“HE DIED FOR US”
I Thessalonians 5:10

Third Sunday in Lent

Prelude:  Three Pieces                                                            Anthony Milner
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship:  Gather Us In                                                  Marty Haugen
Here in this place new light is streaming,
Now is the darkness vanished away;
See in this space our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
Gather us in, the blind and the lame;
Call to us now, and we shall awaken,
We shall arise at the sound of our name.

Not in the dark of buildings confining,
Not in some heaven, light years away—
Here in this place the new light is shining,
Now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
Gather us in and make us your own;
Gather us in, all peoples together,
Fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

* Opening Hymn:  Children from Your Vast Creation                 Sing! 58:1,4
* God’s Greeting

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

Call to Confession:
 Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 16, Q&A 40   (PH page 877)
       Why did Christ have to go all the way to death?
Because God's justice and truth demand it:
only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
Hymn of Confession:  Remember Not, O God                           PH 254:1-3

*Please stand if possible

Prayer of Confession:
Most holy God we dare to seek your face, to enter into your presence, to confess our sins, and to ask for your forgiveness; our confidence in doing so is not from any offering we bring, but from the offering of your son on the behalf of sinners.  We ask:
Because of Christ's blood,
do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are,
any of the sins we do  or the evil that constantly clings to us.
Forgive us just as we are fully determined,
as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbors.  
(The Heidelberg Catechism Answer 126)
In our savior’s name we pray, Amen.
*Hymn of Assurance:  As Moses Raised the Serpent Up        PH 219:1-4
(Children may come forward during the last stanza)

PRAISE AND PRAYER

Message for Children
Anthem:  O Lord, Hear My Prayer                 Michel Richard de Lalande
O Lord, hear my prayer, Lord have mercy in your kindness,
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit,
Cast me not away from your presence,
And uphold me with a willing Spirit.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession

PREPARATION AND PROCLAMATION

* Hymn of Preparation:  What Wondrous Love                       PH 379:1-2
Presentation of Offerings and Passing of Friendship Pads
Offertory Prayer:  Randy Posthuma
Offering for Baxter Community Center
Offertory:  What Wondrous Love Is This (PH 379)     Kenton Coe
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading:  I Thessalonians 5:1-11 (text: vs. 10)          (page 960)
Reader:  This is the Word of the Lord.
People:  Thanks be to God!
Sermon:  HE DIED FOR US
Prayer of Application
Hymn of Response:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross       PH 384:1-4
(The Organ Fund offering is received during the singing of this hymn.)
* Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles' Creed               (front cover of PH)
* Doxology:  What Wondrous Love                                        PH 379:3-4
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
* Benediction
* Choral Closing:  Go into All the World                                    Sing! 278
* Postlude:  Postlude                                                              Henry Smith

Preaching Pastor:  Rev. Douglas MacLeod
Organist and Choir Director:  Kenneth Bos
Ministry of Music:  The Sanctuary Choir
Reader:  Gert Bokhout
WORSHIP TODAY                                                                                   
WELCOME TO CALVIN CHURCH!  As we gather for worship this day, we are grateful for the presence of members and guests.  If you are a visitor, we hope you feel warmly welcomed and very much a part of this worshiping community as together we lift up praises to our great God and King.  We invite everyone to come to the Fellowship Hall for refreshments following the morning service.  Our pastors and elders are happy to greet you at the doors as you leave the sanctuary after our services today.  Prior to the service this morning you were greeted by Randy and Elly Nyhof (atrium) and Dan and Natasha Vandenberg (east).  This evening Tom and Laura Prince (Fellowship Hall) welcome you back for our vesper service with St. Luke AME Zion Church.
A FRIENDLY NOTE TO OUR GUESTS:  Our worship service proceeds unannounced.  The Sing! book is located underneath the pew.  The new Calvin Church DVD is available at the Information Desk for visitors who are interested in Calvin Church and would like to know more about our activities.
CHANCEL BANNER DESCRIPTION: Lenten. The black dominating this banner symbolizes the death of our Lord.  The red expresses Christ’s suffering; the branch is a symbol of His crown of thorns.  These symbols are not meant to be concerned only with death and suffering; the thorny branch is white and flowering to indicate that from suffering triumph will come, and the red orb symbolizes Christ’s victory.  Just as the sun illumines, quickens and comforts, so Christ as the “Son of Righteousness” gives new life to His own.
CHILDREN WORSHIP:  Visitors’ children are warmly invited to participate in our TLC (The Little Children) and Worship Center programs.  Preschool children may go to their TLC room before the morning service (in the lower level).  Children (K – 4th grade) will depart the sanctuary steps following the Children’s Message to worship in a space designed especially for them.  The TLC and Worship Center rooms are in the lower level—just go downstairs and follow the arrows.  Children are picked up by their parents in these worship rooms after the service.  If you have any questions, please stop by the information desk or feel free to check out the classrooms before or after the service.  All of the youth programs are explained in the red folder on the table near the nurseries. 
THE FLOWERS this morning are in memory of Charlotte and Rev. William Muller, who were long-term missionaries in Brazil, and Elizabeth Muller, better known as "Auntie."  They truly were "Christ's ambassadors."

POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP DINNER AND WORSHIP SERVICE: We gather here at 5:00 PM this evening with the St. Luke AME Zion Church for a combined Potluck Fellowship Dinner and Worship Service with Communion.  3 John 1-6a provides our theme “How is your Soul Prospering?” and there is a musical contribution by the St. Luke AME Zion Praise Ensemble.  Join in our offering of hospitality and worship, and please bring a generous hot dish or salad to share.  The offering is for Degagé Ministries.   A separate order of worship is available for this service. 
THIS EVENING OUR WORSHIP SERVICE includes the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.  We offer gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic grape juice.  All who confess their sins, depend upon God’s grace for salvation and who publicly look to Jesus as Lord and Savior are invited to share in the Lord’s Supper.
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY, March 14, Fourth Sunday in Lent                
Next Sunday morning:  During the season of Lent our morning services are progressing through the themes of the confessional truths of Christ’s passion as summarized in the Apostle’s Creed (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 15 and 16).  Next Sunday morning, which will also include the baptism of Katherine Triezenberg, Pastor MacLeod will be preaching from John 19:38-42, “He Was Buried.”  Our offerings will be for Mission Outreach.
Next Sunday evening:  In our appreciation for the completion of our organ renovation project, this month’s hymn festival will feature Lenten Hymns.  Dr. Kenneth Bos will be playing our organ and Rev. MacLeod will be preaching from Galatians 6:14-16, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.”  This service will be held in the sanctuary, and our offering will be for the Cadet Council.

PLEASE NOTE                                                                                             
FOR 2010:
Weekly Giving Budgeted:         $  15,384.62
Last Weeks Ministry Giving:    $  15,200.20
Year to Date Budget:                 $138,461.54
Year to Date Giving:                  $105,934.05
Year to Date Deficit:                 ($  32,527.49)

Stewardship Verse of the Week
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
Malachi 3:10

CHURCH FAMILY                                                                                      
Thank you:  Dear Calvin Church Family, how does one say THANK YOU enough for all you have done for me this last year?  First, your prayers on my behalf—without them I would not be here.  Second, to those who planned getting meals to me—what a labor of love.  To those who made meals, brought flowers, stopped in just to chat a minute and see how I was doing.  To those who emailed me with such kind words after I was up to my computer and to those who called on the phone.  To all who sent cards with such wonderful words of encouragement.  Most important of all the pastors—I will never be able to express my gratefulness for their visits, prayers, the words from God’s Word and genuine concern on my behalf.  Thanks again for being there for me and my family this past year.  Two hymns that have meant the most to me for many years came back to me when I was so bad and I sang them when I could, if not, the words were on my mind all the time.  “Leave It There”:  If your body suffers pain and your health can’t regain and your soul is sinking in despair Jesus knows the pain you feel.  He can save and He can heal.  Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.  If you trust and never doubt he will surely bring you out, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. 
The second song is “It Is Well with My Soul”:  When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll.  Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.  I ask that you continue to pray for me and for my strength to come back again.  Thank you all for being there for me.
Phil. 1:6  Being confident of this very thing He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  This has been my testimony since I was 9 years old.  Bev Jensen
Andrew and Annelise Hoffman (District #03) celebrated the birth of a daughter on February 25: Mia Claire, 8 lbs., 10 oz.
Bill Crothers (District #03) had successful rotator cuff surgery and is recovering at home.
Lucile VanWesep Wolthuis (District #12) is recovering from a broken femur and a fracture by her shoulder.  Last Tuesday she also received a pacemaker for her heart.  She is at Blodgett hospital.  We also extend our sympathy to her as she mourns the death of her sister-in-law Effie Katerburg.
Glenn Triezenberg (District #02) is greatly thankful and his doctor is “stunned” by the extent of visual restoration through his treatment.  Glenn writes: “I have been profoundly blessed and I am most grateful to God.  I am forever grateful to each of you as well.  Thank you for taking care of me during this frightening time.  Although my vision is not fully restored, I have enough to be productive at work as well as to play with my grandchildren.  I can recognize people at a reasonable distance and for this I am most grateful!”

CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES calvinyouthline@calvincrc.org
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: 3/11—Emily DeKoster (11!), 3/12—Calista Bremer (6!), 3/13—Gabe Lanning (9!) and Claire Brouwer (12!)
SMALL GROUP:  We are meeting today at 3:30 in the Catacomb.  Our final small group Bible study meeting will be next Sunday, March 14.
78ERS:  We will be meeting this Wednesday from 7:00-8:30.  Bring a friend and we will see you then.
78ERS JUMP NIGHT:  Get your bounce on at Aerials and Baranis Gymnastic Center this Saturday afternoon, March 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.  We will plan to meet at A & B at 6001 Coit NE.  Directions will be via email.  If you are in need of a ride, please contact Char by this Thursday, March 11.  Cost is $5 each.  Friends welcome. 
HEARTLAND:  Youth in grades 7 through 12, our next volunteer date is March 18.
CYG JUMP NIGHT:  Get ready for jump night at Aerials and Baranis on Friday March 19, from 10:30 PM-12:30 AM.  Save the date for a night of some serious activity with other area youth.

MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS                                          
Today:  HAM AND BUTTER BRAID FUNDRAISER:  The Ham and Butter Braid fundraiser for the youth is in full swing.  A table is set up outside of the Fellowship Hall today for orders.  Check out the Butter Braid samples today!  Orders are due to Char, or in her box, by March 15.  The items will be available for payment and pick up on Wednesday, March 24, after 6 PM.    The profit on the sales will support our service project to Pittsburgh this summer.
Today:  ADULT EDUCATION:  The topic for the class today is "The history and technology of land reclamation and flood protection activities in the Netherlands."  Dr. Robert Hoeksema is the presenter and he will be with us for two weeks.  This promises to be very interesting and informative, so come, have coffee and a cookie and enjoy this presentation.  We start promptly at 11:30 AM and go to about 12:15 PM.
March 8:  ATTENTION ALL 50+ MEMEBERS:  Plan to meet at Bob Evans Restaurant on 28th Street at 8:30 AM tomorrow.  Breakfast will be ordered off the menu and no reservations are needed.  Come and join other seniors for a time of fellowship.  A breakfast get-together is held the second Monday of each month.  Plan to join us whenever you wish.
March 14:  COLLEGE STUDENTS:  Don't forget next Sunday noon, meal time together!  We're talking about setting priorities, making choices, balancing time.  Who doesn't struggle with that?  All are invited!
March 21:  DISTRICTS #04 AND #10:  Join with district members for a potluck dinner in the fellowship hall at 12:15 on Sunday, March 21.  You will be contacted the week before.
March 25:  The next GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, at 2:00 PM.  Anyone who has experienced the loss of a spouse in recent years is welcome to attend.  Contact Pastor Bob for details.  This is also open to persons from other churches.
March 31:  LENTEN BREAKFAST, 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall.  Look for the flyer in your box for more details.  The breakfast is always a time of reflection, of remembrance and of rejoicing in our Lord and Savior and what He has done for us.
March 31:  THINK SPRING:  Calvin Church Gardening Group will begin the 2010 season with a presentation by horticulturist Kim Davidson on “Gardening for the Senses.  This topic is not just for gardeners; everyone who yearns for spring will enjoy it!  Save the date, March 31, and we’ll plan to see you downstairs in Room 1 at 7:00 PM on that Wednesday and of course we’ll have refreshments, too.
COME SING with the Calvin Church Festival Choir!  We invite you to join us for rehearsals during the month of March as we prepare for our Good Friday Tenebrae Service and our Easter Sunday morning service.  Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the balcony choir room.  Former choir members and new singers are all welcome.
CRRC MEMBERSHIPS:  Softball players, fans and golfers—now is the time to get your 2010 annual membership.  Celebrate 60 years of the Christian Reformed Recreation Center throughout the whole summer with various special activities and events.  Anyone who is interested in playing softball needs a membership to play and golfers enjoy reduced greens fees with a membership purchase.  Forms are available at the church information desk and the most recent Rec Center newsletter.
HELP NEWCOMERS FEEL AT HOME.  Do you enjoy helping new members become like family members?  Or do you have ideas on how to do it?  Talk to Judy Jongsma or Pastor Lora.
KIDS HOPE: We are looking to add to the leadership team of Kids Hope so that we can expand events and academic opportunities over the summer.  If you are interested in joining the leadership of this exciting ministry please contact Jan Wilkins or Char Bulthuis.
LITTLE WAYS TO HELP MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.  We have received a few responses to our inquiry of little ways to help settle a refugee family.  Thank you for those!  We'd love to hear if more of you can pitch in—many hands make light work!  Extra response sheets are on the Info. Desk, next to the box to put them in.  Be blessed while blessing others.
THANK YOU to all who participated in last week's blood drive.  Twenty-eight people showed up to donate, twenty-two pints of blood were received and we had four first-time donors.  Your willingness to give made this another successful blood drive!

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                         
Looking forward to summer?  The Christian Reformed Conference Grounds, just south of Grand Haven, has openings for camping in June, July 10-17, July 17-24, and August 14 - Labor Day.  Give us a call (616-842-4478) to book your reservation today!  For more information about the Grounds please visit our website at www.crcg.org.
Millbrook Chr. School’s Closing Celebration Open House:  On Friday, April 16 all friends of Millbrook Chr. School are invited to join us for an evening celebrating God’s faithfulness.  We will begin our evening at 6:30 PM with a service of Praise and Worship at Millbrook CRC.  This will be followed by an Open House at Millbrook Chr. School to honor our retirees and to reminisce with old friends.  Dessert and coffee will be served.  The evening will end at 8:30 PM.

CALENDAR