SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 TODAY AT OUR CHURCH

WELCOME! We extend a warm welcome to everyone, particularly those who are visitors at our worship service this morning. We pray that you will receive a special blessing as we worship our Lord together. Join us in Friendship Hall immediately following the worship service for coffee and fellowship. This evening we will be hosting the 25th Annual Memorial Day Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at 6 PM. Past and present service men and women are encouraged to wear their uniform. NEXT SUNDAY: Join in a Psalmfest Hymn Sing on Sunday, May 31 at 5 PM. Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church (271 Lincoln Ave., Ridgewood) invites you to come to praise our great God in song. A freewill offering will be received to help cover the costs of the event. Light refreshments will follow. FAITH PROMISE: This morning we welcome Tom Henion from Madison Avenue Crossroads to share their ministry in Paterson, NJ. Thank you, Tom, for your willingness to present this inner city ministry to us, so that we can better understand the challenges you face, and praise God with you for His blessings on this ministry. More Than Conquerors--Today we continue with our new sermon series on the book of Revelation. This challenging book of Scripture is not intended to confuse or intimidate, but to inspire God's people with fresh courage and absolute assurance in the midst of ugly injustice and heartbreaking behavior in homes, communities, businesses, schools, nations and the world. It reminds us that in this world, "though the wrong seems oft' so strong, God IS the ruler yet!" Knowing that God is working out His good purposes in the midst of the confusion, that He will set all things straight in due time, and that all the evil of this world will be dealt with, encourages God's people to persevere, to be faithful in the struggle, and to overcome evil with good by the grace and power of our risen Lord. May we all be encouraged to persevere and be inspired to faithfulness through our reflection on this "revelation of Jesus Christ.” ADULT EDUCATION will not meet for the Memorial Day weekend today in our study of the Holy Spirit. NEXT Sunday, May 31st, we WILL meet to study "The Spirit's Sword." Bible passages are Eph. 6:11, 12, 17; Hebrews 4: 12; 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17;2 Peter 1: 19-21; 1 Peter 1:10-12;Rom. 15:4, 13. If you would like the questions beforehand, they will be available in the Friendship Hall after the service today. The special offerings for May & June are as follows: May 24 - AM - Madison Ave. CRC; PM - Wounded Warriors Project May 31 - Good Shepherd Mission June 7 - Eastern Christian Tuition Aid June 21 - Faith Promise June 28 - Eastern Christian Schools ATTENTION PARENTS OF OUR 2015 GRADUATES: On Sunday, June 21st, we will once again celebrate our graduates and we would like to include the names of our young people who are graduating from 8th grade, high school or college in our bulletin. Please call the church office with the name(s) of your graduate(s) so that we do not overlook anyone. Thank you! MIDLAND PARK SENIOR CRUSADERS will leave on Wednesday, May 27th at 9:30 AM from the Faith Reformed Church, for their trip to the Smithville Inn. Holland Christian Home: Senior adults are invited to join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at 1:30 PM sharp in the Holland Christian Home Chapel for a free afternoon matinee featuring Disney Pixar’s Movie “UP!” – An animated comedy about 78 yr. old Carl who ties balloons to his house & flies away to South America to avoid moving to a nursing home. When Carl finds 8 yr. old Russell has stowed away with him, the adventure begins. Complimentary refreshments provided. RSVP by Monday, June 1st to Elaine at 973-427-4087. SAVE THE DATE! Cedar Hill CRC in Wyckoff will be hosting a simulcast of The Justice Conference on Saturday, June 6. This conference is one of the largest Biblical and Social Justice Conferences in the world featuring premier speakers and artists to highlight the work of justice globally, nationally, locally, and personally. Special guests include Louie Giglio, Eugene Cho, Lynne Hybels, Dr. Cornell West, and the music of Crowder and Rend Collective. The Justice Network’s vision is to serve the discovery of ideas, celebrate the beauty of justice, and foster a community of people who live justice together. Now--more than ever--people of faith need to come together to wrestle with the injustice in the world. See the bulletin board in the Narthex hallway for more details. You don’t want to miss it!! Advanced notice: our Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15, and the installation of new elders and deacons is scheduled for Sunday, June 28. Please mark your calendars so that you can participate in these special events of our church family. YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Heirborne (7th & 8th grades) the last regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 27th from 7-9 PM at Cedar Hill CRC. Dress warmly; we will be outside for part of the evening. HEIRBORNE IS GOING TO THE DRAG RACES on Saturday, May 30th. We will meet at Cedar Hill CRC at 3 PM and return approximately 8 PM. Bring a bagged dinner and a drink. RSVP to Denise today!! LinC (9th-12th grades) TONITE, May 24th – 6-8:30 PM at Faith Community CRC. Come for dinner, games and worship and some conversation about kindness.

LinC is going to Ocean Grove on Sunday May 31st 7AM-5 PM. We will go to church at the pavilion and then enjoy the beach. A flier can be found on our website and you must RSVP by May 24 th so we can be sure we have enough transportation. LinC Olympics will take place on Sunday, June 7 • 5:30-9 PM. We will meet at the barn and then we will be going to Denise’s house for the Olympics this year. Bring a bathing suit and towel, comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt in case it gets chilly. If you need to come late you can, just let Denise know. Questions? Go to www.go2yq.org GO M.A.D. CHALLENGE: Save the date - Friday, June 5th from 7 - 10 PM. THE BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG! From Mother’s Day through Father’s Day our church will be supporting Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center though its Baby Bottle Boomerang. Located in Hawthorne and Hackensack, Lighthouse provides free, confidential services to lovingly guide and support women, men and teens facing unplanned pregnancies and related concerns toward life-enhancing choices. Their services include ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, parenting support, sexual integrity counseling, and post-abortion recovery support. This year’s Baby Bottle Boomerang will help Lighthouse to open the Paterson Partners for Life Center this summer. For confidential help or more information about Lighthouse, please call (973) 238-9045, email [email protected] or visit FriendsofLighthousePRC.org. We encourage you to take a baby bottle home with you today. The bottles are located in the Narthex along with a box to put them in when you return them. Please fill your bottle with coins, cash or a check payable to Lighthouse PRC, and return it to our church on or before Father’s Day. Save part of the attached wrapper as a prayer reminder. Thank you for your support! Your participation saves and changes lives! The Newsletter Committee is working on their summer issue. Please let us know if you are having a special birthday (80 and above in 5 year increments) or anniversary (50 and above in 5 year increments), engagements, marriages, sports achievements, or any articles of interest to our congregation. Also in this issue we will include college graduates or any other post high degrees or accomplishments. All other graduates will be recognized in our fall issue. Digital pictures can be used with your articles. You can place your information in the Newsletter box or call any member of the committee. Deadline to submit an article is June 10 th . THANK YOU to the congregation for the cards, prayers and thoughtfulness, on our families behalf, in the passing of our mother and stepmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Steen. Jim & Judy Abma, Roger & Jayne Spoelstra, and the Steen families. MPCRC Men’s Softball Schedule - All games begin at 6:30 PM Date: Location: Opponent:

Friday, May 8, 2015 Goffle Brook 2 Unity CRC #2 Thursday, May 14, 2015 Goffle Brook 1 Abundant Life Friday, May 22, 2015 Goffle Brook 2 Restore Thursday, June 4, 2015 Goffle Brook 1 Faith/Hill Thursday, June 11, 2015 Goffle Brook 2 Pompton Plains Friday, June 19, 2015 Lincoln School (Wyckoff) Heritage Monday, June 22, 2015 Hillview Elem (Pequannock) Unity CRC #1 Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Goffle Brook 1 St. Pauls Friday, July 3, 2015 Goffle Brook 2 Preakness Monday July 6, 2015 Hillview Elem (Pequannock) Living Word (6th)

POWERPOINT: THIS WEEK: BUILD – William Golden. PROJECT - Calvin Gorter. NEXT WEEK: BUILD – Kyle Streelman. PROJECT - Saskia Trommelen. DEACONS’ OFFERING PRAYER: TODAY: Monish Dhalwani. NEXT WEEK: John King, Sr. CHILDREN’S WORSHIP – TODAY: Memorial Day Weekend - Children’s Worship will resume on May 31. NEXT WEEK: Teacher – Alissa Leegwater. Helper - Tara Leegwater. USHERS: TODAY: Mark Wisse, Jeff Streelman, Bill Sytsma. (Alternate: Ann Sytsma). NEXT WEEK: 9:30 AM - Bernie Kuipers, Jerry Bandstra, Al Laauwe. (Alternate: Keith Spoelstra). SUNDAY REFRESHMENTS: TODAY: Linda Spyckaboer. NEXT WEEK: Pat Hoogmoed. C HILDREN’S MESSAGE: THIS WEEK – Sara Wondergem. CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER: TODAY: Pastor Kevin. NEXT WEEK: Pastor Rod. NURSERY ATTENDANTS: TODAY: 9:30 AM – Polly Baker, Morgan Abma. NEXT WEEK: 9:30 AM – Joan & Christian Haak, Katie Hefty. GREETERS: TODAY: Ron & Rita Popjes (North), Steve & Laura Gorter (Center), Pete & Judy Van Grouw (South). NEXT WEEK: Harold Van Goor (North), Eunice Broersma & Brian Schaaf (Center), Rich & Lois Leentjes (South). ACTIVITIES & OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

Sunday 9:30 AM – Morning Worship Service 11:10 AM - Children’s Sunday School, Catechism & Adult Education 6:00 PM - Evening Worship Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving 6:00 PM - LinC Youth at Faith Community Barn

Monday -

Tuesday 7:00 PM - YouthQuest Executive Bd. Meeting at CHCRC 7:30 PM - YouthQuest Bd. Meeting at CHCRC

Wednesday 9:30 AM - Senior Crusaders Trip to Smithville Inn 7:00 PM – Youth Hangout Night in the Youth House 7:00 PM - Heirborne Youth at Cedar Hill CRC

Thursday 8:00 AM - Quilters

Saturday 3:00 PM - Heirborne Youth to the Drag Races SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 MORNING WORSHIP - 9:30 AM

Prelude: One People, Here, We Gather De Cou Medley for Pentecost arr. De Cou

Welcome

We Focus Our Hearts …“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

*Call to Worship Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made. Congregation: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Leader: This is the day when the Spirit came. Congregation: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Leader: And again I say— Congregation: Rejoice!

*Opening Hymn of Praise to the Triune God How Great Is Our God

*The Lord’s Greeting~~We Greet Each Other

*Song of Celebration: PH 241: 1, 3 This Is the Day

Ministry Moment: Tom Henion Crossroads Community Ministries (Madison Ave CRC)

Children's Message (The children may then leave for Children’s Worship)

*Song of Preparation: PH 424 Spirit of the Living God

Prayer for the Spirit’s Leading Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:14-22 (p.1917)

Sermon Do You Hear What the Spirit Says?

*Hymn of Response: For Your Gift of God the Spirit

Congregational Prayer

Offering for the General Ministries of MPCRC (While the offering is received, please sign the maroon fellowship booklet)

Offertory: The Breath of God Landis

Offertory Prayer

*Benediction

*Parting Song: PH 427 Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit

Postlude: Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth Wilson

*Please stand as you are able.

Need prayer or encouragement? Elders are available to talk or pray with you, by the piano, after the service. ______AM Worship: Minister: Pastor Rod Gorter Organist: Stan Blom Children's Message: Sara Wondergem Scripture: Ruth K. Wynbeek Congregational Prayer: Pastor Kevin Boss

PM Worship: Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at MPCRC

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING MAY 24, 2015 6:00 P.M. Prelude: That Haven on High Moore Our Nation Whitworth O God of Love, O King of Peace Johnson

Welcome: Pastor Rod Gorter *Call to Worship (to be read responsively, congregation in bold print) In a world filled with violence and war, We gather together to celebrate the promise of eternal peace. In a world filled with tyranny and oppression, We gather together to celebrate the promise of eternal justice for all. In a world filled with hunger and greed, We gather together to celebrate the promise of plenty for all forever. Our hope is in the name of the Almighty God, who in his love and power provides all this for us-- The Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of heaven and earth.

*The Lord’s Greeting—We Greet Each Other *Opening Song: CH 809 God of Our Fathers We pray to the Lord in remembrance and in trust. [After each prayer and the words, “We pray to you, O Lord”, the response is, “Lord, hear our prayer.” ] In peace let us pray to the Lord: Lord, we remember and we thank you for those who have given their lives for their country and whose graves we visit this Memorial Day weekend, and ask that their sacrifice may inspire in us who live a commitment to the ideals for which they perished. For our veterans, whom we have sent to far countries on our behalf, and who for us have often endured fear, trauma, and sorrow that no human should have to face, that they may receive healing of their hearts and a welcome home from their towns, their families, and their churches, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For our men and women serving under orders this day, especially those who may be in situations of danger or captivity, that they may be inspired by the ideal of duty, may conduct themselves with honor, and may receive strength equal to every challenge they face, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For families of men and women now on active duty, families of veterans, civilian families who have suffered in time of war, and especially those families whose tables will always have an empty chair, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For our leaders, who have the power to promote peace and justice or to extinguish life itself from our planet, that any and all decisions relating to the use of armed forces may be preceded by prayer and accompanied by agony, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For ourselves, our congregations and pastors and all persons of faith, that recognizing the expression in works which must result from an experience of faith, we may be builders of community as well as seekers of salvation; we may seek outer harmony as well as inner peace with you, and justice for our world as well as for our own neighborhoods, to the end that the dwelling of God may be with us, and we shall be God's people, that the former things pass away and war shall be no more, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Amen

*Song: CH 799 America, the Beautiful Testimony of God's Faithfulness Herman Drenth, USMC Song: (see screen and remain seated with the exceptions below) Eternal Father, Strong to Save To acknowledge and thank those who have served in the armed forces, please: 1) Stand on verse one if you were/are in the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines. 2) Stand on verse 2 if you were/are in the Air Force. 3) Stand on verse 3 if you were/are in the Army. Offering for the Wounded Warrior Project Offertory: It’s Time to Pray Peterson Litany for World Peace Leader: Remember, O Lord, the peoples of the world divided into many nations and tongues. Deliver us from every evil that gets in the way of your saving purpose; and fulfill the promise of peace on earth among those with whom you are pleased, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Cong: Amen. Leader: From the curse of war and the sin of humanity that causes war, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From pride that turns its back on you, and from unbelief that will not call you Lord, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From national vanity that poses as patriotism; from loud-mouthed boasting and blind self- worship that admits no guilt, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From the self-righteousness that will not compromise, and from selfishness that gains by the oppression of others, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From the lust for money or power that drives people to kill, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From groundless suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Leader: From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice, and hatred; from everything that prevents the human family from fulfilling your promise of peace, Cong: O Lord, deliver us. Prayer for Peace *Song: CH 804: 1, 3, 4 Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 22:30 (p. Psalm 82:3-4 (p.

MESSAGE: Standing in the Gap

Song: CH 807: 4 Our Father’s God, to Thee (All former and current military members please come forward during the singing of this song as the congregation remains seated.) Song: God Bless America (Service members will sing it through one time, then the congregation will RISE to join in the second time). God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Through the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam, God bless America, My home sweet home God bless America, My home sweet home. *Benediction *REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN BATTLE *Taps (All: place hand over heart) Postlude: Onward, Christian Soldiers Prentiss

*************************************************************************************** A special welcome to all visitors from the neighboring churches; and other guests who are worshipping with us. We also welcome members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Please join us in the Friendship Hall following the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Participants Ministers: Colonel Donald P. Wisse, USAF (ret.) Pastor Rod Gorter, Midland Park CRC Organist: Mr. Stan Blom Reader: Specialist 4th Class John Golden, USA Speaker: Corp. Herman Drenth, USMC Flag Bearers: Airman 1st Class Sam Sybesma, USAF Petty Officer 1st Class Ron Stonehouse, USNR (ret.)

************************************************************************************* Chaplain (Colonel) Donald P. Wisse, U.S.A.F., (ret.) Chaplain Wisse is a graduate of the Air War College. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve for 27 years from 1963 to 1990. Besides serving at many Air Force Bases in the United States, he served temporary duty in Germany and Greenland. He served Midland Park CRC as Senior Pastor from 1970 to 1996.

************************************************************************************* Herman Drenth was born and raised in northern New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp for 6 years, after which he became a police officer and served as part of the Glen Rock Police Department for many years. During that time, he also worked as a mason contractor on the side. In retirement, he is now living in Maryland with his wife, Lynn.

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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO DIED FROM MIDLAND PARK

WORLD WAR I John Coombs Herman Englishman Harry Streelman Frank Outslay Garret Swap John J. Millington

WORLD WAR II Robert Logan Eugene Busteed Leonard Faner Charles Brautigan Edward Drews Martin De Heer Joseph Marvin Millington

KOREAN CONFLICT Raymond Estes

VIETNAM CONFLICT Norman Goble Wayne Golon Brian Wedlake Alan Zimmerman Steven Foster Roger Roetman Cordell Rogers Michael Parmerter

During the Vietnam Conflict, eight young men from Midland Park were killed, the highest per capita in the nation. At that time the current mayor, Cornelius Pontier, called for a resolution from the Borough Council to President Richard Nixon requesting that no more Midland Park service personnel be sent to active duty in Vietnam for the duration of the War.

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Note: You are encouraged to send a letter or note of thanks to any relative or friend who is serving our country on active duty. VA PHONE NUMBER: 1-877-222-8387 (To get a descriptive brochure on health benefits and VA Form 10-10-EZ, a one-page application form, this takes 15 minutes to complete.)