May 25th, 2025 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am in person or online as Pastor Erick Schuringa presents a message entitled “The Wind Blows”, focused on the book of John, chapter 3 verses 1-8.
This week we are considering children participating in communion. Communion feeds the new life we have in Christ; how that works is part of the beautiful mystery of faith that includes being born anew and blown about by the Spirit.
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...
Grimsby Life Centre 2025 Hope Grows Here – hopeful people help people! One of the beautiful things we are witness to at Grimsby Life Centre is people who have found their hope in Christ and who want to share that gift with others. Our counsellors are able to encourage, help and bring healing to so many hurting individuals. These individuals go on to bring hope and encouragement to others in their communities. Hope is contagious! Join us on the Canada Helps to set up monthly recurring donations that make a lasting impact. Go to Grimsbylife.org to find out more! Don't forget to include words of encouragement in the message line that will be printed out and shared in the waiting room, thank you for supporting the ministry in this way!
Upcoming Offering:
June 1st A.M. – Benevolence:Your contribution to Mountainview’s Benevolent Fund provides assistance for those in need in our church family and in our local community. These include basic needs such as food, clothing, housing and schooling. A church and community of our size has many varied needs within it. Please continue to support our ministry of Benevolence.
Please Note: Year End Ministry Promise Updates will be in your weekly emails under JOYFUL GIVING
The Annual Banner Appeal is underway! - The 2025 appeal for The Banner, the CRC’s award-winning monthly magazine, has started. The Banner is delivered free in print and online, and this annual donation appeal makes it possible. To help keep this community conversation going please give online now at: TheBanner.org/Give
Your Opinion Matters to World Renew! - As World Renew works to share Christ’s hope with communities struggling with hunger, poverty, and injustice, we seek out ways to improve, whether in our programming around the world or in our communications with you, our generous-hearted supporters. To this end, we invite you to complete our donor survey, which can be filled out anonymously. It should take about 10 minutes of your time to complete. Thank you for your support. The survey can be found at: worldrenew.ca/survey
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
SOCO Beach Project Update:
Invitation to young adults (18 - 29): Sunday Night SOCO May 25 at 5:30 p.m. ~ supper, social and campfire at the SOCO property. Also, save the date for the upcoming SOCO Camping Retreat, July 18 - 20. For more information, contact: infor@southcoastbeachproject.org. Read all about this week's SOCO update and other upcoming events: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-may-22-8569387
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Grimsby will be hosting a May Speaker Series geared towards Seniors in our Community and led by our Seniors Ministry Coordinator, Rev. Maria Lallouet. Each Wednesday in May we will host a special guest speaker on various topics that include, Fraud (Bank Manager and Police), Fire Prevention and Safety, Falls in the home and prevention. This free event is open to the general public. We invite you to join us! Speaker timing: 10:30am-12:00pm in Memory Hall.
A ‘Securing Your Legacy’ Seminar will take place at Riverside CRC in Wellandport on Monday, May 26 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Did you know that the average age of a widow is just 56? Being prepared can ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Joanne Schreuders (Van Tuyl), a widow, retired homeschooling mom of ten, a Christian author and speaker, will be sharing personal stories and practical tips on how to prepare for more than 87 decisions your family may face amid grief. You are guaranteed to come away with new insights and helpful information. Open to all ages. No charge, just a free will offering.
Hamilton Leadership Prayer Breakfast - Redeemer is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Hamilton Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Join us on May 27 from 7-8:30am at Carmen’s Event Centre in Hamilton as we cover the city in prayer, knowing Jesus Christ alone is our hope and salvation. Click HERE to register.
You’re Invited: Will Clinic – Lunch & Learn - Tuesday, May 27 (12–2 PM) at the CRC Burlington offices. Join World Renew, Resonate Global Mission, Thrive, Canadian Justice Ministries, ReFrame, and Christian Stewardship Services for a free in-person Will Clinic Lunch & Learn. Learn how to: Plan or update your will, understand tax and distribution impacts, or simplify and maximize charitable giving. Meet local ministry partners, enjoy lunch, and gain faith-informed estate planning guidance. RSVP: www.crcna.org/canada/events. Contact: 905-336-2920 #7044 or 1-888-975-3769
Farewell party for Mrs. Bonnie Desjardins! On Thursday, May 29, from 3 to 5 pm, Cairn Christian School in Stoney Creek is hosting a farewell party for our long serving principal of 29 years! There will be activities for the kids, some refreshments, and most importantly, an opportunity for you to come and wish Bonnie well.
Come and hear an inspirational testimony of hope and healing from author Lainie Hartley, who grew up in the foster care system, overcame huge challenges, and later became a foster and adoptive mom herself. Learn about the ways in which you can support kids in care and advocate for the vulnerable. Vineland Free Reformed Church on Friday, May 30 at 7pm. Free event. All are welcome.
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!
Hearts Exchanged - It's never too early or too late to participate in a Hearts Exchanged cohort. We have cohorts starting at various times of year -- if you're interested in participating in one in your area or online please reach out at: crcna.org/hearts-exchanged
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 Classis Niagara Ministry Leadership Team invites students intending to go into ordained ministry in the CRC to apply for financial support after their undergraduate studies are completed and after they qualify for entry at Calvin Seminary or a comparable institution recognized by Classis. Applicants need to receive endorsement from their home church. Contact Pastor Mike Vandyk (mike.vandyk@gracecrc.ca) for an application form and funding criteria. (Deadline May 31, 2025).
40 Days of Prayer for Synod 2025 - It's not too late! Pray-ers from around the denomination and the world began praying for Synod 2025 on May 4, but new pray-ers are always welcome. With prayers contributed by a wide variety of CRC writers, join us as we seek God's guidance and presence for this year's synod. Learn more and sign up for either daily Scripture and prayers OR a week’s worth of Scripture and prayers that will be emailed to you. crcna.org/synod/prayer
Opportunity: Prayer Gatherings for Synod! Dear friends, we have an unusual opportunity this spring. The annual gathering of CRC delegates from across North America ("Synod") usually takes place in Michigan, but this June it is coming to Redeemer University! One way we in southern Ontario can be gracious hosts is to surround these proceedings with prayer. Consider joining us in person at one or more of these pre-Synod events: Prayer Gathering Wed June 11, 9-5 at Grace Community CRC, Ancaster; Prayer Service Wed June 11, 7-8:30pm, also at Grace Ancaster; Prayer Walk Thurs June 12, 9-11am, Redeemer University. We would be so glad to pray with you. Sign up here to help us plan food/seating.
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: Money and the Attitude of Your Heart - Can we strike a balance between being grateful for what we have and not being overly attached to it? Join Groundwork as we dig into Mark 10:17-27, Matthew 6:19-24, and 1 John 2:15-17 to reflect on such a balanced attitude toward money and possessions. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Kids Corner Devotions: Guarding Our Hearts - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion “Guarding Our Hearts” at www.kidscorner.net. The Bible tells us to be careful about what we read, watch, and listen to because it affects our hearts and actions. If you ever see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, choose to stop and talk to a parent about it! Check out kidscorner.net, and KC’s Colouring Packet Collection.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Stories are powerful; there’s often no better way to convey deep truth, deep pain, and deep love than through a meaningful story. Sharing faith stories helps us grow in Christ as we remember that our individual stories are situated within God's greater story. This week, explore ways to share faith stories with your community. Ask a friend to share their faith story, share your own faith story with a friend, or share stories as a group during a mealtime. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
We're Hiring! Administrative Coordinator - Thrive Canada - The successful candidate will provide administrative coordination for Thrive as it supports congregations and local ministry leaders. This is a full time position covering a maternity leave until September 2026, and can be fully remote as needed. Learn more and apply at crcna.pinpointhq.com
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
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.