First CRC Monthly
- DECEMBER ISSUE -
Our Mission: To Glorify God by making More and Better Disciples
Looking Forward
Greetings family and friends of First CRC
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: the more things change, the more they stay the same. Indeed. So here we are - same as it ever was. As I write this, Pastor Justin and family are already north of Sacramento and making tracks for British Columbia and then on toward Alberta. Our prayers remain for them to sort all of this visa stuff out and get back in the saddle. Until then it’s our challenge and privilege to stay the course. The best way we can do just that is to double down on our commitment to and participation in public worship, Life Groups and service projects in the City of Hanford and the County of Kings.
Our plans for Advent 2018 are slightly out of the ordinary. We will be joining Visalia in together listening to 4 biblically passages taken from the “lectionary”. Between the two congregations there are 4 pastors: Joel Renkema, Tim Keep, Matthew Wright, and yours truly. Each of us will be taking one of the 4 passages and preaching a sermon on it in both congregations. We trust you will be blessed by the effort and find it be both encouraging and memorable.
In Christ
Pastor Lambert
SUNDAY MORNINGS THIS MONTH
This past Sunday, December 2nd, we celebrated the Sacrament of Communion. This sacrament confirms in us God's abiding love and faithfulness. Not only that, but Communion is also a measure of grace that unites us with one another. What a joy it is to celebrate Holy Communion together!
This week, December 9th, we are privileged to welcome Joel Renkema (Visalia CRC) to deliver our morning message.
The Third Sunday, December 16th, we will welcome back Tim Keep (Visalia CRC) to deliver our morning message.
The Fourth Sunday, December 23rd, Children ages 3 - 6th Grade will lead the congregation in singing 'Away in a Manger' & 'Silent Night'. We will have also have the opportunity to hear the faith and life story of another one of our members. We call these "God's Story/Our Story." We are so grateful for faith and life testimonies like these because it gives us another opportunity to "...Let [our] light shine before others in such a way that they glorify God in Heaven." [Matthew 5:16] When we hear how God works in the lives of others, it gives is the courage and hope to share our faith stories as well!
A LOOK INTO WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE AT FIRST, CRC!
LIVESTREAMING - Streaming our Services "LIVE" With Boxcast!
Our A/V Team has been hard at work to bring LiveStreaming to First CRC, and they are excited to announce that the option is now available during Sunday morning worship! Whether you are sick, on vacation, shut-in, or for any other reason unable to make our service, you can now watch the service "LIVE" right along with us!
Here are the ways you can tune in:
WEBSITE - Log on to our church website (http://hanfordcrc.org/livestream) from your mobile device or computer.
Apple or ROKU TV - Download the "BOXCAST" channel and find First Christian Reformed church-Hanford, Ca. under "F" alphabetically.
If you notice that there's a problem or if you just need assistance getting connected, Timothy Thomas is happy to help! Contact Tim at: twthomas.2002@gmail.com
NEW CITY CATECHISM - Our "In-House" Parent-Led Catechism Learning Initiative
We're a month into our New City Catechism ministry. All parents with at least one child between the ages of 3 and 6th grade are invited to take part in our new venture together! Be sure to download the app (search “New City Catechism APP”) on your phone, tablet or other electronic device. Lael Dunn has also created a Facebook group for parents to dive deeper into the program and enter into discussions with others. Get connected with this group at: New City Catechism Discussion with First CRC
Interested in learning more about NCC in general? Visit:
DWELL - Our Children's Worship Curriculum
DWELL is a curriculum that has been developed by our denomination's (Christian Reformed Church of North America) "Faith Alive" branch. DWELL awakens kids’ imaginations to the ongoing story of God that starts in the pages of Scripture and continues in our lives today. Children, kids, and their leaders grow in faith as they explore each story and retell it together. With DWELL, kids do more than hear a story. They experience it!
If you haven't had a chance to go upstairs see what Sarah and her team has done to transform both of our Children's Worship spaces or want to find out more about the new DWELL curriculum, you are encouraged to take look! A video sneak peek at what goes on in Children's worship will be shown during our December 23rd worship service. You won't want to miss it!
IMPORTANT DATES THIS MONTH
Here are a few others dates to take note of on your calendar:
This Friday evening & Saturday morning, December 7th & 8th, we will host a Parenting Conference from Paul David Tripp titled "Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family". Breakfast & Snacks will be provided to all attendees.
There are still tickets available! Visit the link below to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-david-tripp-parenting-tickets-50511596545
- December 4th-12th - Pastor Lambert on vacation
- December 25th - Christmas Day Service begins at 10:00 am (No Children's Worship)
- December 30th - No evening service
- Be sure to keep an eye out for more events in the bulletins to come.
LIFE GROUPS UPDATE
The Spring Life Group Semester is only 48 days a way! Online sign-ups will open on January 1st! Amy has been working hard to put together some fun promotions for us, so be on the lookout for the Spring Catalog to make it's debut on December 30th!
A quick thank you to each of you, for sharing your experiences through photos on social media! We hope you enjoyed the Life Group Video from our Fall Semester (shown a few weeks ago). I know I enjoyed gathering your photos. We can see in these images that each of your Groups are making a difference in the life or our church, its members and our local community.
Thank you for being a part of a Life Group!
Have questions?
Contact Heather Thomas - Executive Director of Ministries
559.582.4423
CAPITAL PROJECT
Very soon you will be getting more information regarding an "All Congregational Meeting" that is planned for early January. At this meeting we will identify:
- The reasons WHY a Capital Project is necessary,
- Ideas we have explored to-date on how to address our issues,
- The Design, Build proposal we have received,
- The COST of the project, and
- Possible Next Steps on the process moving forward.
Stay tuned for more info!
About Us
Email: hanfordcrc@comcast.net
Website: hanfordcrc.org
Location: 2175 Leoni Drive, Hanford, CA, United States
Phone: (559) 582-4423
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanfordCRC/