ORDER of WORSHIP
January 12, 2014 – 9:30 A.M.
GOD CALLS US TO WORSHIP
Prelude - John Breur, organist
Welcome
*God’s Greeting / Mutual Greeting
*Praise Time
“Our God is An Awesome God” ~ Blue Hymnal #179
“Fairest, Lord Jesus” ~ Blue Hymnal #87:1&4
“When Peace Like a River” ~ Blue Hymnal #705:1
WE REMEMBER GOD’S WORK OF SALVATION
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison):
Holy and merciful God, in Your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against You. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from Your ways, in wasting Your gifts, in forgetting Your love. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease You. Forgive our sins, and help us to live in Your light and walk in Your ways for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: “When Peace Like a River” ~ verses 2&3
Congregational Prayer
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN HIS WORD
Children’s Message: Pastor Chris
(Children may leave for Junior Church)
Scripture: Revelation 2:8~11 (pp. 1914)
Sermon: “Smyrna: The Church of the Persevering Persecuted”
~ Pastor Christian Pedersen
Prayer of Response
*Song of Response: “When Trials Come” (see bulletin insert)
WE RESPOND WITH DEDICATION AND PRAYER
Announcements
Offerings: 1st: Cedar Hill Ministries; 2nd: Cadets
Offertory Prayer
GOD SENDS US INTO HIS WORLD
*God’s Blessing
*Doxology: “When Peace Like a River” ~ Blue Hymnal #705:4
*Postlude
*You are invited to stand.
The congregation is invited to join the Faber family in the fellowship hall following morning worship as we celebrate
Ella’s first birthday with refreshments.
In reverence and respect to God,
Kindly turn off all cell phones and electronic devices during the worship service. Thank you.
Sermon Notes:
Smyrna Background
City: Smyrna was called “the crown of Asia” and “the flower of Asia.”
1. Strong hold of the Roman Empire
2. Large Jewish community in Smyrna
*Smyrna Christians are a minority
Revelation 2:8-11— Jesus’ Words to the church…
Christ Title (v.8) “The First & the Last”
+Our lives our {Bracketed} by Jesus Christ.
Commendation to church (v.9)
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!
Affliction—I know your thlipsis=crushing pressure. (Think of weight on your chest).
What does Jesus say he will do??? (v.10)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
The kingdom of God crushing and grinding against the kingdom of rebellion. Thlipsis is that pressure of colliding values.
Complaint to church—NONE!
Correction for church—NONE!
+Smyrna was “sold out to the Kingdom of God.”
+Satan can’t but still tries to hurt Jesus, so he goes after the cause of Christ—the church.
“You personally are of no interest to Satan. It is only as you relate to Christ that you have significance in the enemies eyes.”
Consequence (v.10)“I will give you the crown of life.”
“The one who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (v.11)
+“Being faithful in the small things is being sold out to the Kingdom of God.”
WELCOME
Welcome to Sunday Worship at Cedar Hill CRC. We are glad you are here with us this morning. If you are a visitor, please see the back of the bulletin for information about our church. Please fill out a Visitor Card found in the pew and place it in the offering plate or leave it at the Welcome Center.
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
January 12 ~ 9:30 A.M.: Pastor Chris will give a message entitled, “Smyrna: The Church of the Persevering Persecuted”.
6:00 P.M.: Joint worship with our sister churches at MPCRC.
January 19 ~ 9:30 A.M.: We will welcome Pastor Trevor Rubingh to our pulpit next Sunday morning. He will preach on Matthew 25:14-30, “What if God is Good?”
6:00 PM ~ We will welcome Eric Fluit, Spiritual Director at the Holland Christian Home, to our pulpit.
WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION
This Week – January 12, 2013
OFFERINGS: 1st: Cedar Hill Ministries, 2nd: Cadets
GREETERS: Welcome Team #2
USHERS: Bill Heerema, Roy Heerema, Harold Kuipers
NURSERY: Infant: Nancy Martin; Toddler: Kristen Borduin, Jared Post
CH. CHURCH: Barbie Resch/Brenda Strasser, Samantha Cubias
JR. CHURCH: Laura and Dana Carey
Next Week – January 19, 2013
OFFERINGS: 1st: Cedar Hill Ministries, 2nd: Building Fund
GREETERS: Welcome Team #3
USHERS: AM: Pete Ten Kate, Sr., Marilyn Chickey, Joe Chickey
PM: Walter Shurminsky, Robert Dykstra, Michael Steiginga
NURSERY: Infant: Jeanne Veenstra
Toddler: Karen Borduin, Jenna Dyksen
CH. CHURCH: JoAnn Angeluicci/Raegan Heerema, Jason Englishmen
JR. CHURCH: No Junior Church.
CEDAR HILL CHURCH
PASTOR NOTES
Pastor Chris will be away for his annual week of study from January 13 through January 20. Prayers for safe travels and for a week of learning that can be fruitful for the ministry and mission of Cedar Hill Church are appreciated. If any pastoral needs arise during the week, please contact Rick Botbyl, Vice President of Council, at 973-464-6986.
Adult Sunday School: There will be no Adult Sunday School today, January 12. Next Sunday, January 19, Jack Darakjy, esq. will speak about the persecution that Christians face in the Middle East.
DEACON NOTES
The Deacons will be collecting for the Philippines Disaster Relief. Donations can be deposited in any collection plate until the end of January. Mark the envelope “Disaster Relief”.
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
Join us for our Circle of Prayer meeting this Thursday evening at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Jesus invites you to come and pray to our Father together.
COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY
We will meet for Coffee Break this Tuesday, January 14. Refreshments begin at 9:30 AM and lesson discussion at 10 AM. The lesson is from Book 2, Lesson 12, “Promise and Blessings in a Foreign Land.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TREASURER’S UPDATE
YTD income from collections: $210,629
YTD budgeted income: $224,888
Income less expenses: (-$14,259)
We have started to withhold Synodical Ministry Shares so that we can continue to pay our bills. Please prayerfully consider your tithing.
POINSETTIAS
If you ordered a memorial poinsettia, please pick them up in the sanctuary following this morning’s service.
ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS MUSIC
If you have any orchestra Christmas music, please return it to Sharon Van Der Heide’s box as we save this music from year to year.
CADETS
Cadets meet Tuesday at 6:45 PM.
MEALS FOR THE FABERS
If you would like to gift the Faber family with a meal, visit www.TakeThemAMeal.com. Last name: Faber, password: ellenfaber.
PRAYER TIME
Another opportunity for communal prayer at Cedar Hill Church. Start the new year off by joining in fellowship and prayer on Wednesday mornings at 6:15 AM in the Youth Room. Hope to see you there!
HOMELESS PROGRAM
Sign up for the Homeless Program, which runs through March 28. We need drivers, prepared meals, and men to stay overnight. Prayerfully consider how you can participate.
THE JANUARY SERIES
You are invited to the Calvin College January Series each weekday through January 28 at Cedar Hill Church. Each lecture will be shown via a "live feed" from Calvin College. Cedar Hill Church is one of 44 remote webcast sites across the continent. For information about the speakers and topics, visit the January Series website at www.calvin.edu/january/2014. Don't miss out on this chance to hear fabulous lectures and experience a piece of Calvin College right here in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
YOUTHQUEST NEWS
Please pray for all the kids and leaders who are away this weekend on the Heirborne Winter Retreat.
Heirborne: (7th & 8th Grades):
Parents: If your children are on the retreat, please pick them up at Cedar Hill today at 4:30 PM.
On January 22, we have a regular meeting from 7 ~ 9 PM at Cedar Hill CRC. Come, play games, have snacks, worship and learn more about God.
LinC: (9th through 12th Grades):
Join us on tonight from 6 ~ 8:30 PM at Cedar Hill CRC (NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION) to have dinner, play games, worship and conversate. Remember to bring your Bibles.
Hoagie Sale: LinC is selling hoagies with proceeds to benefit the Ghana Trip. Purchase a hoagie for your family or for the homeless. Orders can be picked up on Saturday, February 1st at 11 AM. Pick up a form at the welcome center and place it in the box along with payment. Order deadline is Monday, January 27.
A CULTURE OF PRAYER
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge…You, O God, are strong…You, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62:8, 11-12
JANUARY 12, 2014
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ~
Marilyn Bushman wishes to thank the congregation for their cards, prayers, and concerns offered up on her behalf following her recent neck injury. Continue to pray for a full and complete recovery.
The Vander Plaat Family thanks the Cedar Hill Church family for supporting them with prayers while Jack was hospitalized. Thank you to Pastor Chris, Bill Peters, Rick Botbyl, and several other council members for their visits to Jack. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
PRAY FOR HEALING AND GOOD HEALTH ~
Continue to pray for Regine Andre as she deals with some health issues. Her address is 323 Grier Avenue, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202.
Continue to pray for Ellen Faber as she resumes chemo treatments—for renewed health and continued strength.
Joey Post has sustained a fractured collarbone while snowboarding this past week. Pray for a complete recovery.
Bea Spalt’s brother, Andrew Van Beveren, is currently at Regency Nursing Home in Wayne while he recuperates from surgery. Please keep him in your prayers for renewed health and strength.
Jackie Zuidema is recovering at Valley Hospital following surgery. Pray for a complete recovery and renewed strength.
Pray for our expecting moms and their families: Kristen and Craig Borduin (7/16/14); pray for good health for Kristen and her baby.
ONGOING CONCERNS ~
Kassie Borduin Ellen Faber Gert Troast Judy Van Heemst
OUR HOMEBOUND & THEIR CAREGIVERS ~
Edna Smith Marge Moses Emma Schuil
Rachel Smith Neal Bushoven Don Kreil
Pray for Mission Outreach
ACROSS THE SEA – ACROSS THE STREET
Local Church Plants – Home Missions – World Missions
Classis Hudson & Hackensack Church Plants: This week, we pray for New Horizons Church in Paterson and Pastor Marco Avila. Also pray for Grace Community Chapel in South Brunswick and Pastor Jae Park.
The Luke Society: At this time of year, we are particularly mindful of God’s provisions and saving grace. But as we bring the year to a close and prepare for a new year, we are also reminded of His faithfulness throughout the year. Thank you, Cedar Hill Church, for your continual support and the gifts you have given to help support Christian men and women in over 40 locations around the world to touch lives in Jesus’ name.
World Renew: Philippines Typhoon Haiyan—On November 8, a super typhoon battered the central Philippines, affecting 11.3 million people, displacing 673,000 people and killing an estimated 2,500 people. Through the CRC in the Philippines and Philippine Relief and Development Services, World Renew is providing emergency food assistance, temporary shelter, and hygiene kits to those most in need. Your support is vital. Donations marked “Philippines Typhoon Haiyan 2013” can be made online at worldrenew.net/haiyan, by calling 1-800-552-7972, or sending a check to 1700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Please donate today!
Hand Raising on the Network: In school, if you had a question, you’d raise your hand. But what if you have a question about serving in ministry at your church? What would you do? Where would you go? The Network is the place to find answers, resources, and ideas for serving in your church. As you continue your ministry year learn, share, and connect with others in ministry on the Network—www.crcna.org/network.
PRAYER LINES ~ Call 201-652-4277, ext. 2, to hear the prayer line, which is updated each Friday afternoon with the latest on our congregational needs. You can also check our denominational prayer requests at 888-CRC-PRAY or www.crcna.org/pray.
Pray for our missionaries . . . .
Jesus invites YOU!
to talk with His (our) Father
Join us for our
Circle of Prayer meeting
January 16 at 7 p.m.
At His Church
"Christ’s Family at Prayer TOGETHER"
This week at Cedar Hill Church
January 5, 2014 ~ January 11, 2014
SUNDAY
9:30 AM ~ Worship Service (Sanctuary)
11:00 AM ~ Children’s Sunday School, Catechism, NO Adult Sunday School
12:30 PM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall)
4:30 PM ~ Kingdom Kids Choir Rehearsal (Basement) Snack: Hannah Post
4:30 PM ~ LinC Youth Group (Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall/Kitchen)
6:00 PM ~ Evening Worship at Midland Park CRC
MONDAY
12:30 PM ~ January Series (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM ~ Deacon Meeting (Deacon Room)
7:00 PM ~ Cedar Hill Stitchers (Library)
7:30 PM ~ Elder Meeting (Council Room)
8:00 PM ~ Barbershop Chorus (Fellowship Hall)
TUESDAY
9:00 AM ~ Bible Study Fellowship Leader’s Meeting (Council Room)
9:30 AM ~ Coffee Break Bible Study (Youth Room/Deacon Room)
12:30 PM ~ January Series (Sanctuary)
6:45 PM ~ Cadets
8:45 PM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary)
WEDNESDAY
6:15 AM ~ Wednesday Morning Prayer Time (Youth Room)
9:00 AM ~ Bible Study Fellowship Meeting (Entire Church)
12:30 PM ~ January Series (Sanctuary)
THURSDAY
12:30 PM ~ Calvin College’s January Series (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM ~ Parkinson’s Support Group (Fellowship Hall)
7:00 PM ~ Circle of Prayer Meeting (Sanctuary)
7:30 PM ~ Worship Team Meeting (Sanctuary)
FRIDAY
12:30 PM ~ Calvin College’s January Series (Sanctuary)