December 2006 Archives

"The Justice of Christmas" (Christmas Eve) - Readings from the New Testament
Pastor Jeff
December 24, 2006

"Thanksgiving Service" - Readings from Scripture
Wendy Fisher
November 22, 2006

Morning Worship

Ministry of Music: The Leininger Family
Children’s Message: Tracy Borstad
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 12 (Scripture Reader: Jason Groen)
Message Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Message: “Joy to the World” (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Wilson Brouwer
Organ: Phil Erffmeyer

Merry Christmas!

Welcome to worship at Unity on this blessed Christmas Eve! We rejoice that you are here worshiping with us today. We pray God’s richest blessings on each and everyone of you during this blessed Christmas week!

Christmas Eve Service

Tonight we will gather here again at 5:00pm to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. We will worship through singing, listening to the gospel stories assembled together for dramatic reading, and lighting candles to show that the Light of the World has come. Our offering this evening will be for the work of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (3rd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
No Children’s church
5:00pm: Christmas Eve Service

Monday:
Merry Christmas!! Office Closed

Wednesday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning meeting
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (5th Sunday):
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:00am: Morning Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Old Year’s Service - Youth Group

Solid Rock Youth Group will be leading the Old Year’s Service (Dec. 31) at 4pm at Willmar CRC. Everyone is invited to come to this time of worship, and all students in 7-12 grades are strongly encouraged to come and to invite friends!

Solid Rock Youth Group

NO meeting Wednesday, December 27 Old Year’s Service December 31 Solid Rock Youth Group (7-12 grades) resume regular meetings on Wed., January 3, 2007.

Advanced Notice - Baby Shower

Open House Baby Shower for Jeff & Wendy Fisher’s baby-to-be on Friday, January 12. Men and women invited.

Prison Volunteer Training

Training for anyone interested in volunteering at St. Cloud Prison - Tuesday, January 9 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm in St. Cloud. More information to follow.

Life at Unity

Do you have a desire to teach young children?

Unity is looking for more people that are willing to teach Children's church this Spring and Summer. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you that desire to work with young children and are blessed by what you have seen in our children's church program. You would just need to commit to one month of teaching. Team teaching is also encouraged. Maybe you have already taught one month this year and would be willing to teach another. We have the months of April through August available to fill with teachers. Please prayerfully consider this wonderful opportunity. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. Contact Tracy Borstad if you are willing to serve in this way.

Prayer Update on Samara

Samara (pronounced Suh-MARE-uh) De Jonge, 3-month old daughter of Tim and Heidi (formerly Petersen / De Vries) De Jonge found out this week that Samara’s neuroblastoma is not the aggressive kind. There was no cancer in the bones – only on the liver. That means the treatment plan is clear and has already begun - Samara received a blood transfusion and the first round of chemotherapy this week. And they were discharged from the hospital on Wednesday!! This is great news, but we ask that you please continue to pray for them and this scary journey in the life of a little one. You can stay up-to-date at www.carepages.com, Care Page name: SamaraGrace.

Some of Our Christmas Cards Arrived on Time!

“We just received a package from your church with a ton of letters. They have come at a very needed time in our lives.” - Brazil

“We are all well here. We have received the box of cards that you sent and will open a few every day until Christmas. What a present. Thank you so much!” - Turkey

Want to travel?

The Missions and Outreach Team is considering using some or all of the funds that had been designated to support BTG-USA to partially fund a missions trip this spring to visit either our missionaries in Turkey or Brazil. If you are interested in this potential opportunity, please contact Pastor Jeff or Sarah Brouwer.

Thank You from Peter Meyer

Thank you again to EVERYONE for your support with prayers and finances for my recent YWAM experience! I'm looking for both full-time work and odd jobs here and there. Please let me know if I can help you with anything! As always I do it with a smile!

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1:1-3 (Scripture Reader: Sonia Ulferts)
Message Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Message: The Gift of Revelation (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Jason Ver Steeg

Welcome to Unity!

Thank you for joining us in worship this morning. We have gathered together as God’s people to give him the honor, praise, and glory that He is due. We pour ourselves out in worship of the One who poured Himself out for us.

Peterson Housing Matching Grant
Due to the request from several households, the Missions & Outreach Team is extending the opportunity to give toward the housing project for Eric & Mandy Peterson until December 24. Any amount given after that date will not be matched. For more information about this project, visit our website at www.unitycrc.org/missions/petersons.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (3rd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church
5:00pm: Christmas Program

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: GEMS at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-12)
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL or CHILDREN”S CHURCH
10:00am: Morning Worship
5:00pm: Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Offering

This year we will be designating the offering we receive at our Christmas Eve service to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC). If you will not be able to attend on Dec. 24 but would still like to give to this offering, please designate your check with CRWRC in the memo and place it in the offering plate this week or bring it to the church office during the week.

Prayer Request

Please pray for 3 month old Samara De Jonge, daughter of Tim and Heidi (formerly Petersen/De Vries) De Jonge ( Holland , MI ), grand daughter to Jim and Winnie Petersen (formerly of Bunde CRC). This week she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, neuroblastoma. This week she will be undergoing many tests to determine the stage of the cancer. The plan is to start chemotherapy Friday 12/15. Pray specifically for a good prognosis and for Heidi and Tim as they face each day. Updates at www.carepages.com, care page name: SamaraGrace (no spaces).

Do you have a desire to teach young children?

Unity is looking for more people that are willing to teach Children's church this Spring and Summer. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you that desire to work with young children and are blessed by what you have seen in our children's church program. You would just need to commit to one month of teaching. Team teaching is also encouraged. Maybe you have already taught one month this year and would be willing to teach another. We have the months of April through August available to fill with teachers. Please prayerfully consider this wonderful opportunity. Your time and effort would be greatly appreciated. Let Tracy Borstad know if you are willing to serve in this way.

Want to travel?

As you will note from the letter in your mailbox, we are no longer supporting Peterson Sozi and the BTG-USA. Our budget allowed $6300 for his ministry this fiscal year, none of which has been spent. The missions and outreach team is considering using some or all of this money to partially fund a missions trip this spring to visit our missionaries in Turkey or Brazil. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Pastor Jeff, Sarah Brouwer, or anyone else on the missions team.

Gals Wednesday Evening Bible Study

We will be doing a 12 week study by Beth Moore titled Jesus the One and Only. We will be starting on January 10th and will be finishing up right before Easter. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Alnora Bruin or Amy Bonnema this week so we can get the workbooks ordered. We hope to see you there!!

Thank you from Peter Meyer

Thank you to EVERYONE for your support with prayers and finances for my recent YWAM experience! It means so much to me! As get settled back in the Willmar area, I'm looking for both full-time work and odd jobs here and there. Please let me know if I can help! As always I do it with a smile!

Community Announcements

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens will meet for their December meeting on Thursday, December 21, at the community center. We will begin at 2:00pm. We will be entertained with some special numbers, sing some carols and play a few games. Please bring a small plate of goodies or cookies to share with our coffee and tea. Hope to see you there.

West Central Christian Singles

Come join us as we welcome in the New Year on Dec. 31 @ the Willmar Community Christian School beginning at 8:30 pm and ending around 12:30 am. There will be volleyball and other great activities. Please bring a snack to share and $2 to help cover expenses. Please RSVP by Dec. 29 if you plan to attend.

Housing Needed

The Dordt College Concert Choir will perform at First C.R.C. on Sunday, January 14. Hosts are needed to provide overnight lodging, breakfast, and transportation to CMCS the next morning. This is a great opportunity to connect with Dordt students! If you are able to host, please contact Josh & Susanne Mulder or Steve & Angela Zwart.

Blood Mobile

The blood mobile will be at the First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg this week Friday, December 22, from 9:00am - 3:00pm. For an appointment cal Darlene.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-8 (Scripture Reader: Wendy Ulferts)
Message Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Message: “The Glory of Hope" (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

Welcome to Unity!

This day and this week as you prepare your hearts for Christmas, may the God of hope fill you with joy, peace, and faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Celebration of Communion

This morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together as the body of Christ. Anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus, confessing him as Lord and Savior of their life is welcome at the Table of the Lord.

Out of the Office

Pastor Steve will be out of the office this week Monday - Thursday to participate in an eccumenical prayer retreat in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He will be back in the office on Friday.

Christmas Program

This coming Saturday, December 16 at 7:00pm and Sunday, December 17 at 5:00pm.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship with Communion
Children will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church
12:00pm: Christmas Program Practice (all cast and crew)

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Cadets at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-12)
7:00pm: Wild at Heart Men’s Adventure
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU
7:00pm: Christmas Program Rehearsal (all cast and crew)

Friday:
9:00pm: Full Dress Rehearsal (following the school Christmas program)

Saturday:
All day Ski Trip - 9th - 12th Grade
4:30pm: Full Dress Rehearsal
7:00pm: Christmas Program

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Adult Sunday School
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
5:00pm: Christmas Program

Life at Unity

Sympathy

Our love and prayers go out to Mary & Jim Layman, Gary & Mandy (Layman) Johnson, Josh, and Cassie in the loss of a mother and grandmother, Alice Woltjer, this past week. Visitation will be today at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar from 6-8pm. The funeral will be at First Covenant Church of Willmar tomorrow at 1:30pm with Pastor Steve and Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Our Love and prayers also go out to Bob and Shannon Stoel and family in the loss of Bob’s grandfather, Henry DeKam, this past week. His funeral was yesterday in Edgerton, MN. May God's sustaining grace strengthen all of you and hold you close in the days ahead.

Facility Use Reminder

If you are going to use the church for meetings, Bible studies, or any other activity, please check with April in the office to make sure space is available and there are no conflicts. We have many meetings and activities throughout the week. Thank you for helping us make good use of the building.

Housing Needed

The Dordt College Concert Choir will perform at First C.R.C. on Sunday, January 14. Hosts are needed to provide overnight lodging, breakfast, and transportation to CMCS the next morning. This is a great opportunity to connect with Dordt students! If you are able to host, please contact Josh & Susanne Mulder or Steve & Angela Zwart.

Adult Sunday School

The final session of this class will be Sunday, December 17 with Pastor Jeff addressing what seminaries are teaching about the interpretation of Genesis 1-2. You are invited to join us for these fascinating discussions.

A Community Concern and Opportunity

Jan (& Lowell) Marcus, from our community, has been approved for a lung transplant and is awaiting a donor [Update: Jan passed away on Friday, December 8]. Some have expressed interest in helping out the Marcus family. Christina Vander Pol, one of our Unity deacons, is willing to coordinate an effort within our congregation to collect donations for the family to help cover expenses. If you wish to designate a gift for the Marcus family, please put that in the memo portion of your check to Unity. We ask that such donations would be collected by Next Sunday, December 17. Thank you!

Youth Group: All day ski trip for 9th - 12th Grade

Saturday, December 16 - If your youth has not given you the permission slip or information they were given please ask them for it or call Kirk Vander Pol.

Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, December 24 - 5:00pm
Christmas Eve Service

No Sunday School or Children's Church
Sunday, December 24
Sunday, December 31

Community Announcements

Open House Bridal Shower

You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Mindy Mulder bride elect of Eric Grannes, Wednesday, December 13, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the home of Mike and Bev Mulder. You may come and go as you please. The couple is registered at Target and Herbergers.

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens will meet for their December meeting on Thursday, December 21, at the community center. We will begin at 2:00pm. We will be entertained with some special numbers, sing some carols and play a few games. Please bring a small plate of goodies or cookies to share with our coffee and tea. Hope to see you there.

CMCS Christmas Program

"Totally Christmas!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades 5-8 on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Through traditional and contemporary choral and band music, our student musicians celebrate the "Joy" of Christmas. All are welcome. Groups are under the direction of Barb Swanson and Michelle Mulder.

2007 Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort

Duane Bonnema is organizing a group of adult volunteers from area churches to lend a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina victims in Gulfport, Mississippi. This group will be leaving on Friday morning, January 12, 2006, and returning 10 to 12 days later. We are looking for additional volunteers, especially those with skills in carpentry, sheet rocking, shingling, and wiring. The projects we plan to complete on this trip are not yet finalized so watch your bulletin for updates. If you are unable to join us, but are willing to help, we are in need of supplies, food, and financial support as well. If you have any questions or can help in any way, please contact: Duane Bonnema or Andy Ypma.

The Building Expansion Team would like to thank everyone for their valuable input on the latest design of our building plan. We are moving closer to finalizing all the specifications for the building. And we will soon be able to get started on actually building.

The next step in the project will be the congregational meeting on Sunday, January 7 immediately after worship for the architect to present the plan, walk us through it, and answer any questions. Our goal for the rest of the timeline is that by mid-February we will be able to let out the project for bids and by mid-to-late March we will break ground. We ask for your continued prayers, support, and input as we move forward.

Morning Worship

Good Morning & welcome to Unity in this Advent Season! As we patiently await the day of Christ’s birth we celebrate the blessing God has sent to us. What an amazing thought that Christ came for us and our sins. May God's presence be known to you and your family in this upcoming Christmas season. Have a blessed week.

As part of the worship grant project, Pastor Jeff and Wendy are visiting other churches this weekend to gather more resources to help us deepen our understanding of how worship space communicates what we believe and apply that to our new worship space.
The office will be closed Thursday, December 7th, for various staff activities.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar Today (1st Sunday): 10:00am: Morning Worship Children will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church. 12:00pm: Christmas Program Practice, all cast and crew

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
6:15pm: Deacons Meeting
6:15pm: Elders Meeting
7:00pm: Full Council Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Cookie Exchange

Wednesday:
7:00pm: GEMS at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (9-12)
7:00pm: Wild at Heart Men’s Adventure
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Saturday:
7:30am - 11:30am: Youth Group Fundraiser, Dad’s Belgian Waffles at Willmar CRC

Next Sunday (2nd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
12:00pm: Christmas Program Practice all cast and crew
4:00pm: Christmas Caroling

Life at Unity

Christmas Caroling
Lets go Caroling next Sunday, December 10 at 4:00pm. We would like to form groups so we need to know how many people are interested! PLEASE sign up TODAY in the back of church.

Reminder!
Just a reminder, if you are using the church facility for meetings, bible studies, or any other activity, please check with April in the office to make sure there is conflict with other activities. Thank you.

Housing Needed
The Dordt College Concert Choir will perform at First C.R.C. on Sunday, January 14. Hosts are needed to provide overnight lodging, breakfast, and transportation to CMCS the next morning. This is a great opportunity to connect with Dordt students! If you are able to host, please contact Steve & Angela Zwart.

Adult Sunday School
The final session of this class will be Sunday, December 17 with Pastor Jeff addressing what seminaries are teaching about the interpretation of Genesis 1-2. You are invited to join us for these fascinating discussions.

Cookie Exchange
You are cordially invited to a cookie exchange on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00pm. Please bring 5 dozen cookies. Following the exchange we will have a time of fellowship with tea and goodies. Sign up in the back of church. Everyone is welcome!

Angle Tree Study Bible
There is a young DOC man at the jail who would love to have a study Bible. Teen Challenge had given him a nice one, but trusting that God would replace it, he gave it to a new Christian who was being transferred to Saint Cloud. It would bless his socks off to have it replaced! (He would also love visits and/or letters).

Youth Group Fundraiser
You are invited to come and eat all the waffles you can along with sausages, toppings, and beverages. Bring your family and friends! What a great way to start off your Saturday! It will be held at Willmar CRC Next Saturday, December 9th from 7:30am to 11:30am. It is a free-will donation. We will also have carry-outs available. Please come and support the Solid Rock Youth Group!

FEED MY LAMBS
This ministry is in need of more people willing to bring a meal to the family of a new born baby or if mom suddenly has to go on bed rest before baby comes. We will set up about 6 meals in a two week period after the baby is born. If we can get your help with this we would only ask you to bring a meal occasionally. If you are unable to bring a meal when called upon don't worry we can call someone else on the list. We will then check with you the next time. Many moms and their family’s have been so blessed by this ministry that we want to continue to offer it. If you would like to be on this list please fill out the card on the bottom of the page and place it in the box in the office or you are welcome to call April Swierenga in the office to let her know. If you have any further questions please give Natalie Vander Beek a call.

Community Announcements

CMCS Christmas Programs
Central Minnesota Christian high school students invite you to their Christmas Concert on Monday, December 4 @ 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Groups performing will be the jazz band, girls chorus, male chorus, concert band, and concert choir. All groups are under the direction of Michelle Mulder.

"Happy Birthday Jesus!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades K-4 on Friday, December 8, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. The theme of our program shares the peace, joy, love, and happiness Jesus can bring into our lives, not just at Christmas, but always. All are welcome. Students are under the direction of Barb Swanson.

"Totally Christmas!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades 5-8 on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Through traditional and contemporary choral and band music, our student musicians celebrate the "Joy" of Christmas. All are welcome. Groups are under the direction of Barb Swanson and Michelle Mulder.

December Events for West Central Christian Singles

"Come! Celebrate Christmas" concert at Willmar Evangelical Free. Saturday, December 9. Meet in the gathering area at E-Free church at 6:30pm so that we can sit as a group. We are going to go to McMillan's afterwards for coffee and fellowship. Please RSVP by Friday, December 8 by emailing us.

7th Annual Community Carol Celebration
The First Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg invites you to share with the pipe organ to sign the music of Christmas at their 7th Annual Community Carol Celebration. It will take place today December, 3 at 7:00 p.m. Gar Jasper will be the song leader. Special music will be provided by the CMCS Male Chorus, CMCS Girls Chorus and vocalist Richard Yague. Holiday cookies and goodies will be served during a time of fellowship following the program.

2007 Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort
Duane Bonnema is organizing a group of adult volunteers from area churches to lend a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina victims in Gulfport, Mississippi. This group will be leaving on Friday morning, January 12, 2006, and returning 10 to 12 days later. We are looking for additional volunteers, especially those with skills in carpentry, sheet rocking, shingling, and wiring. The projects we plan to complete on this trip are not yet finalized so watch your bulletin for updates. If you are unable to join us, but are willing to help, we are in need of supplies, food, and financial support as well. If you have any questions or can help in any way, please contact: Duane Bonnema or Andy Ypma.

CMCS Cookie Fair
Let us help you with your holiday
baking! Central Minnesota Christian School is sponsoring a "Cookie Fair" prior to the concerts on Monday, December 4 and Friday, December 8.This will be in the high school cafeteria, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Please come check out the variety of homemade cookies.

The traditional understanding of the birth of Jesus is well known... This view is deeply rooted in Western popular culture and the church today. But it contains some critical problems regardless of whether the account is seen as history or ficition or some combination of both. Does any society known to us fail to help a young woman about to give birth? ... Would a farm family anywhere in the world tell a young couple (of their own community) who was seeking help for an imminent birth, "There's the barn. Use it if you like. We can't be bothered with you!"

...the shepherds visited Mary and Joseph and the infant.. they went home "praising God for all that they had seen and heard." The word "all" includes the quality of hospitality...

...Jesus was not born the night the family arrived... Mary's "days were fulfilled" while they were in Bethlehem. So Joseph had time to arrange appropriate lodging either with his relatives or with hers.

...the so-called "inn" that appears in English in Luke 2:7 is a translation of the Greek word kataluma and in Luke (and Mark) the last supper was inaugurated in a kataluma. Thus, for both of these gospel authors a kataluma was a "guest room" in a private home. In light of this meaning for kataluma, Luke 2:7 really says that Jesus was born in a private home where the guest room (not a community inn) was already full.

...Most simple village homes had a guest room, which Luke callas a kataluma, and mangers were available in the family room. In the light of these two realities, it is clear that Jesus was born in the family room of a private home where the guest room was full. Naturally, the family room had a blocked off area at one end for a few animals where mangers would naturally be available...

It is from this understanding of Luke 2:1-7 that this drama unfolds.
This Christmas... find yourself at the manger again.

In response to last week's message, several people have asked for recommendations of what resources to purchase for helping with your personal Bible study. There are literally thousands to choose from, and many good
ones to use, so where to begin may be a challenge for you.

Probably the most helpful, inexpensive resource you can buy to help you understand the Bible better is How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. For less than $20 ($10 at Amazon.com!!), you can gain a better understanding of how the Bible was put together, how translation works, and how to interpret Scripture in only 288 pages. There is also a section of recommended resources at the end of the book, some of which are included below.

Here is my simple list of the "cream of the crop" for each category:
(The links take you to Amazon.com if you'd like to read more about the resource itself)

Concordance
The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance - $39.99
Th Crossway Comprehensive Concordance - $39.99 (this is based on the ESV instead of the NIV)

Dictionary
Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words - $30 ($18.89 at Amazon.com)
New International Bible Dictionary - $29.99
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary - $39.99

Bible Introductions (similar to commentaries, these provide basic background information, but not verse-by-verse comments)
Introduction to the New Testament - $39.99 ($26.39 at Amazon.com)
Introduction to the Old Testament - $27.99 ($18.47 at Amazon.com)

Commentary
New International Commentary - $30 (based on the NIV, very layperson friendly)
New Bible Commentary - $45 (1995 Book of the Year, "best one-volume commentary of the Bible")
NIV Bible Companion - $20 (only 400 pages and "helpful only for the most basic beginners")

Systematic Theology
Bible Doctrine - $30 ($18.99 at Amazon.com) - this is Grudem's "medium-version" of his Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology $40 ($22.39 at Amazon.com) - 1300 pages, but a great summary of anything you want to see what the whole Bible says about it

So for about $100, you could buy a concordance, dictionary, commentary, and a systematic theology