Care Packages for Deployed Marines

Many of you know Abe Swart, who is currently deployed with the U.S. Marines. Through Abe and his family, we've learned that many Marines aboard his ship haven't received a single letter or care package in months, and basic supplies often run low.

We're excited to partner with an initiative led by Jenn & Chris Swart and the TeBeest family. Abe and Caleb (TeBeest) are deployed aboard the same ship, and together they're working to bless the Marines serving alongside them with care packages filled with requested supplies, handwritten notes, and reminders that they are seen, appreciated, and prayed for.

Our Deacons invite the congregation to join this effort in one or more of the following ways:

• Donate requested items through the SignUpGenius (click HERE).
• Help cover postage. It costs $34+ to ship each box. The Deacons have committed to covering postage for six boxes – can the congregation match this??! Donations for postage may be placed in an envelope marked "Marines" and placed in the offering or dropped off at the church office Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Write a note or card to encourage a Marine.

Whether you donate supplies, help with postage, or both, your

generosity will be a tangible reminder of Christ's love to Abe and the Marines serving alongside him. Thank you for partnering with us in this meaningful ministry.

July 19: A Special Sunday of Worship and Gratitude

Join us on Sunday, July 19, for a special worship service as we give thanks to God for the faithful ministry of Brian and Lori Taylor and pray God's blessing over them as they begin their retirement.

We're also pleased to welcome back Pastor Ray Tilstra and his wife, Ginny. Pastor Ray, a former pastor of First Reformed Church, will bring God's Word during our morning worship service.

As Brian and Lori will be taking vacation time throughout

much of July, this service will provide a meaningful opportunity for our church family to express our gratitude, offer our prayers, and wish them God's richest blessings in the season ahead.

We hope you'll join us for this special morning of worship.

THE TAYLOR FILES

The truth is in here somewhere.

As Brian and Lori Taylor prepare to retire at the end of July, we've been sharing a few memories and fun facts from their years at FRC.

Case File #7

Pastor Brian is well known for "Dutch Bingo"—that uncanny ability to meet someone new and, within minutes, determine exactly how they're related to five other people in Oostburg.

Investigators have now discovered that this skill may extend beyond humans.

The Taylor family's mounted deer all have names: Fred, George, JJ, and Lassiter.

At press time, investigators were still trying to determine whether the deer are simply named... or somehow related. 😄

The investigation continues...

📊 NEW Mini-Golf Statistics

• 14 days left to sign up. HERE
• Every scorecard contains at least one "creative" number.
• 95% of players will miss at least one "easy" putt.
• 100% of players will blame the course.
• Free brat included (GF option available). No extra charge for friendly trash talk..
• 1 lucky winner will earn bragging rights for an entire year.
• Skill level: PGA Tour or Wii Sports—we don't judge.
• July 12 • Sunset Hills (tee-off 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM)

Help us keep the streak alive! 🎉 For months now, almost every usher spot has been filled before the calendar turned. July is trying to break that streak—we still have 7 openings.

Save the day, save the streak, and maybe even save your newsletter editor from refreshing the sign-up page every 15 minutes. Click HERE to grab a spot!

Calling all dads and guys 18+! If you didn't snag your Father's Day gift last Sunday, don't worry—we've got you covered. Stop by the Welcome Center this morning and pick one up!

Congratulations to Cal & Vonnie Wynveen, who celebrated an incredible 70 years of marriage on June 23! What a milestone and beautiful testimony to God's faithfulness. Happy Anniversary!

Coffee. Breakfast. Fellowship. Prayer. Sounds like a pretty good way to start a Saturday! Join us on July 11, at 6:00 AM at Judi's Place in Oostburg for the Men's Prayer Breakfast. Sign-ups are appreciated (find them on the FRC website under Men's Prayer Breakfast), but they're not required. NOTE date change for this month!

Last week’s attendance was 382 and the offering was $17,732.

If You Hear Sirens...

Don't panic—but do know we've got a plan. Here's a quick refresher on how we handle tornado watches and warnings for church events.

🌪️ Tornado Watch

When our area is under a tornado watch, our Executive Team will review scheduled events and determine whether they should continue, be modified, delayed, or cancelled. We'll consider the timing, storm severity, forecast updates, and the safety of everyone involved.

🚨 Tornado Warning

When our area is under a tornado warning, all events are cancelled. Events may resume if the warning has been cancelled at least one hour before the scheduled start time.

Thanks for your understanding as we put safety first. We hope we never have to use this policy—but we're glad to have a plan if we do. 🌤️