If you would like your news or milestone event included in this column, please call Jeanne or email her at toppenbeppe@gmail.com

The Focus

Special Points

of Interest

Common

Ground

Mission Trip

Pastor’s

Corner

Church News 1-2

Council Minutes 3

Pastor’s Page 5

Church History 6

Kid’s Korner 7

Common Ground

Mission Trip

8

Fresh Faces 9

Inside this issue:

Congratulations to Andy and Cheryl Zonneveld who were blessed with a son on January 28th. Andrew Theodore weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was welcomed by his big sister Sonya. Frank and Jana Zonneveld are the excited grandparents.

Theo and Jeanne de Haan were blessed with another granddaughter. Freya Wyn was born on January 29th to Jonathan and Rachel in Portland, Oregon. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and joins sisters Anneliese and Jenneke at home.

Dennis and Cher Rietema were blessed with their 11th grandchild when Darcy Joy was born to Kyle and Liz on February 12th in Tulare. She weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. Dennis and Cher are happy to have a grandchild living nearby!

Rod and Linda Kamper became grandparents for the first time with the birth of Bennett Richard on February 16th. Travis and Stephanie are the proud parents of this 8 lb. 10 1/2 oz. bundle of joy. Grandma Linda says he's very cute, of course, and they are glad he lives close by!

Congratulations also go out to Curtis and Lael Dunn who were blessed with a daughter on February 23rd. Daniela Joy weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. Wilha and Asa must be so excited to have another sibling! Darryl and Candi Koelewyn are Daniela's

grandparents and Rich and Marcy Van Workum are her great grandparents. Congratulations to James and Theresa Burt on the birth of their daughter Whitney Eileen. She was born on March 9th and weighed 8 lbs. She joins siblings Avery, Evelyn and Lydia at home and is a sweet baby according to her busy mom. We wish God's richest blessing on each of these families as they raise their little one to love and fear our Lord. Hanford Christian School's Christmas Float won Best of Lights at the Christmas parade. It also won the theme category. Kudos go out to all those who pitched in to make it happen. Quite a few students from our congregation rode on the float including Sammy and Natalia Garcia, Allison and Daphne Reenders and London Holden. Such a fun event to participate in! Congratulations to William de Jong who participated and won in the Geography Bee at Hanford Christian School. The students had to answer questions about geography and culture. Other participants from our congregation were AJ Bekedam and Nathaneal Atmajian. As spokeswoman for the World Ag Expo, Marissa Carpenter was quoted in the Fresno Bee, made

March 27, 2016

PAGE 2 THE FOCUS

After Hanford Christian School performed their annual musical, there was a nice write up with photos in the Hanford Sentinel. We saw photos of Marissa Van Der Kooi, William de Jong, Nathanael Atmajian, Rebekah Wilgenburg and Audrey Dragt as they performed their parts with the rest of the students in the background. What a great evening it must have been! Soccer season has ended but the Visalia Times Delta had a nice article about the Central Valley Christian Girls' Soccer Team. Kyla Danielson was mentioned after she managed to score against Madera and the team won! Way to go Kyla! Congratulations to Gerrit Van Leeuwen and Giovanna Rajao who were married on Tuesday, March 8th. Gerrit is the son of Beatrice Reyneveld. May this young couple be blessed with a long and happy life together! The Sentinel devoted a full half page to Hanford Christian’s Science Fair. Three projects were shown in colored pictures. One of these was William de Jong demonstrating radio waves from his “Crystal Radio” invented by Carl Ferdinand Braun. Ally Lemos was pictured in an article about California State University, Fresno 32

nd annual

Conference on Character and Civic Education. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, where Ally teaches fifth grade, was one of the two Hanford schools that received the Bonner Center’s Character and Civic Education Award.

TEEN TALK

SCARS OF REMEMBRANCE

Look, I’ve written your names on the back of My hands.

The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of My sight.

Isaiah 49:16 (The Message)

Dear Child,

Did you know My Son, Jesus, has scars of you on the palms of His hands? He got them by

hanging on the cross for you, so that you could have a relationship with Me. Jesus can’t

forget you. Those scars are constant reminders.

Jesus prays for you 24/7 (twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week). He doesn’t sleep

and neither do I. Even if you forget about Me during the day, don’t worry; I can’t forget

about you. You are never alone or forgotten because Jesus is always thinking about

you. I love you non-stop.

Yours Forever,

God

- e-mail from God for Teens” by C. & C. Cloninger

PAGE 3 THE FOCUS

Hanford Christian Reformed Church Council Meeting Minutes

March 7, 2016

1. Council chairman Bill Tos called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Gerrit deJong was absent.

2. Pastor Sikkema led in opening devotions from Ephesians 4:17-32 and Bob Koelewyn opened in prayer.

3. Additions to the Agenda - a. Thursday Nights Farmer’s Market. A motion was approved for our church to take part in the Farmer’s Market for five weeks beginning on May the 5th.

4. The Council Minutes of January 11, 2016 were approved.

5. Clerk Report/Correspondence a. A motion was approved to transfer the membership of Case and Albertha VanHofwegen to Trinity United Reformed Church in Visalia.

6. Staff Reports a. Pastor Lambert Sikkema submitted a written report. b. Pastor Justin Carruthers submitted a written report. i. Following discussion a motion was approved for Pastor Justin to attend the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Trip in Langley, British Columbia in June for 4 days. c. Pastor Joel Klingenberg submitted a written report.

7. Elders Minutes - no actionable issues.

8. Deacons Minutes - received for information including monthly budget report (no actionable issues) 9. Council Committee Reports A. Administration 1. Staff Relations - no report 2. Executive - no report 3. Finance - (Deacons Minutes) 4. Building & Grounds - minutes from January 2016 and February 2, 2016 received for information .

10. Old Business A. Pastor Lambert gave us a report on the Proposed Policy Regarding the Scheduling and Officiating of Weddings at the First Christian Reformed Church in Hanford. No action taken until legal review.

11. New Business A. KRDU Radio Broadcast - tabled B. Lathrop Church Plant Update - Pastor Lambert noted that the directing of questions and line of inquiry concerning this ministry should go directly to the task-force. C. Nextstep Review 1. Following discussion a motion was made, seconded and passed to approve all seven (7) NexStep Prescriptions, to have the congregation vote on all seven (7) NexStep Prescriptions, and pending an affirmative vote from the congregation, to approve and fund Dr. Bill Hoyt as coach/consultant during the implementation process.

12. Mutual censure was performed

13. Council was adjourned until May 2, 2016.

14. Darryl Koelewyn closed our meeting in prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Koelewyn Council Clerk

PAGE 4 THE FOCUS

What Do You Know About the Heidelberg Catechism?

A NEW CATECHISM

Ursinus, the quiet professor, sat in his study as usual, hunched over the writing table with his quill in hand. In the glow of the candle lay a half circle of books and papers. He wrote carefully, weighing every word. The outline for the elector’s catechism was almost finished, and the eloquent preacher Olevianus was coming to talk about it.

Elector Frederick had asked them to write a catechism to unite the people under one belief. He also wanted the catechism to teach the people, especially the young people, what the Bible said. He wanted every part of every answer in the catechism to be given with Bible proof so that no one could say that the answers were not right and true. Ursinus was grateful to be living and working under an elector who was a great spiritual leader.

It was a great outline. Both men agreed about it. The catechism would start with man’s big problem, his sinfulness. Not with a vague question about who God is, but with man’s deepest need, to know his Son and be saved from sin. This would be a personal catechism, speaking of “I” and “we” in relation to God.

This first part about sin would be much shorter than the part about being saved from sin. That would be the big section, the one about deliverance. In it would be questions and answers about Jesus the Savior and about faith in Him. The Apostles’ Creed would be explained, line by line, because it summarized what a man must believe. Here also would fall the questions about that explosive subject, the sacraments. This part must be written with special care and Bible proof so that the truth would be spoken clearly but in love.

The last part of the new catechism would be about living to show thankfulness for salvation from sin. This would be a good-sized section, too. In it the law of God would be explained, commandment by commandment, because when persons are saved from sin, they obey the law out of thankfulness. With the questions about prayer, the Lord’s prayer would be discussed. (to be continued)

REMEMBER……. The shortest distance between a problem and a solution

is the distance between your knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

If your problem is bigger than your GOD, then you are serving the wrong god.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for

you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

We mutter, we sputter We fume and we spurt, We mumble and grumble We can’t understand things Our vision gets dim, when all that we need – is a moment with Him.

Men ought always to pray and not give up. Luke 18:1b

P – R – A – Y – E – R

P - Praise the Lord above, R – Reverently proclaim His love A – As you bow before His throne, Y – You worship Him and Him alone. E – Every cry He always heeds, R – Readily supplies your needs. Mrs. Jennie Buteyn

PRAYER: A PRIORITY

PAGE 5 THE FOCUS

NexStep’s Next Steps

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank each and every one of you who participated in the NexStep Assessment process! We were so encouraged to have 151 survey completions, over 120 in Focus Groups, and 178 at the NexStep Assessment Luncheon. Your participation gave us a clear picture of our joys and strengths as well as our concerns and challenges as a congregation.

As you may already know, on Monday, March 7th we, as Full Council, voted our unanimous approval to proceed with all the prescriptions given to us by the NexStep team (listed at the end of this letter.)

At that meeting we also determined that it would be fitting to reach out to you and ask for you to stand with us in this journey knowing that it will take a group effort. Our aim was and is to request that you pray with us as we seek to honor and glorify God by addressing the very real issues we collectively identified. On Sunday, March 20th, we collected your votes and I am delighted to report that we received a 90% vote of confidence! Thank you!

One promise I made to you was that we would keep you informed on the process moving forward. As such, I commend the first part of the process detailed for you below:

Step One – Congregational Coaching (On-Site)

We will invite Dr. Bill Hoyt back to our campus for on-site congregational coaching. The day will comprise of: meeting with the Pastors in the morning, working with the entire staff in the afternoon, and then the Council in the late afternoon and evening.

The on-site congregational coaching consists of working through our prescriptions. As mentioned in the last congregational letter, this is not a carbon-stamped process. It is a deliberate process that gives attention to who we are as a congregation. Dr. Hoyt will continue to meet with us once a month until we no longer need his services to aid us through this process.

Step Two - Envisioning

The envisioning process lays the foundation for vision, focus, and alignment. In other words, we will work on developing a “Ministry Map” that articulates, in plain everyday language, our Core Beliefs, Core Values, Mission, and Vision. The Envisioning Team will comprise of 9 members: 3 Pastors, 2-3 Council members, and 3-4 lay leaders.

A Few Particular Ways You Can Pray with Us – For:

1. The Lord to give the Pastors and Council wisdom and discretion. 2. Dr. Hoyt as he serves as our congregational coach. 3. Our community of Hanford and County of Kings, especially those in our community who do not know the

love of Christ. Pray that we may be faithful to follow Christ’s calling given to us in Matthew 5:14-16. 4. The Holy Spirit to grant us hearts of repentance for the ways in which we have harmed one another

(specifically related to instances of gossip, as well as times in which we have chosen not to forgive as we have been forgiven.)

5. The Holy Spirit to grant us a spirit of joy as we celebrate our rich heritage of God’s faithfulness and the ways in which He will continue to lead us in the future.

6. The Holy Spirit to grant us a spirit of unity as we endeavor to live into our biblical calling to be one church, one bride, and one body.

Serving Christ together,

Pastor Justin

PAGE 6 THE FOCUS

Our Church History – 1980’s (continued)

Hanford CRC had an active (and robed) choir in the 1980’s. It was a special part of our worship services and special programs. The 36 member choir included 24 women and 12 men. Ten of those choir members are now with the Lord.

There was an active Kings County Boys Ranch south of town, and the Son Seekers group adopted the Boys Ranch as the beneficiary of their service projects. The Sojourners group was very active during the eighties. They selected visitation to Hacienda Rest Home as their service project. They began a Host and Hostess project, opening their homes for Sunday dinner to any visitor who had no place to go. They also provided a folding machine for the office which folded bulletins, Focus, and other papers automatically.

Summer Sunday School for children ended in the summer of 1985. Vacation Bible School will be emphasized instead. At an April 29, 1985 congregational meeting, it was decided to hire a retired minister, hire a youth pastor, and improve the sound and organ system. A 30 rank Moller organ was purchased from the Bakersfield Episcopal church for $10,750.00. A special organ dedication service was held on October 3, 1986 with Virginia Vaalburg as guest organist.

In 1985 Pastor Bob Van Hofwegen accepted a call to San Jose; he preached his farewell sermon on the 25th of August. Pastor Kermit Rietema accepted our call and was installed in February of 1986. Intern Pastor Dan Brouwer left our congregation in 1985; next for him was his candidacy. Jim Busscher served as intern pastor frorm 1981 to 1983. Then Dan Brouwer served as an assistant to the pastor from 1983 to 1985. Dave Nieuwsma became our first youth pastor in 1986.

There was much excitement on May 10,1986 when the Maranatha Homes Groundbreaking ceremony was held. An Open House was held in October. Wolly Koning (sister of Ray Verhoeven}, who was known as “Aunt Wolly” to many members, was the first tenant.

P.S. We are excited to begin this process and invite you to join us in the call to pray, seeking the Lord’s leading. As always, if you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to talk to a Pastor or Elder.

Prescriptions

1. Adopt a more effective and proven governance model and organizational structure by year-end 2016.

2. Engage in an envisioning process to create a compelling vision giving clear direction for the future by June 30, 2016.

3. Commit to becoming an outward focused, missional, evangelistically-effective church: a. The strategies to accomplish this to be identified by September 30, 2016 b. With full implementation of the strategies to follow

4. Develop and implement effective systems for:

a. Spiritual formation (small groups) by September 1, 2016

b. Assimilation by January 31, 2017

c. Leader Development by March 31, 2017

5. Declare First CRC a safe place where:

a. People forgive as they have been forgiven

b. Conflict is handled biblically, and

c. Gossip is not tolerated

6. Hire Dr. Bill Hoyt (NexStep) as congregational coach to guide you through the implementation of

the prescriptions by April 30, 2016.

PAGE 7 THE FOCUS

KID KORNER 1.Why was Jesus’ birth to Mary miraculous? a) She was very old. b) She was barren. c) She was a virgin. d) She already had 22 other children. 2.What was the punishment for Lot’s wife, who looked back on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? a) She contracted leprosy. b) She was struck blind. c) She lost her firstborn son. d) She became a pillar of salt. 3.What kind of branches did people spread before Jesus during his “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem? a) olive b) oak c) palm d) sycamore 4.What did Jesus say would not prevail against His church? a) the sins of mankind b) the armies of Satan c) the gates of Hades d) the forces of evil 5.Whom did Jesus physically drive out of the Temple? a) scribes b) Pharisees c) money changers d) Roman soldiers 6.According to James, what should a tempted person never say? a) “The devil made me do it.” b) “My own strength shall save me.” c) “It is of little account.” d) “God is tempting me.”

7.Which of the following sounds will not accompany Jesus’ Second Coming? a) the trumpet of God b) mighty hoof beats c) the voice of the archangel d) a loud command 8.According to the Proverbs, what is worthless “In the day of wrath?” a) power b) wealth c) fame d) idols 9. Of what was Bartimaeus healed? a) leprosy b) demon possession c) blindness d) lameness 10. As the book of Acts concludes, where in Rome is the apostle Paul? a) Caesar’s palace b) a dungeon c) the Forum d) a rented house If the answer you do not know, Just look right here, down below. Bible verses will help your mind All the answers quickly find. Bible References 1. Matthew 1:23 2. Genesis 19:26 3. John 12:13 4. Mark 5:12-13 5. Mark 11:15 6. James 1:13 7. I Thessalonians 4:16 8. Proverbs 11:4 9. Mark 10:46,52 10. Acts 28:30

PAGE 8 THE FOCUS

Common Ground Youth Group has had the privilege of traveling to Rehoboth, New Mexico for this years spring break service trip. With nine students representing three different high schools and four leaders, we set out across California and Arizona to reach the beautiful state of New Mexico, particularly the area just south of the Navajo Nation.

On Sunday morning, we were able to worship with the Rehoboth CRC congregation, and then we enjoyed a beautiful hike on some land in Arizona. At this site, a family cooked a delicious taco dinner for us and shared a little about their history!

During our three work days, we found ourselves split up into two groups, guys and girls, and we each were set to work on our different tasks. The ladies began their days by helping the Sisters of Charity, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen. The young men began and finished their days working on clearing land, tearing down a fence, and then rebuilding the fence. Often the ladies would join us in the afternoon after our lunch-time hikes.

All of our projects were very satisfying to begin and complete, so we thank God for this opportunity to do His good work here in this community. Our work advisor, Donovan, continually thanked our entire group for our help with the fence as it certainly brightened up the front entrance to the cemetery.

Two of our evenings were also highlighted by a choir rehearsal (the Rehoboth Choir is amazing), and a cultural presentation of Native American song and dance. The young man who danced while his father sang had just placed first in a regional competition!

Overall, Common Ground is very thankful for this opportunity to serve and is just as thankful for all your support, both past and present. May God bless you all!

In Christ, Pastor Joel

Every month, on the last Sunday, We get together to earnestly pray

For spouses that do not know the Lord, With whom we wish to be in full accord.

If your spouse has this special need, Please join us as we intercede.

Just come to the prayer room at 9 a.m. And join us in prayer for each of them.

When gathered together are two or three, God promises that there with us He will be.

Each of us has an opportunity so great, To together our prayers to articulate. From 6:30 to 7 a.m. on each Monday We gather in the social hall to pray.

What a wonderful way to start the work week, As our praises and petitions together we speak.

“Pray without ceasing”, God does declare. We encourage you to come and

join us in prayer.

PAGE 9 THE FOCUS

FRESH FACES Did you know that we have a published author in our congregation? Bob Plekker has published seven Christian non-fiction books (see list in the box below). He is currently re-writing his first book, “Redeemed? Say So!”

Bob and Polly Plekker became members of our church in 2014. After they both lost their spouses, a mutual friend thought they would be a good match. After two weeks of talking on the phone every day (Bob from Michigan and Polly from Washington), Bob came to see Polly. All went well; they were married on January 1, 1997 in Kansas City, Kansas which was a central location for their large families.

Polly is the oldest of 12 children; she has five children and 10 grandchildren. Her birth place was Everett, Washington; she attended the Lynden Christian schools. She spent 35 years as a minister’s wife, living in a number of different locations, mostly in Canada.

Bob has one brother, one sister, three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Christian schools there. Bob is a graduate of Calvin College and the University of Michigan. After obtaining his dental degree, he spent 30 years as a dentist in Michigan. After retiring he traveled to overseas mission fields. In Africa, he helped set up a dental clinic. Another field was in Thailand, taking care of refugees fleeing from Cambodia. His book entitled “Bridge to Eternity” was written especially for these refugees and was translated into the Thai language.

The first four years of their marriage they lived in a motor home, traveling all over the states and visiting many family members. They spent several years on cruise ships with Bob serving as the ship’s dentist. Most of his patients were crew members. These travels included a four month cruise around the world. They travel to Michigan once each year to see Bob’s family (and meet at least two new great-grandchildren each trip.)

Why did they move from Bellingham, Washington to Hanford two years ago? Polly says “For the sunshine and to be closer to my family”. She has a sister in Hanford and many of her siblings live in California.

They appreciate the warm welcome they have received here. Polly stated, “I so appreciate the worship services: the messages, the order, and the musical selections.” Bob is delighted to be part of the “morning donut gang”.

Books written by Dr. Robert J. Plekker

Redeemed? Say So! - Divorce & the Christian - Who Is Jesus Christ & What is Christianity? Bridge to Eternity (Thai language) - Why Jesus? - Why You Need Not Fear Death -

Glimmering Truths ”DIVORCE & THE CHRISTIAN” – This book is dedicated to those who wish to know the Gospel’s Truth about God’s feeling regarding their marriage, or divorce, or a remarriage; and God’s divinely established way to receive His forgiveness.

“WHY JESUS?” - This book was written for three groups of people: those who are seeking a new spirituality, those who are new Christians, and those who wish to help others understand God and His plan of salvation.

“WHY YOU NEED NOT FEAR DEATH” - This is a book for Christians who are, only by God’s grace, committed to Jesus Christ, their Savior and Lord. Within the context of the Holy Bible, the author finds stimulating answers that make our salvation secure.

“Glimmering Truths” – In this book, the author focuses on the significance of things surrounding the cross, things that we seldom think about. This book features a very effective print presentation: Jesus’ sayings in red, Biblical in blue, and author’s writings in black.

This book is available in our church library.

SENIOR SCENE

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are

many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place

for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with

me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am

going. John 14: 2-4

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light,

and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23

THE WAY

Did you hear Me calling in the wind a couple of nights ago?

Did you hear Me asking, “Where you’ve been”? and say, “I love you so”?

Did you hear Me whisper in your ear how beautiful it will be?

That there is nothing at all to fear when it’s time to come to me?

It’s lovely here; the weather’s fine! There’s plenty for you to do!

Your friends said to tell you, “It’s divine.” With joy they’re waiting for you.

But please don’t fret; There’s no big rush; I simply want to say

That in the beauty and the hush of prayer, I’ll show the way.

-L. Woodward & M. Wyatt

2175 Leoni Drive ~ Hanford, California

FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED

Phone: 559-582-4423

Fax: 559-584-2235

We’re on the web

hanfordcrc.org

THE FOCUS PAGE 10

If there are any needs in the

congregation for the Deacons, please

feel free to give one of them a call

and they will be willing to address

them. Thank you.

Your Diaconate

Answers to Kid Korner Questions

1.C 2. D 3. C 4. C 5. C 6.D 7. B 8. B 9. C 10. D

This-N-That

As we celebrate this joyous season, let us remember in prayer the four families that just recently lost their mothers, grandmothers, and wife. It certainly provides comfort to the families to know that Norma, Gertrude, Annetta, and Jessie are rejoicing in heaven with their risen Savior.

How wonderful that we can rejoice that Jesus is alive and has conquered death, that He promised a place for us in heaven, as well as our bodily resurrection. No matter what may be happening in our lives right now, we have reasons to rejoice that will last into eternity.

Lines for Easter

Go now with Mary to the tomb,

In all your doubt and unbelief,

And there in Joseph’s garden find

The only comfort in your grief.

Stand now with Mar at the tomb,

O slow of heart, and swift to fear;

With Mary hear the angels speak

The wondrous words:

“He is not here.”

Rejoice with Mary as your lose

The blinding doubt with which

you came;

With Mary worship and adore

The living Lord who calls

your name.

Run now with Mary, quickly run,

With burning heart, and hope

restored,

To bring the broken, waiting world

The message of your risen Lord.

Jean De Boer