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July/August 2020
Transformed By God’s Story by Jill Huenink
To begin, I have a story to tell you. I got a note from Kaye
asking me to write something for the First Edition the same day as
I was attending a
virtual dairy meeting from home. Honestly, I had no clue what to
write about! The very last speaker at the dairy meeting was an
illusionist named
Harris III. I know what you’re thinking: Why was an illusionist
speaking at a dairy meeting…and furthermore…what on earth does that
have to do with
church? Harris III the illusionist gave a presentation titled
“The Secret to Navigating Change” which focused on how storytelling
has the power to
drive transformation.
I hear a lot in our culture lately about the power of
storytelling. Leaders can tell stories that inspire and motivate
people. Farmers can share stories of
agriculture to inform consumers. The popular musical Hamilton
breaks out
in song, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” A story
can be defined as an account of imaginary or real people and events
told for
entertainment, also as an account of past events in someone's
life or in the evolution of something. 1 Stories can create
community and connect us.
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Stories can teach us and shape who we are. Stories can transform
us. But are stories new? No! People have been telling stories in
various forms,
beginning with visuals like hieroglyphics, then oral stories
passed down from generation to generation, and moving on to the
written word.
Perhaps the most impactful source of stories is the Bible. God’s
word.
Written for us. Inspired by the Holy Spirit. Stephen Hawthorne
beautifully writes, “We’re used to the idea that the Bible is a
true story. It’s so true
that the story is still unfolding to this minute. We are used to
hearing that the Bible is a love story. But we tend to see only one
side of the love: how
God loves people. If the main point of the Bible is that God is
to be loved with heart, soul, mind and strength, perhaps it would
be wise to read the
entire story from God’s point of view. When we look at it all
from God’s viewpoint makes sense: God is not just loving people. He
is transforming
them to become people who can fully love Him. God is drawing
people as
worshipers to offer freely to Him their love-inspired glory. God
can be loved only when He is known. That’s why the story of the
Bible is the story of God
revealing Himself in order to draw to Himself obedient worship,
or glory, from the nations. With God’s passionate love at the core,
the Bible is truly
the story of His glory.” 2
So, what’s your story? Does your story bring God glory? How do
your share your story with others? One of our favorite Bible
stories to share with our
kids is the “Jesus Storybook Bible” which begins in the book of
Genesis with “In the beginning, there was nothing. Nothing to hear.
Nothing to feel.
Nothing to see. Only emptiness. And darkness. And…nothing but
nothing. But God was there. And God had a wonderful Plan.” 3 At
this current time,
we face a lot of uncertainty with COVID-19 and political
tension. It feels like a time of in-between, a messy middle, and it
may be uncomfortable,
because we may feel like there is no story happening here.
However, this is
an opportunity for us to bring hope to the world by sharing our
personal stories of how faith can lead to transformation of hearts
and minds. With
prayer and humility, may we work together to seek God’s Plan and
continue to live a story that will bring Him glory.
Oxford Languages. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/story.
Hawthorne, Stephen C. “The Story of His Glory.”
https://waymakers.org/hope/story-of-his-glory/. Lloyd-Jones, Sally.
The Jesus Storybook Bible. Zondervan, 2007.
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/storyhttps://waymakers.org/hope/story-of-his-glory/
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August
02 Heather Johnson
04 Will Huenink
Mark Lorge
Kieran Williams
05 Anna Claerbaut
Ana DeMaster
07 Riley Villarreal
08 Sarah Risch
09 Natalie Hopeman
10 Jacob Rubsam
11 Michael Klos
12 Diane Rubsam
14 Brenda Depies
Tara Williams
16 Steve Meinen
17 Nora Klos
Jon Otte
Cheryl Popoutsis
18 Ethan DeSwarte
Carsten Huenink
Dalton Klos
Karla TeStroete
19 Matthew DeMaster
20 Melissa Krause
21 Gary Soerens
23 Larry Heinen
Jackie Lukens
24 Jax Berend
25 Jill Huenink
Betty Teunissen
26 Linda Jensema
Kurt Kraus
Wade Navis
Joshua Nett
27 Sarah Prinsen
Dale VanEss
28 Matt Teunissen
30 Eleanor Biederwolf
31 Don DeMaster
Heidi DeMaster
September
01 Justin Theune
03 Kaili Depies
06 Tim Berend
07 Claire Lukens
08 Shanon Lukens
09 Tom Kaat
Kelsey Lukens
Dylan Teunissen
Dale Theune
Vanessa Villarreal
10 Dawn Claussen
Pearl Hilbelink 97
11 Charlene Dana 91
13 Jackie TenPas
14 Jonah Lavey
18 Paul Teunissen
20 Zach Johnson
21 John DenBoer
Judy DenBoer
Dennis Reha
22 Lisa Teunissen
Ashley Teunissen
23 Jack Teunissen
24 Ruth Huenink
Larry Lenz
26 Traci Hopeman
Lloyd TerMaat
Jean VanEss
27 Judah Dulmes
28 David Otte
29 Tanya Hopeman
30 Bob Tenpas
August September
02 Larry & Marie Heinen 06 Jason & Tami Jacoby
family
09 Ron & Patti Hinze 13 Jason & Jodi Jones family
16 Dan & Traci Hopeman family 20 Brian & Karen Klos
23 Kevin & Tanya Hopeman family 27 Mark & Betty
Lorge
30 Mark & Mary Huenink October
04 Steve & Linda Meinen
11 Mark & Judi O’Connell
18 Eric & Joan Chvosta Sanders
25 Jeremy & Tracy Spriggs family Please simply hand out
bulletins, no handshake.
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VBS 2020 on the Rocky Railway has been a blast at First Reformed
Church. With the ongoing health concerns of
COVID-19, First Reformed Church’s VBS team made the decision to
STREAM OUR
VBS PROGRAM to the community and any children who lost the
opportunity to
attend VBS this year. Little Shepherds Inn is able to
participate and watch the
stream every Thursday at 9am; while everyone else can catch the
stream EVERY
WEDNESDAY at 1pm streamed LIVE every Wednesday in July on the
First
Reformed Church Facebook page.
If you’ve missed any VBS streams
this year, they are recording and
available to replay any time. We’ve
been so blessed to help provide
such a crucial spiritual program
for children through our church’s
internet stream.
VBS 2020 takes place on the Rocky Railway and follows a train
through the
Colorado Rocky Mountains as we learn about THE POWER OF JESUS,
and that
JESUS’ POWER HELPS US be
BOLD, strong, and fearless
because of His death on the cross
and resurrection for US! We’ve
continued to provide great slide
shows of the children
participating at Little Shepherds,
children in our community
participating from home, and even
children across the United States
watching from their homes!
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This year, FRC VBS team made the decision to provide a special
donation through
our VBS program directly to FEEDING AMERICA EASTERN WISCONSIN
for the
great work they’ve done partnering with local food pantries and
farmers to make
sure crops are bought and distributed to families in need. We
hope you’ll catch up
on all the fun we’ve been having at FRC’s Rocky Railway VBS 2020
ONLINE at the
FRC Facebook page. If anyone does not have Facebook and would
like to see the
VBS program, please contact Jon DeMaster at
[email protected] or
[email protected] and he can get you a link to the VBS
videos!
Here we are
behind the
scenes. It’s
amazing what
they can all do
from here.
Great job guys!
A big thank you to Jon & Jen DeMaster for making it possible
to run VBS 2020 Live. Thanks also to our other key players:
Maddison, Natalie, Tanya, Traci, Jodi, Jill Theresa, Michael,
Katrina & Betsy and all those who donated items to make it
possible.
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Revelations 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his
feet as though dead. Then he
placed his right hand on me and
said: “Do not be afraid. I am the
First and the Last.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give
to you as the world gives. Do
not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.
Mark 5:36 Overhearing what they said,
Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid;
just believe.”
2 Timothy 1:67 6 For this reason I remind you to
fan into flame the gift of God,
which is in you through the
laying on of my hands. 7 For the
Spirit God gave us does not
make us timid, but gives us
power, love and self-discipline.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with
you;
do not be dismayed, for I am
your God.
I will strengthen you and
help you;
I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.
Matthew 6:31-34 1 So do not worry, saying, ‘What
shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we
wear?’ 32 For the pagans run
after all these things, and your
heavenly Father knows that
you need them. 33 But seek first
his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as
well. 34 Therefore do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself. Each
day has enough trouble of its
own.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so
that in me you may have
peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world.”
Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word
of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But
perfect love drives out
fear, because fear has to do
with punishment. The one who
fears is not made perfect in
love.
Stress Relievers
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Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to
God. 7 And the peace of
God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he
answered me;
he delivered me from all my
fears.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my
trust in you.
Psalm 45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble
theme
as I recite my verses for the
king;
my tongue is the pen of a
skillful writer.
Psalm 118:6-7 6 The LORD is with me; I will not
be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to
me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my
helper.
I look in triumph on my
enemies.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not
be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your
God will be with you wherever
you go.”
Psalm 94:1-9 1 The LORD is a God who
avenges.
O God who avenges, shine
forth. 2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what
they deserve. 3 How long, LORD, will the
wicked,
how long will the wicked be
jubilant? 4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of
boasting. 5 They crush your people, LORD;
they oppress your inheritance. 6 They slay the widow and the
foreigner;
they murder the fatherless. 7 They say, “The LORD does not
see;
the God of Jacob takes no
notice.” 8 Take notice, you senseless
ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become
wise? 9 Does he who fashioned the ear
not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not
see?
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The parsonage was a treasured
landmark. Built in 1912, it was the place
of weddings, meetings and many happy
occasions. It was torn down in 2003 to
make room for a new addition. This
poem echoes the fond sentiment we feel
as we remember ‘that old house.’
That Old House - by Diane Hilbelink
Nine pastors and their families filled that house with love,
Each with special memories blessed from up above. Don’t you ever
wonder about God’s amazing grace, And just how many miracles
happened in that place,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
How many prayers around the table were said, How many children
to the Lord were led,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
How many thoughts about Jesus were shared, How many times did
you know He cared,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
How many times was someone there, To open the door for those
lost in despair,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
How many teens accepted Christ into their life, How many couples
became man and wife,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
How many meetings and Sunday school classes Met over the years
and as time passes,
IN THAT OLD HOUSE
Though it no longer stands, in our hearts there’s a place, To
hold all the memories that even time can’t erase,
FROM THAT OLD HOUSE
Remember this?
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"You're Blessed When..." M ay | | Jun 2 020
E n d i n g C h i l d S e x S l a v e r y T h r o u g h P r e v
e n t i o n
Jesus said, "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope.
With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed
when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can
you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You’re blessed when
you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the
moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be
bought. You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being
‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. You’re blessed when you
get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can
see God in the outside world. You’re blessed when you can show
people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when
you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed to know there is light in the darkness... We read a
recent article about a sex trade ring in the Philippines which was
busted. We praised the Lord for this. But we were also horrified by
another example of the sex trade industry. Just as many churches
have turned to on-line streaming of their worship services, abusers
have turned to on-line streaming of sexual slavery, as tourists are
unable to visit in person. We learned the horrible truth that
perpetrators are able to choose what type of abuse and what age
child they wish to see. In this particular bust mentioned above,
one of the victims was only 12 months old. We cry, as the Psalmist
did, "How long O' Lord?"
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Yet there is LIGHT that shines which the darkness cannot over
come. Watch Nhu's recent video A Light in the Darkness which gives
hope to us all https://vimeo.com/378913197
Blessed to know the Lord has protected our children from
Covid-19 ... We have had no children or staff diagnosed with
Covid-19!! An example of life during Covid-19 - Cambodia: Our kids
are not going to school, but we have them studying online one hour
per day. The school itself doesn't offer online teaching, but the
ministry of education has some lessons posted that our kids can
view. They have announced that the schools will not reopen until
November which is the beginning of the new school year. We had a
little too much excitement when our neighbors inadvertently caught
our property on fire while trying to smoke out some bees to recover
their honey. Everyone who wasn't studying English at the time
joined in effort of putting the fire out. Our country director
fought using a cereal-sized bowl with water to help extinguish the
flames. After about 30 minutes the fire was under control...
everyone celebrated the Lord's protection and blessings with ice
cream and soda! Praising the Lord our kids were home from school to
help. Blessed by the Lord to be called to this ministry... While
our plans have certainly changed this year, the Lord's plans are
the same. We continue to support our mission staff around the
world. At this time the focus is on ensuring their emotional
health; all of our overseas missionaries have remained in their
host countries. Our travel both in the States and overseas has been
postponed. Remember Nhu has a new "accelerated vision". The vision
would see us creating a method to launch other nonprofits also
focused on ending child sex slavery through prevention. The intent
is to share all of what Remember Nhu has learned in the past 12
years as an aid to help launch those new organizations. While we
had our ideas of
https://abels4thailand.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=91fd5cdb5e1dd73a4c1793c66&id=835cd95b6f&e=a478825a5ehttps://abels4thailand.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=91fd5cdb5e1dd73a4c1793c66&id=835cd95b6f&e=a478825a5e
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what that work would look like, the Lord had other plans. We are
now developing and updating some "behind the scenes" guidelines,
etc. which will not only help Remember Nhu, but will be a greater
asset to the new non-profits. We are also blessed to be focused, in
an even greater way, on our church and individual partners in this
ministry. Please know that we are praying for the Lord's peace,
wisdom, unity and health to be with you all! Blessed to be able to
praise and pray... Protection and a supernatural hope and peace
given to all children currently in the sex trade or who are
currently at risk. Sponsorship support for children who are at risk
of the sex trade - visit Remember Nhu to sponsor a child today
http://www.remembernhu.org The spiritual protection of our
missionaries and missions in the 16 countries we serve. Emotional,
spiritual and physical health for our family. For the continued
spiritual oppression that we face. 100% funding of our living and
ministry expenses by year-end 2020. We are at 90% of the goal we
have been given - praise the Lord!! Please pray for strength to
remain faithful to the Lord's promises of provision in times of
need. Praise God our tax issue has been completely resolved! For
the ability to travel internationally and domestically Thank you
for hearing our hearts. May the grace and peace of Christ fill you
now and always! Amy, Bob, Josiah and Judah
Copyright © *|2016|* |Abels4Thailand|* All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
430 Hill St., Kohler, WI 53044
https://abels4thailand.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=91fd5cdb5e1dd73a4c1793c66&id=b3ddfcfc47&e=a478825a5e
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"I don't believe in God, but if I did, I would believe what you
believe."
One of the women on my flag football team made this comment
after we discussed some
of the differences between the Catholic faith and our faith. We
had gone away for the
weekend as a team (pictured above in Segovia), and one of the
girls asked me to explain
some of the differences between the two religions. Only one of
the girls knew a little on
the topic because she majored in History Education and had
studied Martin Luther.
The other women, in their upper 20s/early 30s, had never known
someone
well enough who believed in Jesus and walked with him to ask
this
question. They were shocked to hear that our churches can be
modern buildings that
are quite simple in comparison to the elaborate cathedrals here.
One of them said they'd
like to come see our church one day. As we discussed more
differences and how some
Catholics believe they can earn their way into heaven with good
works, I emphasized
that we're saved by grace. The one woman who had studied Martin
Luther said, "Yea, it's
faith by grace, right?" We pray that through conversations like
these, cultural barriers
are being broken down, and they're coming closer to Jesus.
We thank God for spiritual conversations like these that we're
having with our non-
Christian friends. Please pray for God to be at work in their
hearts and for
them to desire a relationship with Jesus.
*Please note that some Catholics do know Jesus personally.
However in Spain, Catholicism is largely
known by tradition, not by faith, which is why we seem so
different to people here. There are exceptions,
and we do have Jesus-loving, Catholic friends with whom we are
thankful to have community.*
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Covid in Madrid I've gotten some questions
related to how things are going here in Madrid with
Covid-19.
Just this week Thursday, Madrid put some stricter rules into
place.
We are required by law to wear our mask outside and inside.
Before this, we were only required to wear them inside. We are
also now limited to meetings
of 10 people, both inside and outside. The limit of 10
people
together was lifted in June, and now it's back.
We continue to pray that a vaccine is discovered soon.
As I write this in Madrid, I think
about the fact that I was supposed to be in Wisconsin during
these dates. We were
originally going to Wisconsin for 2 weeks this summer, to
celebrate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary and visit
a
couple churches. It has been very hard for me to not see
family.
We're going on over 1 year without seeing them. I know that
others go much longer without seeing their families, so I
cannot
complain. I just ask for your prayers as I miss them and also
for our family as they miss us
too.
Thank YOU for partnering with us to share God's love in Spain.
We couldn't do this without you. God is using you. We thank God for
you and pray He meets all your needs. Thank you for partnering
together! With love, Kelsey & Josué
Our mailing address is:
Josué & Kelsey Corpas
Calle de La Rioja 5, Bajo A
28042 Madrid, Spain
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June 2020 Dear First Reformed Church Family, Darlene and I want
to express our sincere gratitude for the vital part you play in the
ministry of bringing God’s Word to every tribe and language. This
is our 30th year with Wycliffe Bible Translators and First Reformed
Church has stood faithfully with us since the beginning of our
ministry in 1990. Darlene and I are grateful to our Lord and Savior
for using all of us as members of His body to be part of His life
changing kingdom work, for His glory. Our ministry with Wycliffe
Bible could not exist without you. “I thank my God every time I
remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until
now.” Philippians 1:3-5 Serving Him together, Todd and Darlene
Voskuil [email protected] [email protected] Wycliffe Bible
Translator
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Church Ministry Contacts Elders Deacons
Administration Roger TeStroete Kevin Hopeman
Contact: Roger TeStroete 920-564-3801
Congregational Life Dale Theune Nate Hinze
Contact: Dale Theune 920-627-5814
(Connect & Care with Compassion) Contact: Joan Dana
920-918-7785
Discipleship Ron Hinze David Villarreal
Contact: Ron Hinze 920- 980-0665
Missions Lloyd TerMaat Dan Teunissen
Contact: Lloyd TerMaat 920-980-5798
Property Mark Hopeman Kevin Hopeman
Contact: Kevin Hopeman 920-668-8173
Worship Mark Huenink Jeff Starr
Contact: Mark Huenink 920- 627-6923
Little Shephard’s Inn Board Roger TeStroete Jason Jacoby
237 S. Main Street P.O. Box 319 Cedar Grove, WI 53013 Phone:
920-668-6261 Website: firstreformedcg.com
Missions We Support ➢ Pastor Simon Muntolol
RCA Missions – Kenya
➢ Bob Abel RCA – Remember Nhu
➢ Todd & Darlene Voskuil JAARS/Wycliffe – North
Carolina
➢ Words of Hope Uganda Challenge
➢ God’s Kidz in the Neighborhood Milwaukee
➢ The Faithful Workers of Adullam – Milwaukee
➢ Kelsey (TeBeest) Corpas World Team – Spain
➢ Alex Holle InterVarsity @ Carroll University
➢ Beautiful Response – Haiti
➢ RAJ Ministries
➢ Camp Daniel
➢ Jen DeMaster Mid-East Missions
➢ Pastor Esperanza Dominican Republic
➢ Ongoing Mission Projects
Kaye Ebbers – Office Administrator email:
[email protected]
Patti Hinze – Financial Administrator email:
[email protected]
First Reformed Church Cedar Grove, WI
Sunday Morning Worship Services Live stream worship on
Facebook
& on Website at time of service also on Access Channel
20
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 & 11:00am
1:00-3:00-5:00-7:00 & 9:00pm
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
