February 19th 2023 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
We have been talking about challenging subjects. But it is difficult to embrace a challenge when there is something we fear. How does God enter into our fears? What does one of the most intimidating books of the Bible, Judges, tell us about how God enters into our fearful situations?
Join us at 10 am Sunday morning via live-stream or in-person, or at any time throughout the week. Pastoral Intern Jolene Veenstra will present a message entitled “Our Fear: God's Tenderness”. She will be taking a look at the book of Judges chapter 6 verses 11-24.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
You’re invited to walk on the Coldest Night of the Year: The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Come join the “Mountainview Rovers” team on February 25, 2023 - fundraise, walk, and gather for good... because it’s cold out there.Questions contact Alice aposthumus@mountainviewcrc.org or text/call 905-516-42211or sponsor us at cnoy.org/home
The rink is not skateable right now. We will have to see what winter still holds and will keep you posted.
JOYFUL GIVING
This Sunday’s Collection is for our Budget and for:
UPCOMING OFFERING: February 26th 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.
Share Christ’s Hope with Syria/Türkiye Earthquake Survivors - On Monday, February 6, two major earthquakes rocked Syria and Türkiye killing at least 11,000 people and leaving thousands more injured. And as rescue workers search for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings, the death toll is expected to rise. In hard-hit northern Syria, a region heavily populated by refugee families who had already been struggling with food insecurity, an ongoing cholera outbreak, and the challenges of winter weather, there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid. Through World Renew, you can help provide emergency food and essentials and share Christ’s hope with the most vulnerable people impacted by this disaster. Please give generously worldrenew.ca/syria-earthquake or call 888-975-3769.
Help Provide Emergency Food to People in Crisis - In a few weeks, please join us for Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sunday. Your participation and partnership helps World Renew to provide emergency food and non-food essentials in times of crisis and provides long-term responses to help vulnerable communities journey to food security. Your gifts help share Christ’s hope with people impacted by disasters, conflict, and other crises – people like the already-struggling families in northern Syria who now face even more challenges following the recent twin earthquakes in the region. When you give directly to World Renew’s Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sunday offerings, your gifts are matched up to 4x which means your donation goes further to help more families. To learn more visit: worldrenew.ca/foodgrains
You are making a difference! On behalf of the ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, thank you for your gifts to ministry shares. Your support enables congregations to do so much more to further God's Kingdom than any one church could do alone. Our denomination could not impact the world through missions, media, and church development without your incredible and faithful support. Thank you! To discover more visit crcna.org/ministryshares.
Other…COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
JESUS REVOLUTION will be released in theatres across Canada on February 24, 2023. It is an incredible film that tells true the story of young Lonnie Frisbee (Vineyard Christian Fellowship), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, who, together with Pastor Chuck Smith (founded Calvary Chapel movement) opens the doors of Smith's languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love - leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed, The Jesus Revolution. Made by the team that brought us the film, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, this film tells the powerful true story of the historical Jesus Movement in the early 1970s, and inspires us to think of what a JESUS REVOLUTION might look like in our own days.
Choose Life Niagara Annual Dinner: Saturday, February 25, 6:00 pm at Club Italia in Niagara Falls. Guest Speaker: Emily Albrecht of Equal Rights Institute. Join us for dinner, fellowship and an excellent speaker. Details and tickets ($50, Students $25) available at ChooseLife.ca/Events or call 684-7505.
Attention YOUTH: We are hosting a free youth seminar on answering common prochoice arguments with Emily Albrecht from 3:00-5:00 prior to our Annual Dinner, also at Club Italia. Refreshments provided. Sign up by visiting ChooseLife.ca/Events. Students who attend the seminar may also stay for the dinner for $20.
"Waiting for the New Earth: Reading Revelation with Hope" a Lenten zoom course by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat. Sunday evenings, 26 February to 2 April. Deep down, this book of wild symbolism is a book of hope: hope for a new earth, a new kind of city, and a new community in the face of a world that has been turned upside down. Pay what you can. Go to www.bibleremixed.ca for more information."
Badminton Tournament at Smithville Christian High, on Saturday, March 4th. Doubles only (mens, ladies, mixed). Proceeds to support Theocentric Christian School in Souith Africa. Cost is $30/player, $20 for students. Contact John at 905-380-7347 to register by February 27.
The Hosanna & Mattaniah Choirs Concert is back!! Tickets are now available for the annual combined concert which will once again be held at FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton on Saturday, April 8 at 7:30pm. The choirs will be accompanied by Ryan Vandenberg (Organ), Andre Knevel (Organ), and Naomi Van Manen (Piano), Jacob Kramer (Baritone soloist from the Netherlands) and the 13 piece Scott Harrison Brass/Percussion Ensemble. Tickets are $20 & $30. Contact: Wendy at 905-628-1211 or at hdenhollander@yahoo.com or at www.hosanna-choir.org
All Ontario Youth Convention - May 27-28 in Waterloo, Ont. - Join hundreds of teens and leaders to learn more about "What Matters?", exploring the big questions of life in a faith-building atmosphere. Teens are encouraged to come with their youth leader, pastor, mentor, or parent and keep the conversation of faith and life going long past the weekend itself. Details are available at https://www.allontario.com/ and volunteers are needed!
SoCo Beach Project Update: Think and pray about you or a young adult you know and encourage them to apply today! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled. Now is the time to help with renovations. See the list in this week's newsletter of items needed. And if you have a renovation skill you'd like to volunteer, let us know! Newsletter link: https://mailchi.mp/dbee06332979/soco-update-feb-9-23
Libertas Male Choir in Spring Concert - Join director Martin Mans, pianist Joyce Postmus, and organist André Knevel and the Libertas Male Choir on April 14, 2023, at Drayton Reformed Church, Drayton, ON at 7.30 PM or April 15, 2023, at Covenant Canadian Reformed Church, Grassie, ON at 7.30 PM. Order tickets at www.libertasvoices.com.
Sing with Martin Mans and the Libertas Male Choir in 2023! - New for this year, join for the full year or, on a series only basis. Contact us at office@libertasvoices.com or call 905-745-5609. Full rehearsal concert schedule: libertasvoices.com
Biblical Study Tour to Italy (May 22 - June 2, 2023): Visit the Vatican with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Cathedral; the impressive monuments of ancient Rome; Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius; Assisi (home of St. Francis); Florence; Ravenna; and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Join Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading biblical scholar, for this inspirational tour. Contact Dr. Weima at weimje@calvinseminary.edu or 616-328-3110.
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS: Shalom Manor and Gardens is currently looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of ways, such as helping at Meal Times, helping in the recreation department, and visiting and forming connections with residents one on one. If you are looking to spend your time in a meaningful way and make a difference in the lives of others, then this opportunity is for you. If you are interested in joining our Shalom family as a volunteer, please email Kristen at volunteercoord@shalommanor.ca or call at 905-945-9631 extension 1115.
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!
Redeemer Campus Visits - Schedule a personalized tour of campus and a one-on-one meeting with an admissions counsellor to have all of your questions about Redeemer answered. Individual visits are offered regularly throughout the week for those interested in Redeemer's undergraduate programs. Book yours here: redeemer.ca/visit
NEWSLETTERS FROM OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS
Links are available on our website under
“Community Connections” - “Partnerships”
Paper copies can be requested from the church office.
LOCAL DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Focus on the Cross - Lent is a season to focus on the hope of Jesus Christ. Receive a free Today devotional email series to help you refresh, refocus, and renew your faith during Lent. Or download the ebook! Subscribe at todaydevotional.com/lent.
At-Home Faith Formation Tip - Wearing ashes on one’s forehead on Ash Wednesday is a symbol of repentance. At home, invite each person to write an action for which they want forgiveness on a slip of paper. Burn the papers, saving the ashes. Talk with kids about the fact that repentance is more than saying “I’m sorry”—it means asking God to change our heart and mind. (Tip from Faith Formation; bit.ly/CRCFaithFormation)
Groundwork: Learning from the Seven Churches of Revelation - Ever believer must discern what it looks like to live out their Christian faith in the midst of a secular culture. Join Groundwork as Dr. Jeff Weima joins us to study Revelation 2-3 and discuss the sermons Jesus told John to write down for seven of the early Christian churches and what they might have to say to the Church also yet today. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Joy in God - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at kidscorner.net. Where does real joy come from? Joy does not depend on what happens to you. It is about what God is doing inside you. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net like the Preparing for Easter: A Family Lenten Devotional eBook.
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.
Annual Inter-Classis Safe Church Conference - Classis Huron’s annual inter-classis safe church event is in person again this year! Join us on Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at Waterloo CRC. Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen, Ministry Team Leader for Safe Church, will speak on “The Use and Misuse of Power in the Church.“ Christian Horizons Education Director Steve Snider will focus on supporting a person living with a disability. Carol Penner will present on “Repentance and Accountability: Forgiveness is Not the First Step.” For info. and to register go to https://www.wmott.ca/scc
On March 24th-25th in Burlington, Ontario, Congregational Ministries will offer a two-day training in Restorative Practice for Faith Communities. Participants will learn how to design and facilitate proactive listening circles for a variety of topics and occasions. You'll also learn how to incorporate restorative practices to enrich interpersonal relationships, small groups, teams, congregational life, and many other contexts. To find out more and to register go to https://bit.ly/RPontariotraining.
Prayer Changes Things - We know prayer is powerful; it can change hearts, relationships, and circumstances. In the Prayer Guide you'll find daily items of thanks, praise, request, and lament that can remind you that God is in control, and cares for his world and all people. Sign up or print PDF pages to share at crcna.org/get-involved/pray
JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Redeemer is hiring! Learn about available positions at redeemer.ca/work-at-redeemer
Position Opening: Director of Advancement (Canada) - Join the CRCNA staff team to provide leadership in strategic planning for the ministry share program, church and donor engagement, grants and planned giving, and other means of supporting the work of the CRCNA. This full-time position can be worked from the Burlington, Ont., office or as a hybrid role remotely in Canada. For details and to apply, go to https://crcna.pinpointhq.com/en/jobs/81800
Diaconal Ministries is currently searching for an Administrative/Financial Coordinator (30 hrs/week). This job includes good compensation and benefits. Flexible hours with the ability to work from home for part of the week. Proximity to our Burlington office is required. Start date is immediate. Visit our website for more details and the full job description at: https://diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/.
Cairn Christian School is looking for a Bus Driver. Join our team of amazing drivers! Single route, private school, small company. Driver rates recently increased. Routes are available in Grimsby/Stoney Creek, Fenwick and Vineland (all terminating in Smithville). Please contact Kevin for more info or to apply. - khuinink@cairnchristianschool.ca or 519-546-9159
Our Stoney Creek site is actively seeking a paraeducator to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will primarily have PSW responsibilities for a student who is joining us after March Break. This individual will be dedicated, reliable, and passionate about supporting students, living for Christ, and inspiring students to love, learn, and lead together in God’s world. You are invited to send a cover letter, resume, statement of faith, and references to Bonnie Desjardins, principal, at bdesjardins@cairnchristianschool.ca. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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. How can you become part of this excellent team? Visit our website. Contact us at hr@shalommanor.ca for more information.
Shalom Manor Long Term Care Home is hiring! We are looking for people to join our team in the following roles:
• PSWs: full-time & part-time permanent lines
• RPNs: full-time night line; part-time afternoon line; casual staff
• Dietary Aides: part-time with a 10:30AM-2:30PM and a 4-8PM schedule available
• Life Enrichment Assistant: 2 positions, working 12-8PM, Week 1: Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun and Week 2: Wed, Thurs, Fri
• Recreation staff: 4-8PM shift available; casual staff
• Infection Control Attendant: 2 temporary positions, working 10:30AM-6:30PM, Week 1: Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun and Week 2: Wed, Thurs, Fri
Jubilee Fellowship CRC is seeking an office administrator to support ministry staff and committee members, enabling them to effectively implement Jubilee’s mission, vision, and core commitments. The successful candidate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and have proficiency in Word, Publisher, Excel, Powerpoint, Wordpress, Adobe, Photoshop, and Mail Chimp. For more information or to apply please send a cover letter and resume to Augusta at Apply@Jubileecrc.org.
An exciting opportunity is available at Bethany Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Fenwick. We are seeking an engaging and motivational leader to be Bethany’s next Summer Camp Director. The Director will be responsible for the overall management of the camp, as well as, ensuring the provision of memorable high-quality summer camp experiences for all campers. Please see attached job description.
Camp Shalom is hiring summer staff. Grow in your faith, meet great new friends, make a meaningful impact on other people, and earn money for your future. Located just outside of Cambridge, Ontario, Camp Shalom offers programming for kids in grades 1-12 and for adults who have special needs. Positions include cabin counselors, day camp counselors, healthcare staff, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, and lifeguards. All positions are paid and you must be 16 years old before Dec. 31st, 2023. Visit https://ontariochristiancamp.ca/to apply.