April 12 2026 News
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MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am in person or online. Pastor Erick Schuringa will begin a new series of “Hanging Out with the Holy Spirit”. He will begin with a message entitled "Jesus Promises the Spirit" Looking at various passages from the book of John 14:25-27; 15:26-27; 16:12-15.
Jesus is alive! We experience the living Lord Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit who was sent to teach us and guide us into truth. We begin our look at the Holy Spirit by considering what Jesus promises us.
LET’S BUILD SOME COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
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This Event is taking place at Mountainview!
JOYFUL GIVING
Sunday’s offerings are for our Ministry Promise (a.k.a. Budget) AND for...
Upcoming Offering:
April 19th – Niagara Christian Gleaners is an organization in Smithville that seeks to visibly demonstrate God’s love and grace by working with volunteers to collect, process, and make available surplus agricultural produce; sharing our abundance with those around the world who are in need. Gleaning is a biblical concept in which God instructed farmers to leave a portion of their crops for the poor to gather. Your donations help us to engage locally to impact globally in our ministry of mercy.
You’re Invited to Cairn Christian School's Board Dinner 2026 – Woven Together
Join us on April 25th, 6-9pm at Smithville Christian Reformed Church for an inspiring evening celebrating how God is weaving our school community together in faith, learning, and love.
Our annual Board Dinner will feature a delicious meal, meaningful stories from our community, and a plant sale (details coming soon!). It’s a special opportunity to gather, give thanks, and invest in the continued growth of our school.
Reserve your tickets here!
Would you consider partnering with us as a sponsor? Details here! We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful night together!
Dear Friends, On behalf of GBF Community Services, would like to thank you for your recent donations to our programs which include our food bank, housing support, youth initiatives, and health and wellness programs. Each year GBF continues to advance its mission of helping vulnerable citizens who are struggling through difficult times, and this is only possible because of the strong community support we receive from community members like you. Together we are making a difference. Sincerely, Stacy Elia, CEO.
Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous support of Karis. Your partnership strengthens us and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve – here in Canada and around the world. Your support enables us to live out our mission: creating communities where people with disabilities are welcomed, valued, and celebrated for their God-given gifts. Together, we are building a future where belonging and inclusiveness are at the heart of every community. We are deeply grateful for your standing with us in this important work. Ashleigh Gee, DS Manager
Dear Friends at Mountainview, Thank you for your generous support of Friendship Ministries Canada! We’re so grateful to be partnering with you as we work to be a more inclusive church – a fuller picture of the Kingdom of God. Gratefully, Laura de Jong and the FMC Team
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
SOCO Beach Project Update - Join us for a special evening as we present another performance of the one-woman play, The Downs by Sheryl Scott, our spring SOCO fundraiser, on Friday, June 19 at the Vittoria Community Centre. Experience a touching story set in rural Eastern Canada, capturing life before the arrival of modern conveniences. It's a night of inspiration, community and meaningful storytelling. Tickets available at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/the-downs-fundraiser-2. In this week's newsletter, meet the final three participants from the SOCO 2026 cohort as well as our summer assistant. Calling all young adults - save the dates for Sunday Night SOCO and the SOCO Camping Retreat. Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-april-9-8575034
"Great Lakes Christian High School Youth Rally - Registration is now open for our annual Youth Rally, a weekend of worship, fun, learning, and friends for Grades 6-12. Youth Rally is April 17-18. You can find out more about this event on our social media pages (@glchs) or on the registration page (bit.ly/GLYouthRally2026)."
Who Is My Neighbour? You are welcome to attend an event providing learning and encouragement for Christian outreach in your local community. The presentation and discussion will be led by Terrance Schilstra. The event is hosted by Bethany CRC on April 22nd @ 7:30pm.
Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community, and the Stories that Shape Us - Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today: tinyurl.com/yrhe9a6b
Shalom Invitation: Pastors & Pastoral Caregivers & Children of Elderly - Support Through the Ages on April 29th at 7pm – Grimsby Auditorium. You are invited to attend an evening exploring conversations that relate to supporting one another through the ages! The topics to be explored will help you navigate change with our aging community, ie., navigating family anxiety and communication styles, honouring our elderly with their experience of change, how to have conversations with family members, including grandchildren and more! Please contact us to register at giving@shalommanor.ca or call 905.945.9631 ext. 1173. Please see your church bulletin board for a poster with more information.
Youth March for Life Trip: Choose Life Niagara invites high school and post-secondary students to join us on our annual March for Life trip to Ottawa! We plan to depart the Vineland Carpool lot at 5:00 am Thursday, May 14 and return at 9:30 pm Friday, May 15. Cost is $120 and includes the March for Life, the National Youth Conference, the Rose Dinner, hotel accommodations, and coach bus transportation. For more info and to register, visit chooselife.ca/events or email info@chooselife.ca.
Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations Workshop - Co-hosted by Resonate Global Mission and the CRC’s Indigenous and Intercultural Ministries, this 4-day immersive workshop will engage you in meaningful practices of healing and reconciliation, and equip you to repair and rebuild relationships in your local communities. You will experience: Personal healing and forgiveness, Tools for Intercultural teamwork, Examples of trauma-informed ministry, and Biblical frameworks to care for divided communities. Join us July 6–10, 2026, at the Five Oaks Retreat Centre in Paris, ON. Cost: $400 ($500 after May 1st). Learn more and register: tinyurl.com/yj972wxe
Wisdom in the Age of AI Conference - Calvin University will host Wisdom in the Age of AI, October 8–10, 2026, a conference exploring how Christian faith can guide the wise and faithful use of artificial intelligence. With dynamic keynote speakers and a dedicated AI and Church track, the conference offers thoughtful conversation for pastors and lay leaders alike. The conference will be held in person at the Prince Conference Center on Calvin University's campus, with livestream available for people unable to attend in person. Learn more at calvin.edu/faith-and-technology
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Turkey & the Seven Churches of Revelation (Oct 9-19, 2026): 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.
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: Salvation Through Jesus Christ Alone - As the Christian faith spread, the Apostle Paul often wrote letters to churches he planted to help clarify and solidify his teachings. Join Groundwork as we begin a study of his letter to the church in Galatia by studying Galatians 1. Together, we’ll study Paul’s teaching about salvation and let it continue to encourage our faith and strengthen our commitment to Christ today. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Check out this week’s Kids Corner Devotion, “Go Outside And Learn About God” at www.kidscorner.net. Come explore God’s amazing world like Job did and discover how animals, plants, and stars can teach us about how wise and powerful God is! Grab a friend or family member and go on a fun outdoor adventure with snacks, games, and even a backyard campout to thank God and learn more about Him. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Earth Day collection.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - The practice of gratitude, rooted in recognizing and responding to God’s constant goodness, moves us to respond fully to God’s generosity. Each day this week take some time to write down one thing for which you are grateful. At the end of the week share your list with your family or friends in celebration of God’s goodness and provision in your life. For more ways to practice gratitude, see crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/gratitude. 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
The Planned Giving Manager position at World Renew is now live! This is a full‑time role reporting to the Donor Relations Director in Canada based in Burlington with hybrid work options available. The Planned Giving Manager will play a key role in nurturing relationships with members of World Renew’s legacy giving society, our Joseph Stewards, and in growing planned giving commitments across Canada. Interested? Need Info? Visit https://worldrenew.ca/careers
Diaconal Ministries Canada is seeking a part-time Communications Coordinator (18 hours per week) to help share the stories, resources, and impact of diaconal ministry across Canada. with deacons, churches, and supporters. The position pays $27.50-30.70/hour and is reviewed annually. The role is preferably hybrid, with one day per week in the Burlington CRCNA office and the remaining hours from a home office (fully remote may be considered for a strong candidate). Intereseted? Visit www.diaconal ministries.com. A pplications close May 11.
Bethel CRC (Dunnville) is seeking a part-time (24 hrs/wk) Director of Ministries to lead children, youth, and young adult ministries and support small group discipleship. This role works closely with the pastoral team to foster spiritual growth and equip volunteers. Position description available upon request. Please apply with your resume, cover letter, and statement of faith to bethelcrchiring@dunnvillecrc.ca by April 30.
Great Lakes is Hiring, Join our Team! We are looking for full-time and part-time Teachers in French & Physics for the 2026-27 Academic Year. To apply submit a CV, cover letter and your vision for Christian education at careers@glchs.ca by May 1st.
Great Lakes Preschool is Hiring - Start Date September 2026 - We are looking for both Regsitered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) and Child Care Assistants for our expanding preschool that works with children aged 12 mos-6years. These roles plan and implement age-appropirate activities based on the “How Does Learning Happen” framework. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to careers@glschs.ca