February 1st, 2026 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am in person or online. Pastor Erick Schuringa will reflect on Isaiah 61:1-9, with a message entitled “God’s Vision for Life.”
As we consider our role in the world, we are helped by the powerful images Isaiah gives. This poetic language gives some very concrete things for us to consider in our relationship with others, creation and God.
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 8th A.M. – Thrive Ministries: We’re here to help you and your church. Our staff are practitioners in the areas of faith formation, abuse prevention and response, disability access, racial justice and diversity, pastors and church support, chaplaincy, justice, and worship. Our priority is to listen to your needs as church staff, volunteers, and members as you endeavor to cultivate a flourishing congregation in your local context. We are eager to walk alongside you and provide support, connections, and resources to equip your congregation to thrive. Your prayers and financial support are critical, whether through annual church contributions, special offerings, or individual donations. To keep up to date on all of our work, subscribe to the Thrive monthly email.
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
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).
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 Biblical Meaning of Forgiveness - Telling someone to forgive is easy. Actually offering forgiveness can be a lot more difficult. Join Groundwork as we study Exodus 34:4-9, Matthew 6:12-15, Psalm 51:1-9, Hebrews 4:14-16, Colossians 1:9-14, and 1 John 1:5-10 to discuss the biblical concept of forgiveness by beginning with God’s forgiveness and what it teaches us about God’s character. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Check out this week’s Kids Corner Devotion, “Patience: God is at Work in You,” at www.kidscorner.net. Feeling impatient when things don’t go your way? Remember, just like Paul in the Bible, God can help you be patient and trust His perfect timing! Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like Kids Corner Valentine’s Day Cards.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As we begin Black History Month, let’s take time to explore and reflect on the church’s role in Black history. One way to do this is to commit to learning from voices that have shaped both the Black experience and the broader Christian tradition. For example, choose two Black theologians—one historical and one contemporary—and study how their theological insights have influenced not only Black history but also the life and witness of the institutional church. If you have young children, consider reading one of these picture books together: God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell or Let it Shine by Ashley Bryan. 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
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/
We're Hiring! Editor in Chief of The Banner - Please consider joining our staff of professional journalists by applying for the editor-in-chief of The Banner! The application process requires an editorial-length sample of your writing that would resonate with The Banner's audience. The editor-in-chief will be responsible for the content of The Banner, particularly for theological review, denominational relevance, and reader service to fulfill the magazine’s mandate as determined by synod. Apply at crcna.pinpointhq.com
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/