Ebenezer Reformed Church 309 East Park Street Morrison, Illinois 61270 815/772-2472
“MOVING FORWARD”
Gerald H. Norman, Senior Pastor
Our Purpose: ERC is a congregation called to intentionally share the gospel in word and deed, as the hands, feet and voice of Jesus Christ. God is calling us to be a vibrant body of believers helping people experience God’s love in Jesus Christ.
May 29, 2011
9:30 a.m.
Prelude: Battle Hymn of the Republic; Onward, Christian Soldiers Arr. W. Elmo Mercer Lani Smith Irving Berlin
America the Beautiful God Bless America
Piano-Organ Duet – Organ, Marguerite Clark & Piano, Priscilla Voss
Welcome *♫ STEP BY STEP Leader: O God, you are my God, I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. People: I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. Leader: I will bless You as long as I live. I will lift up my hands and call on Your name. My soul clings to You. Your right hand upholds me. People: My mouth praises You with joyful lips when I think of You on my bed and meditate on You in the watches of the night. You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. Leader: Almighty God, we worship in Your presence this hour, knowing that You reign over all creation and have promised to be ever present with us. People: Bestow Your comfort and grace upon all who sorrow and need consolation. Leader: Give strength and healing to all who need Your lifegiving and sustaining power moment by moment. People: Give guidance and wisdom to all those who must make life-changing decisions day by day. Help us to serve You more faithfully. * We Greet Each Other *♫ JESUS, ALL FOR JESUS *♫ SHOUT TO THE LORD Celebration Choir: “Who Will Teach the Children” Words by John D. Parker III, Music by Anna Laura Page
Recognition of High School Graduates -2-
Family Time, Morning Prayer Children’s Message:
Pastor Gerry
The children will be dismissed to Heaven’s Express after the Children’s Message
Offertory: Andante * ♫ Doxology * Offertory Prayer Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13 Message: “MOVING FORWARD” Prayer *♫ IN CHRIST ALONE * God’s Blessing *♫ MY FRIENDS, MAY YOU GROW IN GRACE Postlude – Deane Patten (♫ congregational singing) (*stand if you are able)
Franz Schubert
Pastor Gerry
Organist – Marguerite Clark Piano – Deane Patten Music Coordinator – Laurie Wilkins
WORSHIP TEAM: Thank you to the worship leaders and musicians: Mark Ardapple, Michael Blean, Jane Brainerd, Marguerite Clark, Austin Edwards, Joyce Hamstra, Todd Kullerstrand, Aaron Norman, Elyce Norman, Pastor Gerry Norman, Mindy Norman, Deane Patten, Ron Wiersema, Laurie Wilkins
Welcome: WELCOME TO EBENEZER CHURCH: Welcome! to all who’ve come to praise and enjoy the living God. Welcome to worship on Memorial Day weekend. Today we remember those who’ve given their lives for our earthly freedom — and worship the One who died and rose to ensure our eternal freedom. If you are a visitor, we invite you to come again. If you have any questions about our church life, feel free to ask the elder greeter or pastor at one of the exits following the service. You are invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service in the Fellowship Hall. (directly beneath the sanctuary). A nursery is available during the service for children 3 years and under. It is located at the southwest corner of the sanctuary level. -3-
Today at Ebenezer: The flowers on the organ this morning are in memory of and to honor all who have served and are serving in the armed services. SUNDAY, MAY 29: 9:30 a.m. – Worship Celebration. We will be recognizing our High School Graduates. 10:00 a.m. – Heaven’s Express (Sunday school) for children 4 years old through 5th grade. 10:35 a.m. – Fellowship and Coffee. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. – Sunday school for high school will meet at the home of Sharon Habben, 105 South Grape Street, Morrison. 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. – Adult Sunday School Class will meet in the Conference Room.
This Week at Ebenezer: MONDAY, MAY 30:
TUESDAY, MAY 31: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Girl Scouts in Fellowship Hall. 6:00 p.m. – Worship Team rehearsal. THURSDAY, JUNE 2: 7:00 p.m. – Deborah Circle.
Looking Ahead: SUNDAY, JUNE 5: 9:30 a.m. – Worship Celebration. 10:00 a.m. – Heaven’s Express (Sunday school) for children 4 years old through 5th grade. 10:35 a.m. – Fellowship and Coffee. 10:45 a.m. – Communion after Worship Service in the room on the west side of the sanctuary. -4-
10:45 to 11:45 a.m. – Sunday school for high school will meet at the home of Sharon Habben, 105 South Grape Street, Morrison. 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. – Adult Sunday School Class will meet in the Conference Room. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Open House for Vern & Kathy Vanderlaan in Fellowship Hall. MONDAY, JUNE 6: 9:00 a.m. – Stonecroft Bible Study. We will be doing lesson #3 and our offering will be taken. This will be our last meeting till Fall. TUESDAY, JUNE 7: 9:00 a.m. – Mary Circle. 6:00 p.m. – Worship Team rehearsal. 7:15 p.m. – Worship & Music Committee Meeting.
ERC Ministry Announcements: Beginning on June 5th, there will be a monthly opportunity to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. As we just learned, the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Communion was a regular part of the early church’s worship. This will be a special opportunity to remember, commune, and to hope together more regularly. We’ll come together in the room on the west side of the sanctuary after worship for our communion service. All believers in Jesus Christ are welcome! WALK AND WHEEL: If you would be willing to give some of your time to the residents of Resthave, please meet between 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. on Tuesdays (weather permitting) to take them on a brief walk. The residents love spending time outside and visiting with the volunteers! It usually takes one to two hours to walk with all the residents who want to be included, depending on the number of volunteers. Your help is needed!!! Please call Joyce Wilkins (815-772-3531) if you can help with this project or if you would like more information. PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR: June 12, 2011 – Outdoor Service at the Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. Bring your family & friends!! -5-
ERC is looking for three photographers who would be willing to take pictures of church life and activities for use in displays and publicity. Talk to Pastor Gerry if you are interested! ERC will be starting an EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN to lift up family, friends and members in need of prayer. If you would be interested in being on this list, please sign up on one of the sheets at each of the entrances, Fellowship Hall and Elevator Lobby.
Notes of Thanks: “Thank you to Barb Geerts, Karen Zuidema, Ruth Zuidema, Ruth Rosenow and Gertrude Huizenga for helping to clean the kitchen!” ~~Joan Zuidema & Maisie Renkes, Co-Chairmen
Notices: MAY 22 OFFERING:
General Fund - $4,791.00
Anyone who would like to place flowers in the sanctuary on a given Sunday in memory or in honor of someone, or for a special occasion, are invited and encouraged to do so. A Flower Chart is on the bulletin board by the church office for you to sign-up and you should call the Flower Committee for the month of June: Linda Hook (772-3753) or Beth Milnes (772-2053). During the month of June if you need a ride for medical appointments, call Marcia Blean (772-4403) or Nancy Weber (7722641) and they will make arrangements with one of our volunteers to drive you.
DVD COPIES of the church services are now available shortly after each service. Please see Scott Meurs if you would like a copy. Also copies of any past services are available and if you would like one please call the office or Scott at 818-772-3327. NOTICE/REMINDER: The 2011 Resthave Auxiliary dues are now due. Please pay the $5.00 to Em Schroeder as soon as possible or you can send your check to her at 404 Elm Street, Morrison 61270. Thanks! ~~Em Schroeder, Resthave Auxiliary Board Member -6-
FOUND: A lady’s medium genuine leather coat (east 5th). Call the church office, 815772-2472.
Sunday Volunteers: LOCATION: VALET PARKING NURSERY – FOR AGE 3 & UNDER VIDEO PROJECTION SOUND SYSTEM CONSISTORY PRE-SERVICE GREETERS MEMBER PRE-SERVICE GREETERS
ELDER/PASTOR AFTER WORSHIP GREETERS
TODAY, MAY 29: Jon Kophamer Shawn Soenksen & Stacy Meurs Scott Meurs Dawn Meurs Ron Huizenga Ken Jansma Dawn Meurs Scott Meurs NE – Kim & Mary Schafer NW – Dave & Darlene Schipper SE – Roger Sheila Schipper SW –Shawn Soenksen NE – Doug Leech NW – Ken Jansma SE – Garry Seaman SW – Pastor Gerry
NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 5: Ron Wiersema Jackie Wiersema & Alyssa Patten Ryan Neumann Scott Meurs Garry Seaman Doug Leech Sharon Reisenbigler Adam Schaefer NE – Emma Schroeder NW – Harvey & Ruth Schroeder SE – Garry & Judy Seaman SW – George & Carolyn Snyder NE – Pastor Gerry NW – Sharon Reisenbigler SE – Jane Haan SW – Bob Wiersema
REMINDER: CHECK YOUR MAIL SLOT!
CONTACT INFORMATION: Pastor Gerry: Email:
[email protected] Cell Phone: 815-954-3720 Laurie Wilkins: Email:
[email protected] Cell Phone: 815-564-7301 Office Phone: 815-772-2472 FAX Number: 815-772-8189 -7-
Prayer Concerns and Praises:
May 29, 2011
• Ted Venhuizen is now at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison. • Mrs. Glenn (Catherine) Engelkens is at Mercy North in Clinton. • Irene Dyke, returned to Resthave last Thursday. Cards, visits and phone calls are usually really appreciated by our shut-ins! It’s good to phone first before a visit. This is another way for us to be a family of faith in practical ways! • Remember in prayer these loved ones, their partners, caregivers and families: Emma Allison, Dorothy Brackemyer, Alex Cartwright, Jeremy Decker, Neal Geerts, Ralph Hamstra, Randy Harksen, Marge Hook, Marge McDonald, DuWayne Ottens, Harvey Schroeder, Ervin Stuart, Marvin Tervelt, Diane Tichler, Eldora Tichler, Lain Vandermyde, Ted Venhuizen, Eloise Voss, Virginia Wilkens, Phil Wilkins. • Levi and Myna Akker, Alverno Health Care Facility, 849 13th Avenue North, Clinton, IA 52732. • John Hamstra, Good Neighbor Care of Sterling – Room 202, 2705 Avenue E, Sterling, IL 61081. • Ken & Vivian Tenboer, Prairie Hills Assisted Living, 1701 13th Avenue North #527, Clinton, IA 52732. • Loretta Hook, Prophets Riverview Center, 310 Mosher Drive, Apt. 102, Prophetstown, IL 61277. • Larry Rick is now living with his brother Alan, 408 Sunrise Drive, Yukon, OK 73099. • John Lee Bush is at the Rosemont Care Center Room #404, 1500 West North Moor Road, Peoria, IL 61614. • Kevin Dykema was transferred to the Singer Mental Health Care Center in Rockford. • At Four Seasons/Skilled Care: Bernice Engelkens and Don & Clausina Huizenga, Hubert Londo, Skilled Care. • At Pleasant View: Jessie Dykema, Esther Hamstra, Dorothy Huizenga, Ella Mae Pruis, Gen Richmond, Dorothy Vos. • At Resthave: Irene Dyke, Lorraine Dykema, Marvin & Ann Dykema, Wayne Farrell, Don Hamstra, Evelyn Landheer, Hubert & Gertrude Londo, Eunice Still, Janet Tichler, Ida May Stuart, Jessie VanderEide, Jeannette Vanderlaan, Gladys Vandermyde, Jay Wilkens and Lorraine Workman. -8-
