Today, Sunday September 23

There is a special service for the opening of the new LMC building. It will begin at 11:45 (immediately after our service) and is scheduled to last 30 minutes. Pastor Andy and his praise team from WCCC will be providing the music. Various other Pastors will take part. Immediately following the service there will be a BBQ put on by the Lacombe fire fighters.

Come Join Us for Supper

Families of all ages are invited to a soup and bun supper tonight at 5:00 p.m. prior to the evening service. The Education Ministry Leadership Team is having a kick off for Bible Studies. This is an information time that will get you excited about joining a Bible Study. Last week in your mailboxes you found a questionnaire. Bring it filled out and come join us for a fun evening. If you are interested in joining a Bible Study, but cannot join us tonight put your questionnaire in Donna Vandenborn's mailbox. Hope to see you.

Church Family

Remember our shut-ins: Tena Ellen, Ann Swier, Margaret Bos, Theresa Salomons, and Jackie Hartenhof.

Our missionaries around the world continue to covet our prayers.

Happy Birthday!

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah29:11

September 23^rd– Mardeb deRegt
26^th – Marvin Ebens

Missionary Birthdays

Selina Patterson and Linda Horlings will be celebrating their birthdays in the near future. Marja van der Vlis will be in the fellowship hall with some cards to sign following the morning service. Please take the time to sign the cards and send some words of encouragement to our missionaries.

PICTURES

*Prayer Pictures*:

We are starting a new initiative based on James 5:16 “pray for each other.” We would like to pray for one family every week and include a picture of them on the screen so that people can be reminded who they are and remember them in prayer during the week. Barb is taking the pictures after the service in the Fellowship hall. Please try to come with your family and have yours taken. It only takes a minute.

*Pictures in the Fellowship Hall*:

The pictures that are taken will be developed and placed on a bulletin board in the fellowship hall with the names. This will be like the old picture directory. Then if you are not sure about someone’s name or family connections you can check for a minute in the fellowship hall.

*Pictures in the Newsletter*:

We also hope to include the picture of those prayed for in the month in the Newsletter with a brief write up.

We are a large congregation and we can use these various means to build up our fellowship.

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

CHINA

Beijing house church leader Cai Zhuohua, who was arrested in September 2004 and sentenced to three years for illegally printing Bibles was unexpectedly released on September 10. He arrived home at approximately 1:00 p.m. in good health. He was released with strict warnings against practicing his faith outside of the government-sanctioned church. On September 13, he was taken to the Public Security Bureau office and issued further warnings against religious activity During his imprisonment, Zhuohua was not allowed to possess or read a Bible and was forced to do labour for up to twelve hours a day making soccer equipment for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Thank God for the release of Cai Zhuohua. Pray that the power of the One and Only God will penetrate the darkness in which Chinese people are forced to live. Pray that the witness of the legal and illegal churches will be heard and responded to. Pray for the Christians leaders who are still imprisoned and their congregations.

Urgent Need

So far, no one has come forward to apply for the position of Secretary. Anita will be finished as of September 30^th. We do need someone who is willing to serve in this way in Bethel. Please prayerfully consider becoming involved in the ministry of Bethel in this part time role.

NEWSLETTER:

Please have all your contributions in to Anita by noon on September the 26^th. Thank you! Poetry and art are always welcome additions. This month’s theme is of course the Fall season and Thanksgiving.

Celebrating 150 years of the CRC:

On September 30 the CRC of Central Alberta are gathering to celebrate our life and faith as a community of faith. We will begin with a worship service at 11am at New Life Fellowship in Red Deer Alberta. It will be a service of remembering our past and rededicating ourselves to the mission of God in this world. Dr. Plantinga will lead us in the Word. After worship we will join together for lunch followed by a youth orientated event with Jason & Troy (1:30). This will be followed by cake and coffee. In order to facilitate the day’s events you are asked to do the following:

1. Join the choir: choir practice on Wednesday, Sept 19^th & 26^th at 7:30 at Red Deer First. Everyone welcome
2. Come and join together with God’s people
3. Car Pool: parking is limited, the more we share vehicles the less of a problem it will be
4. Take a lawn chair (if the weather is appropriate)
5. There is nursery for children 0-5 years of age.
6. Your presence will make this day a wonderful day of celebration.

Who are Jason And Troy: Happy the Dog Ministry

Happy the Dog Ministry began when a handful of good friends came together and discovered their shared love to worship. Some were musicians. Some were speakers. Some were both. Each one has a passion to praise God through their gifts in ministry and embrace the call to share what God has done in their lives with Christians around the world. Happy the Dog has partnered with Youth Unlimited to change lives for Christ on SERVE, they inspired many at the Neerlandia retreat last January, and are scheduled to excite youth to "Become Unveiled" at the Alberta-wide retreat on October 26-28. We are very blessed to have Happy the Dog ministries celebrate the CRC's 150th anniversary with us! Jason Taylor and Troy Kooima are here to spend time with us after the service and lead us in a spiritually-energized hour combining music, spoken word, and prayer for a unique worship experience like many have never enjoyed before!

150 ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
Youth Participation

Youth from central Alberta have been invited to participate in the 150th anniversary celebration service at New Life Church in Red Deer at 11:00am on Sunday, September 30. 400 commemorative T-shirts have been purchased for the youth of all the central Alberta churches to serve as a memento for this special event.

Youth are asked to come early and receive their T-shirt in the Fellowship Hall at New Life. They will be asked to enter the church during the Call to Worship (wearing their t-shirts) to reflect a generation where God’s faithfulness prevails.

BETHEL YOUTH NEWS

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

A big thank you to all the parents and Bethel members who contributed donations of food and monies in order to help us out with our Youth Retreat this past weekend. A special thank-you to the Van Iperens for the use of the trailer. It sure took a load off. Not enough can be said for August and Harriet Luymes and Carina Tenbrinke who kept us all fed through the weekend. Without your efforts we as leaders would not have been able to spend time with the youth for the hours that we would have had to spend in the kitchen. All of you have contributed so much for us and we would like to express our deepest thanks for all you did. Also to Scott and Irene Fraser who tackled all the activities and entertainment.

Youth Ministry Leadership Team (YMLT)

TUESDAY NIGHT YOUTH

Tuesday Night Youth will be starting up again on September 23. Just a reminder that the doors are open at 7:00 pm with Youth starting at 7:30 pm. There are a few changes this year which should be noted:

Grade 7/8 Boys will be in room 9 - John deRegt will be your leader

Grade 7/8 Girls will be in room 10 - Irene Fraser will be your leader

Grade 9/10 Boys will be in room 11 - Wayne Bouwman will be your leader

Grade 9/10 Girls will be in room 12 - Trudy Salomons will be your leader

Grade 11 Boys will be in room 8 - Phil Tenbrinke will be your leader

Grade 11 Girls will be in room 13 - Dana Van Gyssel will be your leader

Grade 12 Boys and Girls will be taught by Pastor Mike in his office

Advance Notice:

On October 2 we will be chicken picking at Van Strylands. If you need a ride we will be leaving the church at 6:30pm or if you choose to you can meet us at Van Strylands at 7:00pm.

ALL ALBERTA RETREAT

On October 26-28 there will be an All Alberta Retreat for Sr. Highs. It promises to be a fun filled weekend with youth from across the province coming. This is the first time for an All Alberta, usually there is North and South Retreats so it could fill up fast. Get your registrations in early. It will be held in Halkirk - a little over an hour away. Registration forms are on the back table and can be returned to Wayne Bouwman.

Junior Youth

To all grade 7,8,9 students who are in need of some fun and excitement.

Saturday, September 29th has been booked for our first games night here at the church. Games and an opportunity to tell me what you would like to do in our Jr. Youth evenings through out the coming year. The evening will start at 7pm and end 9:30-10pm. Please bring a small snack to share and you are more than welcome to invite a friend or two. So come out have some fun and tell me what you really think!!!! I do need a few people to help out with supervision so parents come out and have some fun to. Need more info or just want to talk? Call Dana at 357-1770/783-2367 or e-mail at john.dana@xplornet.com

To all Youth in Grade 10, 11 and 12 and Young Adults:

Are you interested in sharing your love for Jesus and helping a needy family? Plans are underway for a Mission trip to Mexico during Easter Break 2008. We will be working with the YWAM organization in either Tijuana or Ensenada. While there we hope to be building a house for a needy family and to witnessing to the people in Mexico.

If you are interested in participating in this mission trip, we ask you to prayerfully consider joining us.

There will be an information meeting for interested youth, parents and young adults on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:30 in the council room at our church. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Gerry Prins 782-4170 or Trudy Salomons 782-7378

Cadets Urgent Need

Due to circumstances we are in need of Cadet Counselors. If you are interested in spending Wednesday evenings bringing boy into a closer understanding of what it means to live for Jesus and if you have some spare weekends to enjoy some fun filled activities, then Cadets is the place for you. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Cadet counselor and phone Bryan Noordhof at 885-2715 or cell phone 1-403-466-0287

From the Education Leadership Ministry Team

After the commissioning service on Sunday, October 7, the Education Leadership Ministry Team would like a short meeting with all teachers, leaders, and helpers of Sunday School, Youth ministries, GEMS, Cadets and Coffee Break/Story Hour. Please remain in the sanctuary for the meeting. Thank you.

From the Worship Ministry Leadership Team

Thank you to everyone who filled out a worship commitment form last week and volunteered to help with our worship services. A new worship schedule for October, November & December is out this week and if you signed up to be a song leader, Power point operator, children’s story leader or Bible reader, then you are on the schedule – look for it in your mailbox. If we missed putting you on the schedule, please give Cindy Prins a call at 782-5268. Litany readers and singers for choirs and special groups will be contacted when they are needed.

Urgent Notice

Several ladies from Bethel and Woodynook church have been cutting rags for the Bible for Missions Thrift Store at the garage of Earl and Evelyn Austin. They are moving to Red Deer. We are now looking for a heated space where we can cut on Tuesday afternoons and where we can store our chairs and bags. Over the last 12 years the cut rags have contributed about $75000. for Bibles. If anyone has space where up to 10 ladies can work, please phone Alice Scholing at 782-4355 or Dorothy Meindersma at 782-2620.

GEMS

Are you a girl in Grade 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7?

Would you like to learn more about “Living as a True Princess?” Come join Bethel GEMS – Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior. This year we will be focusing on our Abba Father’s Love. If God is our Father, and God is a King, then we must be princesses. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

We invite you and your parents to our first GEMS evening on September 27 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will be taking registrations then, learning more about GEMS, and enjoying an ice cream social together. GEMS will meet every other Thursday evening. If you have any questions, please phone Cora Hoekstra at 782-5107.

Gems is in need of two more people to help with the 2007-08 season.

If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry and what kind of time commitment would be involved, please phone Cora at 782-5107

GEMS Counselor Fundraising

Bethel GEMS Counselors are initiating a few different fundraising projects throughout the 2007-2008 year. Monies raised will go toward counselor training, namely GEMS 50^th Anniversary Conference to be held July 2008 in North Carolina.

The first fundraiser is selling IN-DEY-GO cookie dough. Please check your mailbox for details surrounding this along with the order form.

Regal catalogues are on their way! There are two catalogues from which to order from, Fall and Christmas. If you would like to view a catalogue or place an order, please contact one of the following counselors and we will ensure you receive them.

Judy Hazelhoff 782-7976 Betty Scholing 782-2701

Jeanne Ebens 784-2340 Cora Hoekstra 782-5107

Michele Noort 782-0059 Wannetta Brander 782-2290

Kayleen Ebens 784-2340 Veronica Bouwman 782-4273

Amberly Venhuis 783-5154

Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast

GEMS will be hosting the annual Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast starts at 8;30 am to 10:00 am on October 8^th with the service afterward. The cost is $2.00 per person. All proceeds will go to the Call to Africa project which supports special housing for orphans, supports their basic needs, stats GEMS clubs in Africa and many other things.

The Ponoka Christian School

Will be celebrating it's 25th Anniversary this year. We have seen God's gracious hand in sustaining the school and have many reasons to celebrate. You are invited to join in our celebration on Friday,October 12,2007. Open House 1-4 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday,Oct.13 we will host a volleyball tournament in the PCS gym. A sign-up sheet will be available Friday evening. Please RSVP by Sept. 10,2007 PCS phone:403-783-6563 fax:783-6687 e-mail:ponxsch@telus.net

The Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre

Is planning a fall volunteer training seminar. If you have a passion for this life-altering ministry, are non judgmental and willing to give 4 hours a week of your time, please contact Anneloes, client Services Director at 343-1611 or by email client-services@pregnancycare.ca. Dates for the training are: October 20,23,24,25,30 &31. (approximately 20 hours of training).

Let’s “Make room” Together!

Rehoboth’s Board of directors has designated September as “Membership Campaign Month.” Annual Association Membership Fees of TEN dollars are renewable in September, PLUS donations of any amount are needed and greatly appreciated. Our budget goal this year is to reach a membership base of 5000 and receive donations of $125,000 for a total of $175,000. Your $10.00 Membership Fee (per person) and supporting donations insures the continuation of quality services provided in the Lord’s name. Again this year, we are encouraging each person in a family to become a member. Children under the legal age of 18 will be non-voting members. A strong membership base is a great benefit to Rehoboth when negotiating funding for the services we provide.

Please give your donations directly to Natalie Rosendal. Remember to include your full name, address, postal code, and the name of the church you attend, for our records. Thank you for your faithful support of Rehoboth Christian Ministries.

The Christian Labour Association

This Friday, September 28, 2007 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Mayfield Inn and Suites 16615-109 Ave in Edmonton, the Christian Labour Association is hosting a retirement banquet for National Representative, Co Vanderlaan who retiring at the end of this month. We invite you to come and help celebrate God’s faithfulness to Co and CLAC. Cost for the dinner is $15.00/ person. There is still time to RSVP your ticket call: Grace Rietema at 748-2237 or Anna Vanhaastert at 843-6523.

DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT:

NADC's annual Day of Encouragement is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd, at The King's University College. This year's theme is Continue the Journey of Grace. This is for everyone, mark this date on your calendars, keep it open! You won't want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity for learning, worship & fellowship. Registration details will be supplied to your deacons soon.

Amazing Grace – the Story of John Newton

Reel to Reel Cinemas is having a one time showing of this movie on Thursday, September 27^th at 7:15.

The Central Alberta Foodgrains Committee

Invites you to celebrate its annual harvest by having a harvest and Barbeque planned for Saturday September 29^th. The barbeque will start at 12 noon and the volunteer farmers will start combining the canola crop at 1:00 pm. There will be entertainment and something special for the children such as face painting etc.

The location this year is on hi-way 12 between Gull Lake and Bentley - in fact it is the last quarter on the South side of hi-way 12 bordering the town of Bentley. Please bring along your own lawn chair. We are looking to a great afternoon to see the crop being harvested and to know that many a hungry person somewhere in the world will be fed. A Christian response to World Hunger.

There is always the possibility that the weather does not cooperate – it may then be necessary to postpone this event until October 6^th same hours etc. If you are in doubt whether it is a go then please listen to the Lacombe Radio station Sunny 94 FM on Saturday morning. They will begin announcing at 8:00 am. as to what will happen, or phone 782-4546. Please come out with your family and make it a fun day. Thanks.

Sponsored by Lacombe Christian Women's Club.

Women are invited to our annual Silent Auction Tuesday October 2nd, at the Lacombe Kozy Korner, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker Janice Dearing shares with humour "Triumphing Over Circumstances" & music by Cindy Gaebert & Rhonda Whatley. Call Connie at 885-4653. Cost $8.

Stand Up for the Unborn

On Sunday, October 7, we have the priviledge of sending a silent message of opposition to the easy access to abortion in Canada. Join the Pro-Life Chain along the road by the Sports Hall of Fame, east side of #2, from 2 tp 3 pm. (Take the overpass south of it.) Signs will be provided. It's a good way to express our thanks for our lives!

The Bible League of Canada

The Bible League of Canada partners with underground churches in China. One Christian there boldly says, "I would rather take any kind of suffering until death as long as I can share the Gospel to lost souls. Pray for these bold Christians, and pray for the souls they are trying to reach. Please call 1-800-363-9673 or go to www.bibleleague.ca to help The Bible League of Canada provide Bibles to these new Christians.

TOUR THE HOLY LAND OF ISRAEL:

for ages 17 and up. Mar. 3–14, 2008. Experience a refreshing renewal of your faith, as you tour the biblical lands with teaching host Pastor Peter Tuininga and Sindbad Tours of Israel. See many of the biblical places (Jerusalem, Galilee, Caesarea) while receiving spiritual and historical insights. For complete information, cost and registration call or write: Peter Tuininga, 71 Mohawk Cres. Leduc, AB, T9E 4G4, (780 980-1133) or e-mail: ptpastor@telus.net.

The Banner:

A number of people have been frustrated with their “Banner” subscriptions of late. If you are one of them, please let Anita know in the next couple of weeks and we will do our best to communicate Bethel’s concerns to “The Banner” staff. We have been trying to over the last few months as you let me know one by one, but that is not working out. So, please let me know your names and we will do our best to get things straightened out.

SCHEDULE THIS WEEK – SEPTEMBER 23

Offering: The Bible League

Ushers: Ken Salomons & Craig Van Stryland

Lift Operator: Bill Noordhof

Sound:am. Scott pm. Henry E.

Power Point:am. Paul pm. Kayleen

Greeters: Els Ebens, Peter & Gerry Prins

Coffee: Roger & Anita Swier, Els Ebens, John & Dana van Gyssel

Nursery:
M.O.M. Judy
a.m. Steven van Iperen, Rob deRegt, Heather Van Stryland, Dianna Hoekstra
p.m. Carina Tenbrinke, Aaron Swier

Preschool Helpers:
3 & 4 yr. olds. - Kristin Van Stryland
4 & 5 yr. olds. – Madelyn deRegt

SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK – OCTOBER 7

Offering: The Back to God Hour

Ushers: Peter Zuidhof & Rod Duckett

Lift Operator: Herman Scholing Sr.

Sound:am. Travis pm. Ian

Power Point:am. Kristin pm. Paul

Greeters: Ed & Cora Stol, Gerry & Pita Doornenbal

Coffee: Brad & Vivian Peterson, Craig & Marcella Van Stryland, Andrew & Carina Tenbrinke

Nursery:
M.O.M. Gayle
a.m. Pauline Bos, Rod Duckett, Paul Vandyk, Brittany Brander, Alanna Ebens, Jessica Bouwman
p.m. August Luymes, Kayleen Ebens

Preschool Helpers:
3 & 4 yr. olds. - Meaghen Noort
4 & 5 yr. olds. – Brittany Brander

SCHEDULE THANKSGIVING DAY - October 8

Offering: Gifts to the Cause of Your Choice

Ushers: Bryan Noordhof & Peter Prins

Lift Operator: Simon Swier

Sound: am. Henry E.

Power Point: am. Ian

Greeters: Jake & Agnes Prins, Bryan & Yvonne Noordhof

Coffee: Come to the Pancake Breakfast put on by the GEMS before the service

Nursery:
M.O.M. Gayle
a.m. Vivian Peterson, Ken Tenbrinke, Thomas Geldof, Taylor Duckett, Erin Vandenborn, Jordan Van Stryland

Weekly Calendar

Monday, September 24

7:30 p.m. Parkland Men’s Choir Practice at Woodynook

Tuesday, September 25

7:30 p.m. Bethel Youth

Wednesday, September 26

9:30 p.m. Coffee Break/Story Hour

7:30 p.m. Elders and Deacons meet

Thursday, September 27

7:00 p.m. GEMS meeting/registration night – Ice Cream social

Saturday, September 29

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Friendship meets at the Corn Maze

7:00 p.m. Junior Youth Games night at Bethel

NEXT WEEK’S CALENDAR

Monday, October 1

7:30 p.m. Friendship begins

7:30 p.m. Worship MLT meets

7:30 p.m. General Administration LT meets

Tuesday, October 2

7:30 p.m. Bethel Youth

Wednesday, October 3

9:30 a.m. Coffee Break/Story Hour

7:30 p.m. Council executive meets