First Reformed Church, Orange City, Iowa

When Endings Become Beginnings: Embracing God's Promise of Something New

Mon, 25 May 2026 20:06:24 +0000

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.

The God Who Makes All Things New

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.

From Justice to Mercy: The Shift We Don't Deserve

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.

Making a Way Where There Is No Way

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.

The Ongoing Present: "I Am Doing"

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.

You Are Not Forgotten

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.

Expecting the New

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?

Looking Forward

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?

Want to Go Deeper?

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.

Watch the Full Message

Summer Worship Schedule Begins June 7

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:51:31 +0000

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!

Congregational Meeting - June 7

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:48:31 +0000

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.

FUEL (Young Adults) - June Event

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:26:41 +0000

FUEL Glow Golf & Cookout--June 13

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.

Living Differently: The Radical Call to a Christ-Centered Life

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:23:27 +0000

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 Foundation of True Difference

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.

Do Life in Peace

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.

Do Life with Thankfulness

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.

Do Life in the Word

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.

Parenting Differently

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.

The Purpose of Being Different

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.

Want to Go Deeper?

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.

Watch the Full Message

Tulip Festival Community Worship - 2026

Sat, 09 May 2026 08:36:37 +0000

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.

Living in the Wind of the Spirit: Expecting God to Move

Mon, 04 May 2026 17:32:05 +0000

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.

When Did You Last Expect the Spirit to Move?

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 Spirit's Primary Work: Making Us Like Christ

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.

Commissioned for Purpose

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.

Worship: A Dangerous Platform

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?

Beyond Our Comfort Zones

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.

Boldness in the Face of Opposition

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.

What Will You Do?

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?

Take the Next Step

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?

Watch the Full Message

Pre-K Summer Story Hour

Sat, 02 May 2026 09:54:59 +0000

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!

VBS: July 12 - 15

Sat, 02 May 2026 09:53:21 +0000

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 - May 21

Sat, 02 May 2026 09:49:54 +0000

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!

Preparation & Position

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:10:22 +0000

The Hidden Power of Faithfulness: Why Small Beginnings Matter

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.

The Forgotten Men Who Changed Everything

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.

What Faithfulness Actually Looks Like

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?

The Work Nobody Sees

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).

Don't Despise Small Beginnings

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.

When Faithfulness Doesn't Lead Where You Expected

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.

The Foundation That Makes Faithfulness Possible

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.

Where This Meets You

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.

Watch the Full Message

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.

Watch the Full Message

FRC Status Update - May 3

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:55:58 +0000

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!

The Spirit’s Guidance

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:17:09 +0000

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?

More Than We Imagine

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.

The Spirit as Comforter

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.

The Spirit as Truth-Teller

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.

The Spirit as Corrector

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."

The Spirit as Trainer

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.

A Story of Seeds and Storms

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.

Becoming Aware

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.

Want to Go Deeper?

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.

Profession of Faith

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:13:13 +0000

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.

The Transforming Takeover: How the Holy Spirit Changes Everything

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:15:29 +0000

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.

More Coach Than Ghost

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 We Miss the Spirit's Work

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 Spirit Creates Believers

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 Changes You

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:

Caterpillar → Chrysalis → Butterfly

Inside, everything changes. Completely.

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."

The Spirit Uses You

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.

Living in Step with the Spirit

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.

Want to Go Deeper?

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.

Watch the Full Message

Spring Cleanup

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:23:57 +0000

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.

Running Group

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:15:01 +0000

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!

Songs of the Journey - April 26

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:03:41 +0000

Join us for a special evening of worship as our Sanctuary Choir presents a collection of anthems from the past year. Each piece was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the message of a specific Sunday, creating a meaningful connection between sermon and song.

Throughout the evening, you’ll hear why each anthem was selected and how it pointed us to God in that moment. This is more than a concert. It’s a time of reflection, encouragement, and worship as we look back on where God has led us.

The evening will also include opportunities for congregational singing, inviting you to be part of the experience.

Sunday, April 26 at 5:30 PM
Sanctuary

Heartland Strategy Groups

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:02:46 +0000

Enjoyed game night or looking for a simple way to connect with others? Heartland Strategy Groups are a great next step.

These groups are made up of a few people who gather once a month in someone’s home to play Heartland Strategy together. Each group coordinates a night that works best for everyone, making it flexible and easy to be part of.

It’s more than just a game. It’s a relaxed, fun way to build friendships, share life, and connect with others from church on a regular basis. Whether you’re brand new or already love the game, you’re invited to join.

Click the button below to let Ken Oldenkamp know you would like to be placed in a group and start building connections that go beyond a single event.

Heartland Strategy Signup

When Everything Changes: The Power of the Resurrection

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:34:05 +0000

There’s a moment captured in sports history that perfectly illustrates the concept of “unbelievable.” When UConn’s Braylon Mullins launched a three-pointer from 35 feet out with his team trailing, the expressions on faces told the whole story. The coach’s disbelief. The mother’s shock. The opposing team’s devastation.

And then, Mullins’ parents—the only ones who seemed to believe it was possible.

Many people today look at the resurrection of Jesus with similar disbelief.
It seems too extraordinary. Too miraculous. Too good to be true.

Yet the evidence supporting this historical event is remarkably compelling:

Multiple eyewitness accounts
Ancient manuscripts closer to the event than any other historical document
A guarded and sealed tomb that was somehow emptied
And perhaps most convincingly, disciples willing to die rather than recant

But the real question isn’t just whether the resurrection happened.
The question is: What difference does it make if you believe it?

The Black Hole That Swallows Despair

In the vastness of space, black holes exist as regions of such intense gravitational pull that everything—even light itself—gets drawn into them.

The resurrection works like a reverse black hole.

Instead of consuming matter and light, it consumes despair.

Despair isn’t just disappointment or discouragement.
It’s the belief that:

Life is meaningless
Death is the end
Suffering has no purpose

It’s the quiet conclusion that nothing ultimately matters.

And in our current cultural moment, that weight is growing heavier.
But then comes the resurrection.
And everything changes.

From Downcast to Joyful

The transformation is captured vividly in Scripture.

Women approach Jesus’ tomb with spices, expecting death (Luke 24:1).
They are not looking for hope. They are preparing to grieve.

Then comes the question:
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

They are bewildered.

Later, disciples walking to Emmaus are described as downcast (Luke 24:17), their hopes crushed.

But after encountering the risen Jesus, everything shifts.

They return to Jerusalem “with great joy” (Luke 24:52).

What changed?
The resurrection.

Peter later writes:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

A living hope.
Not wishful thinking.
Not temporary optimism.

Hope... anchored in a risen Savior.

The Perspective of Forever

Imagine your entire life—whether 30 years or 98—represented by a small gap.
Now imagine eternity stretching endlessly beyond it.

That’s the perspective the resurrection gives.

This doesn’t mean the hard things aren’t real.
It means they are not ultimate.

Paul writes:

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

And again:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed… perplexed, but not in despair… struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

The pressure is real.
The pain is real.
But despair is no longer inevitable.

Living With Open Hands

The resurrection reshapes how we live in three powerful ways:

1. Accepting Limits While Living Beyond Them

We all have limits. Aging, weakness, circumstances.

But with resurrection hope, those limits become temporary, not defining.

2. Holding Life Differently

The resurrection teaches us to:

Hold life more loosely
Hold optimism more firmly
Express gratitude more freely

Because our security is no longer tied to circumstances.

3. Seeing Our Bodies Through a New Lens

Paul writes: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable… sown in weakness, raised in power.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)

For anyone struggling with:

Body image
Chronic illness
Aging
Physical limitations

This is not the end of your story. What is coming is better.

Faith or Futility

Paul doesn’t soften this:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19)

Without the resurrection:

Faith is empty
Hope is fragile
Life is limited to the here and now

Everything becomes everything… because it’s all there is.

But with the resurrection?

“These light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Your future is forever.

The Choice Before Us

The resurrection is either true or it isn’t.

If it isn’t, then faith is meaningless.
But if it is true — if the tomb really was empty —

then everything changes.

The evidence points us there.
But belief still requires a step of faith.

Not a leap into darkness.
A step toward light.

From Despair to Hope

The women came to the tomb expecting death.
They found life.

They came with despair.
They left with hope.

And that same transformation is still available today.

The resurrection changes everything.

And the “everything” it changes is this:
it swallows our despair and replaces it with unshakeable, eternal hope.

Want to go deeper?

Take a few minutes to watch Pastor Fred’s full message, “Jesus’ Resurrection and Your Forever Life,” and see how the resurrection doesn’t just change your future… it changes how you live today.

Watch the Full Message

Senior Adults - April 9

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 08:25:03 +0000

Senior adults (ages 65+) are invited to join us on April 9 at 2:00 p.m. for an afternoon of learning and fellowship.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Tulip Festival with Todd Vande Griend, 2025 Steering Committee Chair, as he shares what it takes to plan this well-loved community event.

After the presentation, stay for food and a time to connect with others. This is a great opportunity to learn something new, build relationships, and enjoy meaningful fellowship together.

We hope you’ll join us!

FUEL (Young Adults) - April Event

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:37:24 +0000

All Church Heartland Strategy Night - April 10

FRC is hosting a Heartland Strategy Game Night for all ages! Instead of having a specific FUEL event this month, we thought it would be fun to attend this game night! Please register below!

If you have questions, please contact Ken Oldenkamp .

Community Egg Hunt - April 4

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:58:00 +0000

Weather update for our Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday

Because of the forecast, we’re moving everything INDOORS to the Northwestern College RSC!

Same fun, just a new location:
RSC (Rowenhorst Student Center)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Egg hunt first, then carnival
Come and go as it works for your family

Bonus: Josh Dahl will be there with his crepe cart for an easy lunch option!
We can’t wait to see you there!

Community Easter Egg Hunt

We’re excited to share that this year our church is taking over the Community Easter Egg Hunt from the Orange City Chamber! Join us on April 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a fun morning for the whole family.

The event will include:

An Easter egg hunt
Carnival games
Face painting
~~Food trucks~~ Crepe Cart
And most importantly, a special Gospel presentation for kids and families

It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with our community, and share the hope of Easter.

Help Us Prepare

Before the event, we’ll be filling 5,000 Easter eggs together. Join us on March 15 between services in the Fellowship Hall. Tables will be set up with eggs and instructions, and you can jump in for as much time as you’re able. Many hands make light work!

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll also need volunteers on the day of the event. There are many ways to help, including:

Setting out eggs
Running carnival games
Helping with the bouncy house
Face painting
Assisting with cleanup

If you’re willing to serve, don't hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Kuiper to get connected.

Invite Others

Invitation cards are available at the Sanctuary doors and the Welcome Center. The front invites friends and neighbors to the Easter Egg Hunt, and the back includes an invitation to our Easter services. Pick up a few and help spread the word.

Let’s work together to make this a joyful event for our community and a meaningful opportunity to share the message of Easter.

The Intentional Journey to the Cross

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:51:14 +0000

Understanding Palm Sunday's Deeper Meaning

The journey from celebration to crucifixion happens in just five days. Palm branches waving in the air, voices shouting “Hosanna”, crowds gathering in anticipation, and then, almost impossibly quickly, the scene shifts to betrayal, mockery, flogging, and death on a cross.

How do we make sense of this rapid descent? More importantly, what does it reveal about the nature of God's redemptive plan?

The Plan Behind the Pain

We often think of the events of Holy Week as things that happened to Jesus, as if He were a victim of religious persecution, political maneuvering, and the fickleness of crowds.

But that perspective misses the revolutionary truth at the heart of the gospel:
Jesus wasn't a hapless victim swept along by circumstances beyond his control. He was the architect of His own sacrifice.

Consider the details of Palm Sunday as recorded in Matthew 21:1-3. Jesus sends two disciples ahead with remarkably specific instructions:

“Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.” (Matthew 21:2)

Think about that for a moment:

How could Jesus know, with such certainty, that there would be a donkey and a colt in a village He had not yet entered?

How could He predict that the owners would allow strangers to simply untie and take their primary mode of transportation, the ancient equivalent of someone walking into a parking lot and driving off with your brand-new truck?

This was not luck or coincidence. This was foreknowledge. This was divine orchestration.

The Symbolism of the Donkey

Jesus could have chosen to enter Jerusalem on a horse, the symbol of military might and royal authority. For someone with His growing popularity and the crowd’s messianic expectations, a horse would have made perfect sense. The people were looking for a political deliverer, someone to overthrow Roman oppression with force.

But Jesus deliberately chose a donkey, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9:9:

“See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The crowd missed it. They were so focused on their own agenda, their hope for a military messiah, that they failed to recognize the profound statement Jesus was making about the nature of His kingdom.

He came in humility, not conquest.
He came in submission to the Father's will, not in assertion of earthly power.

Even the disciples did not fully understand what was happening until much later:

“At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” (John 12:16)

But Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. Every detail mattered. Every prophecy was being fulfilled with precision.

The Fulfillment of Ancient Promises

The crowds shouted words from Psalm 118:

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:25-26)

They waved palm branches in celebration, creating a scene that had been anticipated in Scripture:

“With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.” (Psalm 118:27)

But here is the remarkable thing:

Who could manufacture such a moment?

Who could orchestrate:

Thousands of people

Spontaneously gathering

Cutting branches from trees

Laying them on the road

And crying out specific words rooted in an ancient psalm

unless they truly possessed divine authority over the unfolding of events?

This was not crowd manipulation or clever planning in the human sense.

This was the Son of God setting into motion a plan designed before the foundation of the world, a plan that would culminate in the most significant act in human history.

The Evidence He Provided

Fast forward five days. Jesus stands before the high priest, who is desperately trying to gather enough evidence to justify crucifixion. The testimonies are contradictory. The case is falling apart. They need help.

And Jesus gives it to them.

“The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’

‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’” (Matthew 26:63-64)

This was the evidence they needed. This “blasphemous” claim sealed His fate in their eyes:

“He has spoken blasphemy… He is worthy of death,” they answered. (Matthew 26:65-66)

But even this, even the words that would lead to His condemnation, were part of the plan.

Jesus was not trapped into confession.
He willingly provided exactly what was needed to move the plan forward.

As He had already said:

“No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:18)

Two Inescapable Questions

All of this brings us face to face with two questions we cannot avoid.

1. Is Jesus who He says He is?

It is an audacious claim to be:

The Son of God
Seated at the right hand of power
The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

Throughout history, others have made similar claims, and we typically dismiss them as delusional megalomaniacs.

But the evidence of Palm Sunday, the fulfilled prophecies, the orchestrated events, the divine foreknowledge, all point to something far beyond human capability.

Either Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be, or the entire narrative collapses under the weight of impossible coincidences.

2. Who is Jesus to you?

This is where theology becomes personal.

It is one thing to affirm on Sunday morning, surrounded by worship and community, that Jesus is Lord and Savior.

It is quite another to trust that reality:

On Tuesday morning when facing an impossible deadline
On Wednesday night when sleep will not come because anxiety is overwhelming
On Thursday afternoon when temptation feels insurmountable

Who is Jesus to you in those moments?

If:

Jesus had the authority to orchestrate the events of Palm Sunday
He planned even His own arrest and crucifixion
He controlled details that no human could possibly control

then we can trust Him with the details of our lives that make the least sense?

The Peace in Surrender

The crowds on Palm Sunday called Jesus a prophet:

“The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” (Matthew 21:11)

They attributed to Him something more than ordinary, but they did not fully grasp who stood before them.

They did not understand that the one riding on a donkey was the Son of God with complete authority, simply carrying out a plan already set in motion.

The invitation for us is to see what the crowds missed:

To recognize that the same Jesus who knew about the donkey in the village
Who fulfilled ancient prophecies with precision
Who planned his own sacrifice down to the smallest detail

this Jesus is still in control.

When we grasp this truth, when we really internalize it, peace becomes possible even in chaos:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Because we are not trusting in our ability to figure things out or control outcomes.
We are trusting in the One who demonstrated on Palm Sunday that He knows exactly what He is doing, even when, especially when, it does not make sense to us.

Walking Through Holy Week

As you journey through Holy Week:

From palm branches

To the cross

To the empty tomb

may you see with fresh eyes the intentionality behind every moment.

And may you find the courage to surrender to the One who planned it all for our redemption.

Watch the Full Message

Want to go deeper? Watch Pastor Fred’s full message, Jesus’ Plan, and discover how Jesus didn’t stumble into the cross. He planned it.

Watch the Full Message

Guaymas Pastors Visit

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:38:06 +0000

Guaymas Pastors Visiting – April 19

We have a special opportunity to celebrate what God is doing beyond our walls.

On Sunday, April 19, pastors from Guaymas, Mexico will be joining us for both our 8:30 and 10:30 AM services, sharing and participating in worship. Then, we invite you to come back that evening for a 5:30 PM service and meet & greet, where you’ll have the chance to connect with them personally and hear more about the ministry happening in Guaymas.

This visit comes just after our recent mission trip, where a team from our church had the privilege of serving alongside these pastors. Together, we helped prepare a building for worship—completing construction projects that are already making it possible for people in their community to gather and grow in faith.

Our partnership with Guaymas began last year and continues to grow stronger. What started as a connection has quickly felt like family. These pastors are faithfully reaching people, planting churches, and building a foundation for long-term, locally led ministry in their city.

We are stepping into an exciting season of global mission, where God is raising up indigenous leaders to transform their communities from within. In Guaymas, that’s already happening. Pastors are planting churches across the city, and leaders like Absolam and his family are living out the gospel in powerful, everyday ways.

This is what Kingdom work looks like—churches united across borders, serving together with one mission and one Spirit.

We would love for you to be part of it. Join us on April 19 to worship, hear their stories, and see firsthand what God is doing through this partnership.