Brunswick Reformed Church

3535 Grafton Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212

(330) 225-5475

Ministers: Worship & Christian Education

The Congregation Sunday 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Pastors:

Don Poest www.b-r-c.org

Dan Toot

Welcome to Brunswick Reformed Church’s worship celebrations. To make our mutual experience more enjoyable today please: 1. Relax - At BRC you can rest assured that you will not be embarrassed, singled out, or put on the spot. 2. Fill Out a Welcome Card - These can be dropped in the offering plate later. The information won’t be misused, and will help us know who’s been here. It’s also a great way to drop a note to, or request a contact from, a staff member. 3. Ask for Prayer - If you have a prayer concern to share, pick up a prayer request form from the cart in back. Give completed forms to an usher or the pastor before the service begins. 4. Know There Are Options for Children - - The small room in the right rear corner has rocking chairs where little ones can be rocked, quieted or nursed. - We have an excellent nursery for ages 0-3 at the far end of our education wing. 5. Join Us for Fellowship - Coffee and juice are served in the fellowship area after each service. Join us and get acquainted. We do ask that you not take drinks into worship with you. 6. Do Not Feel Obligated to Give - If you are a first-time guest, please do not feel obligated to participate in the offering. This is a time when members and regular attendees honor God by giving to his work through this church. Let today be our gift to you. 7. Stop by our Welcome Center for more information about Brunswick Reformed Church! 8. BRC is on the web www.b-r-c.org Who Is BRC? We are a member of the Reformed Church in America, a Protestant denomination that goes back to the Reformation period in Europe when the Church was “reformed” according to the Word of God. We are a mixture of Christians from many denominational backgrounds, all seeking to grow in our spiritual maturity as we live by faith with Jesus as our forgiver and leader. You will find our calling, mission and core value statements on the back of this bulletin.

October 26, 2014

Welcome to worship! At our 10:30 service today Rylan Young

McDaniel and Kyler Anthony McDaniel will be presented for

baptism by parents Paul and Rhiannon. Congratulations!

Thank you to the worship team for leading us in worship through

music.

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Worship service 9:00 a.m.: 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Adult class) Rm 4

10:30 a.m.: Worship Service

10:30 a.m.: Children’s Sunday School classes for preschool-5th

grade gather first in Room 8-9.

10:30 a.m.: Through the Bible (Adult) Rm 10 – 11

Blood Pressure checks will be available in Pastor Don’s office

between services.

To get a cd of any of our sermons, simply write “cd” and the

requested date on your Welcome Card. The sermon audio files,

sermon outlines, study questions, verses and bulletins are available

on the church website www.b-r-c.org.

The Belgic Confession: Article 16: The Doctrine of Election We believe that — all Adam's descendants having thus fallen into

perdition and ruin by the sin of Adam—

God showed himself to be as he is: merciful and just.

God is merciful in withdrawing and saving from this perdition those

who, in the eternal and unchangeable divine counsel, have been elected

and chosen in Jesus Christ our Lord by his pure goodness,

without any consideration of their works.

God is just in leaving the others in their ruin and fall

into which they plunged themselves.

REACT Student Ministries......

For Sunday, October 26

and upcoming events

9:00 a.m.: Middle School Sunday School class, Room 8.

9:00 a.m.: High School Sunday school class, Room 10.

No youth group tonight (due to the corn maze outing last night!)

Friday: TNT Brunswick High school bible study, meets after

school. See Amanda Davis for more information.

Next Sunday youth group will meet immediately following the

second service, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served, with

games and activities. Come, bring a friend as we enjoy fun and

fellowship together. (The time of youth group was changed so that

all youth and their families can attend the Song Fest at New Hope)

To both Middle and High Schoolers: Your help is needed on

Tuesday, November 4th from 1-4pm. There is no school that day!!

To prepare for our big Operation Christmas Child packing party on

November 12th, we will need many hands to fold boxes (400 to be

exact) and bag soap and candy. Please consider giving some of

your time to volunteer for a ministry that has been a focus for our

Youth program for many years. And it just gets bigger and better!

Spend some time with your friends and serve the needy children of

this world! Also a great opportunity for those of you who need

volunteer hours! Talk to Cindy Toom to volunteer or if you have

questions. Thank you!

THANK YOU! Thank you to all who participated in our Chili

Cook-Off. Thank you to all who made the chili, to all who came to

eat and donated generously to the youth mission trip ($471 raised!)

Thank you to the judges, those who brought the yummy desserts

and those who helped with setup and cleanup. A special thank you

to Jen Yugulis for making the pumpkin pies for the pie eating

contest. It was a fun event! Thank you all for your ongoing support

of our youth ministry!

THIS WEEK:

Monday: Campus Life, 6:30 p.m.

Grief Share, 7:00 p.m. Rooms 8 & 4.

Elders meet at 7:00 p.m. in Room 1.

Tuesday: Potter’s Workshop, 6:30 p.m., Room 16.

Wednesday: Women’s study, Unglued, 10 am-noon, Room 4.

Mature Men’s Bible Study, 10:00 a.m., Room 6.

WEDNESDAY CONNECTIONS: 7-8:30 p.m.

Foundations, Room 8-9

Philippians Bible Study, Room 1

Women’s Study (The Best Yes), Room 4

Kids Club, K-5th, Room 10-11

Thursday: God’s Friends Forever (GFF) meets at 6:30 p.m.

Worship Team rehearsal, 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Friday: Shining Stars Bible study, 1:30 p.m. at SW Commons.

Saturday: Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before

going to bed! Daylight Savings time ends.

Next week’s message by Pastor Don, based on Luke 13:1-9 & John

9:1-3, will be, Dear God, Why Do Some Live Through Cancer

While Others Die?

Ring in the Sounds of Christmas!

We are in the process of recruiting for a

Holiday Hand Bell Choir. If you are interested

in participating in this special, short term choir,

please contact Bonnie Bumford at

330-225-1198. Practices will be on Thursday

evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., beginning on Oct 30.

For about five hundred years theologians and Bible scholars

have debated such issues as God’s sovereignty, predestination,

election, man’s free will, etc. Which predominates? How do

they fit together? Are they all biblical? Which ones must I

agree with in order to be saved? And now today I’m going to

clear this all up and give you definitive answers that have

eluded others for centuries! NOT!

First, let’s clear up the key issue—salvation is based on

accepting Jesus by faith as the Savior of our sins, the One who

forgives and cleanses and redeems us. It’s not based on correct

understanding of controversial theology. Second, people who

are strong followers of John Calvin (predestination & election),

and those who are equally strong followers of Joseph Arminius

(man’s free will) are going to be spending eternity together in

heaven. Third, I’m not going to clear up the discrepancies in

25 minutes this morning.

Many of you have been wrestling with some of these issues

in Pastor Dan’s Foundations class on Wednesday evenings. I

affirm you for sticking with it, even though it made your brains

hurt! Fortunately, you are moving on in this next session to

less controversial matters. For those who want to dig into these

topics more deeply, sing up for the first session of Foundations

next time it is offered.

What I hope to do this morning is simply give you one line

that will stick with you. You’ll hear it throughout the message.

I’m convinced it is biblically accurate. And I’m convinced that

we will be led to much deeper awe and praise when we really

grasp it. To God be the glory!

Pastor Don

Getting Started is a 4-week small group led by Pastor Don and

Cathy Poest that introduces people to the beliefs, values and

structures of this church in a way that invites attendees to consider

membership and sustain spiritual growth. It is a requirement for

those requesting baptism. Childcare can be provided if needed.

If interested, note “Getting Started” on your Welcome Card.

DEAR GOD, HOW DO YOU BALANCE OUR FREE WILL WITH YOUR SOVEREIGNTY? INTRODUCTION God always makes the first move God’s move always requires a response on our part Bible teaches God’s sovereignty, and it teaches our responsibility Calvinists focus on God’s sovereignty and greatness Arminians focus on man’s responsibility and God’s fairness 1 PETER 1:1-2. 2:1-12

Some Thoughts on God’s Sovereignty God’s sovereignty is his divine rule/authority/power over the universe Predestination and election tend to reference “us” rather than “me” Predestination: God chooses people for salvation before they are born Bible doesn’t tell us how Bible doesn’t say he predestined some for hell the basis is the good pleasure of God’s will this does not mean arbitrarily or whimsically this underscores that salvation is purely a gift of grace The clear biblical record is that God always makes the first move Abraham Moses Mary Paul Therefore I can never be spiritually arrogant; God gets the credit

God chose us with a purpose in mind to live as fully committed sons and daughters to live in obedience to Jesus Christ to be Christ’s ambassadors to the world This doctrine is best appreciated in life’s rear view mirror

Some Thoughts on Our Free Will Humans have freedom of choice, but it is a limited freedom I am not sovereign; only God is; only God has ultimate authority my freedom can never override God’s authority within our families some have more freedom than do others I’m more than a puppet; I’m responsible for how I respond to God They perished bec they refused to love the truth & so be saved 2 Thessalonians 2:10b I must make choices, and there will be consequences Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life – John 3:36 Humans who are spiritually corrupt/dead can’t make right eternal choices God’s move always requires a response on our part By faith Abraham, when called to go . . . obeyed and went Hebrews 11:8 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it” Exodus 4:13 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” – Luke 1:38 This doctrine is best viewed through life’s windshield looking forward CONCLUSION To choose one side & ignore the other is to take a scissors to your Bible I worship like a Calvinist and minister like an Arminian – Bill Hybels

Prayer concerns: Emerson Draiss will begin stem cell transplant on

Tuesday in an attempt to stop his cancer. This will be a minimum of

two weeks hospitalization. Pray for success, and for his ability to

endure. Annette Perhey will have rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday.

Continue to pray for those in physical rehab from surgeries (Paul Buser,

Lynn Reichle, Jim Welsh), and for those with ongoing health concerns:

Bob Beck, Sharon & Jerry Burgess, Bob & Vivian Cooperrider, Nancy

Hanwell, Anna Henry, Peg Jenkins, Flora Kostyak, Rose & Bob Murray,

Eileen Raich, Gini Reinke, Trace Spears, Betty Sweet, Mary & Ted

Szenger, Mary Trzop and Nickey Whited. Pray for our military

personnel.

Attendance last week was 81 & 97, plus 81 for GFF on Thursday.

Offerings for Oct 12 totaled $8,034.85.

Reformed Church Songfest: Next Sunday, Nov 2, at 6:00 p.m., the four

area Reformed Churches will gather for an evening of praise at New

Hope, 22960 Lorain Road, Fairview Park. The evening will include

1) good worship music, including both hymns and praise music;

2) a time of celebrating God’s goodness to New Hope with the

completion of renovations of their new facilities (all inspections have

been completed and passed!);

3) a chance to mingle over desserts with members of all the churches; 4)

a brief presentation of the plan to expand God’s kingdom reach in

Cleveland through the planting of a new church. A free will offering

will be taken for this cause; nursery services will be provided.

Please consider joining us!

On Wednesday November 12th we will be having an

Operation Christmas Child Packing party. Our goal is

to pack 400 shoe boxes. Please mark your calendar to

be here that evening. We had a great time last year.

BUT, before that day gets here we need your

help...We are in NEED of A LOT of candy to add to

the boxes. We need wrapped candy (twizzlers, smarties, wrapped hard

candy, life savers, suckers, skittles etc.) PLEASE NO CHOCOLATE OR

UNWRAPPED CANDY!!! Halloween is coming up and candy will be

on sale, please consider donating to help us meet our goal. If you have

any questions, please contact Cindy Toom.

Embroidery Group:

Would you like to help embroider quilt squares for

the quilts presented to children under the age of

three at their Baptism? Just pick up a square in the

basket on the shelves across from the kitchen.

Return finished square to the same basket or to

Donna Gates' mailbox . Your work will be so appreciated! If you

have questions, need help or supplies, call Donna 330-725-0625

Cry Room Renovation begins Nov. 9

You can help in several ways:

1. Donate the money to purchase needed supplies.

Note: “Cry Room Renovation” on your offering envelope

2. Help with the actual renovation

Work will begin approx 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9.

(Lunch will be provided before work begins!)

Note: “Work on Cry Room Renovation” on Welcome Card.

3. Donate some of the needed supplies (to help keep down the cost)

Here are needed supplies:

40’ PEX pipe 1 1/4” +-

1 GFIC plug—20 amp cream

12-2 50” roll wire nmb

4 sheets wainscoat paneling

6 sheets 1/2” dry wall (4x8” sheets)

6 8’ 2x4s (straight!)

Dry wall screws 5# box

Joint compound 5 gal

1 box concrete screws 2 1/2” blue small box

4. Donate money for the speaker system

Note: “Cry room speaker” on your offering envelope.

All material need to be brought to BRC by Nov. 4

Questions, contact Paul Buser, 330-416-5305, Jim Gates,

330-725-0625 or Tom Michelson, 440-785-8541.

Bob Evans / LoveINC Community Fundraiser: On Wed., Oct 29, Bob Evans, 4904 Grande Blvd, Medina, will

donate 15% of sales to Love InC of Medina Co, with the presentation of

a flyer. The flyers are available on the Welcome Center.

Serving at BRC

Sunday, October 26

Greeters (9) - G & B Shuster

(10:30) -D Reichle

Welcome Center - J Jansen

Nursery (9) - K Toot

(10:30) - K Rhue, K Haynes

Ushers (9) - N Virzi, M Wilk

Assisting - P Buser, M Pasko

(10:30) -K Wright, M Herbert

Assisting - C Dickens, C Rounds

Verse Cards (9)-G & C Lenart

(10:30)-J & E Smalley

Coffee-&Juice (9) - P Walker,

K Reichenbach

Sunday, Nov 2

Greeters (9) - R Demeter

(10:30) - C Rounds

Welcome Center - M Zeigler

Nursery (9) - B Vega

(10:30)-C Wright, R Garapic,

M Haynes

Ushers (9) - P Buser, M Pasko

Assisting - P Morgan, T Michelson

(10:30) - C Dickens, C Rounds

Assisting - I Fultz, L Wisniewski

Verse Cards (9)-E & K Gentile

(10:30)-J & R Niedermyer

Coffee-&Juice (9) - G Koch

Sunday, Nov 9

Greeters (9) - G Koch

(10:30) - P Walker

Welcome Center - J & R Smalley

Nursery (9) - M Fazekas

(10:30) - S Goots, E Beal

Ushers (9) - P Morgan, T Michelson

Assisting - B Jacobs, D Parker

(10:30) - I Fultz, L Wisniewski

Assisting - P Nixon, J Niedermyer

Verse Cards (9)-P Lods, B Cognata

(10:30)-D & M Cook

Coffee-&Juice (9) - M Zeigler,

T Lezark

DEAR GOD, HOW DO YOU BALANCE OUR FREE WILL WITH

YOUR SOVEREIGNTY?

1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:1-12

1. When playing games like checkers or chess do you prefer to have the

first move or the second move? Why?

2. Were you raised in the faith with a greater emphasis on God’s

sovereignty, or on man’s responsibility, or with an equal emphasis?

How do you feel about this now?

3. What does Pastor Don mean when he says that God always makes the

first move? Do you agree or disagree? Defend yourself biblically.

4. What does it mean to you that God is sovereign?

5. How does knowing that you were chosen by God before the creation

of the world (Ephesians 1:4) lead you to gratitude and worship?

6. Name some purposes for which God chose us.

7. In what ways are all of our freedoms limited freedoms?

8. Are sinful humans capable of making right eternal choices? Defend

your answer biblically.

9. What does Bill Hybles mean when he says he “worships like a

Calvinist, but ministers like an Arminian”?

10. What is one thing you will do different as a result of this message?

Free Seminar,

November 15,

10 am - 12 pm, here at BRC

Join us for video, snacks and discussion.

FEATURING: KATHERINE MIRACLE MIRACLE RESOURCES

WHAT: BRC WOMENS FALL EVENT WHY: TO CONNECT WITH OTHER WOMAN WHEN: FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 14

TH, 2014 – 7:00-9:00PM

WHERE: 3535 GRAFTON RD, BRUNSWICK OH WHO: ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT – CATHY POEST @ 330-273-7396 OR DONNA COOK @ 330-273-4821

Katherine will be speaking on Philippians Chapter 4 and James Chapter 1.

Come out for a time of fellowship, fun festive desserts. Dress casual and bring a friend.