December 3, 2023 Bulletin Announcements
Elder/Deacon Nominations: Those who have been nominated for the office of Elder are Mike Jouwstra, Doug Kroh, Justin Ranek, Dennis Smit, Lloyd Van’t Hof, and Scott Wassink. Those who have been nominated for the office of Deacon are Jesse Bleyenburg, Brandon Huisken, Eric Hulstein, Kellen Kooi, Jake Post, and Alex Pronk.
Pancake Fundraiser: Pastor Mark is going on a mission trip to Africa to train Ethiopian pastors. He will teach an intensive “Christ-Centered Preaching” class for a week in January. To help with travel expenses, there will be a pancake and sausage supper at First Reformed Church on Wednesday, December 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Candlelight Service: We hope that you can join us for our Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 17, at 6:30 pm. Our Sunday School kids will also be performing their Christmas program during the service. They will be practicing for the program on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-7:30 pm & on Sunday, Dec. 17, following the church service.
Angel Tree: During this Holiday season, we would love to bless some families in our local community. An Angel Tree is set up in the entryway of First Reformed Church. Please grab an ornament tag and spread some joy to a local food shelf family. Donations can be dropped off in the tote by the tree. Donations will be accepted until December 13. Thank you!
Looking for donations of Auction Items: Edge Youth is having a live auction on January 10th to help raise funds for their summer trip to RYM Colorado! We are looking for items to be auctioned off. Do you have any homemade goods, handmade items, special trades you're known for, or new items that we can auction off? Talk to Mark or Diane Brockberg by January 3rd.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the Operation Christmas Child program this year. Our church filled 81 boxes for children in need. Thank you for the care and effort that you put into creating a beautiful gift for a child. Thanks also to the Mission Committee for covering the cost of shipping our boxes again this year. We praise God that these shoebox gifts are the open door for evangelism and discipleship, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need.
Peter Fish Coin Banks: Our students raised $502.08 in our Peter Fish coin banks! The money will go to our missionaries, Brian & Beth Bruxvoort, in Alaska. Great job, kids!
Pigs-in-the-blanket: Please get your pigs-in-the-blanket orders in for the holidays so you won’t be disappointed that they are gone.
Law Enforcement Training: On Wednesday, December 20, Pipestone County Law Enforcement will be utilizing our building as they perform a H.E.A.T. Team Training. We ask that NO visitors come into the building between 11 am and 6 pm. Thanks!
Justice For All is planning a MISSISSIPPI BUS TOUR, highlighting our ministry partners: John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and Voice of Calvary Ministries of Jackson, MS, and Mississippi Christian Family Services of Rolling Fork, MS. The dates are April 3-10, 2024. Join us, learn, and see how God is using beautiful ministries to share HIS love and hope with those who live in communities of need in MS. We’ll also explore the rich history, culture, and stories of slavery, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights. A day in Branson on the way home will round out a great trip! If you are interested or want more information, please contact Pat Vander Pol at JFA (patvp@jfa-nwiowa.org – 712-476-2804).
Upcoming Dates:
December 3 - Beginning of Advent
December 4 - Congregational Meeting
December 13 - Pancake Fundraiser for Pastor Mark
December 17 - Candlelight Service/Children’s Christmas Program
January 26-27 - Presbytery Meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Waukegan, IL
