August 4th, 2024 News
VISIT THE ‘EVENTS’ TAB TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR
MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. Pastor Erick Shuringa will present a message titled “People & Places”. He will be looking at the book of Acts, chapter 11 verses 19-26 and Acts, chapter 13 verses 1-15 and verses 38-52.
We begin a three week journey in Acts by looking at the who and where of Paul’s first missionary journey. Knowing more of the backstory of the characters and the details of the cities helps us understand what was going on.
Hey folks, we are halfway through the summer already. I'm sure you've begun making some wonderful memories. Would you be willing to share ONE or TWO photos of your favourite places/scenes/celebrations of the summer? Maybe a campsite or a sunset; or a backyard "staycation." I'd love to share these in worship at the end of the summer. Send them to me, Ruth Ann via email, text, messenger - whatever works best. Thank you! Ruth Ann
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
(Click on the pictures to go to related webpages, links or emails)
JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday's offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
UPCOMING OFFERING: August 11th – Shalom Manor & Gardens is a special Christian, non-profit long-term care home and retirement centre, serving seniors mostly of Dutch descent who belong to the community of Reformed faiths. Limited government funding does not allow the services our seniors require that meet our expectations and standards. Your gifts will enhance immediate resident care, programs, and debt load.
World Renew: Neglected Crisis: Help Change the Forgotten Stories - Your church has probably been moved to give when the media has focused on the impacts of disaster or conflict. But what happens after the cameras leave? World Renew and our Christian partners continue to help communities in countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Madagascar, where extreme weather challenges or ongoing conflict can keep families in a state of hopelessness. As a member of the Integral Alliance, World Renew is working to draw attention to neglected crises. Your gift can help World Renew continue to work to share Christ’s hope with communities forgotten by the media. To learn more, visit: worldrenew.ca/globalfoodcrisis
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
Be a sponsor or a golfer in the annual Swing for Students Golf Tournament,
supporting Cairn Christian School and Smithville Christian High School.
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.
Shalom Manor Grand Parade: That summer sun is really heating up, and so is our 2024 Grand Parade campaign! We are still looking to have people join in this amazing event and there is still time to get on board!! The Grand Parade is so much more than a fundraising walk. It’s an opportunity for us to collectively come together in support of our loved ones, our co-workers, the community and more. The money raised through The Grand Parade will help us with the up-and-coming renovations in Mapleview and we need your help to reach our $20,000 parade goal. THANK YOU to those who have already registered as a team captain and set team goals. See you on September 21st! To register, go to https://thegrandparade.org/location/grimsby. Check out Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
For over 16 years, Rose City Kids has been dedicated to reaching children in Welland's low income communities, providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive and learn about a God that loves them so much! This year, once again we are inviting you to participate in our Charity Golf Tournament to support our ongoing initiatives. Due to last year's waiting list, we will be offering two days of golf this year. Please select a date that works for you.
Rose City Kids Charity Golf Tournament: September 26 or September 27; $150.00 pp (per day); Lunch & Dinner provided; 18 holes w golf cart. Amazing prizes! Location: Riverview Golf Club in Pelham. If interested please reach out to: Gerry Vermeer: 905-714-4141, Nathan Anjema: 905-892-5350 ext 230, Harry DeVries: 905-741-5433, Barb Donker: 905-788-9800
RCK Fall/Winter Volunteers Needed: With over 700 children and youth registered in our programs , we urgently need extra support through volunteers! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you are considering! Most needed areas this fall are: Biweekly Saturday afternoons (kids): 12 pm-4:30 pm; Tuesday or Thursday evenings (youth): 6: 00 pm-8:30 pm.
RCK Tutor Needed: Rose City Kids is looking to hire a tutor director for one afternoon/evening a week (up to 8 hours). This role includes preparing the work for the students as well as attending the tutoring session each week. Some teaching experience is required (preferably Wednesdays)n If interested, please reach out to Sonya Wierenga (2896875727) sonya@rosecitykids.com
Come and See What God is Doing: The Christian Reformed Church is inviting you to Gather! In 2024 and 2025, we’re bringing together Christian Reformed people from across North America in the spirit of fellowship, encouragement and renewal. Fifteen people from Classis Niagara are invited to attend Gather, which will be held from Monday, November 18, beginning with dinner at 5 pm, concluding at noon on Wednesday, November 20 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Niagara Falls, where they will join groups from four other regional classes. Through facilitated storytelling in small groups, participants will discuss ways God is bringing life to our congregations; how we can encourage greater participation; and where God is leading us in the coming months and years. All expenses will be covered through a generous grant. If you are interested in attending, please contact Wendy de Jong, statedclerkniagara@gmail.com. To learn more, visit crcna.org/Gather.
SOCO Beach Project: Only two more weeks to go till the end of this summer's cohort! Please pray for the group that we make the most of our time together. This past week we reflected on discomfort in the Christian life as well as the power of words. We're still trying to reach our fundraising goal - and need your help. Newsletter link: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-august-1-6247258
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.
20% discount for churches at 21Five - Shop online at 21Five this summer or visit in person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Churches can receive a 20% discount on their orders! If there is something we don't have or you are looking to make a special order for your church, Bible study, or small group, contact us and we will do our best to get it for you.
Work at Redeemer - Redeemer is hiring a Manager, Graduate, Adult & Professional Admissions; Learning Strategist; and an Athletics Coordinator - Game Day. Learn about these positions and many others below.
A Flame Imperishable: The Christian Legacy of J. R. R. Tolkien - On September 27-28, the Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship, in partnership with the Andrew Fuller Centre for Baptist Studies, will host a two-day academic conference devoted to the life and writings of J. R. R. Tolkien, the celebrated British novelist and scholar. (Pastors can register for the conference at a discounted rate.)
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).
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.
Awake to Praise Choir: Is looking forward to a new but short fall season starting September 9th. We are focusing on a Remembrance Day theme, as we will perform on Sat, Nov 9th, at the Vineland Free Reformed church and on Mon, Nov 11th, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Center in St. Catharines. The Spring Season will start on January 13, 2025, and performances will occur on April 4th & 5th at the VFRC and on, April 7th, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Center. All practices will be held at the Vineland Free Reformed Church on Monday nights from 7:30-9:45 p.m. We kindly request that you miss only two practices. Registration for both the Fall and Spring seasons will take place on August 14, at 7 pm Initially, you can sign up for one season of your choice. Then, if available, you can sign up for an additional season on August 21 at 7 pm Visit our website for more information. www.awaketopraisechoir.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: Humanity Falls - Just after the story of creation, the Bible tells us the story of humanity’s fall. Join Groundwork as we study Genesis 2-3, Romans 5:12, Romans 8:20-22, and Romans 3:9-23 to examine the second major theme of the Bible, the Christian doctrine of the fall. This theme emphasizes the catastrophic impact of sin on humanity and creation, and clearly articulates our universal need for a Savior in Jesus Christ. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: Words of Love - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. Words can change the way we think about ourselves. When you choose your words wisely, it helps your friends remember that God loves them and that you also love them. And that helps your friends feel good about themselves. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like the Faith Practices for Families Ebook Collection.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Look for service opportunities that allow you to serve “with” people in need, rather than doing things “to” or “for” them. And always remember to look for things you can learn from people you serve. 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
Classis Niagara Youth & Young Adult Champion: There is a strong desire amongst the Classis Niagara churches to strengthen youth and young adult ministry in the CRCNA. In response to this, Classis Niagara is hiring a part-time Youth and Young Adult Champion (YYAC) to empower and encourage those working on the frontlines with this demographic - offering support, praying for, and helping them connect with one another. The YYAC will also be a voice on behalf of youth and young adults at the classis level. For the full job description, please visit youth-young-adult-job-posting. Applications are due by August 24, 2024 and can be sent to Andrew Regnerus, Chair of the Classis Niagara Leadership Development Team, at andrewregnerus@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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: