Church Family - March 15th, 2026
Offering Prayers
We pray for the planning and preparation for the Benevolence – Food Program in St Catharines which begins again in April. May God prepare and surround all those serving or being served so that hearts change and relationships flourish.
“God of peace and mercy, we lift up the people of the Middle East amid rising conflict and fear. Protect civilians, comfort those who have lost loved ones or homes, and strengthen those providing aid and care. Grant wisdom and restraint to leaders and open pathways toward peace and reconciliation.” CRCNA Do Justice Ministry
We lift up the human right to practice faith freely and without fear. We pray for safety for Jewish and Muslim communities being targeted. We pray for those around the world being persecuted for their faith. We pray into the decision-making regarding Bill C9 in the Canadian Legislature which may restrict freedom of expression tied to faith. May God grant wisdom and grace so that security and dignity of faith-based groups, and expressions of faith or creed are respected and supported.
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 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.
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: Gerda Van Staalduinen, Anne Fisher, Reinhard Mech, Joyce Wheaton, Connie & Henry Van Rooyen, Anna Spoelstra, and Nell Wielhouwer. 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
Peter Juhlke Peter serves as Director at the Upper Deck Youth Centre, in Vineland. Upper Deck is a drop-in centre for youth in grades 6-12. A place where young people discover that Jesus loves & cares for them. Upper Deck is a ministry of Youth Unlimited. A few items for prayer and praise from Upper Deck (Full update letter linked HERE):
· In faith a concrete driveway was built, God has blessed us with enough to cover this work and run our Ministries. God is good using people, churches and businesses to provide for our need.
· A successful Fall Lunch Program was launched, led to great relationship building and an almost doubled Discipleship Ministry. However, school policy change has forced it to stop. Parents are advocating for change in that policy, once again enabling students to leave the school property, in order to restart this program.
· An After-School Program is planned in September for as many days as they can find volunteers. Please consider volunteering. Contact Peter: peter.j@yfclincoln.com or info@yfclincoln.com
· Discipleship groups are growing in size and depth of faith. A neat sideline benefit is that the shared meals before are not only building community, but also helping youth learn cooking and cleaning skills.
· We have a lot of desire for and interest in new programs, but another staff member is needed to accommodate growth…Know anyone suitable? Interested?
Adrian VanderVaart has moved to AgeCare Brant in Burlington. His new address: Rm 419-1182 North Shore Blvd E, Burlington, L7S 1C5. We are thankful for a home close to family. We lift up Susan & Adrian in this transition to a new community and as they and their family bridge this separation until they can be reunified. We pray for a smooth process and for patience and peace within it.
We give thanks for the tender signs that spring is stirring — birds returning to fill the air with song, the rich scent of earth awakening, days softening with warmth, and the ground yielding gently underfoot, with budding blooms not far behind. We are grateful for the rhythms of the seasons, each one turning in its time, offering new perspective, renewed hope, and a quiet reminder of God's faithfulness, creativity, and care.
We Celebrate The Coming Week’s Birthdays!
(Milestone Bdays listed by request) - On BRIDGE APP in the DIRECTORY see “UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS”
Sunday March 15 – Kristin Butler, Klaas Egbers, Tammy Ristow, David Tigchelaar, Aliya Van Driel
Monday March 16 – Lottie Eyk, Sylvia Vellinga
Wednesday March 18 – Brian Hardyman, Johanna Ubbens
REMINDER: The most up-to-date information for members, at any given time, can be found in the Bridge App Directory.