There's something powerful about vows. We witness them at weddings, we renew them at anniversaries, and sometimes we speak them after seasons of struggle and reconciliation. These moments of commitment—whether between spouses, within a church community, or in our personal walk with God—anchor us to what truly matters.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: vows fade when we stop remembering them.

One of the greatest risks for anyone who has walked with God for a while is the temptation to assume Him. We assume He's there. We assume He's reliable. We assume He'll forgive our sins because He always does. We assume the promise of eternal life without tending to the relationship that makes it meaningful.

It's like that callous husband who told his wife on their wedding day that he loved her, then added, "Don't expect to hear it again. If anything changes, I'll let you know." Not exactly the foundation for a thriving relationship, is it?

The book of Deuteronomy addresses this very danger. Written as Moses' farewell speech to Israel just before they entered the Promised Land, it serves as an urgent reminder: Don't assume God. Don't let your faith fade.

Picture the scene: The Israelites had spent forty years wandering in the wilderness—not because that was God's plan, but because of their own rebellion. A generation earlier, they had stood on the edge of the Promised Land, ready to enter. But they grumbled, complained, and turned away from God's leading. The consequence? That entire generation would pass away in the wilderness. Only their children would enter the land flowing with milk and honey.

Now, four decades later, a new generation stood ready. Moses, their aging leader, knew he wouldn't cross over with them. So he gathered the people and delivered a series of messages over approximately forty days—messages we now know as the book of Deuteronomy, which literally means "second law."

These weren't just history lessons or legal codes. They were a passionate plea: Remember. Don't forget. Renew your vow to God.

At the core of Deuteronomy lies what Jewish tradition calls the Shema—from the Hebrew word meaning "to hear." Following the repetition of the Ten Commandments, Moses declared words that have echoed through generations:

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

These words cut through all the religious complexity and get to the heart of what God desires from us. It's not primarily about following a checklist of behaviors or avoiding certain sins. It's about a heart fully devoted to God—loving Him with every fiber of our being, every corner of our lives, every hidden closet we'd rather keep closed.

When Jesus was later asked about the greatest commandment, He quoted these very words from Deuteronomy, adding a second from Leviticus: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:36-40) All of Scripture, Jesus said, hangs on these two commands.

The warning against fading isn't theoretical. We see it happen. Sometimes it's the person who faced a difficult season and couldn't get past their anger with God. Other times it's the person whose life is going so well they simply forget to maintain the relationship.

Consider Brad Pitt, raised in a strong Southern Baptist family, who gradually came to see Christianity as "emotional manipulation" and a series of don'ts. Or Katy Perry, raised Pentecostal, who slowly drifted from belief in the God of the Christian faith. These are public examples of a private reality many experience: the incremental slide from devotion to distance.

But here's what makes this particularly sobering: Adults who fade often raise children who abandon faith entirely. It doesn't take many generations for spiritual vitality to disappear completely. Grandparents attend weekly, parents go twice a month, their children show up only on Christmas and Easter, and their children? Perhaps not at all.

The reverse is also true. Adults who deliberately remember and renew their faith tend to raise devoted followers. Consistency matters. Authenticity matters. A faith that transforms daily life—not just Sunday attendance—makes an impression that lasts.

Near the end of Deuteronomy, Moses presents Israel with a stark choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

For the Lord is your life. Not a part of your life. Not an aspect you manage alongside career, relationships, hobbies, and health. He IS your life.

The apostle Paul would later echo this: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) Every decision—about sports, academics, relationships, medical care, family, work—flows from this central reality.

Here's the bottom line: Faith decisions are made either deliberately or by default. You will make a decision about Christ, about the God of the Bible, whether you actively choose or passively drift.

Think about a suntan. When you return from a tropical vacation in January, that golden glow seems permanent. But without continued exposure to the sun's intensity, it fades. You don't have to do anything for it to fade—that happens automatically.

The same is true spiritually. Unless you stay continually exposed to the light and warmth of the Son of God, your spiritual life will fade. Your commitment will pale. Your devotion will cool.

Israel's life faded repeatedly because they forgot. They grew spiritually pale because they allowed distance to creep in between themselves and God.

Deuteronomy functions like the two-minute warning in a football game—a reminder that intensity matters now, that what happens next is crucial. It's the final timeout before the championship moment, the last chance to remember what you're playing for.

This ancient book invites us to ask ourselves honest questions:

• Over the past six months or year, have I thrived in my faith or faded?
• Am I growing in my devotion to God, or is it slipping?
• What areas of my life remain closed off from God's lordship?
• Do I truly love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength?

The beauty of reading Deuteronomy is its relentless reminder: Don't forget. Come back. Call out to the name of God. Acknowledge and take to heart that there is one God, and we will serve Him.

We don't live for ourselves on this planet. We live for a God who loves us and calls us to love Him with everything we have.

The question isn't whether we'll make a faith decision. The question is whether we'll make it deliberately—with intention, passion, and renewed commitment—or by default, allowing the slow fade to continue until our faith becomes unrecognizable.

Today is an opportunity to renew your vow. To re-up your commitment. To revitalize the energy you have for your faith in Christ.

Choose life. Choose to remember. Choose to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

For the Lord IS your life.

Deuteronomy is much more than a collection of laws. It is a passionate call to remember God's faithfulness, renew our commitment to Him, and choose a life centered on His presence. In this message, Pastor Fred explores the historical context of Deuteronomy, the significance of the Shema, and the challenge to remain faithful rather than allowing our faith to slowly fade.

If you'd like to dive deeper into the themes of Deuteronomy and hear the full message, we invite you to watch Pastor Fred's sermon.

Brazil Mission Trip Wish List
This August, a team from First Reformed Church will travel to Manaus, Brazil, where we will partner with an indigenous missionary serving among the Hixkaryana tribe. Together, we will travel by boat along the Amazon River, build relationships, encourage local believers, and share the hope of the Gospel in remote communities.

As we prepare for the trip, we have the opportunity to bring items that can be used to bless indigenous families and support ministry efforts while we are there. We invite our church family to partner with us through donations and prayer.

Ways You Can Help
1) Purchase Items from Our Amazon Wish List: Many of the needed items can be purchased through our Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to the church. This makes it easy for our team to collect, organize, and pack supplies before departure.

2) Purchase Mission Balls: Mission Balls are a simple but effective ministry tool that help create opportunities to connect with children and families. Choose the Portuguese language when purchasing.

3) Create Handmade Items: Volunteers are invited to knit or crochet potholders and other simple handmade items that can be shared as gifts with families we meet along the way. Contact Sara Van Zee if you are interested in creating handmade items.

4) Give Financially: Financial gifts help cover ministry supplies, transportation of materials, and other outreach opportunities connected to the trip. Designate your gift “Brazil Mission Trip Fund.”

Learn More
You can stop by the Mission Desk in the Fellowship Hall or speak with Sara Van Zee to learn more about how you can partner with our Brazil team as we prepare to share the love of Christ with the Hixkaryana people.

Habitat for Humanity Home Build

This summer, Habitat for Humanity is building a home in Orange City for the Chavez family. First Reformed Church is excited to partner in this effort and provide opportunities for our congregation to serve alongside Habitat volunteers throughout the construction process.
Volunteer workdays for our church are currently being coordinated. Because construction schedules depend on weather, materials, inspections, and building progress, volunteer dates are still being finalized. Once dates are confirmed, sign-up opportunities will be posted here.

If you would like to be notified as soon as volunteer opportunities become available, please contact Sara Van Zee. She will be compiling a list of interested volunteers and sharing updates as dates are announced.

We are grateful for the opportunity to come alongside the Chavez family and our community partners as we help build a place they can call home. Please continue to pray for the family, the volunteers, and the ongoing construction process.

Volunteer Sign-Ups:
Sign-up links will be posted here as soon as volunteer dates are finalized.

There's something deeply compelling about origins. We want to know where we came from, why things are the way they are, and whether there's any hope for the chaos we see around us. The book of Genesis addresses these fundamental questions with stunning clarity and profound wisdom.

Genesis isn't just an ancient text collecting dust on library shelves. It's a living document that speaks directly to the deepest questions of human existence: Who is God? Who are we? And what is God doing in this world that we can be part of?

Here's something crucial to understand: the Bible isn't primarily meant to fill our heads with facts. It's designed to transform our lives. Second Timothy 3:16-17 makes this crystal clear: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Notice those action words: teaching, rebuking, correcting, training, equipping. This is active engagement, not passive reading. Scripture is meant to change us incrementally and dramatically over the course of our lives.

Genesis is the book of beginnings—the beginning of the world, of humanity, of a good creation, of a terrible rebellion, and of a redemption plan carried out through one family line. Written by Moses around 1450 BC, this historical narrative has survived over three millennia to provide impact for every generation since.

The opening words set the stage: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters" (Genesis 1:1-2).

From chaos, God brings order. From darkness, God brings light. And at the pinnacle of creation, God makes something truly unique: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them'" (Genesis 1:26-27).

We are God's unique creation, separate from all other aspects of the created realm, designed to uniquely represent and reflect who He is. When God finished all His creative work, He declared it not just good, but "very good."

But Genesis doesn't stop with creation. It introduces something profound: choice. God places humanity in the garden with freedom and responsibility. "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die" (Genesis 2:16-17).

The choice humanity made—both the woman and the man, both equally culpable—brought about consequences that echo through every generation. Fear entered the equation. Pain became part of childbearing. Work became toilsome. Death became inevitable.

Yet even in the midst of pronouncing consequences, God provided hope. Speaking to the serpent, God declared: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel" (Genesis 3:15).

This is the first promise of redemption, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, whose broken body and shed blood would ultimately defeat sin and death.

Here's what we learn from Genesis 3: We are more flawed than we ever realized, and we are more loved than we could ever know.

We are deeply flawed because every part of our being is infected by sin. Our natural trajectory leads away from God. The consequences are real and painful.

But we must be deeply loved. How can we not be? The first curse goes to the devil himself, with a promise that One will crush the serpent's head in our defense. For our benefit, for our redemption, for our freedom and ultimate forgiveness, Jesus steps into the gap.

If you ever doubt whether anyone loves you or cares, sink your heart into Genesis chapter 3. It's a reminder that we are so, so deeply loved.

After the flood and the scattering at Babel, God focuses His redemptive plan on one man: Abraham. "Go from your country...to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing...and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:1-3).

This is the hinge of Genesis and of the entire biblical story. God's plan is to rescue and bless His rebellious world through Abraham's family, eventually leading to the Messiah whose reign would bring justice and peace to all nations.

Notice the outward focus: God blesses Abraham so that all families of the earth will be blessed through him. What we receive is not meant to be hoarded but shared. The blessing is never just for us—it's meant to flow through us to others.

Genesis doesn't shy away from hard questions. Why does a good God allow evil? What does God do with it?

The answer begins in the garden. Evil is the consequence of human rebellion. God created a world where choice was possible because He wanted relationship, not robots. The potential for evil existed, and humanity chose it. We own that. We own the consequences.
But Genesis doesn't leave us there. The story of Joseph (chapters 37-50) provides a framework for understanding how God works in the midst of evil and suffering.

Joseph's brothers threw him in a pit, sold him into slavery, and he spent years wrongly imprisoned. Yet he eventually became second-in-command of Egypt, positioned to save countless lives during a famine. When confronting his brothers years later, Joseph said something profound: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph looked evil in the face and acknowledged it fully—"you intended to harm me." There's no minimizing, no false positivity. But he also saw God's hand: "God intended it for good."

This is where Genesis becomes deeply personal. We all face evil, suffering, and injustice. We've all experienced things that break our hearts. How do we frame those experiences?

We have a choice: respond with anger, accusation, and blame, or respond with Joseph's perspective. We can acknowledge the real harm—"you intended to harm me"—while also recognizing God's redemptive work: "but God brought something through it."

This doesn't make the evil good. It doesn't minimize the pain. But it provides hope and meaning in the midst of suffering.

Genesis is your story and mine. It connects directly to the very real stuff we face. The redemptive thread that begins in Genesis 3:15 weaves through the Old Testament, lands at the cross, continues through the empty tomb, and brings us to the second coming of Christ.

God made it. We broke it. God fixes it. And we're called to be engaged in His redemptive work.

That's the message of Genesis—the book of beginnings that speaks to our endings and everything in between. It's a message of hope, redemption, and transformation for anyone willing to engage with its truth.

Genesis is more than a story about the distant past. It's the foundation of God's ongoing work of redemption in the world and in our lives. To learn more about the themes, context, and practical lessons from this remarkable book, we invite you to watch Pastor Fred's full message and discover how the book of beginnings continues to shape our faith today.

Ladies! Join us for a beautiful morning of fun and fellowship! Allie & Suzanne are hosting a DIY & Drinks Event! We'll be painting our own doormats and sipping on fun *Dirty Sodas. The cost is $15 to cover your supplies. Please sign up by June 13th!

*non-alcoholic

If you have questions, please contact Allie Eckmann.

Jeff & Niccie Kliegl are hosting us for a fun night of Glow-in-the-dark Golf and a cookout at their house in Alton! We will meet at their house and Jeff so graciously said he will grill for us! After supper and after it gets dark, we will hit the course! On the sign up, please indicate if you will need golf clubs. If you have your own, please bring them.

Jeff & Niccie's address: 1007 7th Ave, Alton, IA. 

If you have questions, please contact Allie Eckmann.

Senior Adults: From Hairdressing to Dog Grooming 

Join us on Thursday, June 11, at 2:00 PM for an afternoon of music, stories, and fellowship.
We'll begin in the sanctuary with a special organ and piano duet before moving to the Fellowship Hall to hear Connie Van Wyk share "From Hairdressing to Dog Grooming: Connie Van Wyk and Jake." Come enjoy this unique presentation and the opportunity to connect with others.

All senior adults are welcome. We hope you'll join us!

Splitting Wood for Corn Creek   

For many years, First Reformed Church has partnered with Corn Creek, a Native American reservation near Parmelee, South Dakota. One meaningful way we serve is by preparing firewood to help heat homes during the winter. Just a few hours of wood splitting can provide warmth for days.  

This is a tangible expression of agape love, love that serves, gives, and meets real needs.
Wood splitting will take place at Ron De Jong’s farm (3536 480th Street, Orange City) on the following Wednesday evenings: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22  

We’ll work from 5:00 to 8:00 PM each evening, and hot dogs will be served at 6:30 PM for everyone who comes and helps.  

We’re also looking for people willing to provide goodies or treats to share with workers each night. If you’d be willing to help in that way, it would be greatly appreciated.
All willing hands are welcome. Whether you can help run wood, stack, split, or simply serve alongside others, we’d love to have you join us.  

Are you ready to take a next step in your faith? Profession of faith is a meaningful way to share your story, affirm what you believe, and publicly commit to following Jesus as part of this church family. If you’re interested in starting the process, visit frcoc.org/profess to learn more.

Are You Responding to the Most Important Notification?

We live in a world of constant pings, buzzes, and vibrations. Our phones light up with messages, our watches tap our wrists, and our computers flash with pop-up windows demanding our attention. Some notifications we answer immediately. Others we ignore completely. And many simply get buried under the avalanche of digital noise that fills our days.

But what if the most important notification you'll ever receive isn't coming through your phone at all?

Think about how you handle the barrage of messages that flood your life each day. Sometimes you're simply overwhelmed—there are just too many to process. Other times you're busy multitasking, juggling three or four things simultaneously, and important messages slip through the cracks unnoticed. You've probably sent the apologetic text: "Sorry, I missed your message. It got buried."

And then there are the messages we avoid on purpose. The difficult conversations we're not ready to have. The estate planning discussions. The medical decisions. The hard truths about our mortality and what comes after. We silence our devices, turn on "do not disturb," and let the uncomfortable pile up in our mental inbox.

But unlike the messages we can afford to miss, there's one voice that should never go unanswered.

There's a famous painting from 1853 called "The Light of the World" that captures something profound about our relationship with the divine. It depicts Christ standing at a door, lantern in hand, knocking. When the painting was first revealed, critics pointed out what they thought was an artistic oversight: the door had no outside handle, no way for the figure to open it from where he stood.

But the artist, William Holman Hunt, explained this was entirely intentional. The door could only be opened from the inside. It was a visual representation of Revelation 3:20: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

The most important notification you'll ever receive requires your response. Jesus doesn't force His way in. He knocks. He waits. He calls. But you have to open the door.

Throughout Scripture, we see people responding to Jesus in remarkably different ways, each reflecting their unique circumstances and struggles.

Nicodemus was a religious leader, part of the very group that opposed Jesus most vehemently. Yet something about Jesus drew him in. He came secretly at night, not wanting his peers to know, but desperate to understand. Maybe you relate to Nicodemus—your friend group doesn't "do" the Jesus thing, and you're worried about what they'd think. The beautiful truth is that Jesus met with Nicodemus anyway, and we see hints throughout Scripture that God continued working in his heart.

The thief on the cross had no time for religious education, no opportunity to attend church or take classes or do good deeds to earn his way. Nailed to wood beside Jesus, dying, he simply said: "Remember me." That was enough. Jesus responded, "Today you will be with me in paradise." This powerful scene reminds us that salvation isn't something we can earn—it's something we receive.

The Ethiopian official was reading Scripture but didn't understand it. When Philip asked if he comprehended what he was reading, the Ethiopian honestly admitted he needed help. Maybe that's where you are—you sense there's something important here, but you need someone to walk with you and explain. Don't be afraid to ask.

The Philippian jailer witnessed a miracle when an earthquake shook the prison where Paul and Silas were held. Recognizing something supernatural was happening, he asked the question that changes everything: "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was beautifully simple: "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."

There's a simple path laid out in the book of Romans that helps us understand why we need a Savior and how to respond:

The Problem: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Every person, no matter how hard we try, cannot live up to God's holy standard. We're all broken, all flawed, all in need.

The Consequence: Romans 6:23 explains that "the wages of sin is death"—not just physical death, but spiritual separation from God. This is the hardest truth to face, but it's real.

The Hope: But Romans 5:8 brings the most beautiful news: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Not when we got our act together. Not after we proved ourselves worthy. While we were in the middle of our mess, Jesus died for us.

The Gift: Romans 6:23 continues: "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We can't earn this. We can't work for it. We simply receive it.

The Response: Romans 10:9 and 13 tell us: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Not "might be saved." Not "maybe." You will be saved.

The enemy of our souls loves to put obstacles between us and responding to Jesus. Here are some of the most common:

"But I'll mess up." Yes, you will. We all do. Accepting Jesus doesn't mean you'll suddenly live a perfect life. It means you're walking with someone who loves you despite your imperfections and who offers grace when you stumble.

"I've seen others who claimed faith but didn't live it out." Ultimately, that's between them and God. Your response to Jesus is about your relationship with Him, not anyone else's journey.

"I'm too old" or "I'm too young." Whether you're eight or eighty, it doesn't matter. The invitation is always open, and heaven celebrates every single person who responds, regardless of age.

"I'm afraid of what people will think." The Christian faith isn't meant to be practiced alone, but the decision to follow Jesus is deeply personal. And when you're ready to share it, you'll find a community ready to celebrate with you.

Responding to Jesus isn't a one-time event. It's the beginning of an ongoing journey. Every day, he invites us to join Him in serving others and sharing His love. He calls us to make our faith a priority, to be bold in talking about what He's done in our lives, to step out in service and mission.

And if you miss a notification? If you fail to respond when He's calling? He doesn't ghost you. He doesn't give up. He keeps knocking, keeps calling, keeps loving, waiting for you to open the door.

Luke 15:7 paints a beautiful picture: "There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Imagine heaven as one continuous celebration, erupting with joy each time someone responds to Jesus.

The most important notification you'll ever receive is happening right now. Jesus is standing at the door, knocking. The question isn't whether He'll keep calling. The question is: will you respond?

The door can only be opened from your side. But when you do, you'll find He's been waiting there all along, ready to come in, ready to walk with you, ready to bring you home.

Responding to Jesus is the most important decision we will ever make, and it is also the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. If this message encouraged you, challenged you, or raised questions about what it means to follow Christ, we invite you to watch Pastor Mark's full message.

In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores how different people throughout Scripture responded to Jesus, the simple message of salvation found in Romans, and the ongoing invitation Christ extends to each of us every day.

Watch the full message and consider how Jesus may be inviting you to respond today.

May brings with it a cascade of endings. Preschool graduations, high school diplomas, college commencements, the final school bell of the year. Even the beloved Tulip Festival wraps up, leaving us without Poffertjes until next spring. Everywhere we look, chapters are closing.

But here's the beautiful truth: every ending carries within it the seed of a new beginning.

This isn't just optimistic thinking or a cultural platitude. It's not about knocking on wood or carrying good luck charms, though many brides still honor the tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" as they step into marriage.

The promise of new beginnings runs deeper than superstition. It flows from the very character of God Himself, woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Consider the ancient words spoken to Israel during one of their darkest seasons. For seventy years, the people of Judah lived in Babylonian exile, a consequence of their persistent rebellion against God. Seven decades is long enough to convince anyone that circumstances will never change. Imagine the despair, the resignation, the belief that this was simply how life would be forever.

Then God spoke through the prophet Isaiah with a stunning announcement: "See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19).

God reminded His people of His past faithfulness, how He had once parted the Red Sea, making a way where there was no way. And now, He promised to do it again. The Babylonians themselves would become fugitives, conquered by the Persians, and Israel would return home. Not because they deserved it, but because God is a God of mercy who specializes in surprising shifts from justice to grace.

We all carry guilt. Some of us wake up each morning rehearsing our failures, convinced we've messed up beyond redemption. We live under the weight of consequences we brought upon ourselves, certain that we've exhausted God's patience.

But the story of Israel's exile and return teaches us something profound: God's mercy triumphs over judgment.

Think about the thief on the cross next to Jesus. He had no baptism certificate, no Bible study attendance record, no theological degrees. He couldn't articulate the doctrine of justification by faith or defend the inerrancy of Scripture. Yet when he simply turned to Jesus and said, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom," Jesus welcomed him into paradise.

Why? Because the Man on the middle cross said he could come.

That's mercy. Pure, unearned, lavish mercy. And if we who have received such extraordinary grace live under its reality, shouldn't we also extend that same mercy to others who have wronged us?

Mercy also looks like rest. After a season of hard work, God's mercy sometimes whispers, "Take a break. You've earned it." In our productivity-obsessed culture, receiving rest as a gift from God might be the most countercultural thing we do.

The Israelites faced an impossible situation at the Red Sea: Egyptian armies behind them, deep waters before them, children and elderly among them. No escape route existed. Yet God made a way through the sea itself.

Centuries later, facing a different impossibility in Babylonian captivity, God reminded them: the One who parted the Red Sea would make a way through the desert. He would provide water in the wasteland for the journey home.

Where do you see no way forward in your life right now?

Perhaps you see no way for that loved one to ever come to faith. No way to survive the medical diagnosis. No way to repair the broken relationship. No way to overcome the financial crisis. No way to heal from the trauma. No way forward at all.

Here's a challenging truth to hold onto: You have seen too much for too long to believe so little.

If you've walked with God for any length of time, you've witnessed His provision, His intervention, His unexpected solutions. You've seen Him work in ways you never could have orchestrated or even imagined. How can we, with all that history, doubt in our current moment of struggle?

This doesn't mean God promises to make us wealthy, heal every disease, or remove every hardship. The prosperity gospel is not the biblical gospel. But Scripture does promise this: God will walk with us through whatever comes. 

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned" (Isaiah 43:2).

God doesn't promise we won't face deep waters or walk through fire. He promises we won't face them alone.

Notice the tense in Isaiah's prophecy: "I am doing a new thing." Not "I did" or "I will do," but "I am doing." Present continuous. Always active.

God is perpetually at work, always creating new beginnings from old endings. This is His nature. This is what He does.

The apostle Paul understood this. Despite his past as a persecutor of Christians, despite the blood on his hands and the guilt that could have paralyzed him, he wrote: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Paul didn't pretend his past never happened. He learned from it. But he refused to keep his eyes locked on the rearview mirror. He looked through the windshield instead, pressing forward into the new thing God was doing in and through him.

Perhaps you're in year two of dealing with devastating news. Or year four of bearing consequences from something that wasn't even your fault. Maybe you're in month twenty-two of a season that feels like captivity, wondering if God has abandoned you.

He hasn't.

"My people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself, that they may proclaim my praise" (Isaiah 43:21).

You are not forgotten. You are chosen. You are formed by God for a purpose: to proclaim His praise and to be a living testimony of His faithfulness.

Like a child welcomed into a family through adoption, you have been brought into God's family. You are loved, treasured, and held secure no matter what circumstances surround you. Romans 8 speaks of this "spirit of adoption." We belong to God, and nothing can separate us from His love.

Do you expect God to do something new in your life?

We expect the hot water to flow when we turn on the shower. We expect our paychecks to arrive. We expect the sun to rise. Do we carry that same expectation about God's activity in our lives?

The Holy Spirit is always at work within us, doing something new, transforming us from the inside out, opening doors, creating opportunities, bringing healing, and offering fresh perspectives. But do we have eyes to see it? Ears to hear it?

The greatest "new thing" God ever did was make us new creations through Jesus Christ. If He can reconcile us to Himself through the cross, if He can transform rebels into beloved children, what else might He do?

As you stand at whatever ending you're facing, whether it's joyful like a graduation or painful like a loss, remember this: your God specializes in new beginnings. He brings streams to wastelands. He makes ways where there are no ways. He shifts from justice to mercy. He never forgets His people.

One graduate captured it perfectly in her senior message: "High school is only the beginning. You still have so much life ahead of you. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because God will be right there beside you, guiding you every step of the way."

That's not just good advice for graduates. It's truth for all of us.

The God who parted the Red Sea, who brought Israel home from exile, who raised Jesus from the dead, is the same God walking with you today. And He's doing something new.

Do you see it springing up?

If this message resonates with where you are today, we invite you to watch Pastor Fred’s full message, Something New. In it, he explores Isaiah 43 and reminds us that God is always at work, bringing hope in seasons of transition, making a way where there seems to be no way, and inviting us to recognize the new things He is doing in our lives. Watch the full message below and be encouraged by the faithfulness of God, who is still doing something new.

Summer is almost here, and with it comes a change to our worship schedule. Beginning Sunday, June 7, First Reformed Church will move to one worship service at 9:30 AM. This summer schedule will continue through Sunday, July 26.

Summer often brings changing routines, travel, and a different pace of life, but we look forward to gathering together as one church family throughout these months.

As we worship together in one service, we anticipate a fuller sanctuary this summer. To help create a welcoming experience for everyone, we’d appreciate your help:

• Move in and move up when choosing seats, helping leave room in the back and along the sides for visitors, latecomers, and those arriving after the service begins.
• If you are able, consider parking a little farther away and leaving closer parking spaces available for those who may have difficulty walking.

Small acts of hospitality can make a big difference. Thank you for helping us create space and care well for one another this summer. We look forward to worshiping with you each Sunday at 9:30 AM!

Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 7 | 10:45 AM (immediately after service)

All members and regular attenders are encouraged to attend our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 7, immediately following the morning service at 10:45 AM.

During the meeting, we will review, discuss, and vote to approve the proposed church budget.

Your presence and participation are important as we seek to steward our resources faithfully and move forward together in our shared mission.

We look forward to seeing you there.

In our culture, we're constantly told to "dare to be different"—to stand out, be noticed, and make ourselves extraordinary. We see it everywhere: the fish swimming against the stream, the bird hanging upside down, the balloon rising above the rest. These images all communicate the same message: be different so you'll be recognized.

But here's the question that demands our attention: Is this truly the Christian way?

The answer is both yes and no. We are indeed called to be different, but not for the reasons our culture suggests. The distinction is crucial, and it changes everything about how we approach our daily lives.

The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, provides us with a revolutionary perspective. After spending two chapters establishing the absolute supremacy and authority of Jesus Christ—declaring that "in him all things hold together"—Paul pivots to the practical implications of this truth. If Christ truly is supreme, if He truly deserves our complete devotion, then our lives should reflect that reality in tangible ways.

In Colossians 3:15-17, we find three simple yet profound instructions that form the backbone of a genuinely different life:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Notice the central theme: do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is the memorable statement we should never forget and always pass on to the next generation. Live for Jesus. Not for recognition. Not for applause. But for Him.

The first marker of a distinctly Christian life is peace—not just any peace, but the peace of Christ. This isn't the absence of turbulence on the surface; it's the deep, unshakeable calm that exists beneath the waves, regardless of what's happening above.

The story of Don Richardson and the Sawi tribe in New Guinea powerfully illustrates where this peace originates. The Sawi people valued treachery as a core cultural trait, making the gospel message seemingly impossible to communicate. But when Richardson witnessed a peace ceremony where a tribal chief gave his own infant son to a warring tribe—creating lasting peace as long as that child lived—he found his bridge to the gospel.

God the Father gave His only Son to humanity. And as long as that Son lives (which is forever), there can be peace between God and people.

This is where lasting peace begins: at the cross. When we grasp the immense sacrifice made on our behalf—Christ's blood shed, His body broken—we receive not just forgiveness but an eternal security that nothing can shake. This becomes the foundation for every other peace we experience.

The difference between worldly peace and Christ's peace is profound. A person who rests in Christ's peace knows that the end of history is not in doubt. Whatever happens in this world, whatever diagnosis we receive, whatever relationship crumbles, whatever loss we face—God remains in control. His authority, goodness, and grace will sustain us to the end.
This is why Jesus could tell His anxious disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

When people see you maintaining composure and hope in impossibly difficult circumstances, they'll ask how you do it. And you'll have the opportunity to point them to Jesus.

Three times in just three verses, Paul emphasizes gratitude: "be thankful," "singing to God with gratitude in your hearts," and "giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Here's a challenging exercise: Tomorrow, keep track of all the critical things you say versus all the expressions of thankfulness you offer. At the end of the day, ask yourself honestly: Does my heart lean toward criticism or gratitude?

In communities that value excellence—whether in academics, athletics, or the arts—there's a subtle danger. The pursuit of excellence can morph into a critical spirit that constantly analyzes what's wrong rather than celebrating what's right. Excellence is beautiful, but not when it crowds out gratitude.

What if we committed to expressing thankfulness at a two-to-one ratio over our critiques? What if our default setting was gratitude rather than criticism? This would honor God and reflect the Spirit of Christ in a way that truly stands out in our cynical, complaint-filled culture.

The third instruction is simple yet life-transforming: "Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly."

Consider the testimony of someone who, as a teenager, accepted the challenge to read the Bible every single day. Not as a pastor-in-training, but simply as a young person willing to try. Decades later, that daily practice has fundamentally shaped their understanding of peace, discernment, relationships, hope, purpose, and so much more.

The Bible changes us. It teaches us how to respond to hardship, how to speak with clarity, how to find quiet in chaos, how to understand the world and our place in it. Six years old is not too young to start. Eighty-six is not too old to continue.

Do life in the Word, and it will shape you in ways you cannot imagine.

For Christian parents, this call to live differently has profound implications. Our goal isn't primarily for our children to get a great education, become star athletes, find perfect spouses, or land impressive careers. Our goal is for them to love a great God.

The other things matter, but they're secondary. And this priority changes everything about how we parent. We celebrate victories and point our children to Jesus. We comfort them in losses and remind them that whether we win or lose, we do everything for Christ.

We're not babysitting kids; we're raising kingdom difference-makers. We're preparing them to impact the world for Christ, which means teaching them from day one to be peace-filled, thankful, and rooted in the Word.

Here's the truth: We can't make a difference if we are not different.

If the culture around us looks at Christians and sees no meaningful distinction—no peace that defies circumstances, no gratitude that overcomes criticism, no wisdom that comes from something greater than human insight—then what are we offering?

When people walk into our churches, our homes, our workplaces, they should encounter something genuinely different. Not different in a way that seeks attention for ourselves, but different in a way that points to the Light of the world.

We're called to forgive fiercely, manage money wisely, express gratitude regularly, accept people graciously, pray fervently, and love sacrificially—all because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.

The question isn't whether we dare to be different. The question is whether we're willing to do life differently—for His glory, for His kingdom, and for a world desperately in need of the hope only He can provide.

This blog only touches the key themes of the message from Colossians 3. To hear the full teaching, the stories, and the Scripture unpacked in context, we invite you to watch the complete message by Pastor Fred, Do Life Different.

Listen in, open your Bible to Colossians 3, and consider how Christ is calling you to do life different for His glory.

UPDATE: Moved inside to FRC. It will be streamed live on all our regular broadcast outlets.

Join us for the 2026 Tulip Festival Community Worship Service on Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 AM in Windmill Park. This special service brings local churches together for a meaningful time of worship as we celebrate the conclusion of Tulip Festival weekend.

Please bring your own lawn chair and plan to join us downtown for this community-wide gathering. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at First Reformed Church.

Please note: There will be no 8:30 or 10:30 AM worship services at First Reformed Church that morning so we can worship together as one community at Windmill Park.

Have you ever tried to deny the existence of wind? Of course not. Even though we can't see it, the wind's impact is undeniable. A gentle breeze affects how seeds spread across a lawn. A stronger gust can carry away a child's balloon or challenge a driver pulling a trailer on the highway. The wind is invisible, yet its presence is unmistakable.

The same truth applies to the Holy Spirit—the Hebrew ruach, the Greek pneuma—breath, wind, spirit. We cannot see the Spirit with our physical eyes, but for those who are spiritually alert, the Spirit's impact is everywhere, undeniable and transformative.

Here's a challenging question: When was the last time you actually expected the Holy Spirit to do something in your life?

Think about it. We don't wake up each morning expecting there to be no wind in the atmosphere. Yet somehow, many of us wake up each day expecting the Spirit to be still, dormant, inactive.

If Scripture is true—and it is—then the Holy Spirit intends to move in our lives daily.

The Spirit provides comfort in our distress.
He speaks truth into our confusion.
He convicts us when we stray from God's path.
He guides us in decision-making and gifts us to serve the church.
He grows fruit in our character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When was the last time you expected any of these things to happen?

There's often a misalignment between what the Spirit expects and what we expect. The Spirit's expectation is movement, work, transformation—a wind blowing in all directions of our life. Our expectation, however, tends toward calm, comfort, and control.

These two expectations must be brought into alignment, and the adjustment needs to happen on our end, not the Spirit's.

The Holy Spirit's ultimate goal is to transform us into the image of Christ. All the guiding, comforting, convicting, and gifting serves this greater purpose—to make us look more like Jesus in how we live, love, and serve.

But here's where resistance often enters. Acknowledging the Spirit's work means surrendering control. It means our daily agenda isn't entirely our own.

The Spirit has the final say and is actively at work in ways that require our response and obedience.  This makes us nervous. We live in a culture that values comfort, safety, and feeling good above almost everything else.

The Spirit, while being a comforter, will sometimes push us beyond comfort zones. He will lead us to the margins and call us to real change.

The Spirit is about transformation, not maintaining the status quo.

Acts 1:8 declares, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses..."

This isn't just ancient history. This commission extends to every believer today.

The Spirit sets us apart and sends us—into meetings, neighborhoods, relationships, and opportunities—with a mission that goes deeper than surface-level interactions.

We are called to represent Christ, reflect His integrity, and communicate His hope in every situation.

Consider the story of a woman who felt prompted to attend a church service she never usually attended. She resisted at first but eventually went. When she arrived, she realized there was a language gap between visiting pastors and the congregation. With her bilingual skills, she became the bridge—simply because she listened to the Spirit.

This is how the Spirit works—regularly, practically, powerfully—if we are paying attention.

In Acts 13, believers were worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul..."

Worship became the platform for commissioning.

Worship can be dangerous. It is not just a time to celebrate. It is a moment when God may call you to act, serve, or change.

The Spirit does not respect the walls we build to protect ourselves.
The wind of the Spirit blows right through them.
The question is: Will we respond?

The Spirit often leads us beyond comfort.

Peter's experience in Acts 10 shows this clearly. God challenged his assumptions and sent him to people he never expected to reach.

The Spirit took Peter beyond his comfort zone to reveal that the gospel is for everyone.

Sometimes the Spirit's promptings are small:
Praying for someone.
Encouraging a coworker.
Showing up somewhere unexpected.

Other times, they are significant:
Changing direction.
Taking on leadership.
Stepping into the unknown.

But almost always, they stretch us.

In Acts 4, after being threatened, the disciples prayed for boldness.

And God answered.

The place was shaken.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
They spoke the word of God boldly.

The safest place in the world is in the will of God.

Being safe does not mean avoiding risk. It means aligning with God's purposes and trusting His leading.

As you reflect, ask yourself:
What will you do to live in greater awareness of the Spirit?
What will you do to respond in obedience?

Will you:
Expect the Spirit to move each day?
Listen for His promptings?
Step outside your comfort zone when He calls?

The Spirit is moving. The wind is blowing. The question is whether we will recognize it, respond to it, and allow ourselves to be carried by it.

Don't settle for spiritual stagnation. Open your heart to the Spirit's transforming work. Expect Him to guide, comfort, convict, and commission you.

And when He does, respond with faith, courage, and obedience.
The Spirit is waiting. Will you join Him?

If this stirred something in you, don’t leave it there. Take a few minutes to watch Pastor Fred’s full message, Authoritative Commissioning. You’ll see how the Spirit calls, equips, and sends ordinary people into extraordinary purpose.

Let it challenge you. Let it sharpen your awareness. And most importantly, let it move you toward obedience. Watch the full message and ask: Where is the Spirit sending me next?

Story Hour: A Summer Space for You and Your Little One 
We’re so excited to spend time with your little ones this summer! 
Join us for a cozy, fun-filled Story Hour designed especially for young children and their parents or caregivers. Each gathering includes Bible stories, engaging books, simple crafts, and a snack—creating a meaningful and joyful experience you can share together. 
This is also a space for you. While your child enjoys the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers and enjoy a relaxed environment (coffee included). 
To help us keep this time focused and age-appropriate, we kindly ask that Story Hour is limited to children ages 0–TK. 
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, June 3 – August 5
Time: 10:30–11:30 AM
Where: Kids Ministries Room
We’d love for you to join us—and feel free to invite a friend!

Kingdom Quest VBS: An Epic Adventure Awaits! 
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Kingdom Quest VBS is coming this summer, and your kids won’t want to miss it. 
Open to kids who have completed Preschool through 5th grade (2026–2027 school year), VBS will take place July 12–15 from 6:00–8:30 PM. 
Each night, kids will journey through exciting worlds filled with games, crafts, snacks, and interactive Bible stories. Along the way, they’ll discover what God’s Kingdom is all about and how they can be part of it in their everyday lives. 
This is more than just a fun week. It’s a chance for kids to grow in their faith, build friendships, and experience the joy of following Jesus. 
Grab your gear, invite a friend, and join us for an epic week of fun, faith, and adventure! 

Senior Adults: Games with the Residents

Looking for a simple way to brighten someone’s day? Join us for an afternoon of connection, laughter, and fun as we spend time with the residents at Prairie Ridge Care Center.

On Thursday, May 21 at 2:00 PM, our senior adults (65+) are invited to come play games, share conversation, and bring encouragement to those who call Prairie Ridge home. It’s a relaxed, meaningful way to build relationships and remind others they are seen and valued.

No special skills needed, just a willingness to show up and enjoy time together.
We’d love to have you join us!

There's something deeply countercultural about faithfulness. In a world obsessed with viral moments, instant recognition, and measurable impact, the quiet work of showing up day after day rarely makes headlines. Yet when we look at how God builds His church, we discover a surprising pattern: He does His best work in the hidden years.

In Acts 1:21–26, we encounter two men whose names you've probably never heard: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. These weren't celebrity disciples. They never preached a famous sermon recorded in Scripture. They didn't perform miracles that made it into the biblical narrative. Yet when the early church needed to replace Judas among the twelve apostles, these two men were the only ones who qualified.

Think about what that means. These men had been following Jesus through His entire ministry, from His baptism by John to His ascension into heaven. They were there when Jesus fed the five thousand, probably helping distribute the leftover fish and bread (Matthew 14:13–21). They were there when crowds shouted "Hosanna!" on Palm Sunday, laying down branches (Matthew 21:8–9). They witnessed the hard teachings that drove many followers away (John 6:66), yet they stayed.
They were the extras in the background of every Gospel story you know, faithful but unnamed, present but unnoticed.

Until the moment arrived when their faithfulness mattered most.

After Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles didn't immediately launch into action with strategic planning sessions or growth initiatives. Instead, they gathered in one place and prayed (Acts 1:14). They positioned themselves to listen to the Holy Spirit before doing anything else.

This is faithfulness at ground level: being together, staying attentive to God, and trusting that what comes next isn't something we generate through our own power.

When Peter stood up to address the painful reality of Judas's betrayal, he didn't just react emotionally. He interpreted the moment through Scripture, specifically Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8. These were passages where David cried out to God in the midst of betrayal and injustice. Peter recognized that even this devastating moment was not outside God's knowledge or plan (Acts 1:16, 20).

The qualifications Peter laid out for Judas's replacement were specific: someone who had accompanied them throughout Jesus's entire ministry and could serve as a witness to the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22). This wasn't about talent, charisma, or visibility. The question was simpler and deeper:
Has this person stayed near Jesus?
Has this person been shaped over time?

Consider Abraham Lincoln before he was president. Before he carried a nation through civil war, he spent years as a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, handling more than 5,000 legal cases. Those long hours of listening, arguing, studying, and weighing both sides of difficult situations weren't glamorous, but they shaped the man who would lead America through its darkest period.

As he left Springfield in 1861, Lincoln acknowledged both his inadequacy and his dependence: "Without the assistance of the divine being, whoever attended [Washington], I cannot succeed. But with that assistance, I cannot fail."

The hidden years had done their work.

The same pattern appears throughout Scripture. God preserves an entire people through one faithful family building an ark (Genesis 6–9). He defeats a giant with a shepherd boy and a sling (1 Samuel 17). He brings salvation through a child born in a stable (Luke 2:1–7). He launches the church with ordinary people who simply stayed close to Jesus (Acts 4:13).

The prophet Zechariah spoke to a discouraged remnant of Jews who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:10–12). When they laid the foundation, the younger generation celebrated, but the older generation wept, not from joy, but from disappointment. They remembered the glory of Solomon's temple, and this new project seemed pathetically small by comparison.

God's message through Zechariah was clear: "Do not despise the day of small things" (Zechariah 4:10). This work was being accomplished by His Spirit, and what looked insignificant would become something glorious (Zechariah 4:6–10).

We face the same temptation today. When something feels small, slow, or unseen, we worry it doesn't count. We want instant results, instant recognition, instant impact. But spiritual fruit often grows in seasons that are not obvious yet. Much preparation happens before anyone can point to a moment and say, "That's what it was all for."

Jesus Himself said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10). The small things reveal something essential: our direction, our character, our faithfulness.

Here's where the story gets even more interesting: both Matthias and Justus were qualified. Both were faithful. Both had remained close to Jesus through the hidden years. Two were nominated, but only one was chosen (Acts 1:23–26).

Acts does not portray Justus as a failure. His years were not wasted. He was not second-rate in God's eyes. He simply was not assigned to that particular role at that particular time.

This matters because disappointment in the Christian life is not always about selfish ambition. Sometimes it is the quiet ache of thinking a season would turn out differently. You were willing but not selected. You showed up faithfully, but someone else got the visible role.

Being passed over for one role does not mean being passed over by God. It means God, in His wisdom, assigns different roles to different people at different times.

Matthias stepped into a visible role. Justus continued in a faithful one. Scripture honors both.

In God's kingdom, faithfulness is not measured by visibility, it is measured by obedience.

All this talk about faithfulness could easily become crushing if we are honest about our inconsistencies. We all have places where we did not follow through, could not show up, or did not do what we sensed God calling us to do.

This is where the gospel becomes essential:
Our ability to remain faithful is not what brings us into God's kingdom (Ephesians 2:8–9). If that were the standard, none of us could stand before Him. The message of Scripture is that God comes to us in His faithfulness even when ours is inconsistent at best (2 Timothy 2:13).

Our faithfulness is not about proving ourselves worthy of a role, it is a response to the grace we have already received. Even if you have been passed by, you have not been passed up. Even if you have been unfaithful, you are not beyond the reach of His faithfulness.

Your place in God's story is not secured by your track record.
It is secured by His.

So where is God asking you to remain faithful right now, even without applause? What work are you doing that is not visible yet?

Those hidden years matter more than you know.

If this message encouraged or challenged you, take the next step and watch Ross Enger’s full message, Preparation and Position. In it, he unpacks how God uses seasons of hidden faithfulness to prepare and position us for what is ahead.

It will help you see your current season differently, trust what God is doing beneath the surface, and stay faithful right where you are.

Church Status Update | Sunday, May 3 at 9:50 AM
What’s happening at First Reformed Church right now—and where are we headed next?

Join us between services on Sunday, May 3, for a short, engaging Church Status Update designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and excited about what God is doing in and through our church.

In about 20–25 minutes, we’ll share meaningful updates and a forward look at what’s ahead, including:

• Summer worship plans and what to expect in the coming months
• Progress in our staff hiring process
• Facility updates, including chillers, windows, and work with the estate gift team
• Highlights from the Kingdom Network Global Gathering
• Where we are in our current ministry priorities and vision
• 
  

This is more than just information—it’s a chance to see how all the pieces are coming together as we continue to grow deeper in Christ and reach wider into our community.

Whether you’ve been here for years or are newer to FRC, this is a great opportunity to stay connected to the bigger picture of what’s happening in our church.

Make a plan to stick around after the first service or come a little early before the second—we’d love for you to be part of it!

He’s been leading you all along. Are you noticing it?

Have you ever stopped to consider just how much wind we experience in our daily lives? The gusts that bend trees, the breezes that cool our faces, the storms that reshape our landscapes? Wind is powerful, persistent, and often invisible until we see its effects.

The same is true of the Holy Spirit.

In both Hebrew and Greek, the words for "Spirit" also mean "breath" or "wind." This isn't coincidental. The Holy Spirit moves through our lives like wind—sometimes gentle, sometimes forceful, always purposeful. Yet how often do we actually notice? How aware are we of the Spirit's constant work within us?

There's a tendency in our spiritual lives to underestimate the breadth and depth of the Holy Spirit's work. We might think of the Spirit in vague, mystical terms—something untouchable and distant. But the reality is far more intimate and practical than we often realize.

The Holy Spirit functions less like a ghost and more like a life coach—a divine guide intentionally leading us through incremental steps of transformation. From the moment we come to faith, the Spirit begins a lifelong journey of shaping us to look more like Jesus. Not all at once, but gradually, faithfully, persistently.

The book of Acts provides a beautiful picture of this transformation in action. The disciples who once fled in fear became bold proclaimers of truth. Those who struggled to understand became teachers of wisdom. The fearful became courageous, even in the face of persecution and imprisonment.

This wasn't just personal willpower or determination—this was the coaching work of the Spirit.

One of the most tender aspects of the Spirit's work is comfort. Jesus promised His followers "another advocate" who would be with them forever. This advocate—the Holy Spirit—comes alongside us in our moments of deepest need.

Romans 8:26-27 offers this stunning promise:
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness..."

Think about that.
When we're too broken, too confused, too overwhelmed to even form words, the Spirit prays for us.

God praying to God on our behalf.

The Spirit understands not just our surface feelings but the deep roots of our pain. And because He knows the future, He provides exactly what we'll need.

In a world drowning in distortion, misinformation, and confusion, we desperately need someone to speak truth into our lives.

The Spirit does exactly that.

Jesus promised that "when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth." (John 16:13) The Spirit cuts through the layers of confusion—whether from external voices or our own hearts—and brings clarity when we struggle to discern the right path.

Sometimes this truth comes as a reminder.
We already know what's right; we just need to be called back to it.

The Spirit has a way of bringing Scripture to mind at precisely the right moment or orchestrating circumstances so we hear the same message from multiple places.

These aren't coincidences—they're intentional.

If the Spirit only comforted us and never challenged us, we'd remain stuck.

True love doesn't leave us there.

The Spirit convicts us—not to shame us, but to redirect us toward life.

We're often blind to our own sin, thinking we're doing pretty well. But the Spirit gently (and sometimes not so gently) shows us where we've drifted and points us back to the cross.

This conviction isn't punishment—it's coaching.

It's the Spirit saying:
"That path leads to darkness. Let me show you the way back to light."

But the Spirit's work goes even deeper.

He gifts each believer for service—hospitality, teaching, leadership, administration. These are not random. They are intentional equipping for kingdom purposes.

And beyond gifts, the Spirit forms something even more important: character.
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.

These aren't just nice traits.
They are the character of Christ being formed in you.

The Spirit takes what starts as a seed and grows it—often through difficult circumstances.

Because real transformation doesn't happen in comfort.
It happens in formation.

Consider this:

A sixth-grade Sunday school class. Ordinary. Maybe even forgettable.

A teacher shares the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and ends with one simple sentence:

"There is nowhere in this world that you will ever go that God is not with you."

Years later, one of those students is alone on a bathroom floor, walking through a miscarriage. Hours from family, unable to reach her husband. Just silence and pain.

And in that moment…
The Spirit brings those words back.

A seed planted years earlier suddenly blooms in the storm.

That's discipleship.
That's the Spirit's work.

The question isn't whether the Spirit is working in your life.

He is.

The question is:
Are you aware of it?
Are you paying attention?

We're called to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions."  (Ephesians 6:18)
This means inviting the Spirit to show us what He wants us to learn, to reveal how He's guiding us, to help us remain—abide—in His presence.

The Spirit's work is broader, deeper, and more intentional than we often realize. 

He's coaching you toward transformation, one step at a time.
He's comforting you in your weakness.
He's speaking truth into your confusion.
He's convicting you where you've wandered.
He's training you in gifts, character, and wisdom.
He's prompting you toward His purposes.

The wind of the Spirit is blowing.

The question is:
Will you open your eyes to see where it's leading?


If this stirred something in you, don’t stop here.
Take time to watch Pastor Fred’s full message, Comforting Guidance, where he unpacks how the Holy Spirit comforts, convicts, and leads us in everyday life.
It will help you not just understand the Spirit’s work—but begin to recognize it in your own life.

If this stirred something in you, don’t stop here.

Take time to watch Pastor Fred’s full message, Comforting Guidance, where he unpacks how the Holy Spirit comforts, convicts, and leads us in everyday life.

It will help you not just understand the Spirit’s work—but begin to recognize it in your own life.

Every Sunday is, in essence, Resurrection Sunday. It's not just a one-day celebration but an ongoing reminder of the reality and day-by-day impact of Christ's resurrection in our lives. Yet for many, Jesus remains a historical figure who had a remarkable run but whose dream ended at the cross. They miss the transformative power that continues to work in believers today.

The question isn't just whether we believe in the resurrection—it's how that belief actually changes how we live right now. How do we hold life more loosely, optimism more firmly, and gratitude more freely in the midst of our daily struggles? The answer lies in understanding the often-overlooked work of the Holy Spirit.

We tend to think of the Holy Spirit as a mysterious, ethereal presence—something we don't fully understand. We even call Him the "Holy Ghost," which reinforces this sense of distance and ambiguity.

But the work of the Holy Spirit is more coach than ghost.

Not just an athletic coach, but a life coach with divine authority, coaching us through every moment of every day.

The Holy Spirit is fully God, as fully God as the Father and the Son. When Jesus was baptized, Luke 3:22 tells us that "the Spirit descended on him in bodily form as a dove." Notice that word: bodily. There was a physicality to the Spirit's presence.

This is not some vague force but a distinct person within the Trinity, actively engaged in our transformation.

• The Father's work is eternal — the plan of salvation, creation, and redemption
• The Son's work is external — His visible ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection
• The Spirit's work is internal — and no less important

This internal work takes the power of the resurrection and applies it directly to our lives.

Why are we often less aware of the Spirit than we should be? Because the Spirit doesn't operate on our terms.

We all have questions about life. We need guidance, comfort, advice, and support. And we have our preferred pathways:

• Friends
• Mentors
• Social media
• Search engines
• Even AI

But the Holy Spirit operates differently.

The Spirit isn't something we create or control.
We have to fit into the Spirit's design and meet the Spirit's desire to make us more like Christ.

Instead of instant answers, the Spirit often invites us to:

• Walk through the wilderness
• Wait
• Trust
• Listen

The starting point of the Spirit's work is creating believers.

Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3 that "no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."

We are not in need of small improvements.
We are in need of resurrection.

You can't improve a dead body. You need new life.

The Spirit performs a spiritual resurrection in us. This is the first essential work:
creating new life where there was spiritual death.

Romans 8 paints this beautifully:

• From condemnation → to freedom
• From worthlessness → to identity as God's children

Titus 3:4–7 reminds us:
"He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

The Spirit doesn’t stop at saving you.
The transformation continues.

Second Corinthians 3:17-18 tells us we are being transformed into His image.

The word “transformed” comes from metamorpho — metamorphosis.

Think:
That’s what the Spirit does in you.
Not surface-level change, but deep, internal transformation.

Galatians 5 calls us to:

• Walk by the Spirit
• Keep in step with the Spirit

The Spirit grows fruit in us:
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.

You are not stuck.
You are not defined by your impulses.
You can change—because the Spirit is at work in you.

The key shift:
The Spirit helps you want to be like Christ more than what you want right now.

Try this simple prayer:
"Spirit, help me want to be like Christ more than what I’m tempted to do right now."

Here’s the turning point:
The Spirit’s work is not just about you.

Second Corinthians 5:20 says we are ambassadors for Christ.

• The Spirit creates you
• The Spirit changes you
• The Spirit uses you

You are part of someone else’s transformation story.

Maybe it’s:

• A friend
• A coworker
• A family member

The Spirit is working in you to reach them.

The work of the Spirit is active, personal, and powerful.

Start here this week:
“Spirit, help me see You at work. Help me respond.”

Let your desires come second to His.
Let His transformation continue.

Because the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead…
is living and working in you right now.

This is just a glimpse of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life.

Take a few minutes this week to watch the full message, Transforming Takeover by Pastor Fred, and see how the Spirit is actively working to bring life, change, and purpose in you.

Join us for Spring Cleanup on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM! This is a meaningful opportunity to serve our community, build relationships, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
How It Works:
Volunteers will be grouped together and sent to different homes in our community to help with yard work and outdoor cleanup. These projects are designed to support individuals and families who may be facing challenges or simply need an extra hand caring for their space.
Each group will also share a picnic-style supper with the homeowner, creating a relaxed environment for conversation, connection, and encouragement.
How You Can Help:

• Volunteer: Sign up to be part of a team and serve together.
• Share a Need: Know someone who could use help with their yard or home cleanup? Contact Sara Van Zee or the church office.

Let’s come together to serve, connect, and be a blessing in our community.

Looking for a great way to start your weekend and connect with others? Join our Community Running Group beginning Saturday, April 18! 

This group is open to everyone in the community, whether you're just getting started or have been running for years. It’s a great opportunity to build relationships, stay active, and encourage one another along the way. 

We meet every Saturday at 6:30 a.m. at the west end of the Puddle Jumper Trail. 

Come as you are and run at your own pace. We’d love to have you join us!