Blessings on the New Year!

It is the beginning of a new year once again—Praise God for that although I certainly wouldn’t mind if he would return any time soon. Once again we will be preaching and studying various stories from the Bible and following the book by Randy Frazee called The Story. The same study groups will be starting once again—please, please participate in these study groups. Even if you have not been in a group before—please take this opportunity!!!

Thirteen months ago we spent an evening with Rick Droog looking at some of the things in the life of the church that we do well and some things we don’t do so well. One of the things that were focused on was growing closer to God and learning God’s word. The sermons and study using The Story is an attempt to grow the entire congregation into knowing God’s Word better as well as learning more and more of God’s character and plan.

I didn’t see it until Monday morning but there was an incident in a football game where a guy was pushed down and a 360 pound man, we’ll call him “D”, was stepping backwards. He accidently stepped on the ankle of the guy on the ground then took a step forward and then intentionally stepped back again on the guys ankle again. It was clear that the first time was accidental. It was also clear that the second time was intentional. “D” received a one game suspension for his actions which is huge because it’s the first game of the play-offs and he is a very good player. Part of the reason he received the one game suspension was because of his reputation and his character. This is his third or fourth incident this year. The league office responded to his actions with a suspension because they know his character.

The better we know the stories in the Bible, the more we see God’s actions the better we will know God’s character and that translates into how we relate to him. It plays out in our faith and trust of God, and whether or not when we near our last breath if we are scared of dying or not. If we see and know God for who he is the fear of meeting him face-to-face should not be something we look forward too. Scripture tells us God is not just loving, he is Love and perfect love drives out fear. Perfect love brings peace, hope, and joy.

Another part of the discussion focused on the prayer life of the church and our need for prayers for each other, for the leadership, and for our community. Most would agree prayer is essential for a healthy church. Prayer is the life-blood of the church and yet just how committed to prayer are we? Scripture tells us that we don’t have, often because we don’t ask. I am asking for your prayers for each of us as officers of this body, especially for those who will be installed next week. I am asking for prayers for the Holy Spirit to create a hunger and desire to learn and study God’s word for the entire body. I am asking for prayers for those who are sitting in the pews, for the empty pews, and for those who would give anything to be sitting in the pews rather than in a care facility.

A third part of the discussion we had with Rick was to be people who are encouragers of one another. There is no better time than now to do that and we have a huge need for it as well. Our elderly need to be encouraged both those living at home and those in care facilities. Our children need to be encouraged, as well as the parents who are dealing with all sorts of issues and schedules. I could go on and on about the need and importance of encouragement. I am asking for us to pray about how to encourage each other and for the Holy Spirit not to not allow us to put it off or forget about it and that we will be obedient to follow through and be an encourager.

Throughout the stories we have already study in the Bible we have seen over and over again that God is the God of the impossible; many times using less than ordinary people to accomplish his purposes and carry out his plan. Scott Krippayne has a song called Bible Story.

IRETON CHRISTIANREFORMED NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2015

Chorus Stand up, stand up--You don't have to be afraidHe will give you courage--He will give you strengthPut your faith in God--And I promise if you doHe will make a Bible story out of youYou don't have to be perfect--God can use you wherever you areAll it takes is a little faith--And a willing heart!

I believe God desires for each of us to be a Bible Story, a testimony of who God is and how God has worked and is working in our lives.

Praying God makes a Bible story out of you! Happy New Year!! Pastor Norlyn

Put these Bible Characters or Events in the proper chronological order.

______ Joshua

______ David/ Goliath

______ Adam

______ Rahab

______ Ruth

______ Moses/ Passover

______ Joseph

______ Saul

______ Solomon

______ David / Jonathan

______ Moses/ Mt Sinai

______ Noah

______ Abraham

November 4, 2014 7:00 PM

Council Meeting of Ireton CRCPresident- Norlyn Van Beek

Clerk- Daryl Byker

Present- Pastor Van Beek, Brady Van Sloten, Josh Hooyer, Doug Ten Napel, Randy Sieck, Gerald Postma, Willard Koopmans, Art Hamming, Daryl Byker,

Absent- Mike Vander Windt, Tim Bonnema

1. Pastor opened with Prayer2. Dordt Praise team was discussed3. We were asked how “The Story” was going.4. Service at 1st Reformed Church was discussed5. Different voting issues were discussed with relatives serving together6. Motion made and 2nd to nominate for Deacon-Carried7. Motion made and 2nd to approve Council minutes on September 3, 2014-Carried8. Motion made and 2nd to approve minutes of Council Meeting held October 7, 2014-Carried9. Motion made and 2nd to approve minutes of Council meeting held October 29, 2014- Carried10. Pastor gave his report11. We as a Council were strongly encouraged to attend “Faith Formation Workshop”12. Motion made and 2nd to approve having Christmas program on December 21 2014 PM service-Carried13. Motion made and 2nd to approve having Youth Group do a Candle Light Service oni. December 14, 2014 PM service-Carried14. Motion made and 2nd to approve membership transfer of Jim & Mandy Viet and Travis & Adam

to Calvary CRC in Orange City-Carried15. Worship Committee hasn't met lately16. Finance report was giveni. Siouxland Food Bank------404.00ii. Banquet-----------------------726.50iii. Christian Education--------764.00iv. General Fund------------10,012.9317. December offering schedulei. December 7-----------Christian Education

14-----------Benevolent 21------------STEMM

18. 25------------Back to God Ministry International 28------------Ken Lee

19. Motion made and 2nd to approve Congregational meeting on December 10, 2014, @ 7:00 PM—Carried20. Motion made and 2nd to approve Budget cap at 120,000 total--Carried21. Motion made and 2nd to approve agenda for Congregational Meeting on Dec 10, 2014-Carried22. Next meeting December 3, 2014 @8:1523. Motion made and 2nd to adjourn-Carried24. Doug Ten Napel closed the meeting with reading Psalm 18 and closed with Prayer

THANK YOU

Thank You to all who remembered me with Holiday greetings and those who gave plates of goodies.  Nelma Byker

“Thank You” to the leaders, teachers and all the kids that took part in the Christmas program. Leave it to the kids to remind us of what the “Reason for the Season” is. And the next time you hear a bell, hopefully it will take you back to their program and what that bell stood for in our Saviors birth and life. Thank you for all the hard work and for the kids coming through with a beautiful program again! Hopefully, you as a congregation also told everyone involved in the programs “Thank You”. It is a few words that mean so much.

Susan Ten Napel SS/ Catechism Superintendent

Thank you for the cards, goodies and encouragement over the past couple of months. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the deacons for their generosity and gift. And thank you to Doug Ten Napel, Daryl Byker, Randy Sieck, and Mike Vander Windt for their work and encouragement as officers over the past three years; you will be missed. Thank You!

Pastor Norlyn and Cherie

ANNOUNCEMENTSGreetings Form the Library,I would like to thank every one who donated books to the Library this past year. They are greatly appreciated.  I have placed many new books in the Library this week. Please come and check out. We have several books that are overdue or missing PLEASE check to see if you have any in your homes and return.  The series are no fun to read if there are missing books.  Also if you check books out on your own PLEASE put the date in the book and on

the card that is to be left in the library.HAPPY READING - Wanetta, Patsy and Jan

From the TableDear Friends,

This Christmas season we’re celebrating your partnership and generosity. Because of your ongoing support, we are able to engage our neighbors with the tangible grace of Jesus in a unique way. We are thrilled by hope for what is to come. Thank You for your investment in God’s kingdom. With Love and thanks, The Broeks

WORSHIP SERVICES CALENDAR

Jan 11 9:30 AM Installation and CommunionJan 18 (Tentative) 6:00 PM Combined Service at Hawarden CRCFeb 8 6:00 PM Unity’s Bel Canto will join us.

Feb 15 9:30 AM Rev Bob PollemaFeb 15 6:00 PM Combined Service at Lebanon CRCMar 8 6:00 PM Ireton CRC hosting the Community Prayer Service Mar 15 6:00 PM Combined Service at Ireton CRC

PRAISE TEAMS FOR JANUARY

Jan 4 Pastor Cinda, Marlene, NathanJan 11 Cherie Pam DW, Jill VW, Doug TN Jan 18 NoneJan 25 Verla Don VS, Don M, SharlaFeb 1 Patsy Gerald, Rhonda, Kaitlyn, Carmen

COMMUNION SCHEDULE 2015

Jan 11- Installation, Feb 22- Lent 1, April 3 Good Friday, May 17 or 24 Pentecost, (Memorial Day) July 12, Sep 13, Oct 25 Reformation Day PM, Nov 1 Advent

THE STORY WILL RESUME ON JANUARY 44- Jan Chpt 14 A Kingdom Torn in Two-- Rehoboam/ Jeroboam 1 Kings 12-1611-Jan Chpt 15 God's Messengers--Prophets 1 Kings 17-19, 2 Kings 2, 4, 6, 18-Jan Chpt 16 The Beginning of the End--Fall of Israel 2 Kings 17-19, 25-Jan Chpt 17 The Kingdoms’ Fall-- Fall of Judah 2 Kings 21, 23-25

The Story Study All the groups, including high school will resume with The Story on January 4.

HILLCREST CARE CENTER SCHEDULE

HILLCREST SERVICE will be Monday, February 2 at 6:30 pm.Pastor Norlyn (chair), Benjy Weida, Curtis De Vries, Marlin Schoonhoven, Kathy Van Wyhe, Brian Gradert, Kevin Eisma, Eric Faber, Arlin De Weerd, Doug Anema, Brad Fedders, Justin Dekkers (Chairman is requested to call Hillcrest (551-1074) before 9 A.M. on the morning of your service to remind them that your group will be there in the evening.)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUND December 2014

Receipts:Offerings (Nov) $ 2,011.00Donation 50.00

Disbursements:Ireton Christian School $ 10,000.00

2014/2015 Fair Share

ICS 16 students @$1700.00/student = $ 27,200.00UCHS 9 students @ $2075.00/student = $ 18,675.00

Total Fair Share $ 45,875.00

Fair Share Paid $ 36,675.00

Fair Share Balance $ 9,200.00

DECEMBER OFFERING TOTALSGeneral budget     $ 7649.00

Special offeringsKen Lee    255.50STEMM   508.00Back to God  593.75Christian Ed    652.00

Benevolent  494.00

 JANUARY OFFERING SCHEDULE FEBRUARY OFFERING SCHEDULE4 Christian Education 1  Christian Education11 ATLAS / Benevolent 8    Family Crisis Center of Sioux Center18 Christian Education 15  Christian Education / PM at Lebanon25 World Renew 22 Building Fund / Roof