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January 2008

Pastor’s Page

A Look Back at 2007

When you have to fill in the date, have you gotten used to writing 2008? Another year has come and gone. So many things have taken place. Again I share my annual look at the significant events in the life of our church.

January

- We installed Doug Gritter as our new Elder and Jerry Colvin as our new Deacon.

- The Council and Team Leaders met for a retreat at Queen’s Inn.

- We remodeled the front of the sanctuary and storage rooms in the basement.

- Small Groups began a study of Joshua.

February

- The Council and Team Leaders laid plans to engage our community in 2007.

- The Junior High group went on a retreat.

- We collected baby bottles filled with coins for Lakeshore Pregnancy Resource Center.

March

- We had fun with a pizza and movie night.

- Val Jager professed her faith and discipleship.

April

- We hosted a blood drive.

- We celebrated Good Friday & Easter!

- New carpeting was installed.

- Members made Faith Promise pledges for missions.

- Thousands of pig-in-the-blankets were made.

May

- The Mississippi Mission Team sold flowers.

- A Community Garden was started.

- Rachel Sal graduated from college.

- Ashley Grant, Stacey Hokse, Kevan Siebelink, and Julie Van Der Wiele graduated from High School.

June

- W. Michigan Teen Challenge presented God’s powerful work in delivering people.

- The Christian Reformed Church celebrated its 150^th Anniversary with a worship service.

- Julie Van Der Wiele went to Israel.

- Remodeling was done at Allen Kool’s house.

July

- 11 members served in Cary, Mississippi.

- The Jagers traveled to India.

- The Saugatuck Art Club used our parking lot for their craft fair.

August

- Dan Sal and Teresa Philips got married!

- 32 children learned about Jesus at VBS.

- Tony Schippa offered CPR Training.

September

- Palmer White became our Youth Director!

- Small Groups met to study “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve to Get Out of the Boat”.

- We gathered to discuss the Leadership Training Video “It’s All About People”.

October

- We had a blast at the corn maze and supper at the Greydanus’.

- Many enjoyed lunch at the Saugatuck Fire Department Open House.

- Pastor Haagsma preached and plans were explained for a new building for Kibbie CRC.

- 1000’s more pig-in-the-blankets were made.

- Many children came and enjoyed Trunk or Treat in our parking lot.

November

- Jim Greydanus and Pastor Dave attended a retreat for leaders of small churches.

- The Harbours residents were treated to window cleaning by several volunteers.

- The Senior High went on a mission trip.

- The Council & Team Leaders reviewed 2007 and laid plans to continue to engage our community in 2008.

- We celebrated all of God’s blessings at our Thanksgiving service.

- Ashley Grant professed her faith in Jesus!

December

- At our annual congregation meeting Doug DeJonge was selected as Elder and Jane DeJonge as Deacon.

- Members served at the Christian Neighbors Christmas Party.

- The Sunday School presented a telling of the Christmas story as many guests came to hear.

- The Harbours residents were treated to Christmas caroling.

- We gathered on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

- The Young Adults had a supper & discussion with the Council.

- We ended the year with a movie night and goodies, reflecting on all of God’s gifts to us.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good;

His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

– Pastor Dave
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Our Mission from the Master

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:18-19

1. Please pray for the planning of the mission trip for next summer.

2. Please pray for our missionaries, John Paul and Katy Sundararajan. J.P. will be traveling to the Philippines where he will be attending a conference for a week before making a stop in India on his way back to the US. Pray for their work with Audio Scripture Ministries. See J.P.’s blog site at http://spaces.msn.com/jpsunda

3. Zuni Christian School (New Mexico)

Please pray for continued progress on the Mission’s temporary permit for leasing property to build a new building. They are very thankful for the positive outcome of a recent meeting with the Zuni Tribal Council and they ask that God will continue to guide them through this process.

The Mission is offering some special educational opportunities for parents. In November, they had two parenting classes that were well received. Now they are making arrangements for some classes in financial management. It is not uncommon to see people in their community make poor financial decisions. Often, despite limited resources, the lure of the material world can overcome a person’s judgment and sense of responsibility. Pray that they can have a positive influence on the parents through the financial management classes and in the ways they hold parents accountable for the tuition commitment they have made.

4. Roseland Christian Ministries (Chicago, IL)

Last November our Senior High Youth Group served at the Roseland Christian Ministries Center. We received these prayer requests from them. Please pray for: housing, food, health, and deliverance from addictions. They thank God for the privilege of being able to serve the inner city of Chicago.

5. Thank you for your faithful giving with the Faith Promise Missionary support for J.P. and Katy. So far $5540 has been pledged for 2008. Our goal is $6000. Prayerfully consider how much you would like to give in 2008 for their support. Please turn in your card with your Faith Promise pledge if you haven’t done so.

6. Please pray for the Missions Team as they arrange for speakers to come on Sunday evenings for the upcoming months.

The Missions Team

Pastor Dave & Ruth

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Everyday Cheapskate Title

by Mary Hunt

Helpful hints from the author of Debt Proof Living (formerly Cheapskate Monthly) and her readers.

Dear Mary,

How do I get red nail polish out of gray carpet? Is this even possible? Betty, email

Dear Betty,

Yikes, this is one of the biggest challenges ever. But there is a way. Get some non-acetone nail polish remover that has no fragrance or color added. Next, take a white cloth and dip in the remover. Perform a test on a hidden part of the carpet (inside a closet or on a piece of remnant) by blotting on the carpet. If color transfers to the cloth or the carpet fiber “melts,” call a carpet care professional. If your carpet is color safe, apply the remover to the stained area. Do not rub, simply blot. This may take some time. Just keep blotting until the polish is gone.

If a stain remains, make a solution of one teaspoon of original blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and one quart of warm water. Apply enough solution to cover the stain and let soak for five minutes. Blot the excess moisture and rinse with warm water. Blot thoroughly with a clean cloth. If the stain reappears after drying, repeat. That should do it.

No More Laundry Stain Blues

Of all my pet peeves (yes, I do have more than a few), I put laundry stains right up at the top of the list. That’s why I was so interested to read today’s first great reader tip. Blueberry stains are one of the most challenging. But who knew they could also be one of the easiest to remove!

BLUEBERRY STAINS. My family eats a lot of blueberries and gets the juice on their clothes. I keep a spray bottle of water and vinegar mixture by my clothes washer and whenever a blueberry stain shows up I spray the mixture on it and the stain turns pink. I throw it in the washer with the other clothes and it comes out perfectly. Kristen, Washington

PUPPY STAINS. Our college daughter gave us a puppy. Of course, there were accidents on the rug. My daughter told me to blot the spot with a paper towel, sprinkle 1/4-inch baking soda on the spot and let it dry for about 24 hours. Then I just vacuum up the dried baking soda. It works great! Marie S., Indiana

FLUFF AS YOU DRY. When I dry comforters, sheets, blankets or anything that just wads up in the dryer, I also throw in a tennis ball. It separates the sheets, blankets, etc. It only costs a few buck for three cheap balls. The kicker is they last forever, and your linens dry much faster, saving electricity. Patricia M., email

ANTS BE GONE. To get rid of those annoying little kitchen ants, lay out dryer fabric sheets. Put them behind your canisters, appliances and even bathroom sinks. The ants will quickly disappear. Melissa, Tennessee

I’m proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud of half the money. —Arthur Godfrey

WRINKLE-FREE. I purchased the spray-on wrinkle remover and while it worked well, I could not stand the odor of the chemicals. I really hate to iron, so I experimented and found that spraying down an item of clothing with plain water works just as well. Once sprayed, I stretch the item and then hang it to dry. Once dried, the item is 95 percent wrinkle-free with no odor and no expense. My son even keeps a spray bottle of water in his room for the same purpose. It is easy to stick an empty spray bottle in a suitcase and perfect for a dorm room, too. Ginger, email

In the News

Primary Ballot Michigan’s Presidential Primary Election

will take place on Tuesday, January 15. Both parties will hold elections although it is unclear at this time what role the results will play due to sanctions from the national party. At this time, Republicans have been told only half of their delegates will be seated, while Democrats will be denied all of their delegates at the national convention.

“It’s still very important to vote in the primary election because history has shown that national party sanctions do not always carry through to the convention itself,” said Michigan Family Forum Executive Director Brad Snavely. “MFF encourages everyone to vote for the candidate they choose, keeping in mind that due to changes in how Michigan’s primary is conducted, it will be necessary to declare a party at the polling location to receive that party’s ballot.”

USA Today has a “Candidate Match Game” website available where users can input information to find out which candidate best reflects their views. Visit www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm to give it a try.

Supreme Court House The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a case challenging Michigan’s “Legal Birth Definition Act.” The law was struck down by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and with the Supreme Court’s decision, is now null and void.

The Legal Birth Definition Act defined a legal birth as having taken place if any part of the baby had passed an anatomically-defined plane on the mother’s body. At the time, supporters of the legislation, hoped it would pass constitutional muster to effectively outlaw partial-birth abortions.

Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme court upheld the federal ban on partial-birth abortions last year, outlawing the practice in all 50 states. State lawmakers have crafted a bill modeled after the federal law that would also outlaw partial-birth abortions in Michigan in case the federal ban is ever overturned by the courts and to ensure state enforcement of the law.

Father and Son

Governor Jennifer Granholm has issued a proclamation declaring February “Responsible Fatherhood Awareness Month.”

The proclamation states that “nurturing fathers strengthen Michigan families and are key to children receiving the parenting they need and deserve to thrive.” It also says that “fathers who actively participate in the lives of their children reduce the risks of childhood poverty, child mental illness, juvenile delinquency, youth sexual activity, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, and failure to complete high school.”

Michigan Family Forum Executive Director Brad Snavely commended the Governor, saying “The proclamation supports our position that fathers and mothers are both important to a child’s well-being, and that active, nurturing fathers are a key component for a child to have a successful future.”

Tax Day ClipArt Tax Help for Teens

Have you just gotten your very first W-2? Are you wondering what you are supposed to do with it? Give Sue Sal a call to get help completing your tax returns. 616 396-6571, ext 28 or 269 751-7283

There is no charge.

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Sanctity of Life Sunday ClipArt

Life is a gift from God that more valuable than we can even imagine. This wonderful gift deserves respect and protection from harm. As people of God, we must proclaim that each human life is created with purpose and value. Come share in the worship of our creator God on Sunday, January 20^th, as we celebrate the Sanctity of Life!

The annual March for Life is planned for Monday, January 21 at 7 p.m. The walk will begin at Centennial Park in Holland and end at the Civic Center. Pamela Sherstad from Right to Life of Michigan, will share some remarks as we mark the 35^th anniversary of the date of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973 which legalized abortion throughout our country during the entire nine months of a woman’s pregnancy.

Come out and march with family and friends!

Grandfather and Granddaughter ClipArt Plan to attend the 35^th Annual Pro-Life Rally on Thursday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. at Third CRC, 10 West Central Ave., Zeeland. Ed Rivet II, Legislative Director for Right to Life of Michigan will speak, sharing insight on the work to protect patients’ rights, banning assisted suicide and human cloning. Ed is a native of Bay City, Michigan and holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Michigan State University. Special Music will be provided by Don Edema. All are welcome, there is no admission. A freewill offering will be taken.

This Weeks Bulletin - Computer Be sure to visit www.saugatuckcrc.org to check out the new Church Calendar. Events may be added by team leaders at any time.

You may also want to sign up for the e-bulletin, which will come to you even when you can’t make it to church.

Youth Group

Well, 2008 is here (hard to believe, I know.) November and December were fun months for both youth groups. The Junior High are learning some of the stories of the Old Testament, such as Samson and Daniel. We will continue to work through the heroes, covering Gideon and David in January.

Thank You Very Much ClipArt Senior High was given the assignment to perform random acts of kindness for strangers. I am excited to hear some of the stories this month.

Thank you to everyone who showed up for Thanksgiving dinner, it was a huge success and it went a long way toward lowering the cost of our Spring Hill trip.

The theme of our weekend at Spring Hill will be “Identified”. The message is based on Galatians 2. Students will be challenged to seek their true identity. Teens today redefine themselves online, at school, alone, at church and at home. The hope is that they will discover that their identity lies in the fact that God identified them before they were born to be His. God sent His son to be one of us so we could have someone to identify with. The Feb 1 to 3 weekend will be spent getting down to the nitty, gritty of who we are and how we have been identified.

Youth Group ClipArt We are working on being servant leaders so if you have anything that needs to be done around your house, or know of anyone who does, let me know. My phone number is (616) 836-2316.

Thank you and God bless.

Palmer

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Reciprocal Language Partnership (RLP) classes forming

RLP classes pair native Spanish-speakers seeking to learn English with native English-speakers seeking to learn Spanish. Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 classes will be offered at Fellowship Reformed Church on Mondays, at SouthSide Christian School on Tuesdays, and a First Presbyterian Church on Thursdays. An Intermediate Class will also be offered on Tuesday evenings at First Presbyterian Church. All classes are held from 6:30 to 8:45 pm and include bi-lingual child care.

Globe ClipArt People interested in the classes must attend an informational meeting to sign up. These meetings are Jan 14 at Fellowship Reformed, Jan 15 at South Side Christian School, and Jan 17 at First Presbyterian Church. Native Spanish speakers should come at 6:30 pm and native English speakers at 7:30 pm.