Archived sermon messages from First Reformed Church, Orange City, Iowa.
Express Gratitude Regularly | Made for More (Part 5)
February 1, 2026 • Pastor Mark Haverdink • 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 18:21
Encouragement has the power to change the tone of a relationship. Words spoken with gratitude can strengthen trust and bring new life where weariness has settled. In this message, Express Gratitude Regularly, Pastor Mark invites us to reflect God’s heart by building others up and speaking life through intentional encouragement. Message Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hold Hands, Not Grudges | Made for More (Part 4)
January 25, 2026 • Pastor Fred De Jong • Matthew 18:21–35, Colossians 3:12–13
Unresolved resentment always costs more than we expect. It drains joy, damages trust, and keeps relationships stuck. In "Hold Hands, Not Grudges," Pastor Fred invites us to pursue the freedom we were made for by releasing resentment and choosing forgiveness as God has forgiven us, opening the door to healing and reconciliation.
Message Texts: Matthew 18:21–35; Colossians 3:12–13
Speak Honestly | Made for More (Part 3)
January 18, 2026 • Pastor Fred De Jong • John 8:44, John 16:13, Ephesians 4:25–27, Psalm 15:1–2, Jeremiah 9:4–6
Avoiding hard conversations may keep the peace, but it rarely builds trust. In Speak Honestly, Pastor Fred challenges us to pursue the “more” we were made for by choosing truth spoken in love over silence or half-truths. This message invites us to see how honesty, guided by the Spirit, creates deeper intimacy and lasting trust.
Scripture texts: Ephesians 4:25-27; Psalm 15:1-2; Jeremiah 9:4-6; John 8:44, 16:13
Revive Respect | Made for More (Part 2)
January 11, 2026 • Pastor Fred De Jong • Romans 12:9–10, Ephesians 5:33, Ephesians 6:1–3, 1 Peter 2:17, Leviticus 19:32
Respect does not fade because relationships grow older. It fades when honor is no longer practiced. In this message, Revive Respect, Pastor Fred invites us to see how Christ restores honor in our relationships, turning familiarity into renewed care, admiration, and grace.
Message Texts: Romans 12:9–10; Ephesians 5:33; 6:1–3; 1 Peter 2:17; Leviticus 19:32
Create a Christ-Centered Relationship | Made for More (Part 1)
January 4, 2026 • Pastor Fred De Jong • Galatians 2:20, Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:17, Proverbs 14:26, 1 John 4:7–11
Every relationship has a center, and whatever holds that place will shape what rises to the surface in our words and actions. In the opening message of the Made for More series, Pastor Fred invites us to reflect on what truly drives our relationships and why simply adding God is not the same as centering on Christ. This message calls us to pursue the “more” we were made for by building relationships rooted in Jesus, not in emotions, kids, or ambition. Message texts: Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:17; Proverbs 14:26; 1 John 4:7-11,19
As I Look to the End of the Year
December 28, 2025 • Pastor Mark Haverdink • 1 Corinthians 15:58
As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to feel both gratitude and uncertainty. In "As I Look to the End of the Year," Pastor Mark reflects on 1 Corinthians 15:58, inviting us to look back with thanksgiving, look ahead with hope, and renew our commitment to living faithfully in the present. This stand-alone message encourages us to stand firm in the Lord, trusting that our work in Him is never in vain as we prepare for the year ahead.
Our children take the stage in their cozy pajamas to share their Christmas program, "Tell Me a Story." Celebrate the birth of Jesus through the voices and hearts of our kids!
Thanksgiving Eve Service (2025) | Grateful Every Day
November 26, 2025 • Pastor Mark Haverdink
Begin your Thanksgiving with a heart of praise. Join us for a special Thanksgiving Eve service as we gather to express gratitude and prepare our hearts for the holiday. Through messages of thankfulness, worship, and reflection, we’ll pause to remember God’s goodness and be reminded that gratitude isn’t just for one day but a way of life.
October 19, 2025 • Guest Speaker • Ephesians 4:1–6
Have you ever wondered what it really means to live out your calling? In his message “One Hope,” guest speaker Jon Opgenorth, President of Words of Hope, unpacks Ephesians 4:1-6, where Paul—writing from prison—urges believers to live in a way that reflects the calling they’ve received in Christ. This passage reminds us that our calling is not just individual but shared. We are invited to walk together in humility, gentleness, and unity, grounded in the one hope we have in Jesus.
When life feels like it’s falling apart, what holds you together? In "Held" from Colossians 1:15-20, Pastor Mark shows how God is at work even in the darkest and most painful seasons. No matter what you face, He is with you and He will never let you go.
Tell Me Without Telling Me
July 6, 2025 • Pastor Tim Breen • Acts 3:1–10, Acts 4:1–21
How can people tell you’ve been with Jesus without you even saying a word? In Acts 4, the religious leaders are stunned by the boldness of two “ordinary” men, Peter and John. This week, Pastor Tim Breen explores how time with Jesus transforms us.
May 25, 2025 • Pastor Mark Haverdink • 1 Samuel 3:1–10
Have you ever wondered how to hear God’s voice? In Hearing God’s Call, Pastor Mark walks us through 1 Samuel 3 and the story of young Samuel, reminding us that God still speaks, and His call, though sometimes quiet, always leads us to something greater.
Tulip Festival Community Worship Service
May 18, 2025
The Tulip Festival Community Worship Service brings together congregations from across the community for a unified time of worship, prayer, and proclamation of the Word. This service celebrates our shared faith and the conclusion of the Tulip Festival.
Mentors and Imitators | Mother's Day
May 11, 2025 • Pastor Fred De Jong • 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10
Every life leaves a trail—what kind of example are you setting? In his message Mentors and Imitators from 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10, Pastor Fred challenges us to embrace the privilege and responsibility of spiritual mentoring by living a Christ-like example. This message also celebrates moms and encourages them to step boldly into their God-given influence.
Wrap Up, Roll On | RISE25 Celebration Sunday
May 4, 2025 • Pastor Fred De Jong • Romans 15:14–22, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:10
As we reflect on where we’ve been and where God is leading us next, Pastor Fred brings a powerful message called Wrap Up, Roll On. Rooted in Romans 15:14-22, we'll celebrate God's faithfulness and look forward with purpose and hope.
Songs from the Psalms | Sanctuary Choir Concert
April 27, 2025
Join us live for a beautiful evening of worship and reflection as our Sanctuary Choir presents Song from the Psalms. This special concert features a collection of anthems sung throughout the year, all inspired by the rich poetry and enduring truths found in the Book of Psalms. Come and be encouraged as we lift our voices in praise, drawing from the timeless songs that have comforted, challenged, and inspired generations.
