March 27th, 2022 News
MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
We are happy to report that masks are now optional in our services and at our activities. As always, the decision to watch online or attend in person is up to you.
Hospitality goes beyond inviting someone to share a meal. In Ephesians the Bible challenges us to go deeper in our hosting others, to the point where we experience a bond with them and where we grow together in maturity.
A SIMPLE & SHORT CHOIR OPPORTUNITY: I know there are some choral singers in this congregation, so I'm wondering if those who are able to read music a little bit, and/or already know the parts for "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" would come and meet with me after worship next week Sunday, April 3. I would love to lead the congregation with the 4-part hymn-writing of this classic hymn on Good Friday. Let me know if you are interested, so I can see if this plan will work! Thanks, Ruth Ann
Lenten Worship: Creation Photos - On Sunday, April 10 (Palm Sunday) the spiritual practice/discipline we will be engaging with is "creation”. I would love it if over the next month, as you walk outside, as you take time for silence, as you contemplate creation and Creator, you would take photos and send them to me for inclusion in the April 10 service. The practice of "wonder" is deeply connected here, as we wonder at God's creativity, beauty, and goodness in all that we see around us. Start now, as we begin to see early signs of spring. May God be present with you as you ponder the beauty of creation. Thank you, Ruth Ann
New resource from Faith Formation Ministries! - Faith Practices is an entry-level introduction to some of the practical “spiritual disciplines” that Christians throughout the centuries have used to draw closer to God. This booklet is a great starting place for individuals or small groups who would like to become more aware of and sensitive to God’s voice in their everyday lives. Included are resources (such as lectio divina passages, journaling prompts, and creative action ideas) for exploring twelve faith practices. Visit crcna.org/faithformation to learn more!
DOORWAYS TO OUR COMMUNITY #2 is now posted on our website…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS OPPORTUNITIES…
Registration for Kids@Mountainview Summer Camp “Making Waves”
opens on March 12th!!!
Click on picture for details.
Kids@Mountainview Summer Camp 2022 is now hiring coordinators, counsellors, and support staff for our summer season. Our Vision: Fun, Loving, Engaging and Transforming. Want to help us Make Waves and help to change the world around us? Submit your resume and cover letter, by March 31st, to camp@mountainviewcrc.org. More details and job descriptions on our website at www.mountainviewcrc.org/jobpostings.
WITNESS Preview Event: Wednesday, April 6 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Mountainview CRC. Being a witness for Christ isn't always easy. It can be intimidating, nerve-wracking, and even frustrating when we don't see the changes we're looking or hoping for. Sometimes, we just don't know what to say or do. Learn about the newly launched small group experience, Witness, from Resonate Global Mission, developed by Amy Schenkel. Witness: Equipped to Share the Good News is a self-guided course designed to equip you for sharing Christ's love with your neighbours. On April 6, Pastor Willemina Zwart, our Resonate Local Missional Leader, will introduce you to the small group materials as well as facilitate one of the sessions for you to experience firsthand! Witness includes videos, a small group discussion guide, and a personal journal that will help you reflect on what it means to be a witness for Christ and then to take practical steps to join God at work in your neighbourhood. RSVP by April 3 at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/witness-preview-event-tickets-289724944107. For more information, email wzwart@crcna.org. Witness Promo video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMBt9IkQByM
Bridge Bowling for Breakfast - A Bowling Fundraising Family/Friends Fun Event.
When: Saturday, April 23; Where: Cataract Bowl, 7906 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls; 2:30 pm Registration, 3:00 pm Bowl**Bowlers must be on time.
What’s included: 1 ½ hrs of bowling time (2 games per team), shoes, food and drinks. Each Team must raise a minimum of $500 (4-6 people per team). Benefiting: The Free Breakfast Program at Third Space Café for the Homeless. Register or sponsor a team: thebridgenf.ca/bowling-for-breakfasts. Grand Prizes for 2 teams that raise the most funds!
PRAYER WALK: Saturday April 2nd.8:30 - 9:30am. we'll be meeting at GRIMSBY TOWN HALL. Anyone who would like to join is welcome to ontact Jane deVisser. All are welcome.
The Art of Leona Skye-Grandmond in an “Indigenous Ways of Knowing” exhibit on display at Third Space Café. Friday, April 1st at 7:30pm. Continue the journey of reconciliation by learning Indigenous stories hearing indigenous voices.
VISIT THE ‘ABOUT US’ TAB TO VIEW
The Second March Deacons’ Corner, DOORWAYS TO OUR COMMUNITY #2, is now posted on our website…
VISIT THE ‘WEEKLY UPDATES’ TAB TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR
JOYFUL GIVING
THIS WEEK : Redeemer University
UPCOMING OFFERING: April 3rd A.M. – Benevolence: Your contribution to Mountainview’s Benevolent Fund provides assistance for those in need in our church family and in our local community. These include basic needs such as food, clothing, housing and schooling. A church and community of our size has many varied needs within it. Please continue to support our ministry of Benevolence.
The Annual Banner Appeal is underway! - The 2022 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
Resonate Match Campaign: Double Your Impact - Resonate Global Mission has a great opportunity for your giving to God’s mission through the Christian Reformed Church! April 1-30, any amount you give for our special campaign will be matched, dollar for dollar, by a generous donor! Learn more at www.resonateglobalmission.org/MatchMyGift
Join World Renew in Extending God’s Love to Refugees - Since 1979, Christian Reformed Churches across Canada have welcomed over 10,500 refugees through the World Renew Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement program. Next week, Refugee Sunday, discover how during the sponsorship process one community came together and found reward in extending God’s love to welcome a family from Eritrea. Through your gift in support of the program, we can help extend God’s love to welcome more refugees seeking safety and a new start in Canada. For more information go to: worldrenew.ca/refugeesunday
NEWSLETTERS FROM OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS
Links are available on our website under “About Us”
Paper copies can be requested from the church office.
LOCAL DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
At-home Faith Practices Reflection Tip - Reflection and Discussion Starter—the Practice of Listening: Read Psalm 19:1-4 and ponder or discuss the following questions. How does God’s creation “pour forth speech” about God? How might we become better listeners to the testimony of God’s creation? How can each of us use our gifts and talents to help God’s creation flourish? (For more on faith practices from Faith Formation Ministries visit bit.ly/FaithPracticesProject)
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.
Groundwork: The Paradox of the Cross - In the Roman empire, the cross brought death in a brutal, humiliating way. But believers of Jesus Christ find life in the cross. Join Groundwork as we study 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Romans 5:1-11, and Ephesians 2:8-10 to study the paradox of the cross, remember the profound love of God, and learn how we should live in light of this paradox. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Who Taught You about Jesus? - Check out the new kids’ devotion at https://kidscorner.net/. How did you first learn about Jesus? We all have someone in our lives who shared the story of Jesus Christ with us. Maybe it was your parents, a Sunday school teacher, or a friend who invited you to church. This week’s verse, 2 Timothy 1:5, tells us about the two women who raised Timothy in the faith. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.
Attention Counselors, Cadets, and Parents - Save the Date! The All Ontario Camporee will be held this year near Innerkip, Ontario from August 1-6, 2022. To register or find out more information check out the website: www.camporee.ontariocadets.ca Hope to see you all this summer! ~AOC committee
Register Today for Inspire 2022 - Plan to join sisters and brothers in Christ from all around the CRC for three days of worship, prayer, learning, and fellowship. We’ll gather, August 4-6, near Chicago, Illinois, for Inspire 2022. Register today and get the early bird rate. Groups of 5 or more from one church qualify for a further discount with our group rate! Learn more at crcna.org/inspire
March 2022 Safe Church Webinar: Assessing Risk - The Safe Church theme for this year is Safe Church Basics: Five Steps to a Safer Church. Join us March 23rd at 12pm Eastern for our first webinar: Assessing Risk. This webinar will feature a panel discussing abuse scenarios that have impacted Christian Reformed Church communities throughout North America. We will hear from a panel who will engage with these scenarios and then introduce a new tool from Safe Church called the Safe Church Assessment which is designed to assess risk and help determine how your church can do better in preventing abuse. register here: https://bit.ly/scassessrisk
Upcoming Workshop - Is your church wondering where to go after these past two years of uncertainty? ALL ministry leaders and teams in Classis Niagara are invited to come and reimagine your ministries! "Striving for the 10 Percent" is a facilitated workshop focusing on our own unique church cultures. Your team will be encouraged and equipped to discern next steps, exploring and discussing the question, "In what ways can we be 10% better in joining and partnering with God in His mission?" Join us THIS Wednesday, March 30th, 7:30-9:30pm at Bethany (Fenwick) CRC . (This event is being sponsored by Diaconal Ministries Canada and the Classis Niagara Leadership Development Team and will be led by your Diaconal Coaches Helen Van Beilen & Alicia Hamming Navarette). For more information or to register, email Erin Knight at erinknight2250@gmail.com or call/text 905-931-1975.
21Five is your local Christian bookstore. We carry a wide variety of books in many areas: Christian Living, Ministry, Religion and Theology, Bible Studies and more. We also have a large variety of Bibles, Christian cards, gifts and more. As part of the community, we love to work closely with our local Christian schools and churches to provide opportunities to place special orders as well. Please reach out to us at books@redeemer.ca today. We would love to serve you.
Friday Campus Visits - Geared toward students interested in Redeemer's undergraduate programs, Friday Campus Visits are a great introduction to the university's one-of-a-kind community: redeemer.ca/friday-visits
Join the Conversation “Rising Prices & Global Crises" with World Renew - World Renew invites you to join the conversation “Rising Prices & Global Crises” on Wednesday, March 30th, at 2:00pm (Eastern). While the global spotlight is focused on the conflict in Ukraine you are invited to consider the more far-reaching impact of this conflict on food insecurity in the Global South. Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, oil, and maize, as well as fertilizers used in agricultural production. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has fueled the rising cost of these commodities, putting severe strain on the already-struggling economies of developing countries in northern Africa, Asia, and the near east. Join the conversation to explore our interconnectedness and how human conflict can have global implications. To register, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/3CPoeVH
Free CRC Leadership Training Course - Register now to take the new Thriving Essentials virtual training in April at no cost (limit 25 persons). The two, 2-hour-long Zoom sessions on April 18 and 25 can help get all church leaders on the same page concerning the key concepts of Mission, Discipleship, Discernment, and Leadership. Take the class for yourself, then decide if attendance would benefit your core church leadership. Website: crcna.org/Thrive
Join us at Centennial Park Baptist Churchfor a concert presented by Jubilance Choir and Orchestra on Palm Sunday (April 10th) at 6:00 p.m. The Jubilance Choir and Orchestra is a non-profit, missionary organization made up of believers of all ages who share the Gospel through song and testimonies. The choir and orchestra is made up of about 45 members from various churches. A love offering will be taken in support of the choir and Cuban pastors the choir supports.
Hope for Ukraine - Benefit Concert by Libertas Male Choir - Join us at Redeemer University on Thursday May 26, 2022, at 7:30pm. Let us raise our voices together in HOPE as we reach our hands and hearts across the ocean. A portion of ticket sales and a freewill offering at the concert will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine (www.mennonitecentre.ca). We welcome back our director, Martin Mans, and guest musician, Hugo van der Meij, both from The Netherlands. Online tickets will soon be available at www.tickets.redeemer.ca. Also available at the door (cash only). **New Singers are invited to join the choir for this special occasion** For further information, email: office@libertas.ca or call Tammy @ 905.745.5609
JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Job Opportunity - Research Consultant - Over the past months, Diaconal Ministries Canada, along with World Renew Canada, have leaned into the understanding that doing natural disaster and crisis response work in Canada is quite different from doing this work in the US and in other parts of the world. As disasters continue to present themselves in our nation, Diaconal Ministries is looking to hire a Disaster/Crisis Response Research Consultant who will research and write a “best practices report” and present this report to our team and World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS). This will help our agencies decide on how best to move forward with this vital work here in Canada. This position is a Short-Term Contract Position (10 weeks @ 20 hours/week). Start Date: TBD. For the full job description, visit our website: diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/. Please direct any questions or inquiries to Ron Vanden Brink, National Director for Diaconal Ministries: rvandenbrink@crcna.org
Summer Worship Intern - Covenant CRC in St Catharines, ON is seeking an intern for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work with our Pastor of Worship in planning and leading worship at Sunday services, and to spend 10 of those weeks taking the lead alongside a great leadership team while our Worship Pastor is on sabbatical. Please see our website (www.covenant-church.ca) for the role description, and submit your application to apply@covenant-church.ca. Position pending funding approval and open specifically to someone under 30 who is eligible to work in Canada. Questions? Please contact music@covenant-church.ca Applications being accepted till March 25, 2022
Cairn Christian School has immediate openings for reliable, consistent school bus drivers who love kids in the Beamsville, Grimsby, and/or Smithville areas, either permanent or for short-term or occasional assignments. 'B' Licence training provided if not already held. Please contact Kevin at 519-546-9159 or khuinink@cairnchristianschool.ca to inquire.
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 Shalom community! We take pride in offering the best possible care and making Shalom home to our residents. Below are ways you can become part of this excellent team:
1. Therapeutic Programmers – casual positions available
2. RPNs Manor – full-time, part-time and casual positions are available and include mixed day and evening lines and a night line.
3. PSWs Manor – full time, part-time lines and casual positions available. Lots of opportunity to work!
4. Nursing Students can work as PSWs following your first year of nursing studies! Consider spending your summer as a PSW at Shalom Manor!
For more information about these positions or to submit your resume, please contact Lauren at hr@shalommanor.ca.