November 17th, 2024 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am or anytime throughout the week. Pastoral Care Pastor Jolene Veenstra will present a message titled “Return to Me”. She will be looking at the book of Zechariah, Chapter One, Verse Three.
When I was younger I first thought repentance was feeling badly for what you've done and saying you're sorry. Then I learned in church that it is a 180* march away from what you are doing in the opposite direction. It's only in seminary that I learned what I now see as the most important part of repentance. Repentance is an embrace.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
(Click on the pictures to go to related webpages, links or emails)
JOYFUL GIVING
Niagara International Students (NIS), Winter Clothing Drive: Fall is here and winter is around the corner. Many International Students come to Canada without proper winter gear. One of the ways NIS seeks to support/bless them is by hosting a Winter Clothing Give Away on Nov. 20 at Brock. We are looking for good, used, winter coats, gloves, winter boots and blankets. Please connect with Hilda at hildavk@gmail.com if you have items to donate. Thank you so much! Together, with God's help we are making a difference in the lives of many International Students! For more information on NIS check out www.niagarainternationalstudents.com
Sunday's offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
UPCOMING OFFERING: November 24th A.M. – Redeemer University is a Christian undergraduate university offering programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees. From its Hamilton, Ontario campus, Redeemer has prepared graduating classes — the next generation of Christian leaders — for more than 30 years. Redeemer students are being shaped by the Reformed Christian commitment to see faith woven through all aspects of learning and life. Across the world, from the classroom to the convocation stage to careers and churches, our faculty, students and alumni are making an impact.
Support Resources for Multicultural Churches - As we roadtrip across Canada towards Giving Tuesday we can see how Canada is growing increasingly diverse. The church is at a pivotal moment. According to Statistics Canada, by 2041, one out of two Canadians will be a person of colour. To prepare for this future, the CRC has been equipping churches to bear fruit in this context through the Canadian Intercultural Ministry. Join us on this journey and donate at: crcna.org/canada/giving-tuesday
Chaplaincy Sunday - Today churches throughout the CRCNA take time to pray for and encourage the frontline work of chaplains. Thrive endorses, trains, advocates, and provides care for these specialized ministers and pastors as they serve in institutional settings. Support this essential and exciting ministry focus of Thrive by giving at: crcna.org/Chaplaincy/Donate
Help us Make Double the Impact with Rose City Kids We are excited to announce our $200,000 match campaign- an incredible opportunity to see your generosity doubled to bless children and youth in our community. Every dollar given will be matched, meaning twice the support for the 700 children and youth God has placed in our lives to serve. At Rose City Kid's, we believe in sharing the love of Jesus with each child who walks through our doors. Through your support, we can continue providing a safe place where kids experience God's love, learn Biblical truths, and grow in hope for a brighter future.
How can you help: Donate today, and your gift will be matched! Together, we can provide meals, mentorship, and faith based programs that shape young loves and bring them closer to God. Let's join hands in reaching and uplifting each child He has called us to serve.Donate today and double your impact! Thank you for considering. Together, were building a stronger foundation in Christ for the next generation. Campaign runs: November 1- December 31, 2024 www.rosecitykids.com
(Ways to give: e transfer (office@rosecitykids.com), cheque, cash, credit card)
Further questions please contact Barb Donker (905 788 9800) or office@rosecitykids.com
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
AGM - Diaconal Ministries Canada - This year's AGM will be held on Monday, November 25 at 8:00pm. The meeting will be online via Zoom to increase accessibility and audience. Our AGM is a time to review the mission and mandate of Diaconal Ministries; how we work with deacons and churches across Canada. This includes reviewing our Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements, presenting our new budget, and hearing from Anja Attema about equipping deacons in Benevolence. Materials at: diaconalministries.com/agm/. Register today!
Bethany CRC will have a Reformed Book Services’ pop-up store at their church in Fenwick, on Wednesday November 20th 7-9pm, Thursday November 21st 7-9pm, and Friday November 22nd from 9am-12pm. Come browse or purchase a variety Christian books. Questions? Contact Katherine Bokma at 905-714-6257 or katherine.bokma@yahoo.ca. Reformed Book Services book list: www.reformedbookservices.com
Great Lakes Christian High School invites you to join us! Thursday, November 21st at 6:30 pm you are invited to attend our Open House featuring our Amazing Race, students explore while parents attend an info session! To Register: Click here. Friday November 29th 8:00 am-1:30 pm Students are welcome to join our Shadow Day; experience high school as a Great Lakes Laker! (lunch provided). To Register: Click here
ART in Orvieto - Are you passionate about art, religion, and theology? Don’t miss the chance to learn more about ART in Orvieto, an exciting summer studies program from the Institute for Christian Studies set in the stunning hill town of Orvieto, Italy. Join us online November 21 at 7pm to discover how this 3-week residency can deepen your understanding of the intersection of art and faith. Hosted in a beautifully renovated medieval monastery, it offers a unique ecumenical experience and a supportive community for adult learners. Email recruitment-coordinator@icscanada.edu to register for the info session / learn more. Visit icscanada.edu/art-in-orvieto
High school and post-secondary students are invited to our annual Choose Life Youth Retreat at Circle Square Ranch in Brantford on Fri. Nov. 22 at 5:45 pm - Sat. Nov. 23 at 9 pm. Education sessions will equip youth to stand for life against abortion. We’ll participate in fun ranch activities: horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and more! The cost is $60 (includes bus cost, Saturday meals, and sleeping accommodation). Visit chooselife.ca/events or email info@chooselife.ca.
The Star of Bethlehem - On November 29, join Redeemer University for a night of musical wonder, featuring a performance of The Star of Bethlehem (Josef Rheinberger) by Redeemer's Concert Choir with orchestra. Tickets will be available at the Redeemer Box Office starting November 7. Learn More
Fall Open House - Come to Redeemer’s campus on November 30 and see what we're all about! We've opened our doors to give prospective undergraduate students and their families an opportunity to tour campus, meet with faculty and staff and sit in on information sessions to answer questions about applying to or attending Redeemer. Learn More
CAREGIVERS, OUR AGING LOVED ONES AND PASTORAL CARE - Are your parents aging; struggling with aging? Are you a caregiver or close to someone who needs help at home or is in a nursing home? Are you a pastor, elder or deacon with aging congregants who need pastoral care? The Word and Spirit Institute, together with Connecting Streams, is organizing an interactive conference with the aim to support caregivers with their struggles and discuss issues around pastoral care for caregivers and their loved ones at home or in homes. When: November 30th at Covenant Can. Ref. Church, Grimsby. Registration 8:30; Conference 9:00-3:00. For info/To register, please visit www.wsinstitute.ca
Session 1: Pastoral Care and Support for Aging Loved Ones (Rev Matthew VanLuik)
Session 2: Pastoral Care and Support for Caregivers (Dr. Tom McCormick; [chaplain] and Caregivers)
Session 3: Issues relating to Grieving, Death and Dying (Rick Ludwig; funeral director)
Join us as the newly formed Coram Deo Choir (Niagara & Hamilton) for their inaugural Christmas Concert entitled "On this Still Night." A concert at Heritage Reformed Cong is planned on Friday December 6, and at the Hamilton Free Reformed Church on Saturday, December 7th. Ticket information TBA
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, December 7, 10am – 2 pm. Niagara Christian Gleaners is inviting you to join us in celebrating the completion of our new expansion. This expansion is due to the incredible support we get prayerfully, financially and our many volunteers. We hope to meet many of you as we celebrate our ability to bless more people with the gift of food.
On Friday December 13 at 7:30pm and Sunday December 15 at 3pm — the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Elgar Choir come together for Handel's monumental work Messiah, led by HPO Music Director James Kahane as Conductor at St. Catherine of Sienna Church on the mountain. This performance promises to uplift and delight audiences during the festive season. Tickets can be purchased at HPO.org. Tickets can also be purchased directly here: https://www.hpo.org/handels-messiah-2024/
Dutch Christmas Hymn Sing – Immanuel CRC and Grace Community CRC invite you to a Nederlandse KERST SAMENZANG held on Sunday Dec. 15th at 3pm at Grace Community CRC, Ancaster. Put it in your calendar, and plan to join! The hymn sing will also be live-streamed. For more information contact John VanderLaan at 905-648-3170 or Femke Visser-Elenbaas at visser.elenbaas@gmail.com.
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
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Turkey & the Seven Churches of Revelation (May 27 - June 8, 2025): Visit ancient sites connected with Paul’s First, Second, and Third Missionary Journeys as well as the seven churches to whom John wrote the Book of Revelation. Join Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading biblical scholar, for this inspirational biblical tour. 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: The Day of the Lord - Have you ever wondered what will happen when Christ returns? Join our Groundwork conversation as we study 2 Peter 3 to reflect on God’s divine timing and patience, and learn from Peter what we should expect and how we can live holy, purposeful lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner: Beatitude 7: Peacemakers - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net/. Matthew 5:9 says, “God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! God wants each of us to do our part to bring peace to the world. When we do that, God’s love spreads. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like the Kids in Action video Bookmarks for Peace.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Advent begins on December 1. How will you celebrate the season of Advent this year? Whether you light an Advent wreath at home each week, use a Jesse Tree devotional guide, or follow a daily Advent calendar—there are lots of ways to prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s coming at Christmastime. Gather any supplies you’ll need, and check out the helpful ideas in this post: bit.ly/ThriveAdventResources. 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
Shalom 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.
Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC) is now accepting applications for the part-time position of Development Coordinator (18 hours/week). This position is responsible for new revenue generation through the development, maintenance, and management of all aspects of Diaconal Ministries Canada’s fundraising efforts. View the complete job description on our website: http://bit.ly/4dP1RBk. Three (3) years work experience in the not-for-profit sector development/fundraising field is an asset, along with a related post-secondary education and a basic understanding of Canadian fundraising laws. Start date is immediate. Send in your letter of application and CV by September 30, 2024, to Ron Vanden Brink, National Director of Diaconal Ministries Canada: rvandenbrink@crcna.org.