Second Reformed Church: This Week

Living the Kingdom

This Week

Worshiping God

THY KINGDOM COME:
On these Sundays after Epiphany we focus our attention on these three words from the Lord's Prayer: "Thy Kingdom Come." Mark's Gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ says that "after John (the Baptist) was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.'" This is the good news that we proclaim from Sunday to Sunday.

Nurturing Faith

GOD’S BIG STORY SUNDAY:
All ages are invited to join us as we explore God’s Big Story together for our Second Hour today. We will be gathering in small groups to share one of God’s stories together, and then using the God’s Big Story Cards, rolling the dice and sharing our stories together through retelling, wondering, praising, praying, sharing and responding. Bring your friends, and let’s gather together in the lounge after worship next week.

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP:
This Week: No Children in Worship- Join us for God’s Big Story Sunday activities for all ages!
Next Week: Feb 12th
3 yrs, 4 yrs, & Kindergarten: Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego with Dawn Smith.
First and Second Grade: Jesus Blesses the Children with Ashley and Brian Howard
Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade: Who is he? With Lise Topp and Heidi Carlson.

SECOND STOP:
This Week:
Story: Daniel and the Lions Den. Activities: Weaving Prayers Art with Meredtih VanderHill and Soccer with Taylor deRoo.

GENERATION CHANGE YOUTH BIBLE STUDY:
Every day we are bombarded with everything from billboards to internet ads telling us who we are and what we are worth if we would only BUY! BUY! BUY! Families all across our nation make sacrifices beyond their means to meet the demands of these ads. It is time to take a stand! It is time to turn the tables and to wake up and listen to the Spirit of God! What does God say to us about who we are? What does God say to us about all the "stuff" that money can buy? What does God say to us? It's never too early or too late to begin listening to God's voice in all areas of your life. Let’s be a Generation of Change! Join us Next Sunday, Feb. 12th from 11:15am - 12:15pm upstairs in the Youth Room.

SUNDAY SECOND THOUGHTS IN FEBRUARY:
"Christian Civility" Lead by David Bosscher
February 12 and 19
Martin Marty observed this about modern life: The people who are good at being civil often lack strong convictions and the people who have strong convictions often lack civility. Holding definite opinions about important matters is expected for Christians, but the Bible tells us to pursue peace with everyone. Does that really mean everyone? How is this possible? Come and find out in this two session class!

EPIPHANY INSIGHTS:
On Wednesday nights (from 6:30 to 7:30), Thoughtful Christians will discuss what insights from these Epiphany texts might John Schmidt and Andy Rogers have for a group of folks engaged in ministry in a place called Zeeland?

EVENING EDITION BOOK GROUP:
Join us on February 12th from 5:30-7:00 at the Manse (231 E Central Ave) to discuss the book The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.

Caring for People

CHURCH OFFICE UPDATE:
For assistance in the church office, please use the e-mail address of office@srczeeland.org or call 616-772-2153. Our office will be open on Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thank you!

BINGO NIGHT:
Join the whole church on Sunday, February 12th at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will be playing BINGO with all ages. Adults and youth, please bring one or two white elephant gifts (wrapped) for our white elephant prizes, and a snack to share. The prizes for children will be provided. Sign up in the Gathering Place. See you there!

HOLY CHOW THANKS:
Thanks to all of our great SRC chefs (Earl, Kristi, Chad, Mike, Monique, Carol, Micah) who supported our chili night with their tasty recipes! Thanks also to those who donated other goodies (Kathryn, Marlies, Beth, Ken) and to Emily Dykstra for creating the "chefs hats" for our cooks this year. A good time was had by all eating the many delicious varieties of chili!

SECOND SINGLE SENIORS:
Join us for lunch at City on a Hill Ministries – Café 58 on February 15th at 12:00 noon. Please sign up in the Gathering Place.

SENIOR ADULT ROAD TRIPS SPRING 2012:
In partnership with other area churches, "Happy Town Travelers" has planned several roads trips this spring for adults. Trips vary in length and price.
Below is a brief description of what is planned at this time. For more details and to learn how to sign, please help yourself to the flyers located on the information center in the Gathering Place.
-April 17 - A day trip to Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana along with a stop at the Shrine of Christ's Passion.
-May 17 & 18 - Win-Some Women Christian retreat at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island.
-May 21 - Senior Living Day with the G.R. Whitecaps
-June 19-22 - Gettysburg and Lancaster a four day trip that includes the national military park of Gettysburg, the Plain and Fancy Farm and seeing the world premier of "Jonah" at the sight and sound Millennium Theatre.

THANK YOU:
Thanks so much to Dean and Dawn Smith for hauling out the grill and serving us delicious burgers for our Holy Chow meal this past week. It was a wonderful treat to all of us and we greatly appreciate your support of our Holy Chow Ministry!

THANK YOU:
To my Friends of Second Church,
Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the prayers, well wishes, meals and practical help you have given me. The “Get Well” cards have been a delight and encouragement for getting back to my feet. My Second Church Family truly knows how to live the kingdom, a gift I will cherish forever. With Love, Eleanor Seavey

THANK YOU:
Thank you for your prayers while I was undergoing Chemo. This has not been an easy road - and I am glad my cancer was not more serious. I had my final chemo last week and I expect to begin five weeks of radiation next week. My journey continues, but I hope to see you in April, God willing! Gloria DeKlein

THANK YOU:
Thank you to everyone for your kind words, prayers and many blessings during Analisa's surgery and recovery. You have each been a great blessing to us.
Zach and Analisa Trumble

Serving our Community

FEBRUARY FOOD DRIVE:
February is once again our food drive for the food pantry at His Harvest Stand. Each church in our community takes one month during the year to help support the pantry with food and other essential household items. Shopping lists for suggestions can be found in the Gathering Place. Please pick up a list and bring your groceries to church anytime throughout the month!

HIS HARVEST STAND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
His Harvest Stand is looking for volunteers to assist in serving this ministry. Work would involve assisting clients with signing in and also helping clients in selecting their pantry needs. To volunteer please call HHS at 748-6003 Ext. 2 and speak with Helen, or e-mail: helenatharvest@yahoo.com

ELDER AND DEACON NOMINATIONS:
All nominations for Elder and Deacon are due by next Sunday February 12th. Please place your ballots in the ballot boxes located throughout the Gathering Place and the Office.

2011-2012 CONSISTORY:

President: John Schmidt

Vice-President: Ken Bing

Clerk: Nancy Curnick

Treasurer: Todd Holstege

Elder Chair: David Bosscher

Elder Clerk: Doug Barense

Deacon Chair: Tom Elhart

Deacon Clerk: Craig Wasson

Children's Ministries: Phung Lam, Dave Bosscher, Brian Howard.

Youth Ministries: Doug Barense, Bill Olney, Ken Bing, Taylor deRoo.

Adult Ministries: Blaine Knoll, Karen Baar, Nancy Barense, Nancy Curnick, Craig Wasson, Todd Holstege, Todd Schuiling.