult!
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REFRESHMENT SCHEDULE R - serve on Sunday morning; C - each bring 5 dozen cookies.
December 10 - R-Denny De Jong, Mike Haverhals; C-Clarice Van Maanen, Donna Renes, Sue Noteboom, Ramona Vander Weide, Sherri Wolfswinkel. December 17 - R-Jerry Noteboom, Alan Sandbulte; C-Glenda Van Meeteren, Florence Sandbulte, Cheryl Lange, Rachel Van Roekel, Sandi Vonk. December 24 - R-Hans Smolders, Adam Nibbelink; C-Nora Bohl, Hannah Smolders, Trish Sandbulte, Lin De Jong, Rhonda Sandbulte. December 31 - R-Jerry Renes, Tom Zwart; CFonda Post, Conni Hulshof, Ronda Leusink, Muriel Oostra, Nicole Vanden Brink. January 7 - R-Marlin Van Voorst, Glenn Vander Lugt; C-Frieda Bartels, Mimi Sandbulte, Jo Te Grotenhuis, Erica Robertson, Eug. Sandbulte. January 14 - R-John Leusink, Frieda Bartels; C-Kaye Kuyper, Teresa Sandbulte, Hazel Haverhals, Helen V. Vegte, Mary Lou Verburg.
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Dec. Dec.
Dec. Dec. Jan.
10 AM - Brent Downs Terry Dykstra PM - Mike Haverhals 17 AM - Pete De Jong Marlin Dibbet and Jill Sandbulte PM - Tim Gesink 24 AM - Garet Friedrichsen Dave Glewwe 31 AM - Tyler Franken Joe Heitritter PM - Loren Hooyer 7 AM - Dan Faber Scott Fischer PM - Dorothy Van Voorst and Jan De Jong
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING At our Annual Congregational Meeting which was held on November 20, we elected four new consistory members. Wally Valentine and Rod Van Ravenswaay were elected to the office of elder and will be replacing outgoing elders Jerry Noteboom and Loren Punt. Hans Smolders and Wayne Te Grotenhuis were elected to the office of deacon and will be replacing outgoing deacons Jerry Renes and Jared Terpstra. If there is any scriptural reason why these men should not serve, please contact one of the elders. The newly elected consistory members will be installed and ordained on Sunday, January 7. * * * * * * * * * * * *
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Thank you to everyone who packed a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. We collected 75 boxes this year. That’s about 30 less than last year. Even though our numbers were down, these gifts of love may be the door God uses to open a child’s heart to Jesus Christ. * * * * * * * * * * * *
PIGS-IN-THE-BLANKET The first two batches of pigsin-the-blanket disappeared in a hurry. They went flying out of the freezer, but never fear the “pigs” are back. Thanks to some wonderful willing workers they have replenished the freezer with more of those delicious little pigs. So stop in the Moses Room and pick up some pigs for your holiday gatherings. They are $12.00 per dozen. Please do not take pigs from the freezer if they are not paid for. * * * * * * * * * * * * “The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.” —G.K. Chesterton
CARMEL’S FROZEN ASSETS Tired of planning meals?? Let Carmel’s Frozen Assets help you! You will spend one evening (about 3 hours), go home with 24 freezer meals, and have had a lot of fun! Some of the dishes are Tater Tot Casserole, Meatloaf, Ham balls, Pork chops and potatoes, Three cheese enchiladas, chicken casserole, and Pizza meatballs. A total of 12 different 8 x 8 meals two of each. If that sounds overwhelming, you could bring a friend and split the meals — 12 for each of you. We get all the groceries and have everything ready for you to put it all together. The total cost is divided among those participating. Watch for our next event in January. Questions? Check with Beth Te Grotenhuis or Fonda Post. * * * * * * * * * * * * This year the Sunday School mission project is the Sack Pack Program. The first two weeks in November the Sunday School classes were challenged to collect Easy Mac packages for the Sack Pack Program. The Sunday School was divided into three groups and competed within that group to see which class could collect the most Easy Mac packages. A HUGE thank you to those who participated in the challenge for the Hull and Sioux Center Sack Pack Programs. We collected over 700 servings of Easy Mac! The winners for each age group were: a tie between Nursery and first grade; 5th grade; and 11th & 12th grade. The winners were treated to a donut party during Sunday School on November 19. Even though the competition is done, we will still be taking donations. They will accept 100% juice boxes, fruit snacks, etc. You may place your donations in the collection box in the Fellowship Hall. Also remember that the second Sunday of each month the offering in Sunday School will go to our mission project. So far we’ve collected $773.00 which, along with the food donations collected, will be divided between the Hull and Sioux Center Sack Pack programs.
MIRACLES OF CHRISTMAS Pastor Mike has written a booklet entitled “The Wonders of Christmas — Miracles from Matthew and Luke”. A copy of this booklet can be found in everyone’s church mailbox. You can use this for your personal or family devotions during the Advent Season or any time to help you better understand the Miracles of Christmas.
JUSTICE FOR ALL OPPORTUNITIES
The Carmel GEMS and Cadets will have their Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 20, at the Sioux Center Pizza Ranch. They will meet at the Pizza Ranch at 6:30 p.m. or at Carmel Church at 6:15 p.m. if you need a ride. The GEMS will go shopping after having their pizza. The Cadet and GEMS counselors will bring the kids home.
Justice For All is seeking some volunteers for our ‘sharing and caring’ ministry. Job description: checking small appliances and electronics, doing minor repairs on items, recycling unusable and broken items, sorting clothing and misc. items. Hours: whatever works in your schedule – we are here from 8-4:30 MF. Wages: priceless! Benefits: the blessing of knowing you have served those who God cares about so deeply by helping to provide quality goods to partner ministries both far and near! Bonus: Great fellowship with other volunteers. Contact Corwin or Joe at JFA – 712-476-2804 or stop by! Justice For All is planning the 2018 Service and Learning Opportunities and would love to have you join one of the teams! These weeks are wonderful opportunities to serve others but also to experience and understand God’s Kingdom in new and important ways! Dates and places are: Harvest Hands Ministries, Juarez, MX – January 19-26 (must have passport and be signed up by Dec 15); JVMP Foundation, Jackson MS – February 10-16; Voice of Calvary Ministries, Jackson, MS - February 17-23; Houston Flood Relief – February 24-March 3; Grace Reigns, Colorado City UT – March 1117. For more information please call JFA 712476-2804 or email
[email protected]. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 6:30 p.m., JFA Ministry Center.
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CARDS RESTOCKED IN THE LIBRARY The Church Library has been restocked with sympathy, get well, and encouragement cards. This is a fundraiser for the GEMS program. So if you find yourself needing a box of cards, stop in the library and follow the directions on the sign by the cards. * * * * * * * * * * * *
GEMS AND CADETS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Remember those serving in the military with a card or note this holiday season. T3 Burrington, Daniel P. 512 Simon Street Norfolk, VA 23502 Balderas, Jennifer 407 AEG/ESFS Unit 63306 APO, AE 09319-3306
JR. RCYF CHRISTMAS PARTY Jr. RCYF will meet at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 3 for their Christmas Party. We will first be having a question-and-answer time with Pastor Mike! Please take some time to think of some questions about the Bible or Christianity and we encourage you to write them down and bring them along! Following question and answer time we will have our Christmas party. Supper and snacks and games will be provided! Hope to see you all there!
Deacon’s Corner – DECEMBER Zestos - Along with the Zestos freezer Carmel Church will also have non-perishable canned goods available in the church kitchen for those in need. The shelves near the freezer are now stocked and those who are in need can help themselves to whatever is available just as with the Zestos 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. Outreach Fund – The Outreach Fund is available to assist Carmel Reformed Church members participation 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 James Vanden Brink, or one of the other deacons for an application form. 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, Nate Maassen, if you are in need of assistance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What in the World is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah Events unfolding in today's world are certainly unsettling, but they need not be confusing or frightening. Now you can know the meaning behind what you see in the daily news and understand what in the world is going on. Ruth by Lori Copeland A lighthearted story of romance and faith. Follow Ruth on the run from her eighty year old suitor towards Wyoming Territory where freedom and independence await. Unspoken by Dee Henderson Charlotte is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history. A crime the cops thought was solved has only opened another chapter. Hope by Lori Copeland Kidnapped on the way to her wedding, Hope falls in love with a man she can never have. Together learning God works everything into a bigger, better plan. Faith by Lori Copeland Nicholas did not know what to expect from his mail-order bride. What he found in Faith changed his life forever. Glory by Lori Copeland The danger of the Wild West was nothing compared to the danger to Glory's heart. As her past unfolds, important lessons about God's faithfulness shine thru.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA? Remember the Carmel Cookbook makes a great gift and they are only $10. Cookbooks are available at the church office or at Casey’s Bakery in Sioux Center.
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DECEMBER 2 3 4 5 6 -
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Todd De Jong Harv Sandbulte Mrs. Brooke Byker Mrs. Marcella Langstraat Emberlynn Franken Bradley Oostra Mrs. Carmen Maassen The Alex Koedam’s Joe Heitritter Brad Beukelman Mrs. Sara Sandbulte Mrs. Conni Hulshof Lloyd De Jong Austin Vonk The Steve Sandbulte’s The Virgil Houtkooper’s Mrs. LaVonne Van Essen Bryce Meendering Aubie Mulder Mrs. Shari Kruid Kley Hulstein Levi Smolders Mrs. Amy Rozeboom Wilbur Van Grootheest
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Wyatt Leusink Mrs. Donna Tea Jennifer Balderas Mrs. Keri Statema Rowan Borchers Matthew Smolders Mrs. Jaci Wynia Mrs. Mary Lou Verburg Taya Gesink Garrison Borchers Megan Punt Trev Koedam Josh Leusink Mrs. Misty Zwart Mrs. Linda Prins Lanae Van Meeteren Mrs. Becky Ochsendorf Mrs. Kendra Heitritter Mrs. Carol Van Voorst Mrs. Carole Kleyer Craig Laackmaan Stan Prins Reed Koedam Hezekiah Vanden Brink Cole Bomgaars Sadie Sandbulte Mrs. Ashley Vande Vegte Karlee Leusink The Joe Heitritters Dylan Moget Brayton Van Kekerix Glenn Lange Mike Haverhals
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bring your family, neighbors and friends to enjoy a FREE meal together at New Life Reformed Church on Thurs., Dec. 14, serving from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The meal is free and open to everyone. This month’s meal host is Pella Corporation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ANOTHER VBS BALLOON FOUND The following e-mail was received in the church office on Sunday, November 26: “Hey! Found a string with some information on it in our backyard today! Your First Grade B balloon was found in Le Mars! Neat thing you guys have done! ☺
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart.” —Helen Keller
Sunday, December 17, 6:00 p.m.—Sunday School Christmas Program. (Note time.) Sunday, December 24—Morning worship. No Sunday School youth group meetings and NO evening service. Monday, December 25, 9:30 a.m.—Christmas Day Service. Wednesday, December 27—No Wonderful Wednesday activities. Sunday, December 31—AM and PM Worship as usual. No Sunday School or RCYF.
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COMPEL 2018
The Sr. RCYF will have their Christmas Party at Phil and Judy Hooyer’s home on Sunday, December 10, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. There will be food, games and a gift exchange. Kids can meet at church for a ride at 5:15 p.m. or if the weather is good and with parents permission meet at Phil and Judy’s home at 5:30. Remember to bring a $10 gift (boys bring a gift for a boy, girls bring a gift for a girl). You may also bring bars or treats to share. The kids will be back at church by 7:45 p.m.
Women of Carmel Church are invited to COMPEL 2018. The conference theme is I AM FREE! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36. Join women from the 4 state area as they unite in their love for Jesus and hear from nationally know speaker Rebekah Lyons. The dates are January 26 (6:30 - 10:00 p.m.) and January 27, 2018 (9:00 -12:00 noon) (Light morning snack). Where: Stoney Creek Hotel in Sioux City, IA. Rooms available by calling 712-234-1100. Ticket prices are: $50 for both sessions; $35 for Friday only or $35 for Saturday only. Sr. Pastors’ Wife is $35. Due to the need to plan all tickets will increase in price by $10 beginning on January 1. Rebekah Lyons is the author of Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning and You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are. She is a mother of three, wife of one, and dog walker of two living in Nashville. She’s an old soul with a contemporary, honest voice who puts a new face on the struggles women face as they seek to live a life of meaning. Through emotive writing and speaking, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety, depression, and consumer impulses— challenging women to discover and boldly pursue the calling God has for them. Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah serves as cofounder of Q Ideas, a non-profit that convenes and equips Christians to influence culture. As founder of Q Women, Rebekah's passion is to embolden women to live their unique calling as they thoughtfully engage faith, relationships, and their community. Her favorite pastime is interacting with readers face-to-face with a discriminating cup of coffee in hand
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BEN GLENN, THE CHALK GUY COMING TO HULL The Hull Chamber invites you to a FANTASTIC NIGHT of entertainment for ALL AGES, welcoming BEN GLENN, The Chalk Guy to Hull – Wednesday, February 21, 2018 – 7:30 p.m. – at Western Christian High School. Ben Glenn has been a full-time speaker since 1995, sharing with church groups, students and teachers all over the world. His story of growing up with Learning Disabilities and ADHD, as well as his amazing live art demonstration that he performs as part of his presentation, combine into a powerful as well as entertaining program. He is the author of "Simply Special: Learning to Love Your ADHD" and the founder of the Chalkguy LEGO drive. He, his wife and 2 daughters live in Indianapolis. Tickets will be $5 per person and will go on sale December 1, at the Hull Chamber Office, American State Bank and Iowa State Bank in Hull. For more information or to RSVP your Youth Group, please contact the Chamber Office – 712-439-1513 or
[email protected].
DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT Save the Date! Day of Encouragement will be Saturday, February 3, 2018 on the campus of Dordt College. This year’s keynote speaker is Rev. Reggie Smith who will share his story of guiding change in transitional urban communities. Details will become available in November with registration opening December 1. Day of Encouragement, sponsored by Dordt College, is a day to inspire, encourage and equip God’s people for ministry. Everyone is welcome to participate. * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE PERFECT GIFT Do you stress about finding just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list? Does it make the season more a hassle than a joy? Pastor Mike Slaughter reminds us that Christmas isn’t about perfect presents for people, as if it were their birthday — or ours. Christmas is about the perfect presence of Immanuel, God with us, through the birth of Jesus; it’s his birthday, after all! In Christmas Is Not Your Birthday (Abingdon), Slaughter writes, “How funny that it can be so hard to find gifts that will please certain family members or friends — the people who seem to have everything — and yet it is so clear what the Lord of lords and King of kings wants for his birthday. God wants you — your time, your talent and your treasure — used in service to others.” * * * * * * * * * * * * “Jesus took his place in a manger so that we might have a home in heaven.” —Greg Laurie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Christmas Gifts — And when we give each other Christmas presents in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans - and all that lives and moves upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused. And to save us from our own foolishness, from all our sins. He came down to earth and give us Himself. —Sigrid Undset
