If you would like your news

or milestone event included

in this column, please call

Jeanne or email her at

toppenbeppe@gmail.com

The Focus

Special

Points of

Interest

Rehoboth

Mission Trip &

Fundraisers

REVIVE Kids

Musical

Church News 1-2

REVIVE Kids Musical 3

Rehoboth Mission

Trip & Fundraisers

4-5

Council Minutes 6-7

Kid’s Korner 9

Church History 10

Hymn History 11

Inside this issue:

Church News

Congratulations to Mike Spicer, who was awarded the CHP Commander's Commendation in November. Mike has been working on a historical project for the Hanford office of the California Highway Patrol. In his research, he has managed to fill in the missing infor-mation on many officers and especially for one family in particular. Through Mike's work, the Morton’s, of Oxnard, came to know much more about their father, who happened to be the first motorcycle officer in Hanford. They were very thankful for Mike's help. Hannah Wilgenburg was awarded the CIF Sportsmanship/Citizenship Award in December. This award goes to on-ly ten female athletes in all of Califor-nia. Hannah, who is a senior this year, played on the CVC volleyball team that was runner up for the State Championship in Division III. Congratu-lations to Hannah and this fine team on their accomplishments! Once again, Hanford Christian School students were featured in The Sentinel. They spent some time spread-ing a little holiday cheer to folks living in five senior resident complexes. Prin-cipal Monique Ouwinga was quoted in the article and the pictures of the interactions were very dear. This is such wonderful service to the communi-ty!

Congratulations to the Workingman's Store for placing second in the annual Christmas decoration contest put on by the Hanford Chamber of Com-merce. It was nice to read that Tim Koelewyn planned to treat his staff to goodies with the prize money. And the windows did indeed look festive!

Congratulations to Piet Zonneveld and Heather Haagsma who are en-gaged to be married. Heather is from Bakersfield, where she works as a waitress in an Italian Restau-rant. Pete and Heather met in San Luis Obispo and are planning a Sep-tember 2014 wedding.

Congratulations to Corey Zonneveld and Stevi Shahan who became en-gaged on Christmas Eve and are planning an April 2014 wed-ding. Stevi works as a nurse at the Visalia Surgical Center. She and Co-rey met through mutual friends.

Congratulations to Caleb Danielson who won the first ever Flight Scholar-ship from Aviation in Action. Caleb, who is a senior at CVC, plans to enroll at Reedley College in the aviation mechanics program. This scholarship will enable him to take flight training with the goal of getting his private and commercial pilot licenses and also an instructor's certificate. Once he has done all that he will be asked to give back to the community by doing medi-cal transport for people in need. The whole Danielson family is so thankful that Caleb was connected to this pro-gram through Dave Roach. (continued)

January 19, 2014

PAGE 2 THE FOCUS

Mike and Dorene Vryhof had a busy Christmas with all three of their adult children home! They welcomed Jason Vryhof, who is home from Kuwait and is now a first lieutenant ordnance officer stationed at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs. They were also happy to have Mark Vryhof home. Mark is stationed in Anchorage, Alaska where he is an ordnance officer with the rank of first lieutenant. It was so good to see these young men! We can be so thankful for their service to our country!

Mike and Dorene Vryhof were also pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Michelle to Chris Holt. Michelle and Chris met at Texas Christian University where they were both students. Michelle has achieved her Masters in the athletic training program and Chris is finishing up his Masters in athletic training with an emphasis on strength and conditioning. Michelle works for the Athletic Trainers Association in Dallas, Texas. Chris and Michelle have chosen a December 20, 2014 wedding date. Congratulations to Michelle and Chris!

Cora and Clarence Vryhof became great-grandparents for the first time with the birth of Ian Jake Koester. He was born to John and Brenda Koester on October 30th. Brenda is the daughter of Rev. Kevin and Clare Vryhof and lives in Des Moines, Iowa. Congratulations to this whole family! What a blessing to see our children's children!

Congratulations to Tyler Kamper and Alli Davis who are engaged. Tyler and Alli met in New Orleans at a Dairy Convention where they were both on dairy judging teams for their respective colleges. They both work at North Carolina University, where Alli is the head herdsperson on the dairy and Tyler works in the milk processing plant. Alli is from Philadelphia, Tennessee and the young couple is planning a Spring wed-ding in Tennessee.

Congratulations to Brent and Hannah Groenenberg who were married on November 23, 2013. They met through mutual acquaintances at Grace Community Church. Hannah is a Kindergarten teacher in Corcoran and Brent is in the dairy division of Wells Fargo Bank. We wish them much love and happiness as they begin their life together in Visalia, California.

Congratulations also go out to Leland Kootstra and Erin Van Dyke who were engaged on December 13th. Erin is the daughter of Tom and Helen Van Dyke of Sheldon, Iowa. Lee and Erin were introduced to each other by Lujean Verhoeven at the Hanford Christian School Musical last January. Erin is the first grade teacher at HCS and Leland works as an accountant in Visalia. The couple is planning a June wedding here in California.

Paul Sikkema graduated from the USAF Academy in May 2012. He was the only liberal arts major (Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Law) to be selected for post-graduate studies. He has recently fin-ished his Master’s Degree in Philosophy of Law at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. He focused on legal and ethical issues involving the modern phenomena of “target-killing” by use of UVA’s (unmanned, aeri-al vehicles...aka “Drones”). He will become an Intelligence Officer for the Air Force once he completes train-ing for his special career assignment in late 2014. The present plan is that once he completes sufficient as-signments in the field of intelligence gathering, he will be assigned to the Philosophy Department/Faculty of the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs.

In a Fresno Bee article headlined “Chico, Kingsburg farm lenders announce merger agreement”, John Tos was listed as a director of the newly formed Golden State Farm Credit. This is a partnership of the Northern California Farm Credit Association and the Federal Land Bank Association of Kingsburg. John was also fea-tured in an article in the San Jose Mercury newspaper, entitled “Tale of two bullet-train cities: Hanford, Visa-lia spar over $68 billion project”.

Scott Bakker and Spencer Hofmans-Montgomery have been listed a number of times in the Fresno Bee sports section for points they scored for Immanuel High School’s basketball team. Proud family members in-clude parents Chad & Risa Bakker and Anda Hofmans, as well as grandparents Frank & JoEllyn Bakker and Chuck & Eddy Dell Huffman. Nathan Verhoeven, grandson of Ray & Annetta Verhoeven, is the Im-manuel varsity basketball coach. (continued)

PAGE 3 THE FOCUS

REVIVE Kids Musical The K - 2nd grade "REVIVE Kids" will be learning Bible stories from the New Testament dur-ing the next session of Revive. We will also be practicing the songs and script for a patriotic musical called "Salute to America". In this musical, we'll journey through American history

and join George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other historical characters as they recall the Godly principles on which this nation was founded. The children meet in Room 9 for singing, stories, prayer, and crafts starting Wednesday, February 5. Denise Postma and Marlene Vander Moren will be leading this class.

There was a nice picture of Joyce VandeBeek in the Hanford Sentinel, browsing through books at the annual holiday book sale at the Kings County Library Hanford’s branch. Thank you, Joyce, for the many hours you spend acquiring books for our church library and all the time you graciously spend to keep our library in such good order! Pamela & daughter Danika Verhoeven, daughter-in-law and granddaughter of Ray & Annetta Verhoeven, were pictured in the “Getaways Snapshots” section of the Hanford Sentinel. They visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey. Margaret De Valois and the Hanford Christian girls volleyball team capped its 8-0 league season record with a first place finish at the league tournament. Included in the picture on the front of the Sports page in the Hanford Sentinel (in addition to coach Margaret) were Natalie deJong, daughter of Peter & Ingrid de Jong; Alicia Medina, daughter of Robin Brown; Ashtyn Reser, granddaughter of Elsie & Tony Barba; and Olivia Vander Veen, granddaughter of Tommy & Sharon Koelewyn.

REVIVE WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 5 AND END ON APRIL 9

DETAILS WILL BE POSTED IN UPCOMING BULLETINS!

God, We Need Rain Lord God, who over this great land reigns, Who each of out lives graciously sustains,

We earnestly pray for You to send rain For all our crops—fruit, cotton, and grain.

Our land is parched and so very dry; We need abundant rain to fall from the sky. With You all things are possible, we know;

And so we, Your children here below Continue to pray both night and day,

Humbly asking You to send rain our way.

PAGE 4 THE FOCUS

Rehoboth Missions Trip

From April 13th to 18th, First CRC’s Youth Group (Common Ground) is going on a mission’s trip to “Rehoboth”, and you’re invited!!!

Here are the details:

What is Rehoboth?

Standing 130 miles west of Albuquerque, the 250 acre campus of Rehoboth has been hosting groups for more than a century. Founded in 1903 as a ministry to the Native American people of the Four Corners region, Rehoboth continues its ministry through education with multiculturalism as a backdrop, serving approximately 70% Native American students, 20% Anglo students, and 10% students of Hispanic descent and other ethnic minorities. Rehoboth is committed to building students up not only intellectually, but also spiritually and emotionally, helping them grow into mature Christians.

What will we be doing?

We will be involved in building projects, landscaping, helping in the school cafeteria, working in the class-room with students, and helping in a local homeless shelter.

Using the historic Rehoboth campus as a base, we will also have an opportunity to learn about the diverse and fascinating cultures of the Navajo and Zuni peoples, while enjoying its magnificent landscapes. While also serving on campus, we will also be able to explore nearby attractions and experience fellowship with-in the broader Rehoboth community.

If it’s in April, why are you telling us now?

Though it’s still January, we know how fast times flies and how quickly our schedules fill up. We want to provide an adequate amount of time for individuals and families to think about this opportunity. This will also help us as we start estimating how many people will be coming with us.

What is the cost?

We are still trying to finalize this detail. The cost for meals and lodging is $130/person. Transportation will be additional. A safe estimate will be approximately $250/person.

I am thinking about joining! Where do I go if I have more questions?

If you have questions about Rehoboth, please visit the website. Contact Lael Dunn @ lael_18@hotmail.com (or call 904-5149) for more details.

I can’t come, but would love to be a part of the Rehoboth mission’s trip initiate on this end. How can I help?

We will be doing a few youth fundraisers between now and April (see next page) and we would be de-

lighted if you could participate. Also, when the time comes for us to go, we ask that you would keep us in

your prayers that we will have an enriching experience learning about what God is doing at Rehoboth as

we serve alongside them.

PAGE 5 THE FOCUS

Two Up-Coming Rehoboth Fundraisers

FOUR COURSE CATERED MEAL:

The first fundraising option is something a little out of the ordinary that provides an opportunity for the youth members to serve members of the church as well as providing the opportunity for these church members to fellowship with one an-other (and of course in the process make some mission trip money too).

Here are the details:

A Four Course Catered Meal for eight people Five Catered Meal dates will be available for reservation/purchase ($500 each meal date)

3. Quality ingredients will be purchased according to menu selections by the Youth Group 4. Menu options will be presented at the time of ticket purchase and will include: - An Italian option and an All American Barbeque option - Both will include meat options such as fish, chicken, or beef - An appetizer - Soup or Salad - Main Course - Dessert 5. The meal will be prepared, cooked and served at the host’s residence by the Youth Group and its lead-

ers. 6. Members of the Youth Group will wear server’s attire (ex. dress slacks or skirt, button down shirt with a

tie) and shall serve both the host and their guests each menu course throughout the evening (excluding alcohol)

* For legal reasons, if the host chooses to serve alcohol at their event they would need only to supply it, and then, only the Youth Leaders (those over the age of 21) would be able to handle anything that was used to serve or drink it. 7. After all of the courses have been served the Youth Group and Leaders would clear the table and clean

the cooking area to the hosts specifications and vacate the premises. * If the host would like to continue entertaining their guests they are encouraged to do so. Please let us know ahead of time if there is anything we can do to make it a more enjoyable evening.

2. WALL-O-MONEY:

The second fundraiser is a simple one – we will have 200 envelopes on a board la-belled $1 through $200. In each envelope, we will have small sheet of paper that in-cludes instructions, as well as some information about our upcoming mission trip so that you can remember to be thinking and praying for us as we are on our trip.

The instructions will be simply to put the appropriate amount of cash or check into the envelope, seal it, and put it in the supplied donation box.

Because the minimum donation is only $1, everyone will have an opportunity to donate; even kids can do-

nate a dollar or two if they wanted to. If people wanted to they could go in with friends to donate to one

of the larger envelopes.

PAGE 6 THE FOCUS

Hanford Christian Reformed Church

Council Meeting Minutes

January 6, 2014

1. Council Chairman Floyd Burrus called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Council members Jarett

Zonneveld, Bruce Pickering, Dick Hofmans, Mike Pacheco and Ron Woodhouse were not in attend-

ance.

2. Pastor Sikkema read from the book God With Us by Gregory Wolfe and Greg Pennoyer. Bill Tos led

the council in prayer. The topic was the significance of the twelve days of Christmas.

John Zonneveld led in opening prayer.

3. There were no additions to the agenda

4. Approval of Council minutes for November 4, 2013

A. Corrections were made to the minutes of the November 4th Council meeting.

i. Rick Koelewyn was mistakenly shown as not being in attendance.

ii. John Zonneveld was mistakenly shown as being in attendance.

B. Corrected minutes were approved.

5. Clerk report/correspondence

A. Letter from Joel Boot and Mark Rice thanking us for the opportunity to visit, worship with us

and share information about the controversy over articles in The Banner.

B. Invitation from Immanuel CRC, Ripon, to Worship Seminar on March 1, 2014.

C. Statement of Membership form for Julie Carruthers from Brookside CRC, Grand Rapids, MI.

6. Staff reports

A. Pastor Sikkema gave a verbal report

B. Pastor Carruthers submitted and reviewed his report

C. Youth report

i. Bill Tos submitted a Request for Approval of Youth Group Fundraising Options

from Heather Thomas.

1. Four course meal catered for eight people

2. Wall o’ Money

ii. After discussion a motion was made, seconded and passed to approve both options.

7. Elders’ minutes (any actionable issues)

A. There were no actionable issues as there were no minutes from the most recent Elders’ meet-

ing.

8. Deacon minutes and monthly budget report

A. There were no actionable items.

B. Treasurer Jeff Tos submitted the monthly budget report.

C. Online tithing capability is still in review with possible implementation in January, 2014

D. Combination on safe in council room to be changed

PAGE 7 THE FOCUS

9. Council Committee Reports

A. Administration Committee

i. Work is continuing on revising staff job descriptions

B. Building and Grounds

i. Painting and flooring in church office is complete.

10. Old Business

A. Pew Bibles

i. New pew Bibles are in place

ii. Justin suggested placing a cart in the fellowship hall for Bibles

1. Bibles would thus be available for evening worship attendees.

2. Suggestion will be implemented.

B. Children’s Bulletin

i. Kid’s Corner is being prepared by Nancy Azevedo

1. Content is tied to the sermon for that day

2. Copies are available on shelf near entrance to church

3. Copies are well received and are being used.

11. New Business

A. Membership of Jessica Bulk née Sikkema

i. Jessica Bulk has requested her membership be transferred to Oakdale CRC

1. Motion made, seconded and passed.

B. Membership of Julie Carruthers

i. Statement of Membership form for Julie Carruthers from Brookside CRC, Grand

Rapids, MI was received.

1. Motion was made to accept Julie’s membership

2. Form to be signed by Clerk of Council and returned

12. Mutual censure was performed

A. The purpose of mutual censure is to encourage councils to discuss together the work that the

Lord has committed to the church and its office bearers. Mutual censure should be a time for

fruitful discussion about the work of the Lord, the program of the congregation, ways and

means to encourage the members of the congregation in their ministries, and the develop-

ment of dynamic spiritual leadership by the office bearers. With such discussions, prayers

and efforts we may expect development in our congregation of the ideals that Paul sets forth

in Ephesians 4:11 – 16, namely, “the equipment of the saints for the work of ministry”.

13. Meeting was adjourned to March 3, 2014

14. Jimmy Holden led in closing prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Wynne, Clerk of Council

PAGE 8 THE FOCUS

TEEN TALK

CAREFREE!

Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.

I Peter 5:7

My Child,

Is your life filled with worry? Do you find yourself getting stressed out over everything from tomorrow’s English

assignment to the price of chewing gum? That’s no way for anyone to live, much less one of My children. I

want you to wake up every morning feeling carefree, knowing the happiness that comes naturally to the

child of a loving parent.

Have you every noticed how babies in the arms of their mothers will sometimes throw themselves back-

wards, certain they will be caught? Or how toddlers jump from a high place into the waiting arms of their

fathers, never doubting they’ll be caught? That’s the kind of carefree trust I want you to have in Me. Don’t

worry. Be happy!

Your Joy-Filled Father,

God

What Do You Know About The Heidelberg Catechism?

In the sixteenth century substantial changes were taking place, not only in the Palatinate

(German Pfalz, one of the most important territories in the Holy Roman Empire) churches, but also

in the schools. For a long time, formal education was predominantly a privilege of the rich. The

teaching in these schools was done in Latin. However, as the sixteenth century progressed there

was a growing awareness that education should not be restricted only to the Latin language or

simply to the rich. As a result, many German schools were started. At these German schools both

boys and girls had three main components in their curriculum: reading, writing, and……

catechism!

Considering the religious and educational reform that was taking place, it is not surprising that

there was a demand for a good, solid catechism. Such a catechism could unify and solidify the

religious reform, while at the same time filling a basic need within the curriculum taught to the

young citizens and future leaders.

THE PRINCE

Frederick, the prince, and his two brothers had been educated in the courts of famous Catholic

rulers. Five of Frederick’s sisters had taken the vows and veils of nuns. After the sadness of his

mother’s death when he was 20, he met sparkling Maria, princess of Brandenburg-Kulbach, just

turned seventeen. But Maria would not have him unless he made a promise. Frederick must

read the Bible every day and study the writings of Martin Luther. So he promised, because he

wanted Maria and because he already was disillusioned with the church of his father and the

emperor.

After their wedding, they settled down in the drafty old castle of Birkenfeld. They stayed here 20

years, rearing seven children, and wondering sometimes how to feed them. Maria even wrote to

her relatives for money because Frederick’s father cut back allowances to his heretic son.

(The Prince – to be continued)

PAGE 9 THE FOCUS

KID KORNER

1. What did God do on the seventh day of the

week?

a) He created man.

b) He created light.

c) He created music.

d) He rested.

2. What sign sealed God’s promise never again

to destroy the earth by a flood?

a) the rainbow

b) the bronze serpent

c) the pillar of fire

d) the man in the moon

3. What did Peter notice immediately after his third

denial of Christ – just as Jesus had predicted?

a) a shooting star

b) a mourner’s wail

c) a peal of thunder

d) a rooster crowing

4. What special test did God give Abraham?

a) to sacrifice his son

b) to fast forty days in the desert

c) to kill one thousand Philistines

d) to give all he owned to the poor

5. What advice did Job’s wife have for her

suffering husband?

a) “Sacrifice a burnt offering.”

b) “Accept your lot from God.”

c) “Curse God and die.”

d) “Renounce your sin.”

6. According to James, what can no man tame?

a) the lion

b) the eyes

c) the devil

d) the tongue

7. On which mountain did Moses receive the Ten

Commandments?

a) Mount Carmel

b) Mount Nebo

c) Mount Gilboa

d) Mount Sinai

8. In which city did Paul preach about the “unknown

god” to the local philosophers?

a) Athens

b) Berea

c) Corinth

d) Derbe

9. What was Nehemiah’s role in the service of King

Artaxerxes?

a) royal historian

b) baker

c) cupbearer

d) military commander

10. What is the better-known name of Belteshazzar?

a) Aaron

b) Daniel

c) Ezekiel

d) Moses

If the answer you do not know,

Just look right here, down below.

Bible verses will help your mind

All the answers to quickly find.

Bible References

1. Genesis 2:2 2. Genesis 9:16

3. John 18:27 4. Genesis 22:2

5. Job 2:9 6. James 3:8

7. Exodus 19:20 8. Acts 17:22-23

9. Nehemiah 1:11 10. Daniel 1:7

PAGE 10 THE FOCUS

OUR CHURCH HISTORY

After the dedication of our new church and the joint 45th anniversary celebration in May 1957, Rev. William

Dryfhout served our congregation for a few more years. The Dryfhout family remembers the friendliness of

the people when they moved to Hanford. The children loved having their bedrooms on the second floor

because then they could read when they were supposed to be sleeping. That, of course, ended when

they moved to the new parsonage (now the church offices) in 1957.

During their time here, Mrs. Dryfhout had the janitors in for coffee or tea when they were cleaning the

church. She also planned which members would be invited over every Sunday night after church. Daugh-

ter Lynn Dryfhout Tos remembers going with her mother on Sunday afternoons to visit the elderly that lived

in the neighborhood.

Rev. Dryfhout spent long hours visiting parishioners, thus being gone with their only car, so there were times

that the family walked to the store to get groceries. Rev. and Mrs. Dryfhout hosted an annual consistory

(council) party; Mrs. Dryfhout would be busy making the food and Rev. Dryfhout planning the games.

Helping congregation members make travel plans was a hobby that Rev. Dryfhout certainly enjoyed.

Parishioners sometimes joked that if he was not a minister, he would make a good travel agent!

The common cup for communion was still used during their first years here. Everyone went to sit at tables in

the front, and it took several “sittings” to serve everyone. But in 1953, the church started using individual

communion cups.

The new Centennial Psalter Hymnals were put to use in 1959. Although Rev. Dryfhout declined his first two

calls, in 1959 he accepted a call from the Oskaloosa, Iowa church. He preached his farewell sermon on

June 21. Rev. J.J. Steigena from Ripon became the interim pastor. Six ministers were called, but they all

declined. (to be continued)

The harmful effects of gossip are well-stated in the following prose:

Nobody’s Friend My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves

against me because I have no name or face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more

elusive I become. I am nobody’s friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true?

Is it harmless? Is it necessary?

If it isn’t, don’t repeat it.

- Author Unknown

Too often we forget that gossip is breaking the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder”. Exodus 20:13

PAGE 11 THE FOCUS

O Jesus, I Have Promised If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.

If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

John 12:26

Throughout the John sermon series we have seen various reactions to the life and the work of Jesus

including faith, rejection, and plots to kill him. As we continue through this series we again see the

disciples responding in faith, denial and betrayal. How does our response relate to theirs?

John Ernest Bode wrote “O Jesus, I Have Promised” as a prayer of consecration for Jesus’ modern day

disciples. It is a prayer to know Christ’s presence in our daily lives. As we sing this song in upcoming

worship services, may we sing it as disciples who follow Jesus in faith.

O Jesus, I Have Promised John E. Bode, 1869, alt.

1. O Jesus, I have promised

to serve You to the end;

be now and ever near me,

my Master and my Friend.

I shall not fear the battle

if You are by my side,

nor wander from the pathway

if You will be my guide.

2. O let me feel You near me;

the world is ever near:

I see the sights that dazzle,

the tempting sounds I hear.

My foes are ever near me,

around me and within;

but, Jesus, draw still nearer

and shield my soul from sin!

3. O let me hear You speaking

in accents clear and still,

above the storms of passion,

the murmurs of self-will.

O speak to reassure me,

to hasten or control;

and speak to make me listen,

O Guardian of my soul.

4. O Jesus, You have promised

to all who follow You

that where You are in glory

your servants shall be too.

O guide me, call me, draw me,

uphold me to the end,

when You in glory take me,

my Savior and my Friend.

The faculty of Central Valley Christian School invites you to the 2nd Evening of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs on Saturday, Feb-ruary 8, at 7:00pm in the CVC Chapel. The evening will feature the faculty of CVC per-forming and leading a variety of great old hymns of faith as well as more contemporary songs of praise. Special numbers will include the CVC Faculty and Friends Choir, faculty ensembles, special guests and The Old School Band. There is no admission charge, however there will be a free will offering taken for Rehoboth Christian School, and the Zuni Chris-tian Mission School music programs. Come join

us for an evening of worship and praise.

You are invited to the Hanford Christian All-School Musical on Friday, January 31 at 6:30 pm at the Hanford First Christian Reformed Church. The preschool through eighth grade students will be pre-

senting "Oh Jonah." This musical recreates the Biblical story of a stubborn man and a whale, and shares the real meaning of grace and forgiveness. This event promises to be an evening full of music, mime and merry-making. Please bring your family and friends for a whale story that will have you laughing and frolick-ing in your seats. For more information please call 584-9207.

2175 Leoni Drive ~ Hanford, California

FIRST CHRISTIAN REFO RMED

Phone: 559-582-4423

Fax: 559-584-2235

We’re on the web

hanfordcrc.org

THE FOCUS PAGE 12

If there are any needs in the congre-

gation for the Deacons, please feel

free to give one of them a call and

they will be willing to address them.

Thank you.

Your Diaconate

THIS-N-THAT As we have seen almost three

weeks of this new year pass

already, it is our hope and prayer that each of you will

pray “A New Year Prayer”. It is

a good reminder of how God

wants us to live in this year of

2014.

We also encourage you to

pray daily for rain in the valley

and snow in the mountains.

But no matter what the future

holds for us, we know Who

holds the future!

We are enjoying learning more

about the history of our Heidel-

berg Catechism and hope you

are too. As we start a new

year of Focus publications, we

encourage you to give us your

suggestions for what you would

like to have us include in future

editions. Nancy and Anita

Answers to Kid Korner Question

1. d 2. a 3. d 4. a 5. c

6. d 7. d 8. a 9. c 10. b

Seniors Scene

MY EVERLASTING ARMS

There are no limits to My love, No way I can withhold it

nor deny Thy need Lest I deny My own Identity.

But blessings are bestowed on thee Like fine, gray summer rain,

And thou art freed From all thy tangled web of vain anxiety

Knit randomly through cold and painful years

of fleeing me

Don’t weep, ‘tis done! Behold, The knotted past is cut away!

And naught remains but one bright Thread Still holding tight to Me!

And underneath, My everlasting arms upholding thee!

“Gift of Years”, L. Woodward & M. Wyatt

A NEW YEAR PRAYER

Lord, I would ask for a

holy year, Spent in Thy perfect will;

Help me to walk in Thy

very steps – Help me to please thee

still. Lord, I would ask for a year

of faith; Give me Thy faith divine. Taking my full inheritance, Making Thy fullness mine. Lord, I would ask for a year

of love; Oh, let me love Thee

best! Give me the love that

faileth not Under the hardest test.

Lord, I would ask for a busy

year, Filled up with service true;

Doing with all Thy Spirit’s

might All that I find to do.

Lord, I would ask for a year

of prayer – Teach me to walk with

Thee; Breathe in my heart Thy

Spirit’s breath; Pray Thou Thy prayer

in me. Lord, I would ask for a

year of joy, Thy peace, Thy joy divine, Spring undimmed through

all the days, Whether of shade or

shine. Lord, I would ask for a year

of hope, Looking for Thee to

come, And hastening on that year

of years, That brings us Christ and

Home.

A.B. Simpson

The eternal God is your

refuge,

and underneath are the

everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27

But seek first His kingdom

and His righteousness,

and all these things will

be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry

about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry

about itself.

Each day has enough

trouble of its own.

Matthews 6:33-34