Church Family - August 16th, 2026

Offering Prayers

We continue to pray for the Roland and his daughter Debbie and her family, and the extended Vangameren family as they process Cheryl’s loss and plan final goodbyes. May God grant strength, wisdom, calm, comfort, and peace that passes understanding. May God’s sustaining spirit of enfold them and comfort all who mourn. The Memorial will take place at Mountainview at noon on Friday, August 21.

Gerry Bijsma had an uncomplicated hip replacement surgery this week. His care team were very happy with the results. He hopes to return home on Sunday and is walking already! We pray for strength, relief from pain, healing, patience and perseverence as he recovers and begins rehab. We pray for a return to full function and mobility without pain.

We continue to pray for Pastor Brady & Shannon DeBoer and Esther, Aleida and Madelyn as they transition and adapt to new surroundings. May God grant them connection, needed supports, safety, and peace.

The CRCNA Justice Prayers for this week relating to fires, access to healthcare, and war:

Creator God, may the smoke of our wildfires rise to your nostrils. Hear the cry of the earth to you. Empower deep and lasting change in our power structures, inclusion, and earth care.  We pray in Jesus’ name.

Healer God, we pray for a strengthened Canadian healthcare system. Give wisdom to those who make decisions. May Canadian policy makers hold particular concern for those who face the greatest barriers.

God of peace, give wisdom to those who lead nations. Protect those caught in war, strengthen those who work for peace, and give your Church courage to seek justice and reconciliation. Provide ways for peace that does not simply end violence, but makes flourishing possible.

We pray for all who have been affected by the recent flash floods and pray for individuals and communities across Niagara as they pick up the pieces, clear, clean and repair damage, and deal with stress and loss. May God grant wisdom to those leading and grace, peace, and support/resources to those weathering the effects of the storms.

We pray for the country of Columbia which was hit devastating earthquake. We pray for resources, safety, and stamina (emotionally and physically) for First Responders and those providing disaster relief. We pray for all those missing loved ones will find comfort and have closure. We pray for wisdom and compassion from local leaders and the worldwide community. May God have mercy.

Please join us in holding up in prayer those who manage daily burdens of one kind or another (chronic or acute illness, grief, mental health, loneliness, loss of abilities). We think specifically this week of:  Annie Boekestyn, Agnes Bennink, Liz Van Ryn, Dina Reinders, Anne Schuringa, Clarence Alkema, Lois Hanson, and Metha Van Der Beek May God give them each what they stand in need of. May God give wisdom and strength to those who walk alongside them. We also pray for those who are dealing with issues of which we are not aware.

Giving Thanks

Kids Camp is done!! What a year. We are thankful for the connections we have made with campers and staff through the last 6 weeks and pray that the seeds that have been planted in hearts will continue to grow. To God be the Glory!

We give thanks for Pastor Steve DeBoer’s (and the Bridge’s) ongoing work with food recovery and compassionate and justice-based relationship building with the people in Niagara Falls. May their efforts be rewarded. May relationship with other local groups blossum and grow. May those they be blessed and flourish.

We Celebrate The Coming Week’s Birthdays!

(Milestone Bdays listed by request) - On BRIDGE APP in the DIRECTORY see “UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS”

REMINDER: The most up-to-date information for members, at any given time,  can be found in the Bridge App Directory.

Sunday August 16 – Sue Kort, Annette Voordenhout
Monday August 17 – Jim Bergshoeff, Shannon De Boer, Michael Koopman, Janet Piersma
Tuesday August 18 – Joanne De Jonge, Sara Geerlinks
Wednesday August 19 – Jason De Graaf, Lily Farrow, Nicole Niemeyer
Thursday August 20 – Elliot DeBoer, Peter Heerema, Ted Koudys, Dina Reinders
Friday August 21 – Ron Kielstra
Saturday Aug 22 – Tara DeBoer, Rob Deyell, Ella Nywening, Martin Vanderhout, Jack Van Geest