April 7th, 2024 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. This morning Pastor Jolene presents a message entitled, “Prayer, Community and Mountain Climbing.” She will be focusing on the book of Matthew Chapter 5, verses 1-11; 21-27, 48.
Early in my seminary journey, I was reading through the Sermon on the Mount, and I stumbled over Jesus's words in Matt 5:48, "Be perfect...as your father in heaven is perfect." This led me on a journey through divine annoyance and into communal love that is very much on my heart as we begin our week of guided prayer. Grab your mountain climbing gear and join us as we explore God's word!
The Following Nominees for Council have agreed to allow their names to stand for service as an Elder / Deacon: Corinne Bosch, Anne Haas, Jordan Stuive, Teresa Huinink, Pauline Smit, Clarence Vanderhout / Rod Blake, Derek DenBak, James Stieva, Lorie Toohey, and Kevin Westra. Professing members of the congregation will be asked to affirm the nominees listed below after the Morning Service on April 14th. The names of the new Council Members will be drawn by lot on April 21st. The Installation of Office Bearers will take place during the Service on May 5th. Absentee Forms will be available at the Welcome Centre and must be returned to the ballot box, by no later than April 12th.
A Note from the office…
· Thursday AM Deadline for news/info/ads/prayer requests for Newsletter, Email and Church Family: We have always had a deadline of Thursday but are reinforcing that announcements and requests be made by Thursday first thing going forward. Any prayer requests or concerns that come up after that can still be shared with the office/an elder/the pastor and will be communicated wherever they are needed but not “in print”.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
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JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday's offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
UPCOMING OFFERING: April 14th A.M. – GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Saviour and is a relationship building club which was established more than 40 years ago. The ministry of GEMS continues with the purpose of bringing girls into a living relationship with the Lord. This is done through bible study, singing, crafts, games, and fun outings with dedicated counsellors and junior counsellors. Your donations help us to mentor and nurture girls in our church and surrounding community, in their walk with God.
Join us in Inspiring, Empowering, and Equipping Deacons and Congregations. - Our Diaconal Coaches have a passion to serve! They work with CRC deacons to help to them engage with their local community, promote stewardship, live justly and love mercy—and work out their calling in their church and community. Help us grow the impact of our coaches! Your one-time or monthly donation will help us extend our reach and increase our impact! Donate to diaconalministries.com/donate-now/ or etransfer at dmc@crcna.org
NewGround Sunday - May 5th - God is constantly at work, doing new things and making a way for positive change in unexpected places (Isaiah 43:19). He longs for churches to follow Him into their communities to be a part of their transformation. The NewGround Program of Diaconal Ministries Canada (formerly Operation Manna) helps churches in this journey, connecting them with amazing local ministries that share the love of Christ and lead to the flourishing of all people and places. Find out more on our website today: diaconalministries.com/newground/.
The Annual Banner Appeal is Underway! - The 2024 appeal for The Banner, the CRC’s award-winning monthly magazine, has started. The Banner is delivered free in print and online, and this annual donation appeal makes it possible. To help keep this community conversation going please give online now at: TheBanner.org/Give
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
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Niagara Christian Concerts is pleased to present an evening with Keith and Kristyn Getty. On October 26, at 7:30 pm (Ticket sales open Monday April 8 and will sell quickly), special guests Matt Boswell and Matt Papa will be joining Keith and Kristyn Getty for their first-ever national tour together at First Ontario Concert Hall in Hamilton. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of worship and celebration featuring new songs from the Gettys’ upcoming projects, just-released hymns from Boswell and Papa’s “Our God Will Go Before Us” album, and more as we proclaim the hope of the Gospel together! Need info? Tickets? Visit: https://www.gettymusic.com/falltour2024. Follow NCC at https://www.instagram.com/ncconcerts2023/
Our Fundraising Dinners are this weekend - Friday, 5 April 2024 & Saturday, 6 April 2024. There are still a few spots available. Where: West Niagara Agricultural Centre, 7402 Mud St W, Grassie. Silent Auction at 5pm; Dinner at 6pm. Guest speaker: Mr. Jeremy Frith, CEO Barnabas Aid USA. Seating is limited. A free will offering will be taken. All proceeds go towards NCG’s Operating Expenses. Please reserve seats at www.niagaragleaners.org/. Donations for our Silent Auction are still coming and are appreciated. Drop them at the Gleaners any weekday am. Questions? Contact ncgdinners@gmail.com.
Awake to Praise Choir Easter/Spring performances: Friday, April 5 at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 pm and 8 pm. at Vineland Free Reformed Church. Also, Friday, April 12, at 8 pm at the First Ontario Performing Arts Center in St. Catharines. Visit our website at www.awaketopraisechoir.com for more info. All seats (including VFRC) need to be pre-selected from our website. We respectfully request that no infants or children under the age of 5 attend to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience for guests and musicians. If you have any questions during the process of receiving your tickets, please email – awaketopraisetickets@gmail.com.
Choose Life Niagara Annual Dinner: Saturday, April 13, 6:00 pm at Club Roma in St. Catharines. Guest Speaker: Blaise Alleyne, co-author of “A Guide to Discussing Assisted Suicide". Join us for dinner, fellowship and an excellent speaker. Details and tickets ($60, Students $30) available at ChooseLife.ca/events or call 684-7505. Registration deadline is April 1.
Attention Youth: A FREE youth event is being held with Blaise Alleyne just prior to the dinner from 3:00-5:00 pm, also at Club Roma. Refreshments provided. Sign up by visiting ChooseLife.ca/Events. Students who stay for the dinner get a discounted rate.
Cairn Christian School, Smithville, presents 'The Second Mile,' a student-created production based on the bible verse Matthew 5:41. "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." The cast includes 50 actors from grades 4 through 8 who wrote the play themselves. Grades 4-8 form the choir, band and tech team. God-inspired, student-created, and student-led.
Join us in celebrating the beautiful work of our students. Tuesday, April 16th at 11:15 am has limited spaces available for parents as Cairn Smithville primary, Cairn Stoney Creek, and Pastors will be joining us. Wednesday, April 17th, at 11:15 am, there will be a show for grandparents and senior friends (No tickets are required for this show). Thursday, April 18th at 6:30 p.m. will be the show for family and friends. To God be the glory! Tickets are $5.00. Reserve at https://bit.ly/Cairnsecondmile
This summer, a friend of Cairn Christian School is reviving a Korean student summer camp experience. He (Danny Huh) is looking for homestay spaces for these students (13-14 years old) in the Niagara/Hamilton area from August 12 to August 21. This would pay an honorarium of $1000. If you are interested, please see additional details at https://bit.ly/KoreanHomestaySmithville
Beyond the Culture Wars Conference - Our world and our churches are so polarized and divided these days. Why is that the case, and what can we do about it? Come find out at "Beyond the Culture Wars," a conference put on by the Institute for Christian Studies and hosted by Martin Luther University in Waterloo, April 18-20. Featuring presentations by James K.A. Smith, Kristin Kobes Du Mez (“Jesus and John Wayne”) and many others, this conference will educate and equip you to help make more people feel more comfortable at your church and in the faith. Supported by the CRC, Shalem Mental Health Network, Citizens for Public Justice, and more. Register/Find out more at luther.wlu.ca/beyond.
Institute for Christian Studies - Summer Courses - ICS is offering the following courses this summer: What's Christian about Christian Education? Reformational Philosophy; Lead From Where You Are: Making a Difference in the Face of Tough Problems, Big Questions, and Organizational Politics; Called to Teach: Formation and Learning (registration deadline for these three courses: April 19); and State, Society, and Religion in Hegel's Philosophy (registration deadline: May 10). To learn more, visit icscanada.edu/summer-courses, or email academic-registrar@icscanada.edu to register.
Family Outreach Ontario invites you to an information evening on Friday, April 26 at Rehoboth United Reformed Church (Ancaster). We are excited to have as guest speaker Rev. Al Bezuyen, pastor of Zion United Reformed Church in Sheffield, who will present “Redemption and Recovery”. Please plan to attend and tell others about it as well. It will be an evening you will be sure to remember. A collection will be taken to cover our costs. 7:00pm: Doors open, Refreshments/Meet & Greet; 7:30 - 9:00pm: Presentation and Q&A period; followed by refreshments and opportunity to discuss.
FAMILY OUTREACH ONTARIO was there for this family and addict. This was his response after accepting he had an issue with alcohol: “I thought I could fix the problem on my own and nobody would know about it. What a mistake that has been. It almost ripped our whole family apart. Thank you so much for your love and care.” Call 905-933-3994, e-mail us at info@familyoutreachontario.com, or visit our web site www.familyoutreachontario.com.
Worship for Justice Concert – Redeemer is sponsoring The Worship for Justice tour featuring Don Moen, Paul Baloche, and Brooke Nichols when it comes to campus for one of four concerts in Southern Ontario on April 27, 2024. Learn More.
May 6 - 7pm - Momentum is back on stage at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre! Momentum Choir will bring you through a journey of how being a part of a community and fitting in can be a difficult process. Purchase your tickets here.
2024 Youth & Young Adult Trip to Nicaragua - World Renew extends an invitation to all Canadians age 15-25 to join us in Nicaragua this summer from August 2-11! We are recruiting youth and young adults to experience God in another culture, developing a perspective on poverty, missions and community development. To learn more about this trip and to register, visit https://bit.ly/nicaraguaflyer.
.World Renew Tanzania and Kenya Discovery Tour - Join us on an enriching journey to East Africa, travelling to Tanzania and Kenya from June 11-25, 2024, where you will experience a little bit of everything—meet vibrant communities, learn about East African culture, experience a safari, and witness firsthand the power of compassionate action! This is your invitation to be a part of something truly meaningful—a journey of inspiration, hope, and transformation with World Renew. Registration Deadline is May 11th, 2024. For more details on this life-changing tour, please visit: https://bit.ly/2024tourkflyer
Libertas Male Choir - Concerts at Knox Presbyterian Church (51 Church St E, Elora) Thursday, May 30 at 7.30 pm; Knox Presbyterian Church (59 Riddell St, Woodstock) Friday, May 31 at 7.30 pm; or Mountainview CRC (290 Main St E, Grimsby) Saturday, June 1 at 7.30 pm. Tickets: Adult $25, Youth (10-14) $10. Child>10 Free. E transfer: Tjitskevr@outlook.com; Email: rtveld96@gmail.com; Call: 905 522 0001/905 745 5609. Tickets at door: Cash only. Info: www.libertasvoices.com. Director: Martin Mans; Organist: Martin Zonnenberg; Pianist: Joyce Postmus.
Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, stress or loneliness? Want to talk to one of our psychotherapists or counsellors? We are here to help ! Please call 905.309.0944. We will be answering the phones Monday - Friday daily between 9am – 4pm. Sessions typically run about an hour. All of our services are free and confidential. Sometimes we all need help!
NEWSLETTERS FROM OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS
Links are available on our website under
“Community Connections” - “Partnerships”
Paper copies can be requested from the church office.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
NEWSLETTERS FROM OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS – Available under “Community Partners” on our Website. Posted as they come in. Paper copies can be requested from the church office.. Browse through the work of local and CRCNA ministries...
ReFrame Ministries Provides Devotions, Podcasts, and Blogs - Start a new Biblical habit with resources from ReFrame Ministries. DEVOTIONS including the Today devotional offer short daily meditations and scripture. Kids Corner includes devotions, especially for children and guardians. PODCASTS help you dig into scripture with Groundwork, explore pop culture and Christianity with Think Christian, or energize your church communications with Church Juice. BLOGS offering spiritual advice for parenting, dating, and more are available in new posts from Family Fire. Learn more about the spiritual habit of praying with ReFrame’s prayer ministry.
Groundwork: Crucified And Raised To Life With Christ - Good Friday and Easter mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Join Groundwork as we study Philippians 3:10-11, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:1-14, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 to examine what the Apostle Paul teaches us about this gift of salvation by faith and our participation in both Christ’s death and resurrection. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: I Wonder - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net/. Jesus’ friends were filled with wonder when they witnessed his miracles and teachings. When he told stories, he painted a picture in their imaginations of a better world where there would be no more pain or sadness, a world where people with their whole hearts would love God and love their neighbors. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like The Spring Scavenger Hunt, and go for a hike!.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In Following Jesus, Henri Nouwen wrote, “Celebrating life is not a party but an ongoing awareness that every moment is special and asks to be lifted up and recognized as a blessing from on high.” How might you become more aware of the moment-by-moment blessings you receive each day? Learn more at crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject
Family Fire - Family Fire is an online community exploring Spirit-led family, marriage, parenting, in-laws, blended families, and intimacy. Find encouraging articles and devotions at familyfire.com. Subscribe for regular email updates and connect with our Family Fire community on Facebook.
JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Family Ministry Coordinator: Jubilee Fellowship CRC, a vibrant and welcoming community of faith in St. Catharines, Ontario, is seeking a Family Ministry Coordinator (FMC). This person will play a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual formation of our members by overseeing education, curriculum development, volunteer recruitment and training for programs from nursery to adult ages. For a full posting of the position and qualifications see Family Ministries Coordinator. We invite those passionate about ministry to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and vision for family ministry at Jubilee to fmcsearch@jubileefellowship.ca by April 29.
Cairn Christian School is inviting applications for a part-time (20% FTE) office support position in Stoney Creek starting in August 2024. Tasks include: regular reception, daily school communication, internal administration for the school building and staff, and creating and publishing the weekly newsletter.
Our mission is to inspire students to love, learn, and lead together in God's world. We are looking for a candidate who will both embrace and further this mission in a dynamic, fluid environment, bringing the energy and confidence needed to support the staff and student learning community. Questions? Email Bonnie Desjardins: bdesjardins@cairnchristianschool.ca. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Board Members Needed - Are you eager to contribute time toward making a positive contribution to your local church and classis? Do you have experience in non-profits, budgeting, strategic planning, or governance? Do you have time to volunteer to help your local church and its deacons impact communities with Christ’s love? THEN BECOME A BOARD MEMBER with Diaconal Ministries Canada! Diaconal Ministries has been equipping and supporting deacons in the CRC in Canada for over 20 years. We are currently searching for a Board Member for Classis Niagara and for Classis BC NW. (Our Board includes one representative from each Canadian classis in the Christian Reformed Church.) If you would like to receive more information on this role or if you would like to submit your interest, please contact Ron Vanden Brink, National Director, at rvandenbrink@crcna.org. He'd love to connect with you!
We Are hiring at Shalom! Working at Shalom is a great opportunity to share your gifts and talents in a wonderful workplace and to become involved in the community! We take pride in offering the best possible care and making Shalom home for our residents. Become part of the team! Visit our website and send your resume or any questions to hr@shalommmanor.ca to see if a career with Shalom is a good fit for you!
Camp Shalom - This summer at Camp Shalom our theme is going to be "Something New" based on Isaiah 43. Campers and staff will learn about how God wants to give them something that they'll never have without Him. If you're interested in learning more about this new thing, and you're excited about sharing that great news with kids and adults who have special needs, then we have a position for you! We're hiring 50 young adults for a variety of positions including counselors, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, lifeguards, and more. For more information or to apply please visit www.countrysidecamp.com/apply.