January 25th, 2026 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am in person or online. Today is Cadet Sunday and Pastor Erick Schuringa will reflect on their theme, “Stand Firm.” focusing on their theme verse from 1 Corinthians 16:13–14.
This year we can learn along with the Cadets how we do not need to conform to the ways of the world. We are not expected to be unmoving, but rather act in love, living a life based on Christ.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
(Click on the pictures to go to related webpages, links or emails)
JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday’s offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
Upcoming Offering:
UPCOMING OFFERING: February 1st A.M. – Cairn Christian School: Our Cairn Christian School sites in Smithville and Stoney Creek work to inspire Grade K-8 students to love, learn, and lead together in God's world. This offering provides vital support in achieving this mission, enabling students and families the opportunity to access an amazing Christian Education, and communicates our love for their students. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Young Adult Opportunity with Resonate - Are you around 16-20 years old? Speak some Spanish? Interested in getting a taste of ministry in Central America? Join an unforgettable two-week journey with Resonate Global Mission—travel through Guatemala and El Salvador where you'll dive into real-life mission work, get to know Central American young people, experience God's love, and discover how God might be calling you to make a difference now and in the future. The trip is July 1-15, 2026 and the application deadline is February 28, 2026. Learn more at www.resonateglobalmission.org/encounter
2026 Guatemala Discovery Tour - World Renew invites you to experience Guatemala from the inside through the 2026 Discovery Tour, a learning journey alongside communities already leading change. Join us from March 14-22, 2026 to hear powerful stories of transformation and experience Guatemala's rich culture and hospitality. Come discover what God is doing in Guatemala! Registration closes January 31, 2026. For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/guatemala2026info
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
The Canadian government is currently working through Bill C-9, legislation introduced in response to the rise in hate-motivated incidents. We are in support of strong protections for all who face hate. However, questions have been raised about aspects of the bill that might interfere with religious speech. While willfully promoting hatred towards groups of people is a criminal offense, there has been a defense to being criminally charged if a person’s speech or actions were based on a good-faith interpretation of their religious beliefs. Bill C-9 would remove this defence in the Criminal Code. The CRCNA has an article on this issue. The CRC in Canada is an affiliate member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), which has been engaging in this matter on our behalf in significant ways. Please review these articles to understand the issue and prayerfully consider responding or engaging with the government on this matter.
Faithwalking Module 1 - Feeling reactive or stuck in unhealthy patterns that undermine your life of faith? Faithwalking is a discipleship journey designed to help you grow in self-awareness, deepen your connection with God, and live more freely by aligning your life with the teachings of Jesus. Join this 10-week Zoom course on Monday nights, 7:30–9:00 p.m., starting Feb. 23, 2026. Cost: $50USD. Sponsored by Resonate Global Mission. Space is limited. Info & registration: Pastor Willemina Zwart - wzwart@crcna.org
· On February 2, Dr. Katie Day Good will receive this year's EPI Award and speak on "The Digital Hearth: On Sharing Screens and Stories in a Digital Age."
· Join us in the Redeemer library on February 5 from 5 to 6 pm as Dr. John Van Rys reads from his new novel, Milksop.
· Join us on February 7 for an athletics-themed night of worship and inspiration. The evening will feature a concert led by Matt Papa, joined by Zach and Maggie, and a message from Dan Naulty, former New York Yankees World Series pitcher/pastor. Tickets at the Redeemer Box Office. Thanks to generous donors, church, school, and sports groups/teams can request up to 20 complimentary tickets!
· Join us for a Daily Visit to experience campus and meet with an Admissions Counsellor, or sign up for one of our upcoming Campus Visit Days on January 30, February 13 or March 18.
· Redeemer University's Concert Choir is going on tour this February—come out to a public performance at a church near you from February 18-20 at Bethel CRC in Listowel, Georgetown CRC and Rehoboth CRC in Bowmanville.
Avanti Singers Present: Creation/Extinction – February 7 @ 7:30pm – This program pairs Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation”, celebrating the beauty and wonder of the natural world, with excerpts from Christopher Tin’s “The Lost Birds”, a poignant reflection on environmental loss and humanity’s role as caretakers of the Erath. Through choral music and projected imagery drawn from diverse cultures and traditions, this concert invites audiences to reflect on our shared responsilbilty to care for the earth and the legacy we leave for future generations. avantisingers.com/tickets. Church groups of 10 or more 25% off till Jan 29. CODE: AVANTI26GROUP
We are pleased and excited to inform you that the Annual Inter-Classis Safe Church Conference is scheduled for March 7, 2026, from 9:00am-3:30 pm. at the Waterloo CRC. Speakers:
Dr. James Watson (Tyndale Seminary) will be the plenary speaker: “Grace and Truth: What Shapes our Shared Spiritual Life?”. He will also lead a workshop: “Healthy Directions: A Way Forward for Leaders”.
Cathi Watson (Interfaith Community Counseling Center in New Hamburg) will lead a workshop: “Responding to Spiritual Abuse as a Congregant.” Dr. Stephen Vander Klippe, a medical practitioner in Wingham and member of the Synodical Taskforce dealing with medically-assisted dying, will be hosting a workshop: “Power dynamics surrounding Medically-Assisted Suicide.”
Julia Rathbun (Safe Church Consultant with the CRCNA) will also be leading a practical safer church workshop. At a time of history when truth is being challenged and when power is being abused, please come and join us for a time of learning and discussion. For further information contact Carel Geleynse (Classis Huron Safe Church Coordinator) at carelgeleynse20@gmail.com.
Paul’s Missionary Journey in Greece (April 3 - 13. 2026): Travel by motor coach (6 days) and cruise ship (3 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.
You are invited to join us for our annual Fundraising Dinner Weekend. The dates are Friday, March 13 & Saturday, March 14. It will once again be held at the beautiful West Niagara Agricultural Centre (7402 Mud St W, Grassie). Silent Auction at 5pm and Dinner at 6pm. Our guest speaker this year will be a representative from Hope and Healing International - one of our trusted distribution partners. Seating is limited. A free will offering will be taken. All proceeds go towards NCG’s Operating Expenses. Reserve seats at www.niagaragleaners.org/events/. Donations for our Silent Auction are appreciated. They can be dropped off at the Gleaners any weekday morning. Questions? Please contact ncgdinners@gmail.com.
Tickets are now available for the Hosanna Choir & Mattaniah Christian Male Choir concert at FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Lane, Hamilton) on Saturday, April 4 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 $25 & $35, and can be purchased through the choir’s website (www.hosanna-choir.org). Questions? Contact Wendy den Hollander at 905-628-1211 or at hdenhollander@yahoo.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
The CRCNA is looking for nominees willing to serve as At-Large members of the Council of Delegates and the Canada Ministry Board. The Council of Delegates acts as the interim governing body of the CRCNA, providing governance and oversight of the denomination’s ministries and activities between our annual Synods. The Canada Ministry Board provides governance and oversight of the work of the Canadian Ministries If you have skills and expertise in board governance and a heart for the CRCNA, or know of someone who does, we invite you to complete this nomination form (https://bit.ly/COD-nominations).
Celebrating 75 Years of 𝑇𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 - For 75 years, 𝑇𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 has been part of the daily rhythms of faith for readers around the world, and we thank God for the ways these devotions continue to point people to Christ. ReFrame Ministries invites you to a special virtual Direct Connect on Thursday, January 29 at 1:00 pm EST as we celebrate this milestone, reflect on God’s faithfulness, and look ahead to what God is still doing through 𝑇𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦. Register at reframeministries.org/events. A recording will be shared with all who sign up.
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: Saved by Grace Alone. Let Your Works Respond Accordingly. - The apostle Paul wrote a lot about salvation and the Christian life. Study Galatians 2:19-21, Galatians 3:1-3, Galatians 5:13-25, Romans 8:1-4, and Colossians 3:12-14 with Groundwork to gain clarity from his teaching on how we walk in step with the Spirit and grow in Christlikeness while keeping grace and Christ’s work on the cross at the center of salvation. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Check out this week’s Kids Corner Devotion, “Gentleness: It’s Your Move” at www.kidscorner.net. Discover the secret power of gentleness—a strength that helps you stay kind, calm, and caring even when things get tough. Like carefully moving a Jenga® block, your gentle words and actions can help keep hearts standing strong! Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s The Bible in One Year Plan.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - The faith practice of remembering provides a way to center our attention on what God has done in our lives as a reminder that God is with us here and now. As the month of January draws to a close, share your favorite memory from the past month or past year with your family members or friends, recognizing God’s care and love for you in that moment. For more info on the faith practice of remembering, see crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/remembering. 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
Cairn Christian School is looking for spare bus drivers for both our Smithville and Stoney Creek locations. If you or someone you know would like the opportunity for occasional work, and a chance to drive our kids (and some of yours), please reach out and let us know. We take care of all the training, and associated costs, so please come join our team. I look forward to hearing from you. Blessings, Gord MacCharles, Transportation Coordinator, gmaccharles@cairnchristianschool.ca, 289-456-0041
Smithville Christian High School is looking for a part-time Financial Administrator. For more information, please visit our website under job opportunities. https://smithvillechristian.ca/smithville-christian-high-school-job-opportunities/
Shalom Manor is entering an exciting season of growth and renewal. With deep gratitude for the decades of compassionate, faith-centered care provided within the Dutch Reformed community, we are prayerfully seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Shalom Manor into its next chapter. This role offers the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation in Grimsby while providing strategic leadership as we expand to a new campus in Hamilton. We are looking for a servant-hearted leader who shares our values and is committed to excellence in long-term care.
Shalom Manor is inviting qualified and experienced leaders to apply for the role of Administrator of our 144 bed long-term care home. Reporting to the CEO, the Administrator will oversee the day-to-day operations of our long-term care home, ensuring high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness and a positive environment for residents, families, staff and volunteers. This position will be integral to promoting and integrating Christian values into organizational culture and decision-making. If you feel called to lead in a faith-filled organization where faith, compassion and excellence are central, we invite you to apply. The full posting, including how to apply, is available on at this link or visit https://shalommanor.ca/get-involved/careers/
Wellingstone Christian Home (Hamilton, ON): Hiring! Full-time Superintendent – This is a full time, live in position with a provided unit. This role is ideal for a couple who are detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills and experience in property maintenance and repairs. Duties will include cleaning all common areas and coordinating some repairs. A percentage of weekends and statutory holidays will be worked. Learn more and apply before January 31, 2026 at employment@wellingstone.ca. All applications and resumes are appreciated, only candidates invited for interviews will be contacted.
Job Opening! Director of ReFrame Ministries - The Director of ReFrame Ministries will provide executive leadership and vision for the agency. This role involves strategically planning and implementing policies and decisions. Additionally, the Director will ensure that all organizational activities comply with established bylaws and frameworks, effectively supporting the mission of ReFrame Ministries, the denominational strategic ministry plan, and the mission of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Burlington, Ont., or Grand Rapids, Mich. Apply at crcna.pinpointhq.com
Job Opening! ReFrame Advancement Director - The ReFrame Advancement Director will give leadership to ReFrame Ministries’ donor relations and communications teams by providing vision, strategic direction, and initiatives to advance the mission of the ministry. This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Burlington, Ont., or Grand Rapids, Mich. Apply at crcna.pinpointhq.com
Position Opening: Safeguarding & Compliance Specialist - This full-time, exempt role is part of the Operations Team and reports to the Director of Safeguarding and Accountability, supporting safeguarding policy implementation and accountability standards across North American programming. The position is open to applicants in the United States or Canada. If you’re passionate about creating safe, transparent, and accountable environments, we invite you to learn more or apply by visiting our careers page. https://world-renew.breezy.hr/
An exciting opportunity is available at Bethany CRC in Fenwick. We are seeking an engaging and motivational leader to be Bethany’s next Summer Camp Director. The Director will be responsible for the overall management of the camp, as well as, ensuring the provision of memorable high-quality summer camp experiences for all campers. For more info visit https://www.bethanycrc.ca/jobpostings