WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS — MAY 3, 2015

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS — MAY 3, 2015
Offering Today: General Operating Fund
Your gift to this fund will allow us to continue our kingdom work here at Grace by offering many
ministry programs. It also provides the funds needed to maintain our facility and compensate our staff.
Next Sunday: Mission Fund
Your donation today will help support 7 missionaries around the world and here in the U.S. that our
church has chosen to sponsor: Alan Breems-Evangelist Training Program, Moreno Valley, CA; John
Hoekwater-Church Planting, Rogers Park, IL; Jimmy Lin-BTGMI, Chines Broadcasting; Sergei SosedkinBTGMI, Russian Broadcasting; Harold Kallemeyn-Timothy Leadership Training, French Speaking Africa;
Steve Michmerhuizen, CR World Missions, Romania; and Evy Smith-CR World Missions, Mali, Africa.
This morning, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In worship, we celebrate the love of Christ for us,
a loving care he demonstrated in dying on the cross. In the power of his resurrection, he calls us to
reply to his care by caring for one another. As we pass the trays of bread and cup, we serve one
another. Whether we come forward ore remain in our seats, you are invited to say to those you serve,
“the body of Christ, given for you” and “the blood of Christ, shed for you”. We serve one another in
thanks for the way Christ gives and serves us in our need.
Our Faith Story: How might you share your story with your friends, family and circles of care? Erik
Kamp is leading a class designed to help you better understand and express your story in the light of
the Bible’s story. The class is held in room 3 (next to the library), beginning shortly after the close of
our worship service. All are welcome to attend.
Pastor’s Class: Tuesday, May 5 @ 7pm. Pastor Kooy will begin a class designed to help you learn
more about Grace Community Church and consider preparing for membership or profession of faith.
Contact Pastor Kooy (636-2848) if you are interested or would like more information.
Dennis & Jeni Hoekstra, Partners Worldwide. One of their Kenya Christin
economic development projects is a demonstration and training dairy. The dairy has potential for making self-help improvements to many impoverished families. You will find a letter from the Hoekstra's describing this
dairy, and a new giving opportunity, in our Reflections of Grace newsletter. Pray that God will use this
project to help Kenyan people “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
National Day of Prayer Service—May 7 at 7pm: This Thursday, pray with others
for our community, government, and the advance of the Kingdom of God at Grace
Community CRC on the National Day of Prayer. With one voice, we pray for God’s
blessing, power, and guidance for our community and our churches. Come at 7pm for
prayer and stay for a time of fellowship over coffee afterwards.
Classic Car Show and?: Preliminary plans are being put together to have this community friendly
event here at Grace Church. If you are interested in helping out with planning and/or helping the
day of, or if you have some good ideas for what could be a part of this event, please contact Barb
Wassenaar. We’ll need many hands & ideas to make this work! An “idea” meeting has been tentatively
scheduled for Tues., May 26 at 7pm to discuss options. (423-9339 or barv857@hotmail.com)
Email Prayer Chain: Our email prayer chain coordinator, Marilyn Brucken is not be available this
weekend, May 1-3. If you have a prayer chain request, please direct it to Gloria Kamper on those days.
Marilyn will return on Monday, May 4. Send your requests to: gjbk82@sbcglobal.net
The May issue of our Reflections of Grace newsletter is in your church mailbox today.
Did you know that we also have an online version at www.gccrc.org/church_newsletter?
Art Connect will meet Saturday, May 9 from 1-2:30pm. We’ll be P.O.P. (Potpourri of Projects!). Join
us and bring a friend to this FREE activity! Meet new friends while you’re here!
Let’s create a visual witness to the fact that God answers prayer by posting answers to our
prayers on the Prayer Bulletin Board! Post-it notes and a pen are available at the Prayer
Board (located in the main hallway).
Sanctuary Roof Replacement: Thank You to those who have responded to this need.
Total cost of the repair was $67,885.00; total pledges: $28,930.00; Total received to date: $23,317.00.
Thank you again for your support of this campaign. We request pledges and donations to be in by the end
of our fiscal year: June 30, 2015.
—LaVerne Yff underwent brain surgery this past week to remove clotted blood. She is
recuperating at Loyola University Medical Center (2160 S 1st Ave., Maywood, IL 60153). We
give thanks for a successful surgery and pray for God’s healing and ongoing grace for LaVerne
and John.
—Ben Dykstra had cataract surgery this past week and will be undergoing corrective laser
surgery this coming week. we pray for God to continue to hold Ben in his healing care.
—Marion Sperling is recovering from spinal fusion surgery to repair a cracked vertebrae. We pray that
God will give his healing mercy and relief from discomfort to Marion as she rests in the Lord.
—Phyllis Johnson continues her recovery from cataract surgery. We pray for God to continue to heal
Phyllis, as she prepares for cataract surgery for her other eye.
—Connie Dykstra is in Providence Rehab in Downer’s Grove. We pray for God’s renewal and strength as
Connie waits on the Lord. Connie has a new address: Saratoga Grove, Unit 214, 3460 Saratoga Ave.,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
—Lynne Wiegers was in therapy at Silver Cross Hospital in Homer Glen following back surgery, but
thankfully has returned home. We pray for God’s strength and grace for Lynne as she recovers.
—We Continue to Pray for: those serving in the military & their families, and those in continuing care or
homebound, including: Anamae Blaha, Ella Bruinius, Helena Creaney, Flo Dekker, Connie Dykstra,
Jeannette Fischer, Bernice Hoekstra, Evelyn Jonker, Herm Kok, Mason Patterson, Mary Peterson, Rose Pels,
John & Gloria Roos, Tina Stovall, Jeanette Veen, Ange Vloedman, and Evelyn Vloedman.
The Deacons gratefully acknowledge
General Fund
$19,221.57
Benevolence Fund
450.33
Mission Fund
1,847.45
Christian Ed. Fund
140.00
the following receipts for April:
Capital Imp./roof
$3,922.00
Roseland CM Center
271.25
Home Missions
967.00
REACH Youth Group
125.00
GCCRC GEMS
GEMS-Gr. Rapids
Ministry Shares
$ 20.00
373.00
342.83
The History of Midway Airport: David Kent, author of “Images of Aviation: Midway Airport”, will discuss
the fascinating history of Midway Airport, which became the world’s busiest and served as the Crossroads of
the World from 1931-1961, on Wed., May 13 at 7pm at the Oak Lawn Library (9427 S. Raymond). Books
will be available for purchase following the presentation. For more information, call 422-4990 or visit:
www.olpl.org.
Southwest Chgo. Christian Preschool (Oak Lawn campus) has openings for its 3 & 4 year old half-day
and full-day programs. Choose 2,3 or 5 days/week. Call 388-7656 for more information or to schedule a
tour. Visit us on the web at: www.swchristian.org.