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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. Pastor Erick Schuringa continues the Stewardship series with a message entitled “Our World Belongs to God.” He will be looking at various chapters & verses in the book of Revelation 18:21-24; 21:1-4; 22:1-5.
Our Stewardship journey requires an awareness of our place in a good creation that is twisted out of shape. That is our context. And in that context we are both part of the creation as well as called to take care of it. The end of the biblical story in Revelation helps us see where our great big mission to untwist things is headed.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
(Click on the pictures to go to related webpages, links or emails)
LENTEN GUIDED PRAYER: We are looking forward to the start of Lenten Guided Prayer. Everyone can access the information and instruction material on the PRAYER tab on the Mountainview website. On the home page click on PRAYER, and the documents will be found there along with the Devotion.
1. Outline/Schedule (Sunday groups have a separate schedule. A copy will be given to them).
2. Prayer Journey and Meditative prayer
3. Guide for Praying Scripture
4. Journaling
5. Open Ended Questions
6. Weekly Devotions (posted each week)
If you wish to participate and are not able to access our web page please contact Karin in the office. She can copy a Lenten Prayer Package for you.
We use the open-ended questions to help the group share their prayer experience, and to encourage them to listen to God. Each week another new Devotion will be uploaded on Tuesdays to the website. There are 6 weeks of Lent and 6 devotions on FOUNDATION, REBELLION, CORNERSTONE, SOFT HEARTS, LIVING STONES, and REJECTION, with an Easter Sunday message recapping the weekly themes.
Celebrating 10 Years of Kids@Mountainview Camp!
2016
JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday's offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
Upcoming Offering:
February 23rd A.M. Friendship (Local): The Friendship Group consists of about 15 young people and adults from our church and surrounding community with developmental challenges. Special friends from our church meet with these young people and adults every Thursday night from September to May. We enjoy an evening filled with the good news of God’s love through Bible stories, singing, crafts, and special activities.
Help Share Christ’s Hope with Families in Food Crisis - For most of us in Canada, hunger is a momentary discomfort, but for 783 million people around the world, hunger is a constant companion for days, weeks, and even months. February 23 is Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sunday; join World Renew to learn how through your gifts you can help share Christ’s hope with our global neighbours in food crisis. Your gifts will be matched up to 4X by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. For more information go to: worldrenew.ca/food
Thank you, congregation, for your support through offerings or denominational ministry shares, part of which blesses Reframe Ministries. We are the media gospel ministry of the CRC and we reach out daily to many thousands of Christians and seekers around the world with devotions, bible study and spiritual growth materials. From devotions in Canada to radio in Latin America, from call-in programs in Russia and Ukraine to church planting in west Africa, we work in the ten largest major languages to share the gospel and build God’s church globally. Thank you for your support and for your prayers of this work, and for letting us be a partner with your church in sharing the Gospel to the world! Visit our website for some great stories of the Holy Spirit at work: www.reframeministries.org
A Unique Mission Trip for Teenagers - Join a group of teenagers from multiple countries on a trip across three Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala) to learn more about these countries' histories and learn how local ministry leaders are working to meet the needs of communities in difficult realities. This is a great opportunity to grow in your faith and understanding of mission! Learn more and apply online at www.resonateglobalmission.org/encounter
Are you looking for an opportunity to be a co-worker in God’s service and impact a global community? EduDeo Ministries is seeking 8 -10 people of all skill levels to join a Co-Impact Construction Team to Belize. This team will work alongside local contractors on a school construction project while engaging with students and building meaningful relationships with the team and the local community! Deadline to join is Friday, February 21st. Contact Jen Lewis at 905.387.9927 jlewis@edudeo.com, or visit https://edudeo.com/coimpact.
2025 Guatemala Christian Leaders Tour - Are you a current or emerging leader in your church? Join World Renew in Guatemala from May 3-11, 2025 for a transformative experience exploring poverty, justice, and faith in action. Visit impactful community programs focused on education, agriculture, livelihoods, and more. Gain powerful insights into anti-racism from Indigenous women and discover how to apply those lessons to ministry in Canada. Step into this unique opportunity to deepen your leadership, broaden your global perspective, and be inspired for ministry. Learn more: https://bit.ly/guatemala2025info
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
SOCO SOCO Beach Project Update: If you are a young adult between 18 - 29, there's still time to consider this summer opportunity (May - August) to deepen your faith and live in intentional Christian community, all while having a summer job in beautiful Port Dover. For more information: www.southcoastbeachproject.org. SOCO Fundraising Event ~ Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Good News Church (London) - enjoy the one woman play, "The Downs" and support the SOCO ministry. Tickets are $40. For more info/to purchase tickets, read this week's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-february-13-8567596
Mercy & Justice Webinars - February - Gain Christian spiritual insight and practical understanding on timely and complex issues to do with the church's calling to practice mercy and justice. Feb. 18: Positive Care & Grace in Dementia, w/ Steve Berkenpas; Feb 25: Reflecting on MAID, w/ Caroline Short. Info & Registration: crc1life.ca/2024/12/spotlight-on-mercy-justice-an-online-webinar-series/
Justice: An Everyday Spiritual Journey - Thrive, in partnership with the CRC Centre for Public Dialogue, World Renew, and Diaconal Ministries Canada, is excited to present its latest workshop—offered online and in person— to help you to explore how the Bible talks about peace, justice, and faithful action. This workshop is designed for people who are new to biblical justice conversations, and also for those who have spent years putting it into practice—there’s something for everyone to learn!
Mark your Calendars!! Christian Stewardship Services (CSS) is now in the second half of their Winter Conversation Series.The upcoming evening Webinars are on February 27 (Joint Accounts), March 11 (Best choice for Executor and POA) and March 27 (One receipt and online giving); Don’t miss them. RSVP links on our website at Events. CSS can assist you in the preparation of your Will, or help you with your regular or preparation of major gifts. These services are available to any CRC member without charge, or obligation. If you have decided in your heart to give, we can help!
You are invited to join us for the upcoming Wolters Centre social sciences lecture on March 5, featuring Dr. Abby Foreman. Her lecture, "Sharing Responsibility: Getting Creative in Responding to the Needs of the Vulnerable," will explore the history and development of social welfare, examining how competing narratives of responsibility and agency have shaped it over time.
Church Leadership Microcredentials - Be equipped to serve your church through short, online learning opportunities on administration, human resources and congregational care. Learn more at redeemer.ca/church-leadership.
Not-For-Profit Management Certificate - Increase your skills in not-for-profit program planning, fundraising, partnership-building and more through these fully online courses. Learn more at redeemer.ca/nfp.
Cultivating Shalom: Faithful Responses to Food and Climate Series - Join a 5 week Virtual Series on Wednesday evenings February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19 at 7:30 pm. Hosted by World Renew in collaboration with Thrive, Climate Witness Project, and Center for Public Dialogue, guest leaders will share their expertise and perspectives about the intersection of our faith to our relationship with creation, the impacts of that relationship to food and climate, and ways to faithfully respond. Register here (https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tgslZOeHTVWysZfPcdk8zg) to receive access to ALL weeks of the series. The hope is that this series will motivate people of faith and faith communities to cultivate a faith-filled and shalom-seeking relationship with creation. Questions? Contact Jodi,jkoeman@worldrenew.net
You are invited to a Valentine Concert organized by the Robert Wood Singers, the Niagara Men’s Chorus and the WOOD KIDS children’s choir. The concert will be held at the Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in St. Catharines on Feb 23 at 2:30pm. Doors open at 2 PM and tickets are available from choir members, at the door or online through Eventbrite. Some of the proceeds will be designated for the Pathstone Mental Health with clinics located throughout Niagara. Seating limited to 600 guests.
Annual Inter-Classis Safe Church Conference is scheduled or March 1st from 9am-3:30pm at the Waterloo CRC. Sheila Wray Gregoire will be the plenary speaker. Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen and Julia Rathbun, both Safe Church Consultants with the CRCNA, will be leading workshops. The conference is hosted by the Classis Huron Safe Church Team. To register please go to crcna.regfox.com/safe-church-conference-2025. Please register by February 27. Questions? Contact Carel (Safe Church Co-ordinator) at carelgeleynse20@gmail.com.
The Dordt University Concert Choir invites you to a concert on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm at the Mountainview CRC in Grimsby. This free concert is part of a spring tour. Directed by Dr. Ryan Smit, the choir will perform a rich and varied selection of music representing many styles and time periods from the Renaissance motets to traditional spirituals to modern works. Featured composers include Palestrina, Sweelinck, Randall Thompson, Brahms, Ola Gjeilo, Dan Forrest, Jaako Mäntyjärvi, Shawn Kirchner, and F. Melius Christiansen. The concert is free, with a freewill offering received to help defray tour expenses.
Looking for hope in these difficult times? Meeting God in the Wilderness, a zoom Lent course by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat will explore how the wild spaces are places of hope for those grappling with fear and despair, as well as the place where the Creator God shapes us into who we are called to be. March 9-April 13; pay what you can. Go to www.bibleremixed.ca for info / to register. We are continually grateful for the many people from across the country (and continent!) that join us for these learning journeys.
You are invited to join us for our annual Fundraising Dinner Weekend: Friday, March 21 & Saturday, March 22 at the beautiful West Niagara Agricultural Centre, Grassie. Doors open for the Silent Auction at 5pm and Dinner is at 6pm. A rep from Samaritan’s Purse Canada (a trusted distribution partner) will speak. Seating is limited. A free will offering will be taken. All proceeds go towards NCG’s Operating Expenses. Please reserve your seats through our website at http://www.niagaragleaners.org. Donations for our Silent Auction are very appreciated. Please drop them off at the Gleaners any weekday mornings. Questions? Contact us: ncgdinners@gmail.com.
The Awake to Praise Choir is pleased to announce the following dates for their Spring performances themed - Creation. Saturday, April 5, at 5:00 & 8:00 pm at the Vineland Free Reformed Church, and Tuesday, April 8 at 8:00 pm at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Center in St. Catharines. Ticket sales begin Wed, March 5 at 10:00 am. Purchase tickets on our website (you'll be directed to the the Performing Arts website). Visit our website for more info. - www.awaketopraisechoir.com
Tickets are now available for the annual combined concert of the Hosanna Choir & Mattaniah Christian Male Choir Concert which will once again be held at FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton on Sat., April 19 at 7:30pm. The choirs will be accompanied by Ryan Vandenberg (Organ), Andre Knevel (Organ), and Naomi Noorduyn (Piano) and the 16-piece Scott Harrison String/Brass/Percussion Ensemble. Tickets are available at $25 & $35 via the choir’s website (www.hosanna-choir.org) any choir member, or Wendy at 905-628-1211 or at hdenhollander@yahoo.com.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Greece - October 13-24, 2025: Travel by motor coach (6 days) and cruise ship (4 days) to sites connected with Paul’s second and third missionary journeys, as well as visit other major sites of biblical, archaeological, and cultural interest. Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading Pauline scholar, hosts this inspirational tour. For more information, contact Dr. Weima at 616-328-3110 or weimje@calvinseminary.edu.
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
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: God's Design for Sex and Relationships - Song of Songs offers us a vision of relationships that is in stark contrast to the self-serving models we see around us in culture. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Song of Songs 3-8 to learn about God’s design for sex and love, which is filled with self-sacrifice, mutuality, commitment, delight, love, and respect and is deeply rooted in his own character. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: God's Call for Justice - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. God saw injustice in Israel. Through the prophet Isaiah, God spoke out against their wrong. He protested to help the Israelites make a change! Will you join God in his call for justice? Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Church In Action Comic Book.
Kids in Action Video - Kids in Action host Maya meets Hudson and Cole performing incredible stunts, balancing acts, and juggling…lots of juggling. Check out more YouTube Kids in Action videos at kidscorner.net/kids-in-action. Kids in Action, a web series by Kids Corner, tells stories of amazing kids who are doing God's work right now.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, NIV). All through the Bible, seeking justice and flourishing for all people in the face of injustice is an integral part of following the Lord. This week, as we observe the World Day of Social Justice, write down five reasons why you believe pursuing justice is an act of faithful discipleship and faith formation. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
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
Bethel CRC in Dunnville is searching for a part-time Music Director. Requirements: An authentic relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and expression of a Reformed/biblical worldview utilizing a broad range of musical skills in “blended worship”. More info at bethel@dunnvillecrc.ca. Submit application to Pastor Frank Engelage at mc4bethel@dunnvillecrc.ca or bethel@dunnvillecrc.ca
Covenant Church St. Catharines is hiring for the summer! We are seeking young adult(s) (18-30 for CSJG) to join our team this summer as either our Summer Program Coordinator or Ministry Intern. These are full-time positions for 13 weeks (May – August 2025). Details can be found at https://www.covenant-church.ca/employment-opportunities. Applications will be received until MARCH 21st. Please email your resume to apply@covenant-church.ca
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 always accepting resumes for potential future hiring.
Camp Shalom Summer Staff - This summer at Camp Shalom, our theme is "Paid in Full." We’ll be sharing the message of God’s grace and generosity with 1000+ campers, teaching them how He gave the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ to cover all their debts. We're hiring 45 young adults looking for fun and with an interest in sharing the Gospel, as counselors, lifeguards, kitchen staff, and maintenance staff. All positions are paid and you must be 16 years old before Dec. 31st, 2025, to apply. Visit www.countrysidecamp.com to apply and for info on positions.