VISIT THE ‘EVENTS’ TAB TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR
MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. Pastor Erick Schuringa will begin our Lent Series “Come to the Living Rock with a message entitled “Watch & Pray” He will be looking at the book of Matthew chapter 26 verses 36-46.
Lent (the 40 days before Easter) this year will be a time for Guided Prayer. For the first Sunday of this season we will both practice the main activity of Guided Prayer and reflect on what this journey is all about. Jesus retreat for prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane will be our guide.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
(Click on the pictures to go to related webpages, links or emails)
LENTEN GUIDED PRAYER: We have started 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!
JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday's offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
Upcoming Offering:
UPCOMING OFFERING: March 16th 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.
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
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
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.
Mark your Calendars!! Christian Stewardship Services (CSS) is now in the second half of their Winter Conversation Series.The upcoming evening Webinars are on 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!
We are SO excited to invite you to a special, online opportunity called Ministry Amplified on March 12 from 7 – 8 pm. Ministry Amplified Registration Link. Because of the amazing gift of technology, you'll be able to talk with Resonate leaders and missionaries from all over the world! You'll hear updates from, and be able to ask questions of, Resonate ED - Kevin DeRaaf, missionaries serving in Japan including Larry Spalink, Ken Lee, Perin Werner, Charles Oh (new to Japan).Sign-up is easy! Just click on the link above, scroll to the bottom of the page, and complete the registration form.
At its core, climate change is profoundly unjust. It exacerbates hunger, poverty, and even political instability, disproportionally impacting the most vulnerable people of the world, the very ones we Christians are called to love and care for. Canadian, Climate Scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe joins us online as she untangles the complex science behind global warming and highlights the key role our faith and values play in shaping our attitudes and actions on this crucial topic. A Critical, Contemporary conversations – not to be missed – Join us online: WED MARCH 12 @ 7 PM via ZOOM LINK HERE
Meet & Greet With Tim Challies - Stop by 21Five on March 19 at 2:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with pastor, speaker and author Tim Challies, who will also be guest speaking at chapel that day.
Holy Songs of Joy Concert - Join us on April 4 for Redeemer's spring concert, Holy Songs of Joy. Tickets will be available soon at redeemer.ca/events.
We would love to have you join us for our annual Fundraising Dinner Weekend, but do not delay in registering ou are invited to join us for our annual Fundraising Dinner Weekend. There is limited availability yet on Saturday, March 22 (West Niagara Agricultural Centre, Grassie). Silent Auction at 5pm and Dinner is at 6pm. A rep from Samaritan’s Purse Canada (trusted partner) will speak. A free will offering will be taken. Proceeds go to NCG’s Operating Expenses. Reserve here: 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.
This invitation is for anyone interested in mission! Disciples Making Disciples invites you to Stand Up! An evening event on Monday, March 31at 7:30pm at the Brock Campus. Join us for as we encourage one another in faith and in mission. Beth Fellinger will lead us in thinking creatively about mission and moving forward in the liminal space we find ourselves in, using Luke 13:11-17. Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1K6uv8rkWR3qjC7vV9ibBODb-rW_rrWCRvMMLCb7oqPg/edit?ts=67914b6c Directions to the Faith and Life Center on Brock Campus can be found in the registration form!
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.
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. For more information: www.southcoastbeachproject.org.
SOCO Fundraising Event ~ Friday, March 28 at Good News Church (London) - doors open at 6:45 pm and show starts at 7:15 pm. Enjoy the one woman play, "The Downs" and support the SOCO ministry. Tickets are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets check out the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-march-6-8567973
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
Last Chance to Register - Gather (crcna.org/Gather) has been a year-long campaign across the Christian Reformed church, pulling people together to talk about what God is doing with and through our congregations. Only three events remain. If you have not yet been to Gather and would like to join Gather Chicago (March 27-29) please email gather@crcna.org before March 15. Expenses for your participation are covered through generous donations.
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: Paul's Second Journey: Jesus the Messiah and the Resurrection of the Dead - As he traveled, Paul convinced new believers of the gospel message, but his message also stirred up opposition. Join Groundwork as we explore his second missionary journey in Acts 15:39-18:22 to gain theological clarity and encouragement for our own efforts to share our faith and remain faithful to Jesus Christ in all circumstances. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: Living in God's Kingdom - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion “The Price of Lies” at www.kidscorner.net. Have you ever told a fib? Believe it or not, lies that seem small can hurt others, and we eventually have to pay the cost for them. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Lent and Easter Collection.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19, NIV). This week marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. While it might seem morbid to focus intentionally on our mortality, we can use this time to remember our humanity. We live with bodies and minds that not only are fearfully and wonderfully made but will also age and begin to fail us. Give thanks to God for the gift of your body, and ask him to help you be mindful of its limits. 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
Treasurer Needed: Classis Niagara is seeking an individual to serve in the role of Treasurer. This is a part-time position that comes with a $6500 stipend. Familiarity with QuickBooks is essential. Ideally the individual will have some experience with bookkeeping work for non-profit organizations, however this is not a prerequisite. The workload fluctuates around the meetings held in February, May and October, along with additional year-end responsibilities. If you would like more information of what is involved or to apply, please reach out to our current treasurer, Diane Zantingh, treasurer.niagara@gmail.com, or call 905-975-6630.
Diaconal Ministries Canada equips and supports CRC deacons in their role within your church, the broader community, and beyond. We are currently accepting applications for the full-time position of NATIONAL DIRECTOR. Start date would be Fall 2025. Visit our website for more information and full job descriptions: diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
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 SHOUT has been a ministry of Jubilee Fellowship Church in St. Catharines since 2004. The purpose of this ministry is to extend God’s love through a fun, safe, subsidized, Christian summer day camp for local children going into gr 1 – 6. We are currently seeking applicants for the Director position. Position details can be found at jubileefellowship.ca/aboutus/opportunities. Submit resumes & questions to Evan Fusilier (fmc@jubileefellowship.ca) by March 24th.
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.