Pastor Steve Van Noort
Gathering to Worship
Prelude:
* Opening Song: “Come People of the Risen King”
* Call to Worship
* God’s Greeting
* Song of Praise: “Glory”
Offering Our Gifts
Congregational Prayer
Offering for Christian Education Fund
Offertory
Prayer of Blessing for the Children
Hearing God’s Word
* Song of Preparation: “Reformation Song”
* Scripture: John 2:1-11 (p. 1054)
Message: “Jesus Renews Our Joy When We Are Running on Empty”
Prayer
* Song of Response: "O Jesus Joy of Loving Hearts” PH 307:1-3
Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
Serving the Bread: music for reflection
Serving the Juice: “My Worth Is Not In What I Own”
Parting with God’s Blessing
* Benediction
* Doxology: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” PH 638
* Postlude
Pianist: Laura Te Velde
Praise team: Elaine Vos
WE REJOICE with Paul and Carissa Hiemstra on the birth of a son, Chance Paul, last Friday! May the Lord be with them as they raise Chance to love and serve Him.
TODAY AT BETHEL: This morning we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy laden to find rest in him. He invites the young, old, rich, poor, strong and weak—all who have faith in him to come to the feast and be nourished. The bread is gluten free.
COMBINED SERVICE: Second CRC invites the Lynden and Sumas CRCs to a unity service tonight at 6 pm. Pastor Ben de Regt will speak on “If God is Strong and Loving, Why is There So Much Suffering?” The offering will be for Northwest Hispanic Ministries. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL begins next week, September 8 at 9:20. Grades 1-6 meet in the basement for singing and grades 7-12 meet in their classrooms. Thank you to our Sunday School teachers: Kerri Meenderinck, Marcia Mulder, Jennie Meenderinck, Yuanita Gitamara and Brent Van Dalen. Also thank you to our music leader Amy Vandenberg and pianist Jackie Van Dalen and our Sunday School superintendent Glenda Elgersma.
LUNCH ON THE LAWN: Please join us for Lunch on the Lawn Kick off Sunday, September 8 immediately following the morning service. Hospitality committee will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and drinks. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. We will have plates, cups and eating utensils– but you are encouraged to bring your own comfy chairs. We are accepting any able body helpers after 9 am to set up tables, chairs and canopies.
MEMBERHIP TRANSFER: Council has approved the membership transfer of Vic and Nancy Wolffis and Abbie to Sonlight Community CRC. We thank Vic and Nancy for the many ways they served at Bethel and trust they will be a blessing to their new church family.
FORMS: Youth Participation and Publication Consent forms are needed for each child/youth participating in Sunday School, nursery and other youth activities. New forms are required each year; one form per child. Completed forms may be placed in the box on the library table by next Sunday, September 8. If you need additional forms, contact Yuanita.
YOUTH DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION: Council is beginning the process of hiring a youth director to start next summer. Copies of the job description are available on the black table in the narthex and you are encouraged to take one. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any Council member.
ADVANCE NOTICE:
• September 15: Pastor Steve Frieswick will lead our evening service
• September 22: Vespers Service at CHCC, Group Two
• September 23: GEMS kick-off
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Let’s go out and bless some other families! Join us on our next Habitat for Humanity build this week Saturday, September 7. Anyone ages 14 and up are welcome. No construction experience required! We will meet in the Bethel parking lot at 8:30 am. Bring water, a lunch and a tool belt if you have one. No need to bring your own tools. We will finish work at 4 pm. Please RSVP to Michael and Lea Ter Beek.
SENIORS: Save the date! Our five CRCs in Lynden are hosting a seniors’ event at Sonlight CRC on October 11 from 9 am to 1 pm. Authors Richard and Leona Bergstrom will speak about their book Third Calling—What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? Lunch will be provided. For more details talk to Gladys Van Beek, our Bethel contact.
INCLUSION MINISTRY: Our church continues to pursue being able to develop a ministry to families of children with special needs. In order to help us get equipped and have a better understanding of what this could look like we have a short series of adult education classes planned for the following Sundays starting at 9:20 am. Everyone is welcome to attend:
• September 15: Pastor Steve discusses the vision and connects it with the Gospel. Jeany Auperlee from Lynden Christian School will also speak.
• September 22: View the January Series video about churches reaching those with special needs, followed by a discussion.
• September 29: Cassi Erickson of North Side Community Church shares what her congregation is doing and what attitudes and behavior we can adopt to be more welcoming and inclusive.
• October 6: Panel discussion with Yuanita, Jana, and other practitioners or parents of children with special needs.
• October 13: Possibly a second panel discussion focusing on needs not covered in the first panel discussion.
In addition, we are hoping to host a Saturday training session with The Christian Learning Center. They specialize in traveling across the country equipping churches for such a ministry. Details of this special Saturday session are still being worked out.
