M OurMission - Sullycrc

F ELLOWSHIP F INDINGSS ULLY C HRISTIAN R EFORMED C HURCHM AY 2021OurMissionCultivate space for people to experience theWHAT GOD IS CALLING US TO DOtransforming love of Christ.OurVisionA family of believers experiencing personalWHAT GOD IS CALLING US TO BEtransformation, Romans 12using their unique gifts, Ephesians 4to glorify GOD I Corinthians 10:31Starting on April 18: AM Series--Building Discipleship Pathways--This new series will returnto our working definition of discipleship and help show from the pages of scripture whateach stage of faith development looks like and how we are to help each person take the nextstep in their growth. The series seeks to partner a knowledge of the faith stage you are inwith the desire to encourage faithful service to Christ in them.PM Series: What, So What, Now What?: In this series we will explore each of the Lord's Day inthe Heidelberg Catechism through the lens of these three questions: What--what is the truth ofthe Lord's Day, So What--how does this truth transform me in Christ, Now What--how does thistruth challenge me or call me to take the next step inmy spiritual journey to move closer to Christ?I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :May 2AM--Colossians 4.2-6C OUNCIL C LIPPINGS2T HANK Y OU3AM--Mark 1.14-20 Come and FollowI N M EMORIUM4PM--Lord's Day 17 The Benefits of ResurrectionF INANCIAL I NFORMATION6B ETHEL M ISSION M INISTRY6AM--Guest: Rev. Will VerhoefN URSERY S CHEDULE /O FFERING S CHEDULE7PM--1 Peter 1.13-2.3 Spiritual MilkB IRTHDAYS /A NNIVERSARIES8/9PM--Lord's Day 18 The Benefits of AscensionM ISSIONARY N EWS10AM– Guest: Mr. Nate SchelhaasPentecost Quiz11PM--Prayer DayMay 9Watching for OpportunitiesMay 13--Ascension DayEcclesiastes 9--Dying In The LightIsaiah 6.1-8 and Revelation 5.6-14Ruling Above, Regents BelowMay 16May 23May 30AM--Mark 3.13-19 Come and BePM-Guest: Mr. Scott Roose

Fellowship Findings2COUNCIL CLIPPINGSAPRIL 19, 2021Chairman Bryce Arkema called the meeting to order and read from Romans 8, a passage that calls eachof us to use our unique gifts to build up the body. The needs of many in the church and communitywere lifted up in prayer.An extended and rather difficult discussion was held concerning leadership effectiveness and unitywithin the council and broader church. The concern was brought by the Executive Committee in consideration of seeming growing levels of autonomy within the council and the church where individualsand groups create and act on their own guidelines rather than the agreed guideline set out by the governing body. It is difficult to lead in that context and the committee has growing concern that if we continue on that path, division will take root in the church. The conversation concluded with a challenge tocouncil to seek to act as a more unified body as it concludes this year and proceeds into the new fiscalyear.Financial information and reports were reviewed by the deacons. The deacons report that 100% of theclassis budget has been paid and that adequate funds have been collected to cover 100% of the approved missionary support budget for the year.A recommendation from the Executive Committee to target June 1 as a date for discontinuing the various COVID protocols that have been deployed over the past year and to resume after church coffee andcookie fellowship time was discussed and ultimately approved. Consideration was given to the diminishing incidence of COVID, the growing prevalence and availability of vaccine and the general changein Governor Reynolds’ guidance that has migrated from mandates to encouragements. The current protocols will continue through May.The Executive Committee shared information on a comprehensive review completed with our insuranceagent of the Grinnell Mutual Insurance policies providing coverage on multiple aspects of the church.The combined annual premium for all policies is 8,955 for the current year.Jamie reported that the large coffee pots are missing from the kitchen and need to be returned. Jamiealso reported on issues with drains in the church and finally noted that a new freezer has been acquiredand placed near the kitchen replacing one that had been loaned to the church for use for a period oftime.Discussion was held on a reported recent change at Bethany Christian Services wherein they will nowconsider adoption requests from members of the LBGTQ community. As a council we find this practiceto be in conflict with scripture and God’s created order. A letter will be sent to Bethany seeking explanation for the change in practice and encouraging their return to a scripture based stance. Possible further action was discussed but no action was recommended until after we have given Bethany an opportunity to respond.Orientation of the new council members is planned for April 21, the organizational meeting of the newcouncil is planned for May 12 and the Installation service is tentatively planned for May 23.Pastor Brian confided in the council that he has been through a season of deep reflection and discernment regarding his calling to continued ministry in Sully. At the current time he has a growing sensethat God is preparing him for an alternative place of service and he covets continued prayers for discernment and guidance as he seeks to be faithful to God’s call.Following the singing of “My Friends May You Grow in Grace” Nolan Vos closed in prayer.

Fellowship Findings3I thank my God every time Iremember you.Philippians 1:13Thank you so much to the congregation forall the love and support they have offered us in the loss of our baby. Thank you for allthe meals, cards, texts, hugs and words of condolence. Our church does such an incredible work of walking alongside those who are mourning, and those who are rejoicing,we are so thankful to be a part of this Spiritual Family!Curt & Candice, & FamilyChurch Family, Where do I even begin? Barry and I always talked about how lovedand supported we felt from our church family and how that love and support carried usthrough some very difficult valleys. We were so thankful and blessed to have each andevery one of you walk this journey with us and pray continually for healing. For 2 years,you, as a congregation, have held true to supporting us in every way possible and I can’tthank you enough. Thank you for the cards, meals, gifts, gift cards, money, groceries everything that you have done for us and more than we ever imagined, thank you.From the trailer raffle all the way to the benefit thank you for supporting us in the thoseadditional ways. Having a church family continue to come behind us, aside from thethings happening within our church walls, is an incredible blessing.Deacons, thank you for running the trailer raffle last year and thank you for all the giftcards you have given me along the way.Pastor Brian, Elder Mike, Deacon Alex, and Care Group 7: Thank you for all the calls,texts, and visits made. Being surrounded by a smaller group within a church and formingnew relationships has proven to be very beneficial for our family during this walk and weare blessed by you. Thank you for reaching out to us and going above and beyond to support our family.There are no easy or profound ways for me to express the thanks I feel that can sum upthe past 2 years. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for helping us inso many ways. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for continuing to walk this journeywith my family. You have been a blessing to our family and I know you will continue tobless us in the years to come.Kelsie, Addison, Emmalea, & EverleaKevin & Brenda & familyThank you for the many cards and birthday wishes received for my 99th birthday. Yourthoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.Harriet Van ZanteThank you for the many cards, thoughts and prayers expressed in the loss of Lloyd.The family of Lloyd Van Zante, Harriet Van Zante, Arlyn & Barbara Van Zante,Jim & Marlis Van Zante, Merl & Candy Van Zante

Fellowship Findings4IN MEMORIUMBarry Van HaaftenBarry Davis arrived in the home of David and Amber (Macdonald) Van Haaften on September4, 1990. He attended Pella Community schools. Barry had an interest in mechanics and he developed those skills at Indian Hills Community College.On a Sunday evening Barry and his buddies were doing what young guys do, and he spotteda young lady named Kelsie sitting on a bench in the park. This led to a marriage in our churchon June 16, 2012. Barry and Kelsie became the parents of three daughters. These three little girls delighted in doing things with their daddy.Following their marriage, Barry made his profession of faith in our church. He became involved in Cadets, and his Cadet boys will always remember the lessons he taught them involving real life facts as they walk with Jesus. Barry was also a leader for COC Friendship BibleHour. After watching his Grandpa serve in his community for many years, Barry was happy tobecome the chief of the reserves for the Knoxville Police Department. He enjoyed new friendships and serving his community in this way.After developing skills in various jobs, Barry opened his own business - Big Bear MobileRepair - in 2016. He provided honest and quick service for his customers, and desired to set upa strong future for his family.Barry was a lover of the great outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish.If you couldn't findhim, just head down to the river. He passed on his love for God's creation to his little girls. Hehad simple life goals: a wife who would love him no matter what, a family to call his own, and ajob that would support his family. He had a quick wit, a desire to learn new things, and theability to fix things.Barry was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. After this diagnoses and during treatment, hisfaith was strong and his desire was that all who met him would see Christ in his life. Even in themidst of this storm in his life, he had an unwavering faith. He lost his fight with this disease onFebruary 26, 2021, but he won his reward in heaven on that day.

Fellowship Findings5Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Kelsie, his daughters: Addison, Emmalea, andEverlea. He is also survived by his parent David (Patricia), his parents-in law, Kevin andBrenda, his brother Zack (fiancee Hannah Coakley and daughter Olivia), brothers-in-lawCorey (Laura) and family, Kyle (Kendra), and grandparents Marlene Stearns, Marvin andJoyce Van Haaften, Walton and Violet Van Maanen, and Clarine Van Kooten. Those who preceded him in death were his grandparents: Bill Macdonald, Gary Sterns and Donald VanKooten, and sister-in-law Bethanie Van Kooten.Funeral services were held on March 3, 2021, at the Sully CRC. Pastor Brian Ochsner officiatedand Jodi De Vries accompanied Randy as he sang "Middle of the Storm," and the congregationas they sang 'Behold Our God," and "Oh, Praise The Name." Casket bearers were Zack VanHaaften, Kyle and Corey Van Kooten, Tim and Ryan Van Roekel, Jeff Vroom and Brent VanderWaal. Interment was at Sandridge Cemetery and memorials were designated for Van HaaftenBenefit for the girl's education.After the benefit, Kelsie remarked that it is now her turn to pass on the witness that Barrypresented. It is not only her turn, but it is the duty of our church family to testify to the goodness of God even in the "storms" of life.For I know the plans I have for you,” declaresthe Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harmyou, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11