Newsletter Spring 12

8/2/2019 Newsletter Spring 12

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Rock Valley United Reformed Church

Newsletter

Spring, 2012


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Every now and then youll read in the bulletin that our church is sending two delegates to a Classismeeting, or even more rarely, to a Synod meeting. Do you know why we spend the money to do this, andwhy the Consistory spends many, many hours studying the agendas for those meetings, pouring over whatoften look like insignificant details about decisions that seem to have very little to do with us and our church inRock Valley? Or maybe I should ask this question do you know what a Synod or a Classis meeting is?

A Synod meeting is held every 2-3 years, and every church in the URCNA federation sends two dele-gates, usually their minister and one of their elders. It lasts almost a week, and this time it will be held in Ny-ack, NY. Synod meetings take up matters that affect all of the churches in the URCNA, such as relations with

other denominations, changes to the Church Order (the document that organizes how our churches are gov-erned), and projects like the Proposed Songbook. Classis is held twice every year, and every church within aregion of the continent (ours is named Classis Central U.S.) also sends two delegates for a meeting that lasts1-2 days. Many of these meetings include an examination for someone who would like to become a ministerin the URCNA, but they also include overtures, which are requests for the churches to decide on an issue,to change a rule in our procedures, and things like that. This year, we will be sending delegates to a Synodmeeting in June, and Classis meetings in April and September.

Its going to cost a lot of money to do that, the delegates are going to have to be away from their fami-lies for several days, and theres a lot of hard and even tedious work that has to be done at those meetings.Some people love going to Classis or Synod; many people do not. Some of those who love going to thosemeetings eagerly attend because they enjoy the order, the rules, and the structure that has to be followed,and they would gladly debate the finer points of procedure until the wee hours of the morning. Others love

going to Classis or Synod because they get to see old friends, make new friends, and then enjoy those friend-ships over some buffalo wings once the meeting is done for the day. But for many people, theyre not so ea-ger to use up their time and money to attend these meetings, let alone the work to get prepared for them.

The thing is, the Church has been having meetings like these from the very beginning, even in thedays of the Apostles (see Acts 15!), because they knew that the peace and the unity of the Church doesnt

just happen on its own. We know that it takes work within a local congregation to maintain unity and peace,so certainly it takes work for the Church as a whole. In Acts 15, the Church needed an answer about whetheror not Gentile converts had to be circumcised to really be Christians, so they called for delegates from theyoung churches that had begun to spread over the Empire. After discussing the matter at length, they cameto a decision based on Gods Word that requiring circumcision was a corruption of the gospel.

Our Synod and Classis meetings follow that pattern, and they have that same urgency, too. The issuemight not be circumcision, but protecting the Church from errors like Arminianism at the Synod of Dort in 1618

-1619, or rejecting the Federal Vision as our Synod did in 2010, or making sure that a man is qualified to bea minister of the gospel these are all things that benefit and protect us. Yes, Synods and Classes can makemistakes, and many of us have felt the pain of those mistakes hit us much too close to home. But that does-nt mean the system is broken if God gave it to us in Acts 15. It just means that men are still broken, andthats why the work has to go into these meetings. Thats why the money, the time, and the long hours ofstudy need to be sacrificed for them. Thats why we all need to pray when we read those announcements inthe bulletin, and then encourage our delegates in their responsibilities.

Rev. James Sinke

Paul and Barnabas and some of the others

were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apos-

tles and the elders about this question. So, being

sent on their way by the church Acts 15:2b-3a


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Ryan Gene Heynen

On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, our brother Ryan Heynen was called hometo be with the Lord. He was 40 years old.

Ryan was born on April 7, 1971 to Bill and Wilma Heynen of Boyden. He at-tended Hull Christian School and graduated from Western Christian High Schoolin 1989. He married Michelle Vande Kamp on January 9, 1993, and they madetheir home in Rock Valley. Ryan and Michelle were blessed with three sons,Jade, Jared and Ben.

Ryan courageously battled cancer for many years, and he will always be remembered for having a big smile on his face,even through some of the darkest times of his illness.

Funeral services were held here at RVURC on Saturday, November 26, 2011, with Rev. Sinke officiating. We heard thecomforting words of 1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his greatmercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to aninheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guardedthrough faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if nec-essary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith more precious than goldthat perishes though it is tested by firemay be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of JesusChrist. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoicewith joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

As a church family, we express our deepest sympathy to Michelle, Jade, Jared, Ben, Al and Marlene, and to the entireHeynen family, and continue to pray that the Lord will surround them with His peace as they go forward in the days andweeks to come.

Ben Witte and Julie Verwoerd were united inmarriage on August 5, 2011 at Hebron CRCin Whitby, Ontario, Canada. The weddingwas officiated by Rev. Harry Solomons. Thecouples parents are Bob and Elaine Witte ofNorth Port, FL and Fred and Amy Verwoerdof Bowmanville, ON. The couple was mar-ried before the Lord and their friends andfamily, but they were unable to marry before

the state, as Julies visa required the legal marriage to occur inthe USA.

Following the wedding and a weekend around the GeorgianBay, ON, Ben returned to Sioux Center, and Julie remained inBowmanville, Ontario to await her visa. Julie finally joined Benin Sioux Center on November 3, 2011, and the couple were mar-ried before the State of Iowa and more friends on December 3,2011 during the seasons first snow storm. This wedding wasofficiated by Rev. James Sinke at Rock Valley URC.

Given that Julies current visa restricts her from leaving the USA,the couple hope to take their honeymoon in February 2013,when they hope to take a cruise in the Caribbean.

The Wittes reside in Sioux Center. Ben is employed as a farmmanager and long-haul trucker at Van Berkel Farms, and Julie isanxiously awaiting her SSN so that she can pursue employment.

Congratulations, Ben and Julie! Were so happy that you arefinally able to be at home together, and we are also very happyto welcome you, Julie, to our church family!


4/9

On November 29 shortly before noon a little girl wanders around a room with her

eyes opened wide in excitement and wonder. Its a room whose brightness doesn

come from the 100 watt bulbs in the ceiling but from 42 Christmas trees decorate

with an array of sparkling lights and unique dcor. She cant help but giggle at th

tree with the baby and the spilt milk on the floor or point out the presents under

of the other trees and wonder, Are they for me? Her brother runs a little faster t

she does and you can hear him calling out, Did you see this one? Come, quick, lo

at this! There are tires under this one!! After their exhausting marathon around t

room, the pair is ready for a break at a table set for people just their size. Wouldyou like a cup of tea, darling? asks the happy 3-year-old.In three days, over 2000 people came to the Festival of Trees to purchase Christm

cash and baked goods, celebrate Rock Valley Christian Schools 100th year, and su

port the Sinke family. On Wednesday evening, the guests of the Festival were tre

to various musical performances including bells, vocal and band pieces by studen

from RVCS while they admired the displays.

We, the Sinke family, would like to thank each of you for your support in this even

for the ones who found items for the displays and those who decorated the table

for those who baked goodies for the Church but then packaged them for the bak

sale, and for those who helped at the bake sale. Thank you especially for your encouraging cards and constant prayers. You have never failed to offer your help, y

time, your meals, and your prayers on our behalf. Thank you for all the ways you

have helped us through the different struggles of Sarahs health and the many wa

that you have been a blessing to us.

FestivalOf Trees


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On November 30 around a dozen ladies, along with Tobey Halma as our little

helper, gathered in the church kitchen to make Christmas goodies. Some brought

ingredients to make the goodies and some had already baked cookies at home sothey could be decorated by our "master decorators" that night. By the end of the

evening many trays of goodies were made, ready to be served after the Decem-

ber evening church services. Many plates of goodies were also packaged up and

brought to the Festival of Trees Bake Sale. As the many goodies were made and

sampled, we all enjoyed some great fellowship together. Thanks, ladies...we en-

joyed the treats very much!

Babies andcookiestwo of lifessweetestjoys!

Quite theassembly

line.

RVURCsDomestic

Divasdid it again!


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WATCH OUT!

YOU MAY BE THE

NEXT FACE ON

CANDID

CAMERA!

Having mastered the basic com-mands of sit, speak, and stay,Carla, Michelle and Loren attempta more advanced trick at the URCStand & Deliver event in January.

Really, youjust need toconcentrate.

So, boys, which one ofyou was naughty, andwhich one was nice?

Did you know we have morethan just one hockey playerhere at RVURC? We know thatRev. Sinke, number 3, loves totake the ice, but so does Matt

Laman, number 2. Here theyare at league hockey in SiouxCenter. Maybe someday wellhave our own team!?

A good hockey player playswhere the puck is. A greathockey player plays where thepuck is going to be.- Wayne Gretzky

Is hockey hard? I dont know,you tell me. We need to have thestrength and power of a footballplayer, the stamina of a mara-thon runner, and the concentra-tion of a brain surgeon. But weneed to put all this together whilemoving at high speeds on a coldand slippery surface while 5other guys use clubs to try andkill us. Oh yeah, did I mentionthat this whole time were stand-ing on blades 1/8 of an inchthick? Is ice hockey hard? I dontknow, you tell me. Next ques-tion.

- Brendan Shanahan -

Hockey players wear num-bers because you cant al-ways identify the body withdental records.- Anonymous

This aint figureskating, lady!

Lindsay actually mastered what the leaders triedto do...the games calledFace the Cookie. The idea is to get the cookie from your forehead to yourmouth, using only your facial muscles! Lindsay and Fido can do it!


7/9

Banana Dessert Cheryl Rozeboo

Crust:1 cup flour2/3 cup oleo3 tbsp sugarpat into a 9x13 pan and bake for 10 min on 375 degrees

Pudding Mixture:

2 eggs4 tbsp cornstarch1 cup sugar4 cups milkcook on stove

Slice bananas on top of crust, then spread pudding mixtureover bananas and top with whipping cream

Rhubarb Pie Cheryl RozeboomMelt 3 tbsp butter in sauce pan.Mix in: 3 cups diced rhubarb

1 1/4 cup sugar1/4 tsp salt

Bring to a boil.

Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch in a little milk and add:1/2 cup milk1/2 cup cream

3 egg yolksBeat together and pour into rhubarb mixture and cook tillthick. Pour into baked pie shell.Top with meringue andbrown.

If you have a favoriterecipe you would like toshare, or if you wouldlike to request a recipe

from someone, submityour request to Lora orCherie, and well in-clude it in the nextnewsletter.

As we give our offerings everyweek, its interesting to see how theLord takes those offerings and puts

them to work in His Kingdom.

Here are some of the responses wehave received lately.

Rev. Paul Murphy and Messiahs Reformed Fellowship in New York City: Thank you so much for your recent

donation and contributing to our work in New York City. We are grateful for your faithfulness. Costa Rica Joint Venture Committee: Thank you very much for your continued interest and financial support on

behalf of the ministry in Latin America. We ask for your continued prayers for strength and wisdom for the people

who are working here; for the churches in the Tepeyac and Guadalupe area; for Tepeyac Christian School and our

Christian school teachers; for the printing of various publications in Spanish; for TV/radio productions; for our work of

translating a childrens catechism. Thanks so much for your gifts. Mid America Reformed Seminary: Thank you for your support of our ministry here at Mid America Reformed

Seminary. It is a great encouragement to know you share our commitment for training the next generation of menGod has called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to shepherd His people. The largest portion of operating

revenues needed to carry out this work comes from the faithful giving of Gods people. As God uses your gift to pre-

pare laborers for the harvest field, it will impact the lives of many of His people for years to come. We are grateful

for your vision and willingness to partner with us in this extremely important task. Rock Valley Christian School: On behalf of everyone at Rock Valley Christian School, we want to thank you for

your donation. We are excited about our Building Project! It continues to be our prayer to offer a quality Christ-

centered education to both our current students and to future generations. May we, as the Society of Rock Valley

Christian School, strive to train our children to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ wherever He calls them to be.

May God continue to bless you!

AnswerstoPlacetheFace:DanielKragtandKorrieVanMaanen.


8/9

So you think you know everyone in our church pretty well, huh?Well, can you guess who these members are?

(The answers are found elsewhere in this newsletter.)

He seemed to have such apromising future...and he

ended up spending most ofhis time in a shack

Who is he?

Hes grown up now, andthis smiley baby can be de-scribed as the strong,silent type. Who is he?

Our Did You Know Column is all about

grandchildren!!

Herm and Cheryl Rozeboom have a new granddaughter. Nevaeh Jaide Roze-boom was born December 8, 2011 at 4:45AM in the Sioux Center hospital to Kyle andRebecca Rozeboom. Nevaeh has one sister, Faith, whos 9 years old, and one brother,Tytan, whos 4 years old, to welcome her home. Her other grandparents are Cornie andEsther Schelling from Hull, and her great grandparents are Mrs. Arie Colenbrander fromSioux Center and Albert and Joanna Groeneweg of Rock Valley. Did you know thatNevaeh is Heaven spelled backwards? Congratulations!

Arlin and Carla Groeneweg are welcoming their first granddaughter. Cambry Marie Groeneweg was bornto Blake and Stephanie Groeneweg on February 2, 2012, at 8:32 AM. Cambry has a big brother, Braedyn,whos 1 1/2 to welcome her home. Her other grandparents are Scott and Susan Rozeboom, and greatgrandparents are Albert and Joanna Groeneweg, all of Rock Valley. Congratulations!

Jim and Donna Van Beek are also pleased to announce the birth of their first granddaughter. Eliana Nicole

Zwart was born February 16, 2012, to Matthew and Tonia Zwart of North Liberty, Iowa. She is Matt andTonias first child. Elianas great grandparents are...you guessed it...Albert and Joanna Groeneweg! Con-gratulations to the happy family!

Korrie and Sarita Van Maanen have some news to share: We were speaking with our son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Jessica, a month ago when Jonathan asked us which professional baseball team wasour favorite. We thought it was a little strange because Jon is more into soccer than baseball. We thoughtabout it a little bit and said maybe the Kansas City Royals, although we arent big baseball fans either. Jonsaid that they REALLY like the Twins because that is what they are expecting in August! When Jessicafirst found out that she was pregnant she said that she would LOVE to have twins and the Lord answeredher prayer. Their sons Asher (5) and Phin (4) are very excited along with everyone in the family. Everythinghas been going well with Jessica and the twins so far and we ask that you would remember them in yourprayers as they look forward to a double blessing from the Lord!


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Newsletter Spring 12