Church guide

Come and try some dutch food tomorrow after the service! Join us tomorrow for our service at 10 am. The sermon tomorrow is on staying strong until Jesus returns, and afterwards we are having a potluck lunch.

Remember, Small groups meet this week! Tonight at Chris Sybrandy's or Friday night at Stewart's. If you haven't come before, you can pick a group and join in! Newcomers always welcome. We are studying "Honest Evangelism".

From the sermon Sunday morning, "Do you love Jesus for what he suffered for you? Do you love him for wearing the thorns on his brow?" If you feel a lack of love for him, pray this prayer from one of the hymns we sing:

Sunday night's sermon ....

Thanks to our youth group and Nicole Enter for a great Valentine's Banquet!

Happy Valentines Day! Remember our upcoming Marriage Retreat on Saturday, March 16.

Because of the snow, people unable to attend, and the threat of more snow, the elders have decided to cancel our evening service.

"If we live in the light of eternity, we know that life cannot be found in the temporary pleasures, possessions, and achievements of this world that is passing away. We start investing in eternal life right here, right now. Our life is ruled by a life shaping pursuit of God. This means that we take seriously anything in our lives that connects us to God, his presence, promises, and provisions. For instance, you attend your small group, not because you have been guilted into doing so, but because the fellowship there reminds you of the most important thing in your life, your relationship with God. You look forward to your weekly worship services because they again and again rescue you from the delusion that life is all about present pleasures. You contribute money to Christian ministries, not just to invest in what is eternal, but because it reminds you of what is important and lasting. You read your Bible each morning, not to prove you're a good Christian, but to start your day by reminding yourself of where life is to be found. And you don't keep investing in bigger and better, because you know the message of eternity is that only God can satisfy your heart." Paul Tripp in Forever.

From the sermon on Sunday on Hebrews 12:1-14: " our expectations are everything. Half the pain when we go through a trial is because our expectations are not being realized. We're shocked when things go wrong, even though God has promised us that life will not always be easy and that he will chasten us. But instead of expecting trials, we wallow in self-pity and doubt."

"How to listen to a sermon? you may think. What a silly subject. After all, it would be pointless to write on “how to watch TV.” And listening to a sermon is even easier than watching TV, since I don’t have to deal with the remote control. It’s a passive activity, something preached to me, not something I actively do. Ah, but it’s not. After the parable of the sower, Jesus says: “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18). He says if we listen in one way, we will be given more, but if we listen in another way, even what we think we have will be taken from us. It’s a life-and-death business, listening to sermons. So let us consider carefully how to listen. Here are seven pointers." https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/7-ways-to-become-a-better-sermon-listener/

End the old year right by coming out to our church service tonight at 7pm. Here's a great article to read to help you plan for a great 2019! https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/read-the-bible-more-this-year

We had a wonderful church Christmas party recently. A delicious dinner followed by some songs, skits, and amazing group Christmas carol singing!

Small groups this week! Tonight at 7pm at Tim and Sarah's or Friday night at the parsonage at 7.

Thanks to our youth group for all the work they did in hosting a fun Harvest Fest at the church last night. The zoo themed decorations were amazing!

The sermon last Sunday morning was on 2 Timothy 3:12-17, reminding us of the importance of God's Word. "What we have in the Word of God is exactly what we need in every situation. We can hear in the Scriptures the voice of Jesus Christ ministering to our hearts.....When you give yourself to God's Word you won't just discover stuff about God, you will discover God himself." Don't forget to be in the Word of God every day! Listen to the full sermon at https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1031181943337

Great youth retreat last weekend with Rev. Davenport giving insightful Bible lessons. On the subject of youth in the church, give this article a read. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-youth-stay-in-church-when-they-grow-up/

Come Friday night to the church at 7 pm to hear more about how you can be a part of Christianity Explored. Christianity Explored is a tool to help churches introduce the gospel to their neighbors. Our plan is to eventually hold public events in coffee shops where we can all invite friends and neighbors who are interested in learning more about Jesus and Christianity. Let us know if you can come: https://www.facebook.com/events/280437959255704/

Photos taken at our last Foster Parent's Nite Out. We enjoyed playing with the kids and the beautiful rainbow! Foster Parent's Nite Out is a ministry of our church to county foster parents where we will look after their foster kids for an evening so they can have a well-deserved night out. If anyone wants more info, send us an email!