March 7th, 2021
Welcome to a new month! March is often synonymous with the start of Spring and Daylight Savings Time which occurs next weekend, where we lose an hour of from our day, but start to experience darker mornings, and lighter evenings. This year, March also marks one year since our church was last able to meet without (current) restrictions.
While it is not a positive anniversary, it is hoped you can look upon this past year, remember all of the hardships, disappointments and loneliness, and know that our Heavenly Father remained present in every moment. Do you still remember the words of Psalm 46 that Pastor Mike suggested we memorize?
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
What an important message; knowing that we can go to God in times of trouble and find refuge there, and that He will give us strength. We still have so much to be thankful for.
If you are a person who appreciates music, check out “Into the Sea - It’s Gonna Be Ok”, by Tasha Layton, linked here: https://youtu.be/8HznXBBCdBE. You may recognize some of the lyrics depending on how much of the Psalm you remember :). The classic hymns, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and Be Still and Know are also well rooted in this beautiful passage.
As we continue to navigate this pandemic, may you find comfort in the words of Psalm 46, for the Lord Almighty is with us!
Member Assistance
With the lockdown in place, you may find yourself in a situation where you need additional assistance. The Deacons wish to remind you that we are here to assist. If you or someone in your neighbourhood is in quarantine, or needs help getting groceries or prescriptions, please let us know! Simply contact your neighbourhood deacon, email deacons@mountainviewcrc.org or contact jendejonge@hotmail.com. We trust that God will continue to guide us and keep us safe and healthy through this difficult time.
Refugee Family Update
Semula Horlings, our co-sponsor, informed us this week that the Tooe family received their medicals in preparation for their immigration to Canada. This occurred in late January, leaving only the security checks to be completed.
What that means is that their approval from the government for travel to Canada should take place within six months or sooner.
We have been assured by World Renew that sponsoring churches are given two months to prepare for the arrival refugee family.
In keeping with the pandemic-related guidelines, all family members have a negative testing verification for the virus before departure and must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. We thank God that this process has continued to progress and look forward to the day when we can welcome the Tooe family to Canada!
Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sunday
On March 7th, we will be taking an offering for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. This year, food insecurity is more pervasive around the world due to the global effects of the pandemic. It is hoped that our donations will bring emergency food for families in crisis.
All gifts will be matched up to 4x, multiplying our church’s impact. What a great way to give a little, but make a BIG impact!
We invite you to prayerfully consider how you might help support this cause this Sunday. For more information about World Renew and their work please visit: worldrenew.ca
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
From what has been broadcasted in the media, it appears we may have an online portal available this month in order to book a timeslot to receive a COVID-19 Immunization.
If you are looking for some trusted information, we welcome you to click on the following links:
· Toolkit: designed to share credible COVID-19 information on vaccines and public health for the community: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OYBxF0sgXdQBFDmOe0AN8v2HivNB0Fco/view
· COVID-19 Immunization Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/canadas-covid-19-immunization-plan.html
· COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/covid-19-vaccine-treatment.html
A copy of a presentation made by the government regarding the vaccines is also available for those who are interested. Please email Jen DeJonge to request a copy: jendejonge@hotmail.com.
Incoming Office Bearers
This week we had the opportunity to provide some additional information to our prospective new Office Bearers, who will now take the time to prayerfully consider serving Mountainview as an elder or deacon. Serving the church in this capacity is a real blessing and we wish to thank all of you who will be letting your name stand. We look forward to welcoming the new Office Bearers to our team of Deacons and trust that God will bless you richly as you serve with us.
Stay tuned for our next Deacons’ Corner on April 4, 2021