December 6th, 2020
Deacons’ Corner 2020/12/06
We have made it! It is FINALLY the last month of 2020. Some might say this was the worst year ever, full of challenges and letdowns, while others might say this year presented the opportunity to reflect and make positive changes. Some may have experienced an overwhelming sense of loneliness, boredom, fear, anxiety, while others may have felt increased strength and maybe even peace in the less rushed lifestyle. Whatever your experience this year, we trust that you have felt God’s guiding hand and presence in everything.
“For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only son…
and He shall be called, “wonderful counsellor, almighty God,
everlasting father, prince of peace.” John 3:19; Isaiah 9:6
May God bless you this Christmas and as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour and prepare to make the year 2020 hindsight.
Missionaries
We think of our missionaries both close to home and far away this Christmas.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR MOUNTAINVIEW'S MISSIONARIES: This year we are going virtual with our missionaries' Christmas cards! Please click the links to sign your name. Thank you, on behalf of the D
Peter Juhlke (Upper Deck Ministry) https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/ffa7ee1eaa592b4
Sovann Neth (World Renew - Cambodia) https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/894bb2cad6bb2f8
Kevin & Jackie Stieva (Canadian Armed Forces) https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/8daa5c7cc45af05
Colin & Kathleen Wassenaar (EMI - Engineering Missions International - Cambodia https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/3b0b10e7da368a6
We receive regular updates from many of our missionaries. Updates are posted on our mountainviewcrc.org under the “About Us” (the same place you can find the Deacons’ Corner) and “Missionaries” tab .
We invite you to connect with and encourage our Missionaries throughout the year, by reading their Newsletters or updates and perhaps by sharing your life with them by electronic or snail mail.
Their contact information is available on the Missionary Page of our website.
Partnership Opportunities
This Christmas there are a variety of opportunities for you to love your neighbour, support your community, and help those in need around the world. Here are a few organizations and the ways they need help this Christmas:
Village of Hope - villageofhopeniagara.org
Grimsby Benevolent Fund - http://www.gbfgrimsby.com/
World Renew - www.worldrenew.ca/gifts
Take an ornament from the tree in the lobby or visit the above link to access the full World Renew giving catalogue. Paper copies are also available on the table across from the welcome centre.
Third Space on Queen - https://www.thirdspaceonqueen.ca/
This organization is running a breakfast program for Out of the Cold, which is an extension of their suspended coffee program. When someone comes in, they will have suspended coffees available and free breakfasts each day. Post it notes hang on a board and all someone has to do is grab one as their form of payment. What a great way to ensure a warm meal for those in need!
They have reached out to us asking for prayer to ensure they do right by the community in this initiative, with the community grant they are awarded. For more information, or if you have any questions and wish to reach out, email Andy Wunderink at awunder@gmail.com.
Partnership Spotlight
For 2021, the deacons will endeavour to ensure that the needs of our church and surrounding community are met, so that Mountainview will be known as the "go to" church for partnership and support. We want our Ministry to reflect that we are approachable and that no need is overlooked.
We can’t do this alone! If you have a local organization that you think would benefit from our partnership, let us know by contacting your neighbourhood deacon directly, or at deacons@mountainviewcrc.org.