This Week at Calvin

April 19 is the Second Sunday of Easter Celebration! Because of Jesus' resurrection from the grave we know he lives for ever and if we believe in Him, we can live with Him forever. Calvin Christian Reformed Church loves this knowledge and in this interesting time of social distancing, we are assured that Jesus is in control of all that happens.
Our worship service will be recorded Saturday morning to facilitate the making of CDs for those without internet and for the making of the online service.
The service will begin with a prelude by Miriam Hector. Several dedicated singers and sound technicians have graciously consented to serve as worship leaders and recorders. We thank Lyn Bulthuis and Steve Ver Mulm for singing and Jeremy Kamp and Dave Davelaar for their technology expertise. If you are interested in joining us in singing, please let Miriam Hector know by Thursday.
We will be singing the Easter songs for Eastertide. They are: "Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna" to the tune of "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven. Other hymns will include "Christ is alive! Let Christians Sing", and "Because He Lives" by Bill and Gloria Gaither.
Pastor Rev. Dr. Nevada DeLapp has chosen to use the Psalms as his messages in this Eastertide. This week he begins with a Psalm of Lament, Psalm 13. "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" The song of response reflects this lament as we sing Psalm 13 from the Psalter "How Long Will YOu Forget Me, Lord?" On the third Sunday of the month, Calvin CRC usually celebrates Holy Communion. However, this Sunday due to the unusual circumstances that we find ourselves in, we will be fasting from the Lord's Supper. Instead, as we wait for the moment when we can all gather together again, we will be offering a prayer for spiritual communion - a prayer that the Holy Spirit would unite our hearts together in Christ with those who are able to feed spiritually on his very flesh and blood (cf. Belgic Confession, Art 35). As we pray this prayer, we will ask that Jesus will feed us and strengthen our spirits in the same way that he does through the usual partaking of the signs of bread and wine. Prayers for spiritual communion are not new. Historically, soldiers and those who have been unable to partake in the sacrament have prayed these prayers as a way to participate in the sacrament. We will respond with the singing of an older song, but with still a relevant meaning, "I Surrender All".

We want to continue to remember The Christian Needs Center located in Le Mars. If you would like to donate items, please place them in the blue barrel in the narthex anytime. This week we highlight this giving, but items can be added at anytime. Their needs are: fruit, pork & beans, chili beans, hamburger helper, mixed vegetables, pancake syrup, and spaghetti noodles.
The church doors are open from 10 - 2 to drop your titles and offerings in the church office or your donations to the Christian Needs Center. Our church library in the basement is available for those who would like to read a book or watch a DVD. Please feel free to use this ______. Calvin is located at 326 7th St SE, Le Mars.
If you need help getting or picking up groceries, prescriptions, or rides to appointments, please call the church office at 546-4767 or call Pastor at 616-443-4164.
Pastor has "Bite size bits from the bearded pastor" on Facebook several days a week. These are informational and comforting thoughts from Pastor Nevada. Feel free to join him.
To listen to Calvin's church services check out our website at calvincrclemars.org. We would love to have you join us in the worship of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!