TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH MAY 2017 connections connections Continuing the Journey We have been making our way through the 10 Commandments this year and looking carefully at how these ancient laws can inform our life today. Each week we look deeper into the many passages, concerns of life, and implications of how these commandments speak to us. God truly is using our sermon series this year to open our eyes more clearly to his “good and perfect” will. We are finding as well that these sermons are challenging us as a congregation in many ways. As we enter into the month of May we will be looking specifically at the fifth commandment. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 Certainly there are many important lessons that we can learn from this commandment that ap- ply to our living today. Lessons of honoring our parents, raising our children, family systems, cycles of brokenness within families, caring for elderly parents, those who lived never knowing their parents, etc. are all topics that we may encounter in this series. We also are aware that digging into these topics can be difficult emotional and spiritual work. As a pastoral staff we want you to be aware that the messages we deliver through May will raise some of these issues and we seek to answer them from a biblical perspective. Please also know that we as a staff are inviting you to reach out to us as you may have need for more conversation about these important topics. It is our prayer that God may powerfully use the upcoming messages as a way to strengthen families, heal past hurts, and encourage us in building healthy relationships. In Christ’s Service, Pastor Chris DeGraaf
Transcript
TRINITY REFORMED CHURCHTRINITY REFORMED CHURCH MAY 2017
connectionsconnections
Continuing the Journey
We have been making our way through the 10 Commandments this year and looking carefully
at how these ancient laws can inform our life today. Each week we look deeper into the many
passages, concerns of life, and implications of how these commandments speak to us. God
truly is using our sermon series this year to open our eyes more clearly to his “good and perfect”
will. We are finding as well that these sermons are challenging us as a congregation in many
ways.
As we enter into the month of May we will be looking specifically at the fifth commandment.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is
giving you.” Exodus 20:12
Certainly there are many important lessons that we can learn from this commandment that ap-
ply to our living today. Lessons of honoring our parents, raising our children, family systems,
cycles of brokenness within families, caring for elderly parents, those who lived never knowing
their parents, etc. are all topics that we may encounter in this series.
We also are aware that digging into these topics can be difficult emotional and spiritual work.
As a pastoral staff we want you to be aware that the messages we deliver through May will
raise some of these issues and we seek to answer them from a biblical perspective.
Please also know that we as a staff are inviting you to reach out to us as you may have need for
more conversation about these important topics.
It is our prayer that God may powerfully use the upcoming messages as a way to strengthen
families, heal past hurts, and encourage us in building healthy relationships.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Chris DeGraaf
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Prayer Connection
THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
“For His Great Namesake”
Daniel 9:19
On Thursday May 4, 2017 Americans from all denominations and backgrounds will observe the 65th annual National Day of Prayer. The Theme: “For His Great Namesake” is inspired by Daniel 9:19.
Prayer honors God. The prayers of God’s people are perhaps the greatest untapped resource available today. With that in mind, The Prayer Ministry invites you to use the Lord’s Prayer as a springboard for prayer for our nation and the world throughout the month of May.
Consider the following phrases taken from The Lord’s Prayer along with the corresponding scripture. As you prayerfully read these scriptures, other passages may also come to mind.
Pray for our national, state & local leaders, Supreme Court Justices, Military Personnel & first responders. During this month be mindful of opportunities to respond with God’s great love; “for His namesake” to those you encounter. A small kindness shown to others brightens the day of the benefactor as much as the recipient.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if 2017 became the year Americans became known for our kindness? I challenge you to pray for the USA, and then hold your candle high! Go light your world.
Pray For Our Nation
Pray The Lord’s Prayer in companion with these corresponding passages:
Our Father, in heaven, holy is Your name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done/Psalm 111:9
Give us this day, our daily bread/ John 6:35 & Matthew 6:25-33.
Forgive us our debts…../Matthew 5:43-48.
Lead us not into temptation/I Corinthians 10:13.
Deliver us from evil/Daniel 9:18-19 & II Chronicles 7:14-15
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Revelation 4:8-11
A time of prayer will be held at 12:15 pm outside, at the church doors.
Patti Gell, Prayer Coordinator
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SOW AND GROW COMMUINITY GARDEN
Are you thinking spring? With the wonderful weather we have had, it’s hard not to think
about growing and watching the flowers and vegetables come up. The Community Garden
area is ready for planting!!!
We now have 4 water barrels, so we are ready for any weather. One change in the garden
area is that we will be increasing the depth of the garden squares. We will be adding
another 4 inches on top and adding soil to make them a bit deeper.
This year we will be providing a variety of seeds, but also we will provide determinate
tomato plants (tomato plants that are a “bush” variety). This will help them not get out of
control and grow wild in the limited square foot areas.
There are a few spots available if you would like to join us! You can pick up applications
and planning grids in the gathering area. Please return the application to Dianne Moker’s
box or to the office, and I’ll get back to you the beginning of May.
Planting is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am Saturday, May 20 so get your plans together!
Questions? See Dianne Moker or call (616) 283-4712
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THIRD THURSDAY SENIOR BREAKFAST Thursday, may 18 at 9:30 am. Join Pastor Deb at Bob Evans on 24th St. for
good food and good conversation with good friends. Don’t know many
folks at Trinity? It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other better. (It’s
also a great opportunity to invite a friend). Sign up today in order to reserve
your place at the table!!! If you need a ride, please indicate that on the sign
up sheet.
Looking Ahead: Thursday, June 15 Thursday, July 20
TUESDAYS AT 10; “The Word Became Flesh…” Bible Study “The Word Became Flesh...” Bible Study, Tuesday's at 10:00. In 2016, we read through the
Chronological Bible, but now we will be digging a bit deeper. How do we move from readers
to doers? How do we take what God has put in our hearts into action through our hands and
responsibilities? It’s the year of going beyond reading the words on the printed page and
really thinking about how God’s Word applies to your life today. It’s also the year to go beyond
thinking to acting. We hope you are up to the challenge!
Study guides, prepared by the preaching pastor are available every week following Sunday’s
message.
Didn’t hear the message? That’s OK. The study guide will provide what you need for the
Bible Study.
Not able to come every week? That’s OK. Each week is a stand alone discussion.
Never been part of a small group study before? That’s OK. Gathering in the Connection
Café is a comfortable place to get to know folks, to question, to ponder and to talk about
God’s Word for our lives.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Pastor Deb. (Study guides are also
available on our website www.trinityrc.org).
THERE WILL BE NO BIBLE STUDY ON TUESDAY, MAY 16TH
NEWS FROM PASTOR DEB YURK
WEDNESDAYS AT 10:00 at the Theater at Appledorn West “That the World May Know” Bible Study led by Pastor Deb. Visit the Holy Land with Ray
VanderLaan and get an up-close look at the places we read about in the
biblical text. Each week we will watch a short video, filmed on location –
in order to understand the culture and the people of biblical times. Then
we will follow up with a faith lesson to help deepen our own journeys of
faith. Watch God’s Word come alive! Hope you will join me.
THERE WILL BE NO BIBLE STUDY ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 17TH
Cover to Cover Book Club meets Thursday, May 25th at 7:00 pm. This is
our last meeting until September. Please bring your book selections with
you.
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Be sure and grab your nametag when you come in on Sunday morn-ings. We want to do a better job of getting to know each other. Not sure who sits next to you in church? Name tags will help. Not sure who is standing next to you drinking coffee? Name tags will help. Not sure who is greeting? Name tag will solve that.
Be sure and drop your name tag in the receptacle before you leave the building so you’ll have it next week!
Oh….and name tags and smiles go well together.
See Pastor Deb if you have any questions.
Youth Group Updates
Youth Group: Sunday 5PM - 8PM We will continue with our regular program of serving dinner and worshiping together. Do you want to help plan meals? Be a mentor to a Middle or High School Small Group? Talk to Pastor Phil today!
Youth Group Meetings – Spring 2017
May 7 May 21
May 14 May 28 No Meeting
June: See Next Page!
Community Co-Ed Softball
On Thursdays, June 9—July 28, from 6-8 pm, Trinity is sponsoring a church /
community softball program for ages 16 and up. These family events will be held at Holland East,
373 E. 24th St.—park in the back lot. The playground is nearby for children.
Do you want to play but don’t have a glove? No problem, one will be provided. Don’t play?
Come out to support your family member or neighbor.
Hot dogs and chips will be provided. Feel free to bring additional food to share. For comfort,
bring a lawn chair!!! Come when you can. Invite friends. Plan now to enjoy a time of food, fun
and fellowship!! See Kelli Green for details.
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TRINITY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
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Down through the ages, music has played an important part in the life of the Christian church. We
here at Trinity continue that tradition with a Hymn Sing on Sunday, May 21 at 6 PM. Bring your
friends and come for an evening of singing the old, old story of Jesus and His Love. The free will of-
fering will support Beacon of Hope. Beacon of Hope is a local organization that provides
Christian counseling for those who could not otherwise afford these services. Volunteers are needed
to bake pies, set up, clean up and greet. Sign up sheets are on the information table.
More Singing
Gerald Wolfe and Gospel Sounds Concerts presents “an unforgettable evening of singing all-time
favorite hymns and classic gospel on Thursday evening, May 18 at 7 PM at the Jenison Center for
the Arts. Details on the information table. If you would like to participate by singing in the back up
choir contact Dan Kruithof for details.
Pentecost Potluck
Plan to attend the all church potluck on Sunday, June 4 following the 9:30 service. Second service
participants are encouraged to come at 10:40 to be first in line, have dinner and then worship at
11:10. Bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. A sign up sheet is available at the information
table. Beverages and table ware will be provided.
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HOLLAND - ZEELAND RELAY FOR LIFE June 10, 2017 11am - 11pm
Questions? Contact Kim Schrotenboer
616-283-7598
11 MAY 2017 CALENDAR
May 2 Adult Bible Study 10am Lady TUFF Fitness 6:30pm Praise Team 7pm
May 3 Men’s Bible Study 6:30am VanderLaan Study @ Appledorn W 10am Staff Meeting noon Adult Choir Practice 6:45pm
May 4 Women of the Word 9:30am Stewardship Team 7pm
May 7 Worship & Communion 9:30am Worship & Communion 11:10am Middle/High School Youth 5pm
May 8 Consistory 7pm
May 9 Adult Bible Study 10am Lady TUFF Fitness 6:30pm Praise Team7pm
May 10 Men’s Bible Study 6:30am VanderLaan Study @ Appledorn W 10am Staff Meeting noon Care Closet 2:30pm Adult Choir Practice 6:45pm
May 11 Women of the Word 9:30am Turning Pages Book Group noon
May 14 Worship 9:30am Worship 11:10am
May 16 Adult Bible Study 10am Lady TUFF Fitness 6:30pm Praise Team 7pm
May 17 Men’s Bible Study 6:30am VanderLaan Study @ Appledorn W 10am Staff Meeting noon Adult Choir Practice 6:45pm Treasure Principle Class 7pm
May 18 Third Thursday Senior Breakfast 9:30am
May 21 Worship 9:30am Worship 11:10am Middle/High School Youth 5pm Hymn Sing 6pm
May 22 Women’s Bible Study Circle 9:30am
May 23 Adult Bible Study 10am Lady TUFF Fitness 6:30pm Praise Team 7pm
May 24 Men’s Bible Study 6:30am VanderLaan Study @ Appledorn W 10am Staff Meeting noon Adult Choir Practice 6:45pm Treasure Principle Class 7pm
May 25 Cover to Cover Book Group 7pm
May 28 Worship 9:30am Worship 11:10am Middle/High School Youth 5pm
May 30 Adult Bible Study 10am Lady TUFF Fitness 6:30pm Praise Team 7pm
May 31 Men’s Bible Study 6:30am VanderLaan Study @ Appledorn W 10am Staff Meeting noon Adult Choir Practice 6:45pm Treasure Principle Class 7pm
Ministry Team Chairpersons Hands in Service Chris DeGraaf [email protected]
Happy Birthday!! Doug Schurman 5/2 Linda Sal 5/14 Lou Teerman 5/21 Steve Schurman 5/2 Zoe DeGraaf 5/15 Lee Teerman 5/23 Arlene VandenBosch 5/2 Akeelah Sandusky 5/16 Alice Kooyers 5/25 Jenna Kroll 5/4 Lori Borgman 5/17 May Kubera 5/25 Linda Lampen 5/4 Warren Kooyers 5/18 Darlene VanHeest 5/26 Laura VanderStarre 5/8 Emiko Oonk 5/18 Logan Breuker 5/27 Anne VanderZiel 5/9 Noah Babinski 5/19 Ken Brondyke 5/27 Kristy Borgman 5/10 Nina Fierro 5/19 Karen Kane 5/28 Penny Houting 5/10 Kaitlyn Kelly 5/19 Deb Yurk 5/28 Kelli Anderson 5/13 Dan Schrotenboer 5/19 Lori Kooyers 5/29 Xavier Reyes 5/14 Justin VanNuil 5/19 Paul Moker 5/30
Happy Anniversary!!
Lynn & Phyllis Post 5/2 Jim & Linda Allen 5/20 Bob & Barb Long 5/25 Ryan & Ashley Breuker 5/2 Bob & Patti Gell 5/20 Jim & Pat Spoor 5/25 Warren & Lori Kooyers 5/16 Adam & Nancy Smith 5/21 Bill & Barb Stehouwer 5/29 Tim & Jenna Kroll 5/16
