Welcome to First Christian Reformed Church! Pastor John Knoester

January 1, 2017

New Year’s Day Service

10:30 A.M. Worship Service * Please stand if you are able. * At key moments in their history, the people of God in the Old Testament renewed their covenant relationship with God. The following service is based on one of these moments as described in Joshua 24. This morning’s service invites us to reenact the story as our own as we transition into a new year.

“O God, our help in ages past,”

Prelude: Sylvia Van Zanten Welcome / Announcements * Call to Worship: Psalm 90:1-2

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

* Opening Hymn of Praise: LUYH #565:1-3 “God Himself Is With Us”

1. God himself is with us; let us now adore him, and with awe appear before him. God is in his temple; all within keep silence, prostrate lie with deepest reverence. Him alone do we own as our God and Savior; praise his name forever.

2. God himself is with us; hear the harps resounding! See the crowds the throne surrounding! “Holy, holy, holy,” hear the hymn ascending, angels, saints, their voices blending! Bow your ear to us here; hear, O Christ, the praises that your church now raises.

3. Fount of every blessing, purify my spirit, trusting only in your merit. Like the holy angels who behold your glory, may I ceaselessly adore you, and in all, great and small, seek to do most nearly what you love so dearly. Words: Gerhardt Tersteegen (1729); tr. composite, P.D.; Music: Joachim Neander, 1680, P.D.; CCLI #678905

* God’s Greeting / We Greet Each Other

* Song of Praise: LUYH #7:1-4 “Sing Praise to the Lord, You People of Grace” 1. Sing praise to the Lord, you people of grace;

fill heaven with the songs that sound from this place; since you are God’s servants and meet in his name, his wonders declare and his glory proclaim.

Refrain Halle! Hallelujah! Halle! Halle! Hallelujah! Halle! Hallelujah! Halle! Halle! Hallelujah!

2. His greatness exceeds what words can explain, and his is the power no force can restrain; with fanfares of horns and crescendos of strings raise anthems to honor the King of all kings.

Refrain

3. Where music is made, let rhythms abound: let cymbals and drums add weight to the sound; with dance that is graceful and words that are clear, bring joy to the God you adore and revere.

Refrain

4. Yield all that you are to worship the Lord— see life as a psalm, each moment a chord; let harmonies flourish and melodies soar— let all that has breath praise the Lord evermore.

Refrain PSALM 150; Words: Martin Leckebusch © 2006 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.; Music: Swee Hong Lim, Singapore © 2000 and arr. © 2010 Swee Hong Lim, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik; All rights reserved. OneLicense.net License #A-711218

During the singing of the last verse, children ages 3-first grade are dismissed to the Koinonia room for Children & Worship.

“Our hope for years to come,”

Introduction to our Service Theme

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:1-13 Dennis & Melba De Kok Reader #1: Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders,

judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. 2 Joshua said to all the people,

Reader #2: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. 3 But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, 4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. 5 “ ‘Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. 6 When I brought your fathers out of Egypt, you came to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. 7 But they cried to the LORD for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the desert for a long time. 8 “ ‘I brought you to the land of the Amorites

who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and you took possession of their land. 9 When Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.

11 “ ‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. 12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. 13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’

Meditation: “We Remember God’s Faithfulness”

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Leader: O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. We give you thanks for all your mighty deeds for us and our salvation and we thank you for the reminders we experience in life of your goodness and your grace. For all the times we laughed until our sides ached, for all the times we were troubled and friends we didn't know we had sprang up from nowhere and ministered to us, for all the times we could have chosen evil over good but didn't, for all the times we could have been hurt but weren't, for all the times we could have died suddenly and unprepared, but didn't,

People: O Lord, we thank you.

Leader: For the sheer wonder of our creation, preservation, and redemption; for the privilege of prayer, the gift of the Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit; for the everlasting arms beneath us, the watchful eye above us, the friends around us, and the trust within us.

People: O Lord, we thank you.

Leader: For seedtime and harvest and food enough; for every good night's sleep and every good day's work; for every good friend and every grand sunset; for warm memories of the past and the promise of an eternal tomorrow; for eyes to see beauty, ears to hear a bird's song, hands to hold someone else's hands, and someone else's hands to hold;

People: O Lord, we thank you.

Leader: For all persons whose love for us is unconditional, and in whose presence we can drop all pretense, be ourselves, and know that we shall be accepted; for the one who calls us long distance and the one who calls us "darling," for the ones who call us "Dad or "Mom"; for the One who shall one day call us into eternity;

People: O Lord, we thank you.

Leader: For all your goodness and lovingkindness to us and to all people; for our creation, our preservation, and for all the blessings of this life; for your great faithfulness to us in ages past;

People: O Lord, we thank you.

Leader: But most of all, O God, we thank you for your unfathomable, unmerited, entirely undeserved love for us, made known in the redemption of your world in Jesus Christ, our Lord. In his name we pray, Amen. -adapted from "The Worship Sourcebook C.44.10 by Louis Lotz from For His Excellent Greatness, Reformed Church in American Northern Regional Center.

* Hymn of Response: LUYH #405:1-4,6 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” 1. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:

2. Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame, from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.

4. A thousand ages in your sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

6. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home! PSALM 90; Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748), 1719, alt., P.D.; Music: William Croft, 1708, P.D.; CCLI #678905

“Our shelter from the stormy blast,”

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:14-27 Reader #2: 14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Reader #1: 16 Then the people answered,

People: “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.”

Reader #1: 19 Joshua said to the people,

Reader #2: “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring

disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”

Reader #1: 21 But the people said to Joshua,

People: “No! We will serve the LORD.”

Reader #1: 22 Then Joshua said,

Reader #2: “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.”

People: “Yes, we are witnesses,” ….

Reader #2: 23 “Now then, … throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

Reader #1: 24 And the people said to Joshua,

People: “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.”

Reader #1: 25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the Lord.

Reader #2: “See! …. This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”

Meditation: “We Recommit Our Lives to God”

* Hymn of Response: LUYH #863:1-3 “Take My Life and Let It Be” 1. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee, swift and beautiful for thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee, filled with messages from thee. Words: Frances R. Havergal, 1874, P.D.; Music: H.A Cesar Malan, 1827, P.D.; CCLI #678905

* We Renew Our Baptismal Promises: Leader: Trusting in the gracious promises of God, do you renounce sin and the power of evil in your life and in the world?

People: I renounce them.

Leader: Who is your Lord and Savior?

People: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Leader: Do you believe in God the Father?

People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Leader: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Leader: Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying his Word and sowing his love?

People: I will, God helping me. —adapted from Sing! a New Creation 240

*Hymn of Response: LUYH #863:4-6 “Take My Life and Let It Be” 4. Take my silver and my gold;

not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose, every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart—it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne, it shall be thy royal throne.

6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee. Words: Frances R. Havergal, 1874, P.D.; Music: H.A Cesar Malan, 1827, P.D.; CCLI #678905

Offering: General Fund

“And our eternal home.”

God’s Law: Leader: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.

People: I sincerely acknowledge the only true God, trust him alone, look to him for every good thing, humbly and patiently, and love him, fear him, and honor him with all my heart. In short, I will give up anything rather than go against God’s will in any way.

Leader: You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

People: I will in no way make any image of God nor worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his Word.

Leader: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

People: I will use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that I may properly confess him, pray to him, and praise him in everything I do and say.

Leader: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

People: I will regularly attend the assembly of God’s people to learn what God’s Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring

Christian offerings for the poor. Every day of my life I will rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin already in this life the eternal Sabbath.

Leader: Honor your father and your mother.

People: I will honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me.

I will obey and submit to them, as is proper, when they correct and punish me; and I will be patient with their failings— for through them God chooses to rule us.

Leader: You shall not murder.

People: I will not belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor— not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—

and I will not be party to this in others; rather, I will put away all desire for revenge. I will not harm or recklessly endanger myself either.

Leader: You shall not commit adultery.

People: God condemns all unchastity. I therefore thoroughly detest it and will live a decent and chaste life.

Leader: You shall not steal.

People: I will do whatever I can for my neighbor’s good, treating others as I would like them to treat me, and I will work faithfully so that I may share with those in need.

Leader: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

People: I will love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it. And I will do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.

Leader: You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

People: With all my heart I will always hate sin And take pleasure in whatever is right. Text: based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A’s 92, 94, 96, 99, 103-105, 108, 111-113; Deuteronomy 5:6-21

Time of Prayer

Songs of Application: “You Are Mine” LUYH #430:1-4 Refrain (Solo)

Do not be afraid; I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you, and you are mine.”

Refrain (All) Do not be afraid; I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you, and you are mine.”

(Solo) 1. “I will come to you in the silence. I will lift you from all your fear. You will hear my voice. I claim you as my choice. Be still and know I am here.

(Solo) 2. “I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night I will be your light. Come and rest in me.

Refrain (All)

(Solo) 3. “I am strength for all the despairing, healing for the ones who dwell in shame. All the blind will see, the lame will all run free, and all will know my name.

Refrain (All)

(All Sing) 4. “I am the Word that leads all to freedom. I am the peace the world cannot give. I will call your name, embracing all your pain. Stand up, now walk, and live!

Refrain (All) Words & Music: David Haas (b. 1957) © 2005 GIA Publications, Inc.; CCLI #678905

* “The Stand” So what can I say? And what can I do,

but offer this heart, O God, completely to You? So what can I say? And what can I do, but offer this heart, O God, completely to You.

Chorus (3x) So I’ll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who gave it all. I’ll stand, my soul, Lord, to You surrendered. All I am is Yours.

Tag All I am is Yours. Music & Words by Joel Houston; ©2005 Hillsong Music Publishing: CCLI #678905

* God’s Blessing

* Postlude

On this first Sunday of the New Year, welcome to worship! We have come to honor and praise the living God who makes all things new. Paul reminds us that it is God who enables us to “walk in newness of life’ (Romans 6:4). Let us glorify God with that reality in mind. Blessings on one and all. After the worship service, we invite you to join us in the fellowship hall next to the sanctuary for a cup of coffee or juice and continued fellowship. Sunday School & Catechism classes will resume on January 8 at 9:30 a.m.

OUR CHURCH EVENTS

Today you will have opportunity to sign up to bring a casserole or dessert for the Friendship House on Wednesday, January 11. Servers are also needed. There will be a table in the Fellowship Hall where you can sign up and pick up a recipe. Monetary donations are accepted also. Any questions? Give Glenda Kok a call. The Elders will meet on Monday, January 2 at 7:00 p.m. GEMS will meet on Wednesday, January 4 at 6:30 pm. Golden Hour will meet on Thursday, January 5 at 1:30 p.m. Study James 3:13-18. FAMILY VISITING: The following is the family visiting schedule for January & February 2017. If your family is included in the list, please expect a call from the listed Elder to arrange the day and time for the visit. If you have questions about the schedule please call the listed Elder or call Henry Hammingh at 360-424-3019.

Elder Family

Dave V Elaine Hammingh

Dave V Jack & Trudy Van Klaveren

Greg A Dennis & Melba DeKok

Greg A Alice De Vries

Greg B Bob & Andy Pippel

Greg B Bev Van Slageren

Henry H Corey & Tawnya Eelkema

Henry H Wilma De Boer

Darrel L Duane & Trudy Van Dyke

Darrel L Martha Haarsma

Pastor John Todd Klunder

Pastor John Daryl & Michelle Kuipers

Dennis D Daniel & Briana Vander Kooy

Dennis D Brandon & Julie Speck

ADVANCED NOTICES The Executive Committee will meet on Monday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. The Evangelism Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. The 75th Anniversary Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. The Men's Bible Study will meet on Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 a.m. at Shari's Restaurant in Burlington. We are studying the book of Revelation. You are welcome to join us. The Northwest Hispanic Ministry Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. The Cadets will meet on Wednesday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m.

ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT Neighbors in Need: Today, you have opportunity again to bring your donations of canned and non-perishable items for the food drive for “Neighbors in Need”. Please bring your donations in and place them in the baskets located in the foyer and the Fellowship Hall.

Gospel Beginnings: What Happened Next? - After the shepherds and wise men depart, after the angels have all disappeared and the echoes of their songs have died away, the story of Jesus’ life goes on. The next stop on the tour of Jesus' life is the temple in Jerusalem. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.

Horoscopes: At www.kidscorner.net, Spike has Liz and Scooter following horoscopes and Scooter ends up on top of a water tower. Lots of mistakes and bad decisions on this episode of Kids Corner. Subscribe for free at getkidscorner.com. Also download the 2017 KC calendar.

Serve in Guatemala - CRWM has a year-long missions experience for individuals from North and Central America who want to get hands-on missions experience. Your service will include hands-on service and learning from missionaries who already serve in Guatemala.

Teach English in Asia - Teach English and share Bible stories with children in Asia! From August 11-30, you can lead games, crafts, and other activities that help children learn English and grow in their relationship with Christ. Visit crwm.org/EnglishCamp for more information or to apply.

Available Free in the Digital Library - “Signs & Wonders” is available free to all in the CRC through the Digital Library (crcna.org/Library). This book reexamines biblical teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit, particularly with respect to such gifts as speaking in tongues, miraculous healing, and spiritual warfare.

Volunteer to Help After Recent Disasters - Whether you are skilled in - or new to - home reconstruction, or if you enjoy cooking for groups, consider volunteering with World Renew Disaster Response Services this year. There are many ways to serve, from group mission trips to a structured three-week opportunity. Visit worldrenew.net/aboutdrs to learn more!

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Esther School in Zambia, Africa, is looking for a skilled contractor who would like to serve as our campus Facilities and Site Director. The full job description is available at: estherschool.org. Contact Jill Postma by email, jill.p@estherschool.org, or phone (616) 241-5616 ext. 3040, to inquire. The Esther School opened in 2012 as an outreach of GEMS Girls' Clubs.

Come see the town where Jesus was born! Pastor Michael Kooy is hosting a trip to Israel this summer, June 18 - July 2, including a visit to Bethlehem. Interested? Contact Pastor Kooy at 708 663-4364 or michaelkooy@sbcglobal.net.

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

SUN 4:00 pm Vida Nueva MON 7:00 pm Elders Meet TUES 7:00 pm Vida Nueva WED 6:30 pm GEMS THURS 1:30 pm Golden Hour

NURSERY: Today: Infants & Toddlers Heather Van Hofwegen, Kaeli Houck, Jeremiah Heino Next Week: Infants & Toddlers Shanna Visser, Lexi Blom, Nathan Van Beek GREETERS: Today: Rovers: Dennis & Melba De Kok AM: Henry & Anjean Vander Veen, Bryan & Deanna Van Beek Next Week: Rovers: Keith & Jean Rasmussen AM: Tim & Heather Van Hofwegen, Jack & Trudy Van Klaveren USHERS Today: Darin Kuipers, Kermit Houck, Kendall Van Zanten Next Week: Henry Hammingh, Tim Hibma, Henry Van Zanten SOUND SYSTEM Today: Kendall Van Zanten Next Week: Steve Greydanus PROJECTION Today: Nathan Van Beek Next Week: Kendall Van Zanten VIDEO TAPING Today: Tim Hibma Next Week: DJ Droog CHILDREN & WORSHIP Today: Teacher: Julie Houck Assistants: Johnna Van der Hoek, Devin Van Zanten Next Week: Teacher: Julie Houck Assistants: Julie Speck, Emma Droog LIBRARY: Today: Joy Faber Next Week: Jean Rasmussen

COFFEE HOSTS Today: Agnes Bollema, Randy & Peggy Burr, Rich & Elly Cuperus Next Week: Dennis & Melba De Kok, Michelle De Kok, Wayne & Rhea Doss VIDA NUEVA CHILDCARE Today: Jayne Hammingh & Jack Hammingh Next Week: Danielle Van Zanten, Sylvia Van Zanten MINISTRY OF PRAISE Next Week: Marjean De Groot Accompanist: Danielle Van Zanten OFFERING: January 8, 2017 AM: General Fund PM: Northwest Hispanic Ministry (Joe Strong)

People to be remembered with prayers, cards, letters & words of encouragement. Call the church office at (336-2405) or e-mail: secretary@firstcrcmv.com by Thursday of each week with your prayer items.

NEW CONCERNS: We express our condolences to Larry and Maxine Greidanus in the sudden and unexpected death of Larry's younger brother Will this past Wednesday. Will was 56 years old and apparently passed away in his sleep. Please keep the entire Greidanus family in your prayers during this difficult time as they await more answers and also as they make arrangements for the funeral service in the days ahead. CONTINUING CONCERNS: Helena Kuiper spent the week in the hospital with an infection. Pray for continued healing. Wilma De Boer has returned home after having been in the hospital for pneumonia. Pray for healing for Wilma and strength for each day. Pray for those who have lost loved ones recently and will feel the emptiness at this time of year when friends and family gather together. SHUT INS: Nell Annema at Creekside in Burlington, Grace Faber at home in Mount Vernon; Helena Kuiper at Mira Vista in Mount Vernon; Mary Koopmans at home in Mount Vernon; Adrianna Swanson at Creekside in Burlington; Bev Van Slageren at home in Clear Lake, Duane Van Dyke at Where the Heart Is in Burlington, Chris Van Sweden at Mira Vista, and Rena Wester at the Lynden Manor. OTHER CONCERNS: Pray for those traveling at this time of year to be with family and friends. Christian Reformed Home Missions: Search for director -Pray for the team searching for the New Mission Agency director. This director will guide the work of current World Missions and Home Missions agencies. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s direction and for discernment for all who are involved.

Back to God Ministries International: Cuba - Nertis, a reader of Cada Dia, our Spanish devotions, writes: “Cada Dia booklets have helped us because we have six new church members, and three of them are reading the booklets. Earlier I mentioned that we had gained a new life for Christ, and now we have six!” Pray that Cada Dia may continue to facilitate Cuban churches in bringing lives to Christ. Centre for Public Dialogue: Justice - God, we know that you support the downtrodden, protect the stranger, help orphans and widows, and block the path of the ungodly (Belhar Confession). May you cause justice to “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). In your strong name, Amen. Candidacy Committee: Preparation and perseverance - Continue to pray for students preparing for ordained pastoral ministry, and for all who have been approved and are seeking a call. About 120 persons are in the first category and are engaged in a vocational mentor program. Approximately 50 persons are in the latter category and are contacting churches, talking with search committees, and waiting for opportunities. Pray for patience, perseverance, and clear guidance. Sustaining Congregational Excellence: Grant proposals - Smaller churches have submitted grant requests for a ministry project they’d like to pursue. The projects are intended to foster health within the church and/or its community. Please pray for the SCE team as they review the proposals and make decisions. Pray for those churches that will soon begin a new ministry. May God bless all involved. Back to God Ministries International: China - A Chinese Today reader writes, “Often when I am reading these devotions, I find myself filled with the Holy Spirit. As my life faces problems each day, I find strength from God’s Word.” Pray for this reader as he continues to find hope in the Lord through daily devotions.