January, 2018

Maurice Moments MRC Family News Our Members who are celebrating an "Over 80” birthday this month:

Fred De Vries Berdena Grady 382 11th Ave. 708 2nd St. SE #103 Sioux Center, IA 51250 Orange City, IA 51041 *Fred will celebrate his 87th birthday on Jan. 3 *Berdena will celebrate her 88th birthday on Jan. 15

Don Van Horssen Evaleen Van Peursem 518 4th St., P.O. Box 25 1007 4th St. NW Maurice, IA 51036 Orange City, IA 51041 *Don will celebrate his 80th birthday on Jan. 3 *Evaleen will celebrate her 86th birthday on Jan. 25

Sharla De Jager Joyce Groen Landsmeer Ridge #605 512 5th St., P.O. Box 92 1007 7th St. NE Maurice, IA 51036 Orange City, IA 51041 *Joyce will celebrate her 83rd birthday on Jan. 25

* will celebrate her 86th birthday on Jan. 6 Leola De Jong Smits 4433 Elder Ave. 150 1st Ave. NE Seal Beach, CA 90740-2962 Sioux Center, IA 51250 *Leola will celebrate her 85th birthday on Jan. 28 *Karleen will celebrate her 83rd birthday on Jan. 8

Hospitalizations…

We pray for our church family who have been hospitalized or have health concerns: Chris Budden, Bryan Van Gelder, Alison Lenters, Marty Driggers, Joel Leusink, Greg Haverdink, Loren Vander Schaaf, Pam De Haan, Brian Vande Kieft, Rod Kluis, Jonathan Hathaway, Berdena Grady and Julie Leusink.

Sympathy... We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Rob Vander Broek. He passed away on December 9 and his obituary is as follows: Robert was born on September 24, 1921, at Maurice, the son of Gerrit and Nellie (Van Roekel) Vander Broek. He was raised at Maurice, where he attended high school. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. On April 26, 1946, he married Alma Ida Popma at Maurice. They farmed near Ireton. She passed away on September 27, 1984, in Sioux City, after more than 38 years of marriage. On June 14, 1986, he married Alice Jeanetta Cleveringa Foreman in Maurice. They made their home in Orange City, where in recent years, they lived at the Pioneer Memorial Home and the Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community. They later moved to Kosgrove Estates at Sioux Center, and on October 5, 2017, they transferred to Prairie View. Rob was a member of the Maurice Reformed Church, where he served on the consistory as both an elder and a deacon. He enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. They wintered in Tripsto, Texas, for several years. Mr. Vander Broek looked forward to family gatherings and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of more than 31 years; five children and their spouses, Earla and Frank Bracken, of Saratoga, California; Lyle and Rachel Vander Broek, of Dubuque; Leo and Jody Vander Broek, of Edina, Minnesota; Merlin and Carol Foreman, of Ankeny; and Leland and Jean Foreman, of Fremont, Nebraska; twelve grandchildren, Jeff Bracken, Jamin Bracken, Matt Vander Broek, Nate Vander Broek, Jake Vander Broek, Lauren Vander Broek, Joel Foreman, Daniel Foreman, Paul Foreman, Stephen Foreman, Lisa Parker, and Lori Van Dalen; twenty great-grandchildren; and a sister, Helen Vlieger, of Ontario, California. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, James Foreman; and three siblings, Ray Vander Broek, Myra Vander Broek, and Norman Vander Broek.

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Marlene Van Beek. She passed away on December 6. Her obituary is as follows: Marlene Van Beek was born January 29, 1951 in Pipestone, MN to William and Tena (Vogel) Leusink. She was raised in Jasper, MN. Marlene graduated from Jasper High School in 1969. She continued her education at Jackson Votech with a degree in Accounting. Marlene was united in marriage to Allen Toering on April 7th, 1972. To this union three children were born. Marlene married Alvis Van Beek on December 29, 1988 in LeMars, IA. The couple made their home on a farm near Ireton, IA. Marlene loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and riding motorcycle with Alvis. They enjoyed vacationing together with the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) to various places such as Colorado and Branson, MO. She was a member of the First Reformed Church of Maurice, IA. On December 6th Marlene passed away unexpectedly at the age of 66. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Alvis Van Beek; daughter, Melissa Toering of Denver, CO; son, Jason (Leah) Toering of Sioux Falls, SD; and daughter, Michelle Toering and her daughter, Keagan both of Sioux Falls, SD; step-son, Marvin Van Beek and his children, Hunter Van Beek and Haley Van Beek all of Ireton, IA; Sisters-in-law: Marge (Henry) Leusink of Hull, IA and Val (Stanley) Leusink of Murray, UT. Siblings: Alvina (Robert) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; Kenneth (Mary) Leusink of Hull, IA; Phyllis Otten of Sturgis, SD; Janet (Robert) Kallemeyn of Pipestone, MN; John (Ronda) Leusink of Sioux Center, IA; Hedy (Douglas) Van Bruggen of Sioux Center, IA; Thelma (Douglas) Brown of Aberdeen, SD; William (Elaine) Leusink of Sioux Center, IA; Bernice (Gerben) Doornink of Sioux Center, IA; David () Leusink of Traverse City, MI; and Denise (Michael) Vander Broek of Sioux Center, IA. As well as countless nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Henry Leusink and Stanley Leusink and grandsons, Kadean and Chaz Toering.

We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Arlin & Lorna Bylsma. Lorna’s father, Louis Brouwer passed away last month and his funeral was held on January 5 in Holland, Minnesota.

Thank You Notes

Thank you for the big fruit basket and also to Joel Leusink for bringing it to me. It was very good. Thank you for all the cards I received this holiday season. Sadie Van Peursem

Thank you for all the Christmas cards and also to Steve Vis for the visit and the fruit basket. Wanda Kuiken

Nancy and I would like to thank everyone who surprised us for our wedding anniversary. It took some doing to locate us and we just want to say thank you. Kent & Nancy Mouw

A special thank you to all who remembered me with my knee surgery with prayers, cards, food and visits. A special thank you to Pastor Wick for his visits. Paul Bos

I would like to say thank you to all who remembered me when my sister Lena passed away and also recently when Robert Vander Broek passed away. You are an army of prayer warriors. Thank you too for the fruit basket. Edna Vander Broek

A special thanks to Jr. GAP and Sr. High students for coming with their visits and for the gifts they brought and also thank you to the sponsors for taking their time to work with them. Thank you for the Christmas carolers. I enjoyed all of this so much. May God bless each one of you in the year to come. Wilma Vander Stelt

I would like to thank Maurice Reformed congregation for all the caring and payers lifted up for me in this very difficult time. A special thanks to the ladies of the church for serving lunch after the funeral. Also to Pastor Wick for being there for me. Words cannot describe how grateful and appreciative I felt. Al Van Beek

A great big thank you to all my friends at 1st Reformed Church for the cards and food baskets and lots of goodies that were brought over for Christmas and my birthday. Thank you so much for remembering me. Denny Van Ommeren

I would like to say thank you for all the birthday cards, phone calls, and food I received for my 90th birthday. It really made my day extra special. I also want to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with 90 years of life. God is Great!! Marlin Wichers

Community Thank You Hope for Life Community Church of Watertown, SD extends our heartfelt “thank you” to the generous members at the Maurice Reformed Church for the gracious gift that we received from the Thanksgiving offering. Your gift is very much appreciated and encourages us in our ministry. This past year Hope for Life was able to purchase their own building as a ministry center. Since beginning to meet there in February, our attendance has increased by 25%. Praise the Lord. Our youth programs continue to grow and remain strong. We look forward to an active ministry year in 2018 through our Missional Home Groups, Worship celebration services, youth ministries, outreach programs, and keeping up our property. May the Lord richly bless the Maurice Reformed Church and their mission in Southern Sioux County. Together, we build the Kingdom of the Lord for His glory. Carl and Jan Van Voorst (There are copies of their newsletter on the information counter)

 A huge thank you to everyone who made the Christmas program such an amazing night! Our directors Kelli Hooyer, Amy Schmidt, Sara Jansma and the music by Katie Leusink and Jill Muilenburg helped the kids do such a great job! Each Sunday school teacher went above and beyond to make the night so wonderful! Also, thanks to the people who donated the money for the peanut/candy bags, your generosity is appreciated! To all the people who helped pack the 235+ bags of candy and get them to each classroom- gracias!! MRC is blessed to have an abundant group of volunteers and we value all you do to help make the children’s ministry successful! Bonnie Wolf, Children’s Pastor

Disclosure Statement: Photo/Video Disclosure Statement Maurice Reformed Church (MRC) does take photographs and/or video of its members and program participants for use in print materials or by electronic methods. The purpose of these photos and videos is to promote ministry events, celebrate the exciting happenings at MRC, and allow those unable to attend events to view them via video or photo. Your entry into MRC and participation in worship, programs, or events grants permission to MRC to use these photographs and videos as they deem fit. Winter Work Project There has been a change in the location of this year’s winter work project. Instead of Manning, SC like was mentioned in last month’s Maurice Moments, Rob and Sharon Schelling have been asked by World Renew to go to Port Author, TX. It will be the same dates Feb. 9 – 17 but it will mean an 8 to 10 hour less driving time. The signup sheet is at the welcome center. We will be repairing homes that were damaged by the hurricane. If you have any questions please contact Jerry Vermeer.

Thank you! The Mission Committee

Important Dates and Info for Pioneer Club

Wednesday, January 24th is Pal Night! Come prepared for a Pajama Party! Pals and students are encouraged to wear appropriate comfy cozy winter PJ's! Pals, we are asking that you pick out and bring a favorite story book or two to share with your pal during "Story Time."

Saturday, February 10th is our annual Pinewood Derby. This is for any student grade 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Sign up at the information booth for your car.

Special Event: Wednesday, February 14th Ash Wednesday Program beginning at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. This is for all youth kids (3 years through high school) and parents.

Pioneer Club Parent Nights - these will be held on various nights this year. The idea is that you parents will get to come and see a "typical" night at Pioneer Club and participate with your child. Nothing EXTRA or fancy, but come experience the weekly fun with your son or daughter.

Skippers & Scooter Parents attend: Wednesday, February 21st Voyager Parents attend: Wednesday, February 28th Pathfinder Parents attend: Wednesday, March 7th Trailblazer Parents attend: Wednesday, March 14th (Kid's EE sharing night!)

Last night of Pioneer Club is the closing program on March 21st.

January Memory Verse Newsletter items are due January 20 NURSERY If anyone would like to be added to the Nursery Volunteer list, please contact Lisa Smit for more information. Thanks.

8:30 Service 10:45 Service Gary & Cherie Van Donkelaar Jason & Kristi Hargens, January 7 family Jocelyn Muilenburg Barb Van Horn, Cheryl Van Colette Hofmeyer, Katie January 14 Wyk, Emily Schrock Koole, Cali Mulder Jill Muilenburg, Marcia Dan & Tonya Venema, January 21 Cleveringa, Miranda Tye Borchers Mulder

Jeff & Sara Wielenga, January 28 Greg & Jen Leusink family Jacie Van Wyk

Prayer Room January Date 8:30 Service 10:45 Service January 7 Dave Van Klompenburg Jill Muilenburg January 14 Sue De Kok Sandy Holtrop January 21 Dan De Vries Jill Haverdink January 28 Laura Haverdink Jerry Vermeer

January Welcome Schedule 8:30 Morning Service - Main door - Loren Vander Schaaf Gym door - Rod Kluis

10:45 Morning Service - Main door - Dave Van Klompenburg Gym door - Leroy & Joan Punt

Wednesday Night Meals

January 3 - Creamed Chicken on a Bun, Chips, Oreo Fluff Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Cookies

January 10 - Mr. Ribb on a Bun, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, Apple Crisp

January 17 - Hard/Soft Shell Tacos, Nachos and Cheese, Pears, Scotch-A-Roo bars

January 24 - Taverns, Coneys, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Chips, Peaches, Chocolate Brownies

January 31 - Ritz Chicken, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Corn, Roll, Cream Puff Dessert Jr. High Ministries

“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2

SCHEDULE: Lunch: Lunch is a pan of bars/ 2 dozen cookies and 2 two liters of pop or juice January 3 - Light of the World led by Jon Eveland January 3 - Parker Vander Zwaag, Jordan Van January 10 - Mind the Gap led by Cara Venema Den Hul, Jaylee Kamerman January 17 - Inspiration Hills Night led by Kristi Palsma January 10 - Breanna Jansma, Hofmeyer, January 24 - PAL Night David Vander Zwaag January 31 - Snow Tubing (Cone Park, Sioux City) January 17 - Ciana Van Donkelaar, Kaden

Steckelberg, Emilee Schrock ANNOUNCEMENTS - January 24 - Jocelyn Muilenburg, Anna Mulder,

Summer Borchers Middle School Retreat 2018, April 13-15 January 31 - Provided Middle School Retreat sign up will be coming up when we return back to Jr. GAP on January 3 for all students interested! The theme this year is BELOVED. The cost per student will be $85. If the cost is an obstacle in any way, please contact a youth leader or Jon Eveland and we will help you out. We want to make sure that every student has an opportunity to attend this transformational weekend! To register online, go to synodyouth.org and click on the Middle School Retreat on the homepage. Below is a description of the Middle School Retreat: Middle School Retreat is a FUN weekend for Middle School Students and their adult leaders! The MSR will be at Hidden Acres Christian Center in Dayton, IA (about 1/2 hour south of Fort Dodge). The synod partners with Northwestern College students to plan an AWESOME weekend of worship, large group sessions, small groups, youth group time, and of course, recreation and games!

Jr GAP Theme Night – Wednesday, January 17 – Wear your Jr GAP Rebel T-Shirt!

Jr GAP Super Bowl Party –Sunday, February 4 Come and join us for a fun night to watch the biggest football game of the year! We will have games, activities, great food and of course watch the game! Come wearing your favorite team colors. The game begins at 5:30pm, so you can arrive between 5:00-5:30pm. The Super Bowl Party will be in the Family Life Center, and admittance is a minimum of 2 non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Hope Food Pantry in Sioux Center.

Wednesday Night Student Worship!  Who: Jr. GAP & Sr. High students and leaders  When: January 17

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS - Alex Van Horn - Jan. 7 David Vander Zwaag - Jan. 14 Adam Van Beek - Jan. 27 Sr. High Ministries

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

SCHEDULE: January 3 - Godless Chatter led by Rob Roozeboom January 10 - Snow Tubing (Cone Park, Sioux City) January 17 - Small Group Night: Rooted Week 4 January 24 - PAL Night/Sweetheart Banquet Planning night January 31 - Small Group Fun Night

LUNCH SCHEDULE: January 3 - Brittany Broderick, Brooke De Jong, Edyn Dekkers January 10 - Provided January 17 - In Small Groups January 24 - Angel Vander Zwaag, Alex Van Donkelaar, Eric Plendl January 31 - In Small Groups

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Sr High Annual Sweetheart Banquet – Sweetheart Banquet is coming up on Thursday, February 8. We will be having a planning night for that on January 24 during Sr High, for those that are not PALs that night.

Sr High Summer Mission Trip - Destination and dates regarding the Sr High Summer Mission Trip will be coming VERY soon! Stay Tuned!

Wednesday Night Student Worship!  Who: Jr. GAP & Sr. High students and leaders  When: January 17

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS - Cali Mulder - Jan. 11 Breanna Oolman - Jan. 31 Moments for Missions

New Beginnings in Missions at MRC There is a quote, “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” We don’t get to start over; but we begin again right where we are, making things better in our lives.

As a mission team, each year we look at where MRC served and supported missions in the last year. Then we begin to dream and plan for the New Year. We are looking forward to our next year in missions at MRC and some ideas to join God in missions in new ways.

As you continue to grow closer to God, following Him and loving others, may you also feel Him tugging at your heart to join Him in his work! There are mission trips and service opportunities that will be available through MRC, and you may have your own opportunities where God is leading you. Let us know ways we as a church can support you and join you in those mission opportunities.

The real ending of our life will be when Jesus says, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” That statement will be for each of us who take the time to get to know Him, love Him, and obediently follow Him.

January Special Offering Parachutes Ministry- Jake & Stephanie Hubers (Please mark “special” on your giving envelope)

There have been lots of changes at Parachutes this past year, but one thing remains constant, youth keep coming through our doors. One of my favorite experiences this past year happened a few weeks ago. I was having a conversation with a youth and she told me that she is an atheist. She said she doesn’t ever come to The Table (dinner and discussion) on Monday nights because she doesn’t want to talk about God or the Bible. Later on, she came back and told me that she has been listening to a new radio station and that the music is really uplifting - she always feels better after listening to it. She then told me it’s a Christian radio station. The following Monday, I saw her walk through the door at The Table. She said she isn’t changing what she believes yet but she wants to give it a shot, since she liked Christian music. This is just one small example of the interactions that happen at Parachutes. I’m excited to see where she goes from here and the role that we all get to play in the work God is doing here.

We have had quite a year as a family! We’ve been incredibly blessed with our second child, Gavin, who was born in February. Bria (3.5) is growing up so fast and started pre-school this fall. We had a challenging few months towards the middle of the year when Steph was diagnosed and treated for Post-Partum Depression. Since then she has been doing much better and is continuing to work at Covenant House Alaska (a shelter for homeless youth). As some of you may know, I am entering my last year as Executive Director at Parachutes. I had committed to two years as the interim Executive Director and am surprised at how quickly it has gone. Though I will miss Parachutes greatly, I am excited to see where God leads me next. As I enter my last full year of fundraising, I look back and am incredibly thankful and humbled. Steph and I came to Alaska not really knowing how this would work. Almost five years later, we have experienced God’s provision in a very real way. We have always had enough and were never once too low in my account to cover my paychecks. Our family cannot thank you all enough for your prayers and financial support. So again THANK YOU! -Jake Hubers

Pray for Brian Renes as he continues to work with Bible translators around the globe. Pray for continued open doors for new translations of the Bible. Here is Brian’s last update from a trip to Ethiopia: Do you ever arrive at church at 7:30am on a Sunday morning and find it so full that you can't get in the door? This morning I went to a nearby church and as I approached I could see a crowd in and around the gate. There was no way to get in. With many others, I found a place on the outside to stand and listen. Even though I could not even see the door of the church I could hear the words, none of which I understood.

For the next hour I walked around the church on various sides, a block or two from the entries to the church. (By the way, I learned churches have an entry for women, another for men as well as one for clergy.) As I walked around hundreds were on the outside, all standing still... listening to the service and from time to time bowing. The longer I stood in various locations the more I was humbled to realize how differently faith can be expressed. Sincerity and devotion manifested in Ethiopia.

I am reminded of the story in Acts about the Ethiopian who said to Philip, "how can I understand what I am reading (he was reading Isaiah) unless someone explains it to me?" Nearly 2,000 years later and that task continues for Ethiopians. There are nearly 100 languages here and many wait for "the meaning" in their own language. I read this week, "it is not right for someone to have to learn another language to read God's Word." Your prayers and support help others understand the meaning and message of this special season. Wishing you a very blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year. Brian and Donna Renes

Pray for Jon and Erin Haverdink as they minister to students on the UNI campus with Navigators.

God has provided us with two freshman students, Holly and Nolan, who we are reading the gospel of John with. At the beginning of the semester, Holly shared with Erin that she grew up attending church, but wanted to learn how to grow in her own relationship with God now that she is in college. Holly has expressed that it has been amazing to actually read for herself in the scriptures the stories that she learned about as a kid in Sunday school. Pray for Jon & Erin to continue to move towards non-believing students in Noehren Hall that they may see Jesus for who He is, and that they would clearly communicate the Gospel in love.

Jon met an international student (Khalid—name changed to protect his privacy) as he was initiating conversations about Jesus around campus. To Jon’s surprise, Khalid asked if he could join Jon for church. Since then, they have been spending a lot of relational time together and discussing the things that Khalid has been learning from God’s word. Pray for Jon & Erin to have long lasting and Christ-centered friendships between students within their Bible studies. Sunday school will resume on January 7. Gather and Grow Schedule January 7 Mathew 5-7 The Sermon on the Mount What does Jesus teach in His sermon on the mount?

January 14 Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15 Parable of the Sower How do people respond to the Gospel?

January 21 Luke 15 The Three Parables What does it mean to be lost? January 28 Matthew 22:1-14

Parable of the Wedding Feast Who is invited to the Kingdom of Heaven?

Children and Worship January 14 8:30 only Leader Kelly Van Gelder Helpers Brett Van Gelder and Cherie Van Donkelaar

January 28 8:30 only Leader Amanda Dykstra Helpers Susan Leusink and Ashlyn Aberson

Pioneer Club Pioneer Club will meet on January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. January 24 will be Pal night! Adult pals, please bring along a couple of your favorite books to read to your pal. Pajama attire would be great, but not required!!

Pinewood Derby will be on February 10. More information will be in the bulletin and a signup sheet will be at the information table soon!

Pioneer Club planning night will take place on January 28. Please check bulletin for starting time!

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 AM Staff 5:15 Family Night 8:30 AM Meeting Meal Fellowship Through

6:30 PM Pioneer Club Fitness

1-5 PM Stitches 6:45 PM Youth Min- of Love istries

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8:30 & 10:45 AM - 8:30 AM 9 AM Staff 5:15 Family Night 8:30 AM Fellowship Through Meal Fellowship Through Dan DV Meeting Fitness 6:30 PM Pioneer Club Fitness 9:35-10:35 AM 6:30 PM 6:45 PM Youth Min- Sunday School 7:30 PM Good Consistory istries News Bible Study Meeting

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 8:30 & 10:45 AM - 8:30 AM 9 AM Staff 5:15 Family Night 8:30 AM 6 PM Consistory Pastor Wick Fellowship Through Meeting Meal Fellowship Through Recycled Retreat

Fitness 6:30 PM Pioneer Club Fitness Teenagers @ 9:35-10:35 AM 1-5 PM Stitches Sioux County Sunday School of Love 6:45 PM Youth Min- istries Livestock in 6:30 PM VALUE 7 PM Mission Sioux Center Night - Worship Team Meeting Stations 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 8:30 & 10:45 AM - 8:30 AM 9 AM Staff 5:15 Family Night 8:30 AM 6:30 AM Elders Fellowship Through Meal Fellowship Through Breakfast Rog Voskuil Meeting Fitness Fitness 9:35-10:35 AM 6:30 PM Pioneer Club 7-9 PM Yarn PAL Party Sunday School 1-4 PM Yarn Con- Connection nection 6:45 PM Youth Min- istries 7 PM Faith Bible Study 28 29 30 31 8:30 & 10:45 AM - 8:30 AM 9 AM Staff Jill Ver Steeg Fellowship Through Meeting Fitness 9:35-10:35 AM Sunday School