June 23, 2024 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. Pastor Erick Schuringa will present Sunday’s message titled “Fellow Citizens”. He will be focusing on the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 11-22
Right after the beloved passage about "it is by grace you have been saved" Paul deals with the real scandal of the early church - the inclusion of the outsiders (Gentiles). This is a very different issue from our connection with the indigenous people of Canada. However, there is an overlap on such themes as citizenship, reconciliation and peace. We will focus on those.
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: June 30th A.M. – Smithville Christian High School is providing an authentically Christian education to teens from all over central Niagara. Smithville Christian High graduates are serving God and bringing shalom all over the world. Your gift will be used to keep tuition in check so that many families can have access to the exciting programs that enable our students to thrive. Thank-you for your part in keeping Christian education affordable at all levels.
Friday was National Indigenous People’s Day - When Indigenous peoples and settlers first met we were very different in language, culture, clothing, and food. Today, while we maintain our uniqueness, we also have much in common. The Christian Reformed Church’s Indigenous Ministries have resources available to help you learn about Indigenous justice and explore how to live as reconciled people. To learn more visit bit.ly/NIPD2024 Please also give generously in today’s offering.
The Banner Needs You! - The Banner is the CRC’s award-winning monthly magazine. It is delivered free in print and online to every household in the CRC, and their annual donation appeal makes it possible. Please support this journalistic ministry and keep the community conversation going. You can give now at: TheBanner.org/Give
Banner Writing Contest for Young Adults: Peacemaking - Cash prizes and winners published; enter by June 23. For details visit thebanner.org.
Give With Deepest Gratitude from World Renew - We are called to welcome strangers. Through your gift to support the World Renew Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program, you have done just that. Your gift helps World Renew to walk alongside sponsoring churches as they journey to welcome refugees to Canada. Your gift represents hope for refugees trying to rebuild their lives after the unimaginable hardships of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. Thank you for your compassion. If you would like to learn more about how World Renew is answering God’s call for justice and mercy in our world, please visit: worldrenew.ca
Make an Impact by Volunteering with World Renew - This fall, World Renew has volunteer openings for individual adults, couples, or church groups to help in areas impacted by disasters. These one-week trips include home repair and cleanup projects that give vulnerable homeowners a chance to rebuild their lives. No matter your skillset, lending your time and talents as a volunteer with World Renew will have lasting reach. Learn more and sign up at worldrenew.net/volunteer.
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
Niagara Christian Gleaners is an amazing, volunteer-based ministry. The opportunities abound and every volunteer makes a difference as we prepare nutritious dehydrated food aid for those who are in need - all across the globe. We operate a modern food plant located in Smithville. Visit our website: www.niagaragleaners.org to learn more.
Strawberry Social and Open House - Niagara Christian Gleaners is once again hosting a Strawberry Social and Open House. You’re invited to come visit our newly expanded facilities and learn more about the mission of NCG - which is to curb food waste and bless others across the globe with our surplus produce - all in Christ’s name. We’ll be happy to be your host as we serve up complimentary Strawberries and Ice Cream for our guests. The date is Saturday, 22 June 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Address: 6251 Spring Creek Rd, Smithville. Donations towards NCG’s operational costs are appreciated.
Be a sponsor or a golfer in the annual Swing for Students Golf Tournament, supporting Cairn Christian School and Smithville Christian High School. Early-bird pricing on golfer registration ends June 30. Scan or click to register to golf: bit.ly/2024_Swing_For_Students_Golfer_Registration. Scan or click to read about sponsorship opportunities: bit.ly/2024_Swing_For_Students_Sponsorship The 2024 tournament will be held Saturday, September 14, at Whisky Run Golf Club in Port Colborne. The students would love to have your support.
Grand Rapids Office Open House - As the CRC prepares to move out of the denominational office building at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave. and 28th Street in Grand Rapids, we invite you to join us for a time of thanksgiving and worship. See how God has used this space for over 65 years, and join us in praising him for all that has taken place. All are welcome. Join us at 1700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, for an open house 5:00 pm through 7:00 pm, with a service of thanksgiving at 6:00 pm.
World Renew Nicaragua Young Adults Trip - Calling all young adults age 18-30! World Renew extends an invitation to join us in Nicaragua this summer from August 2-11! We are recruiting young adults to experience God in another culture, developing a perspective on poverty, missions, and community development. Bursaries are available. Registration deadline is June 28, 2024. Limited space available. To learn more about this trip and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/nicaraguaflyer
SOCO Beach Project Update: We delved into the topic of Creation Care this week. Check out the Tandoori Chicken recipe - yum! If you are between 18 - 29 years old: register for the upcoming SOCO Camping Retreat - July 19 - 21. Reserve your spot now! Early bird deadline is July 1. Newsletter link:https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-june-20-6244174
Hearts Exchanged - Hearts Exchanged is all about going beyond the headlines into deep work that wrestles with how our churches can become places of belonging and embrace God’s call to reconciliation with Indigenous neighbours. Virtual and in-person cohorts will take place this fall and now is a great time to learn more and sign up at: crcna.org/hearts-exchanged
Reconciliation through Recipes - Looking for a prize-winning chili recipe? How about bannock bread inspired by Indigenous traditions? The CRC’s Indigenous Ministries are offering a collection of recipes to anyone who gives a gift of any size in support of their important justice and reconciliation work. Visit bit.ly/NIPD2024 to find out more.
Classis Niagara has a vacancy for a youth and young adult champion. The search committee will post specifics around mid July, ask for applications by around mid August and fill the role this fall. If you have a heart for coordinating ministry amidst the future of the church, look for this posting in church bulletins and on the Classis Niagara web site. If someone you know is suitable, let them know. The role is paid a stipend in exchange for 3-4 hours of work, on average, per week. A detailed job description along with requirements will be included with the job posting.
The New Again Second Use Store in Beamsville is in URGENT NEED OF VOLUNTEERS. We are looking for individuals willing to help on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Ideal volunteers would be able to help with testing electronics, fixing bikes and heavy lifting. We are also looking for volunteers to help out as cashiers on Thursdays and Fridays. New Again is a not-for-profit that supports the reduction of tuition at the Cairn Christian Schools. If you have a desire to help us out please contact Sandra Heerema at 905-923-3680.
Become a Mentor for Crossroads for Prisoners Canada – There is an epidemic of loneliness behind bars, and we believe mentors are the answer! Hebrews 13:3 “remember the prisoners, as if you were their fello prisoner, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” As a Crossroads for Prisoners Canada mentor, you will review Bible study lessons from people in prison and write them letters of hope and encouragement. You will hear their stories and have and opportunity to let them know that they are not forgotten and are deeply loved by God. If you would like to learn more about this ministry visit www.crossroadscanada.ca or contact us at info@crossroadscanada.ca
Redeemer's Summer Campus Visit Day will be held on August 9! Until then, students can schedule a personalized tour of Redeemer's campus and a one-on-one meeting with an Admissions Counsellor. LEARN MORE.
We welcome you to join us in worship at the first Soul Food Conference on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21 at Redeemer University. Erin Davis will be attending as a Speaker and Matt Papa (along with E.B and Shane Cole) as Musicians. The Friday night will be geared towards young adults, and the Saturday night will be for those of all ages! Soul Food’s mission is to equip and empower men and women toward a life-long faith in Jesus Christ. Go to www.soulfoodconference.com to book your tickets today! Follow us on instagram and facebook for updates! Visit: www.soulfoodconference.com to purchase tickets OR sponsor the event. Purchase for either Friday or Saturday night (or both).
Niagara Christian Concerts is pleased to present an evening with Keith and Kristyn Getty on October 26, at 7:30 pm, 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! Visit: https://www.gettymusic.com/falltour2024 for details. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncconcerts2023/
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!
Has ALCOHOL OR DRUGS taken over your or a loved one’s life? Family Outreach Ontario can help. There are literally thousands of Christian recovering addicts out there… you may be sitting beside one in church next Sunday. Confidentiality guaranteed. Visit our web site for more info at www.familyoutreachontario.com, contact us at 905-933-3994, or e-mail us at info@familyoutreachontario.com.
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: Christian Engagement in Societal Issues - Together, let’s delve into the complexities of Christian engagement in societal issues. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 3:10-12, and James 2:1-9 to discover practical insights and biblical wisdom to help us discern what it means to faithfully engage and embrace our role in shaping a more just and God-honoring society. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: Persistent Prayers - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. Just like Jesus, you can pray persistently about the big, scary things in the world and how they make you feel. Big feelings do not scare God. He welcomes you to talk to him about them and to keep talking about them. He wants you to trust him. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like the Faith Practices for Families Ebook Collection.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Take a strong magnifying glass with you on a walk, and look at how the tiniest details of nature point to the Creator of the universe. You’ll be amazed by what you see! Learn more at crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject
Thriving Essentials 1-Hour Overview (June 27th) - Thriving Essentials is a training course for elders, deacons, church staff, and any volunteer ministry leader. This one-hour webinar will give you an overview of what the full course involves including discussions on four key concepts of Mission, Discipleship, Discernment, and Leadership. Attend this online preview June 27 (1pm EDT) to see if the full course is right for your church. Register now at crcna.org/essentials
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
Volunteer Opportunity - Do you long to see communities reached with Christ's transformational love through the ministry of the deacons? Become a board member with Diaconal Ministries Canada! For over 20 years, Diaconal Ministries has been equipping and supporting deacons in the CRC in Canada. We are currently searching for a Board Member for Classis Niagara. Need more info? Please contact our Communications Coordinator, Erin Knight, at eknight@crcna.org. She'd love to connect with you and let you know more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity!
Resonate Global Mission is hiring! We seek a full time Leadership Developer - E Asia Region. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with local partners to plant a diverse, locally-rooted, and globally connected congregation among the diaspora and Japanese people to faithfully proclaim and live out the good news of Jesus. The focus from the beginning will also be to walk with and develop local leaders who collaborate in creating the faith community. Learn more and apply at https://crcna.pinpointhq.com/
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! We are hiring in the following departments: