Week 38

We welcome you to our worship service! Pastor William Koopmans will lead us in worship. This morning we are celebrating and commissioning all those who are involved in various ministries of the church starting up this fall. We have included people from these various ministries to participate in the worship service.

This evening: our combined worship service is at 5pm and it will be led by Grace CRC and located at First CRC. Pastor William will be preaching on the Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 3 with his text being from 1 John 3: 10 “Life in the Shadow of Sin”.

We are celebrating Lord’s Supper Sunday September 18 in the pm worship service.

GRACE CHURCH VISION STATEMENT: As disciples of Christ our purpose is to encourage spiritual growth in ourselves, our family, and our church family so that we will be the presence of Christ to all the world around us in all we say and do.

September 18, 2011 – Joint Refugee Fund: Together several members of the Blenheim, Calvary, First, and Grace CRCs meet together (as the joint refugee committee) to choose a person or family to sponsor, arrange their arrivals, plan fundraisers and offerings to help support these families during their first year in Canada and assist the families in any way needed. All of these steps take a great deal of time, effort and commitment on the part of these generous volunteers. Though we may not be directly involved with all the planning and work involved we can all help today with a financial donation.

September 25, 2011 – Safe Church Ministry: Today is abuse Awareness Sunday and all CRC churches have been encouraged to take up an offering for the work of the Safe Church Ministry. Safe Church ministry is responsible for creating awareness of the various forms of abuse, encouraging churches and communities to prevent abuse and to respond justly and effectively following the disclosure of an incident of abuse. They also assist in consultations, training, resource development and policy formation with the safe church teams.

Please inform the office or your district elder if there are any announcements or concerns that you would like to go in the bulletin. Please have all bulletin items in by Wednesday 7pm. Office Hrs: Tues –Fri 9am–noon

· Please come Sunday mornings at 9am and join in prayer for our church and community. We meet in Room #2 (in the lower level)

· Join us for prayer following the worship services in the room at the back of the sanctuary. All requests remain confidential.

1. There is a worship service today at MeadowPark Senior Home (110 Sandys St.) at 2:30pm. The family asked to attend is Melvin & Kiny.

2. There is a worship service on Friday at Residence-on-the-Thames at 10am.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The next social event for the church will be on Saturday October 15^th! Stuff is being planned for all ages. Stay tuned! More info to follow . . .

BUDGETS FOR 2012: ATTENTION ALL COMMITTEES AND PROGRAMS: Please put together your budgets for 2012 and submit them to Ron Nydam, Board of Trustees, by October 1^st. These budgets need to be detailed with how the monies are distributed within your budget ie. craft supplies, study material, etc. If you have any questions please talk to Jake, Clerk of Council, or Ron, Board of Trustees Chair.

USING YOUR GIFTS IN WORSHIP: We have put a form in your mail slots for you to fill out on how you are able and willing to be involved in worship. There are many things to choose from and this is meant for youth all the way up to our older members to fill out and get involved. Please put the completed forms in the church office. If you need more, there are more on the table in the narthex.

FLOWER MINISTRY: The Flower Ministry is beginning again after Thanksgiving Day. We are asking for people to donate a bouquet of flowers each week (only one vase) and they will be placed on the organ. Following the worship service this bouquet of flowers will be taken, by our elders & pastoral care workers, to someone in the congregation who is house bound, sick, or dealing with difficult circumstances. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please sign up in the narthex to donate a bouquet of flowers for a specific Sunday. Your job in this would be to purchase the flowers with a vase (there are extras in the Council room) and place them on the organ before church that Sunday morning.

2011 YEARBOOKS: If you would like to purchase a 2011 yearbook please notify the church office by September 16^th and we’ll add it into the order.

CLASSIS AGENDAS: for the September meeting are available on the table in the narthex. Help yourself.

PASTOR WILLIAM: Next week Pastor William will be attending a meeting of the Caribbean and North American Area Churches. He will be representing the Christian Reformed Church as well as participating on behalf of the executive committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Our AM worship service will be led by Pastor Jake.

LIBRARY NEWS: Erin Healy has two novels “Never Let You Go” and “The Promises She Keeps”. She was co-author of “Burn” and “Kiss” by Ted Dekker and is an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her solo novels. Enthusiastic Ted Dekker fans will enjoy her novels.

SMALL GROUP STUDIES: What can Small Groups do for you? Small Group studies are very good at building relationships, providing a context for in depth learning, and, most importantly, serving as a catalyst for encouraging spiritual growth and transformation. Consider joining one for this Church season. For more information, contact Randy, Grace CRC Small Group coordinator.

CHURCH SCHOOL: Church School classes for all students in grades 6-12 begin Sunday, Sept 25 at 9:00am. We will begin our first morning at 9am in the fellowship hall with snacks, welcome, devotions, and introduction of teachers. Students will then go to their class rooms to be introduced to the material they are covering this year. Parents are invited and encouraged to join us for the morning so we can keep you informed about what is happening with this ministry this year.

TUESDAY NIGHT: All young adults aged 18 to 30something are invited to join us this Tuesday night at the home of the Snieder's (4 Kirkcaldy Pl). We will be beginning our study of the Alpha Course. Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. For more information please contact Pastor Jake.

SEPTEMBER 25 FROM 7-9PM: If you are in high school this one’s for you! The goal of Youth Group is to encourage, empower and equip the youth not only to desire a relationship with Christ but to live in a relationship with Christ. This is done through fellowship, worship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism with activities and events such as All Ontario Youth Convention, Mission Trips, Ski weekend, hiking, Bible studies, game nights and youth services!

The new Youth Group year begins next week Sunday, Sept 25, from 7-9pm at the church. We will begin our meeting in the sanctuary with a welcome and devotion time, followed by a short information session about what you can expect at Youth Group this year. We will then spend the rest of the night playing some group building and get-to-know you games.

Parents are asked to join us for the opening and devotion and information session (about 20 minutes) so that you can stay informed about our plans this year.

YOUTH SERVICE IN AYLMER: Aylmer CRC will be hosting a Youth Service on Sunday, October 2 at 5:00pm. The speaker will be Derrick Drover, a speaker, musician, and singer/songwriter. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Derrick has a unique blend of provoking thought and humour as he challenges young and old alike in their walk with God. His message will be based on the story of “Doubting Thomas”. Come, worship with the whole family, and then join us for soup and buns in the school gym afterwards.

We will need adult volunteer drivers for this service. Please talk to Pastor Jake if you are able to drive a group of youth to Aylmer. We will leave from Grace CRC at 3PM.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30: We kick off our new season of the Junior Youth ministry on Friday, Sept 30 from 7:30-9pm at the church. We will begin our evening with some outdoor games in front of the church. I need three parent/adult volunteers for the evening. Please contact Pastor Jake if you can help out.