1

Holland, IA January - February 2017

HEARTL INE T h e C o l f a x C e n t e r

Pastor Robby

Do You Want to Read the Bible?

This New Year at Colfax, it is my hope and prayer that we could be men and women of the Word. Would you join with me in feeding from the same green pastures of the Scripture (5 x 5 x 5 Plan)? As you prayerfully consider and

ponder 2017, consider these probing quotes: “It takes about 70 hours to read the Bible from cover to cover…That’s less time than the average American spends in front of the television every month. In other words, if most people would exchange their TV time for Scripture reading, they’d finish reading the entire Bible in four weeks or less. If that sounds unworkable, consider this: In no more than fifteen minutes a day you can read through the Bible in less than a year’s time.” Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines On December 30, 1842, a 29-year-old Scottish pastor named Robert Murray M'Cheyne wrote a letter to his congregation. “MY DEAR FLOCK,—The approach of another year stirs up within me new desires for your salvation, and for the growth of those of you who are saved. “God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” What the coming year is to bring forth, who can tell? . . . Those believ-ers will stand firmest who have no dependence upon self or upon creatures, but upon Jehovah our Right-eousness. We must be driven more to our Bibles, and to the mercy-seat, if we are to stand in the evil day. Then we shall be able to say like David—, “The proud have had me greatly in derision, yet have I not de-clined from thy law.” “Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of thy Word.” It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.” John Piper (writing to his con-gregation in 1984), “Very specifically my plea to you this New Year is that you take time to plan the most im-portant things in your life. Plan how you are going to spend time with your spouse to deepen and strengthen the relationship. Plan how you are going to spend time playing with and teaching the children. Plan how you are going to get the amount of exercise you need to stay healthy. Plan how you are going to get enough sleep. Plan how much you should eat and how you are going to limit yourself. Plan your vacation so that it really gives rest and spiritual renewal. And most important, plan how prayer and meditation on the Word are go-ing to be significant parts of your life. Without a plan these most important things always get pushed aside by urgent pressures. But it won't work just to plan something tonight or tomorrow. Planning must be a reg-ular part of your life…So my plea to you is that you set aside time each week to plan, especially to plan your life of prayer and Bible study. For example, since Sunday is the first day of the week (not the last day of the weekend!) and belongs to the Lord, take ten or fifteen minutes each Sunday and think through when you will pray and what you will study that week. Give some thought how God might want to use you that week in a special way. Plan the letters you need to write, the Bible verses you want to teach your children, the visit you want to make, the book you want to read, the neighbor you want to talk to, etc.…God is a God who does all things according to plan. And Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem because of the most loving plan ever de-vised. He planned for our joy; we ought to plan for his glory.”

2

Weekly Wednesday Evening Meals and Classes

Our weekly evening meals at 6:00 pm will resume January 11th in the Colfax Center Fellowship Hall.

Everyone is invited to these meals!

Beginning at 6:20 there will be breakout sessions for K-12th Grade.

Bake Sale at The Mill

Thank you to everyone who donated goods to our Bake Sale at The Mill on Saturday, December 17, 2016. The Lord blessed us with monies to be used for our youth’s mission

trips and camps. Special THANKS to Jill Borchardt for her leadership and coordination!

CONGRATULATIONS,

Jordan Launstein!!!

Jordan competed in the State Gymnastics Competition on December 11th (Level 3).

She finished in FIRST place and is the STATE CHAMPION on floor, beam, and

vault. (5th place on bars)

She was awarded FIRST place in the state for ALL-AROUND.

Please congratulate Jordan on this

amazing accomplishment!

3

Colfax Center Christmas Program

“A Christmas to Believe In”

4

Colfax Center Christmas Program

“A Christmas to Believe In”

5

Congratulations to Tim & Taryn Annesley and their family on the Baptism of their daughter, Violet Claire,

on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

"Just Show Up" Book Club Schedule 9:30 am Tuesdays

Date Hostess Home

3-Jan Linda Kruger

10-Jan Kristie Salo

17-Jan Wava Hemmen

6

January-February Coffee Fellowships

January 8: Scott & Jill Borchardt January 15: Chad & Kathy Pruisner January 22: Boomgarden/Launstein January 29: Tom & Sandy Simms February 5: Bill & Janet Aswegan February 12: n/a February 19: Larry & Carolyn Stahl February 26: Chuck & Ruth Thoren March 5: Jake & Wava Hemmen

January -February Flower Schedule

January 3: Still Available January 10: Still Available January 17: Still Available January 24: Still Available January 31: Still Available February 7: Still Available February 14: Still Available February 21: Still Available February 28: Still Available

January-February 2017 Nursery Attendants

Date Worship Sunday School Jan 8 Susie & Mollie Grames Kristie Salo Jan 15 Amy & Jordan Launstein Sheryl Johnson Jan 22 Nick & Kristle Davis Sandy Wiers Jan 29 Lori & Kylie Willis Susie Grames Feb 5 Karen & Macy Boomgarden Amy Launstein Feb 12 Sheila S/Sheryl Johnson Nick Davis Feb 19 Doug & Sandy Wiers Lori Willis Feb 26 Amanda Everts/Micah Grames Karen Boomgarden Mar 5 Kathy & Mary Pruisner Kristle Davis

7

Missionaries of the Month

January - Shannon and Nelia Ries

February - Ben & Julie Jensen and Project 52

If you would like to receive updates from our missionaries, please let Karen Dieken know and she will add you to the distribution list so you can pray.

Colfax Center’s 2016 Annual Report

Please call the church if you would like a copy of the 2016Annual Report mailed to you.

OR

You may pick up a copy in the Church Narthex .

Colfax Center’s Annual Congregation Meeting

will be held on Sunday, February 12,

following morning worship.

There will be no Sunday School or Coffee Fellowship.

Nursery Attendants will be available.

We extend our sympathy to the

family and friends of Cory Norris and LuRay Neessen.

If you need a ride to church, doctor appoint-ments or any other transportation needs,

please call: In January/February:

Chuck Thoren 319-824-6521 (home) 319-239-1354 (cell)

Or Tom Simms 319-824-6879 or

319-404-5272 (cell)

Need A Ride?

8

February Birthdays:

1 - Eli Harberts; Sandy Wiers 3 - Verlyn Henze, Steve Kruger 5 - Christine Lamfers, Ashton Wolters 6 - Michael Sents 7 - Don Ennenga 12 - Carolyn Stahl 13 - Robyn Hunt 14 - Cathy Janssen 15 - Marlene Aalfs 16 - Michael Simms 17 - Amanda Nederhoff, Brodee Wolters 18 - Marge Diamond, Barrett Larson, Kaeley Nisius, David Sents 19 - Al Harberts 20 - Phyllis DeNeui 22 - Tim England 24 - Tim Kolder 25 - Grace Ennenga, Beth Werkman 26 - Janet Aswegan 27 - Mitchell Ralston, Lorraine Sents

January Birthdays

2 - Toni Arends, 3 - Amanda Harken, Brett Morris, Sarah Steinmeyer 4 - Allen Seehusen, Ryan Stahl 5 - Angie Bech, Joyce Stahl 8 - Kathy Anderson, Emily Crosley, George Schmidt 10 - Linda Maske, Kim Venenga 11 - Mike Albers, Kylie Willis 12 - Karen Dieken 13 - JoAnn Junker 14 - Bonnie Rust 15 - Danielle Krull 16 - Kathy Pruisner, Julie Tjepkes 17 - Coty Albers, Shawn Albers, Brian

Bidleman, Nathan Stahl 18 - Daniel Mennen, Makenna Steinmeyer 19 - Tyson Albright 23 - Sarah Ringena 27 - Dean Harrenstein 28 - Sue Kruger 30 - Aiden Hook, Christian Hunt 31 - Matt Morris

Early March Birthdays

1 - Sheila Steinmeyer, Ruth Thoren, 2 - Westin Steinmeyer 3 - Jim Heeren 4 - Kalianne Venenga

9

Twas the night before Jesus came (submitted by Fran Harms)

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the

house Not a creature was praying not one in the house Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head. And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the east there arose such a clatter I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash

When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be the day.

The light of His face made me cover my head It was Jesus, returning just like he said

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.

In The Book Of Life which He held in His hand Was written the name of every saved man

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose name had been written in love He gathered to take to His Father above

With those who are ready He rose without a sound While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late I had waited too long and this sealed my fate

I stood and cried as they rose out of sight Oh, if I had only been ready tonight. In the words of the meaning is clear. The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call We'll find that the Bible was true after all.

Discovering the Westminster Catechism

“Dust to Dust”

Our church family suffers much loss, a good friend may not live until Christmas,

a beloved cousin is suffering painful days before death.

Where do I go to find hope, peace and understanding?

Of course, first to the Word -- Sola Scriptura.

We Presbyterians miss a lot though if we

don’t also use the Catechism. This document of doctrine is pushing

400 years old. For comparison, the U.S. is 240 years old.

The Catechism takes the Word from the Old and New Testaments and phrases it

in beautiful form:

Q: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

A: The souls of believers are at their

death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass into glory; and their

bodies being still united to Christ do rest in their graves until the resurrection.

(Q & A 37 Westminster Shorter Catechism)

Feel the hope, know the peace,

gain understanding. Thank you Lord!

Amen,

David Pruin

RYM 2017 The deadline is coming soon for registration. We will need to know who is going by Sunday, January 29th.

Please see Pastor Robby if interested or for questions.

10

Thank You,

Fran Harms for sharing mums in memory of Bernerd on November 6.

Karen Kruger for sharing flowers in memory of K.C. Kruger on

November 13.

Cory Norris’ family for sharing flowers on

November 20th.

Pat Neessen and family for sharing flowers on December 4th from LuRay’s funeral.

All the families who shared poinsettias in memory

of their loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who provided meals to those in need throughout 2016. We appreciate you and your willingness to contribute.

Pastor Robby & Care Team

Words cannot begin to express our appreciation for the sympathy and thoughtful acts of compassion extend-ed to us. Thank you for the cards, memorials, calls, food and offers of help. Special thanks to Pastor Robby for the comforting service and to the ladies who served lunch.

May God Bless You!

LuRay Neessen’s Family

Thank you to everyone and anyone who helped with our

Children’s Christmas program,

“A Christmas to Believe In”.

Thanks to Karen Boomgarden & Amy Launstein for coordinating and leading this effort.

Our Children were great!

See pictures on pages 3 & 4.

GRUNDY CENTER CABLE CHANNEL

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017

St Gabriel Catholic Jan 3 & 8 First Presbyterian Jan 10 & 15 United Methodist Jan 17 & 22 Ivester Church of Brethren Jan 24 & 29 American Lutheran Jan 31 & Feb 5

Bethany Presbyterian Feb 7 & 12 Colfax Center Feb 14 & 19 First Baptist Feb 21 & 26 St Gabriel Catholic Feb 28 & Mar 5

We want to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity to our family. Your love, support and encouragement are a tangible reminder of God’s Grace to us. Merry Christmas!

Pastor Robby, Susie & Family

11

The Ruths and Esthers met Monday, November 7, 2016 at 1:30 pm at the church. Wava had opening devotions. She had a reading entitled “Never For- saken”, taken from Our Daily Bread and based on Matthew 27:46. She closed with prayer. Fran reported two stools had been purchased for the kitchen. She reminded us that Serving Group #2 would be serving at the Cory Norris funeral on Wednesday, November 9 at the church. Fran shared $100 would be given for the Samaritan Purse project. Everyone was reminded to bring canned goods to the church between November 20 and December 18th. Linda presented our lesson, “Friday: Crucifixion” taken from Matthew 27. This lesson was to help us consider the mysterious Triumph of the kingdom of heaven through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. Matthew 27 is a grim chapter, for Jesus is killed. It takes us through what Jesus endured by the hands of human kind prior to being nailed to the cross. Scripture tells us about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The physical agony was horrible, but even worse was the period of spiritual separation from God. Jesus suffered this double death so that we would never have to experience eternal separation from God. In this lesson and scripture, we were shown that sometimes we are all faced with pain and suffering that we must give to God again and again, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have faith. It’s part of our learning process of finding hope in God, good times or bad. Linda closed with prayer. A delicious lunch was served by Orene and Fran and fellowship was enjoyed by all. ******************************************************************************************** The Ruths and Esthers met Monday, November 7, 2016 at 1:30 pm at the church. Ruth had opening devotions. She had a reading based on Proverbs 31, “Why Chipped Crock Pots are holy”. She shared a short devotional based on 1 Peter 4:9-10. We are to offer hospitality and take a servant’s attitude and minister obedient to God’s Word with the gifts and talents we received. This should be done to further the work for God’s Kingdom and so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Ruth closed in prayer. Fran read Thank You notes along with memorial gifts from Sharon Jones’ family, Cory Norris’ family and the LuRay Neessen family for serving at their family member’s funerals. Fran opened with prayer before she began the lesson on “Sunday: Resurrection”, taken from Luke 24:1-43. The purpose of our lesson was to celebrate the truth of the resurrection and to discov-er how it shapes our lives today. Read this chapter to fully understand the resurrection of our Lord. The evidence is of six types: 1) The empty tomb (the body is gone); 2) the position of the grave clothes; 3) the post resurrection appearance of Jesus to his followers; 4) the fulfillment of his prophe-cy prior to his death; 5) the consistency of the resurrection with his other claims. Studying the New Testament would include a major additional item: 6) the change of the disciples from weak individuals to strong leaders willing to undergo persecution and death for their belief in Jesus and his resurrec-tion. Jesus lived as the perfect example of a human and Savior. After a perfect ministry, he provided a perfect sacrifice for our sin so we could be saved. Jesus is our perfect leader and Savior. He offers forgiveness to all who will accept him as Lord of their lives and we all have the opportunity to re-spond to him in faith. He cares for us and only this bind of deep love (shown to us by his horrible death on the cross) can satisfy our need. Spend time in prayer and praise for the reality described to us in scripture, so that we can all proclaim and shout the good news, “CHRIST IS RISEN IN-DEED!” Fran closed with prayer. Elaine provided a delicious lunch and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Karen Kruger, Secretary

12

13