Church Family - March 8th, 2026
Offering Prayers
As we navigate this Season of Lent, we remember our own brokenness and bear witness to the world's pain. May all who are suffering feel Christ drawing near — joining them in that suffering — even as we join him on our Lenten journey of reflection and practice, walking alongside him toward the cross, and drawing ever deeper into the mystery of his suffering for us.
We offer prayers of continued healing for Gerda and for patience, strength and peace in that process.
This week we pray specifically for the escalating conflict in Iran, while we also remember so much conflict and tension around the world. We pray for all who live under the shadow of war and uncertainty. We pray for all who are living with trauma and loss. May they be given what they need. May they know God’s love through in their hearts and through acts of care and service. We pray for wisdom, compassion, restraint, justice and that a way can be found forward to lasting peace.
We pray for those walking the journey of aging and the challenges that go with that and for the family members or friends journeying alongside them. We pray for good communication, grace for one another, forgiveness, wisdom, access to needed resources, compassion and respect on what can be a challenging path. May this journey, despite difficulties, strengthen bonds, compassion, and understanding.
We pray for those prayerfully considering standing for office at Mountainview. May all those who feel God’s call to lead in this way feel encouraged, equipped and enthusiastic to answer that call in faith. We give thanks for all those currently serving on the Council & Board, for their careful deliberation, accountability, faithful care, servant leadership and wisdom.
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, loss of abilities). We think specifically this week of: Gert & Hinke Draaistra, Anna Geuze, Sylvia Vellinga, Louise (Anna) Boele, Evelyn Vander Meer, and Martha Luth 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
Kevin Stieva serves with the Canadian Armed Forces. He and Jackie have worked in various parts of Canada, but have recently (July) moved back to Kingston. In August 2025, Kevin’s new role began at the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC) as the unit chaplain and the senior planner for policy and traning related to chaplain employment and operations. This was a new role for him and will likely be his last official role before retiring. We pray a blessing on Kevin & Jackie in their work and ministry, that they may end well. We give thanks with them for this opportunity to develop a program where he can influence and improve how members of the Canadian Armed Forces are supported in faith, at the same time providing a continued opportunity for growth for Kevin and other Faith Leaders. Also, residing in Kingston (more central to family), is a great gift that is enabling more in-person connection with children and grandchildren.
Bertha Vermeer has finally moved and settled after about a year in and out of hospital and temporary care facilities. Praise God for providing a permanent home for Bertha! May God bless her transition to her new home , community and caregivers. Here is her new contact information: Radiant Care - Pleasant Manor, 31 Elden St. P.O. Box 1651, Virgil L0S 1T0; 905-468-1111 ext. 6233 (also on the App)
Together with their families, Valerie & Justin celebrate Caden Asher’s adoption into God’s covenant family through Christ in baptism. We pray a blessing on Valerie & Justin as they strive to raise Caden to know and love God and to develop his gifts. We welcome Caden into our fellowship and remember our promise to care for and support all our little ones to know their identity in Christ and to know God’s love for them. May we also all be reminded of God’s great love for each of us. We give thanks for community and deep expressions of faith.
Exciting News for the Shalom Manor Community! “Shalom is overjoyed to announce the appointment of Karen Edge as the new CEO, who began her new role effective March 1st. Following a prayerful search, the Shalom Board of Directors is confident that God has led us to the right leader for this next chapter. Karen has been a dedicated part of the Shalom Manor family for many years and has beautifully demonstrated the "servant-heart of Christ" during her last eight months as Interim CEO. Karen’s leadership comes at a pivotal time of growth for our ministry. She will continue to oversee our operations in Grimsby while spearheading our expansion into Hamilton with the opening of Faithstone Manor & Gardens. Karen shared, "I am deeply grateful to the Board for their trust, but above all, I am humbled by God's call on my life to serve in this capacity." Please join us in Congratulating Karen! We look forward to seeing how her vision and integrity will continue to make our homes sanctuaries of comfort and Christ-like care.”
We Celebrate The Coming Week’s Birthdays!
(Milestone Bdays listed by request) - On BRIDGE APP in the DIRECTORY see “UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS”
Sunday March 8 – Daniella Zondag
Tuesday March 10 – Glenn Heinen, John Tietsma, Brandon Vermeer
Wednesday March 11 – Eli Rintjema, Levi Visser
Thursday March 12 – Dave De Graaf
Friday March 13 – Joanne De Vries, Joanne Koornneef, Tyler Westra
Saturday March 14 – Martin Van Oene, Maxwell Taylor
REMINDER: The most up-to-date information for members, at any given time, can be found in the Bridge App Directory.