April 3rd, 2022 News
MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
We are happy to report that masks are now optional in our services and at our activities. As always, the decision to watch online or attend in person is up to you.
Join us at 10 am Sunday morning via live-stream or in-person, or at any time throughout the week. Pastor Peter continues our lent series “Creating Space for God”. This week’s message “Study and Remembering” will be looking at the book of Deuteronomy 6: 4-12, 11:1-7; and 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Throughout the Bible God tells his people to study and to remember their past. Doing this not only shows us our place in the ever unfolding story, but also shows us where God is (and has been) present. Of course studying the Bible is important, but we need to be careful to make sure that we are not missing out on the real value of scripture.
A SIMPLE & SHORT CHOIR OPPORTUNITY: I know there are some choral singers in this congregation, so I'm wondering if those who are able to read music a little bit, and/or already know the parts for "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" would come and meet with me after worship Sunday, April 3. I would love to lead the congregation with the 4-part hymn-writing of this classic hymn on Good Friday. Let me know if you are interested, so I can see if this plan will work! Thanks, Ruth Ann
On Sunday, April 10 (Palm Sunday) the spiritual practice/discipline we will be engaging with is "creation" and we will be sharing YOUR creation photos reflecting many different interactions with and contemplation about creation. Thanks for the sharing of photos so far... Please keep them coming!
The practice of "wonder" is deeply connected here, as we wonder at God's creativity, and beauty, and goodness in all that we see around us. May God be present with you as you ponder the beauty of creation. Thank you, Ruth Ann
Spritual Disciplines Resource from Faith Formation Ministries! - Faith Practices is an entry-level introduction to some of the practical “spiritual disciplines” that Christians throughout the centuries have used to draw closer to God. This booklet is a great starting place for individuals or small groups who would like to become more aware of and sensitive to God’s voice in their everyday lives. Included are resources (such as lectio divina passages, journaling prompts, and creative action ideas) for exploring twelve faith practices. Visit crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject to learn more!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS OPPORTUNITIES…
Registration for Kids@Mountainview Summer Camp “Making Waves”
has been going swimmingly :) and is filling up fast
Click on picture for details/infomation and to register.
WITNESS Preview Event: Wednesday, April 6 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Mountainview CRC.
Being a witness for Christ isn't always easy. It can be intimidating, nerve-wracking, and even frustrating when we don't see the changes we're looking or hoping for. Sometimes, we just don't know what to say or do. Learn about the newly launched small group experience, Witness, from Resonate Global Mission, developed by Amy Schenkel. Witness: Equipped to Share the Good News is a self-guided course designed to equip you for sharing Christ's love with your neighbours. On April 6, Pastor Willemina Zwart, our Resonate Local Missional Leader, will introduce you to the small group materials as well as facilitate one of the sessions for you to experience firsthand! Witness includes videos, a small group discussion guide, and a personal journal that will help you reflect on what it means to be a witness for Christ and then to take practical steps to join God at work in your neighbourhood. RSVP by April 3 at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/witness-preview-event-tickets-289724944107. For more information, email wzwart@crcna.org. Witness Promo video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMBt9IkQByM
Bridge Bowling for Breakfast - A Bowling Fundraising Family/Friends Fun Event.
When: Saturday, April 23; Where: Cataract Bowl, 7906 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls; 2:30 pm Registration, 3:00 pm Bowl**Bowlers must be on time.
What’s included: 1 ½ hrs of bowling time (2 games per team), shoes, food and drinks. Each Team must raise a minimum of $500 (4-6 people per team). Benefiting: The Free Breakfast Program at Third Space Café for the Homeless. Register or sponsor a team: thebridgenf.ca/bowling-for-breakfasts. Grand Prizes for 2 teams that raise the most funds!
PRAYER WALK: Saturday April 2nd.8:30 - 9:30am. we'll be meeting at GRIMSBY TOWN HALL. Anyone who would like to join is welcome to contact Jane deVisser. All are welcome.
VISIT THE ‘ABOUT US’ TAB TO VIEW
The Second March Deacons’ Corner, DOORWAYS TO OUR COMMUNITY #2, is now posted on our website…
VISIT THE ‘WEEKLY UPDATES’ TAB TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR
JOYFUL GIVING
THIS WEEK : Benevolence
UPCOMING OFFERING: April 10th A.M. – Friendship Local: The Friendship Group consists of about 15 young people and adults from our church and surrounding community with developmental challenges. Special friends from our church meet with these young people and adults every Thursday night from September to May. We enjoy an evening filled with the good news of God’s love through Bible stories, singing, crafts, and special activities.
FRIENDSHIP MINISTRIES CANADA vision is to embrace people with cognitive challenges; enabling them and the church of Christ to experience the fullness of God’s love. Friendship Groups Canada believes that everyone is an integral part of God’s family and that everyone deserves an opportunity to learn about God’s love. It oversees over 200 plus friendship groups in Canada to which our local friendship club belongs.
The Banner Needs You! - The Banner is the CRC’s award-winning monthly magazine. It is delivered free in print and online to every household in the CRC, and their annual donation appeal makes it possible. Please support this journalistic ministry and keep the community conversation going. You can give online now at: : TheBanner.org/Give
Give to Resonate Now and Double Your Impact - Don’t miss out on an opportunity to double your gift to God’s mission! Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar when you give to our special campaign at www.resonateglobalmission.org/MatchMyGift. The work of God’s mission has changed a lot in the past 2 years but you can help the CRC respond and adapt through Resonate Global Mission.
Deliver Hope to Refugee Families - Today is Refugee Sunday. Every day conflict, persecution, and natural disasters force families to flee their homelands in search of safety. Many will face the darkness of rejection and disappointment in their search. Through your gift to the World Renew Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program, you help extend God’s love and hope to refugee families as they journey to rebuild their lives here in Canada. To donate, call 1-888-WRLD-RNW or go online to: worldrenew.ca/refugeesunday
NEWSLETTERS FROM OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS
Links are available on our website under “About Us”
Paper copies can be requested from the church office.
LOCAL DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Join us in Praying for Synod 2022 - Synodical delegates, church leaders, and CRCNA members across the continent are praying for Synod 2022. Please join us! Prayer gatherings for synodical delegates are scheduled for April 27, May 11, and May 25. We will post prayer guides on the Network each time so that you can pray with us at a time that works for you as families, individuals, church councils, small groups, and others. Need some prayer points to pray through now? Find the March 30 prayer guide at network.crcna.org/prayer/prayer-guide-synod-philippians-44-9
At-Home Faith Practices Reflection Tip - Reflection and Discussion Starter—the Practice of Celebrating: Read Psalm 103:1-5 and ponder or discuss the following questions. When you look at your “inmost being,” how often do you find yourself in “celebration mode”? What might you do to celebrate every day? Can you picture yourself “crowned with love and compassion”? Try that during your next prayer time. (For more on faith practices from Faith Formation Ministries visit bit.ly/FaithPracticesProject)
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.
Groundwork: The Complete Sufficiency of the Cross - Christ’s sacrifice is completely sufficient to satisfy God’s wrath, and yet, sometimes we forget. Join Groundwork as we study Isaiah 53:6; Galatians 2:20-21, 3:1-3, 3:24-27, & 6:14-15; and Romans 5:9-11 & 6:1-4 to discuss the source of this truth, how we can keep our fears at bay, and how we can keep a right perspective about our salvation and our deeds. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Jesus' Palm Sunday - Check out the new kids’ devotion at https://kidscorner.net/. Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem shows that though you are small, you are important to God. In God’s kingdom, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, or how smart you are, or how important you look to others. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.
Join us at Inspire 2022 - Come to Chicago August 4-6 for a time of togetherness, worship, and learning. Not sure about making travel plans? We get that. That’s why we’ve got a generous refund policy, and we’ve extended the early-bird rate! Also, gather five or more people from your church to get the group rate. We’d love to see you there. Learn more and register at crcna.org/inspire
Groundbreaking Ceremony: On Friday, April 8, 2022, at 2:00 pm, Cairn Christian School, Smithville will be hosting an official groundbreaking ceremony which will be attended by students, volunteers, school administration as well as local dignitaries. We would be honoured by your presence on the site of the planned addition and renovation at Cairn Christian School, Smithville as we dedicate and pray for the project, the safety of those involved, and for the glorification of God, our Creator.
Christian Education Week at Cairn Christian School, Smithville (6470 Townline Road) We are celebrating with the following events:
· We will be welcoming our pastors on Tuesday, April 12th, starting at 9:00 a.m.
· Parents and friends, as well as those curious about Christian education, are welcome to see our school in action during our Open House on Tuesday, April 12th from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
· Grandparents/Senior Friends Day is set for Wednesday, April 13th. Seniors are welcome to join us by last name:
o A to K - 9:30 to 10:30; L to T - 11:30 to 12:30; U to Z - 1:30 to 2:30
Questions? Please feel free to call Wendy or Lisa at 905.957.7796.
21Five is your local Christian bookstore. We carry a wide variety of books in many areas: Christian Living, Ministry, Religion and Theology, Bible Studies and more. We also have a large variety of Bibles, Christian cards, gifts and more. As part of the community, we love to work closely with our local Christian schools and churches to provide opportunities to place special orders as well. Please reach out to us at books@redeemer.ca today. We would love to serve you.
Friday Campus Visits - Geared toward students interested in Redeemer's undergraduate programs, Friday Campus Visits are a great introduction to the university's one-of-a-kind community: redeemer.ca/friday-visits
Redeemer is hiring a sessional professor of chemistry, a research officer and an institutional research and data analyst. Learn more about these positions and others at redeemer.ca/jobs
Free CRC Leadership Training Course - Register now to take the new Thriving Essentials virtual training in April at no cost (limit 25 persons). The two, 2-hour-long Zoom sessions on April 18 and 25 can help get all church leaders on the same page concerning the key concepts of Mission, Discipleship, Discernment, and Leadership. Take the class for yourself, then decide if attendance would benefit your core church leadership. Website: crcna.org/Thrive
Join us at Centennial Park Baptist Churchfor a concert presented by Jubilance Choir and Orchestra on Palm Sunday (April 10th) at 6:00 p.m. The Jubilance Choir and Orchestra is a non-profit, missionary organization made up of believers of all ages who share the Gospel through song and testimonies. The choir and orchestra is made up of about 45 members from various churches. A love offering will be taken in support of the choir and Cuban pastors the choir supports.
Hope for Ukraine - Benefit Concert by Libertas Male Choir - Join us at Redeemer University on Thursday May 26, 2022, at 7:30pm. Let us raise our voices together in HOPE as we reach our hands and hearts across the ocean. A portion of ticket sales and a freewill offering at the concert will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine (www.mennonitecentre.ca). We welcome back our director, Martin Mans, and guest musician, Hugo van der Meij, both from The Netherlands. Online tickets will soon be available at www.tickets.redeemer.ca. Also available at the door (cash only). **New Singers are invited to join the choir for this special occasion** For further information, email: office@libertas.ca or call Tammy @ 905.745.5609
"On the Jesus Train: Bruce Cockburn and a Biblical Imagination is a four-week Eastertide Zoom Course by Brian Walsh, beginning Sunday evening, April 24. Join us as we reflect on the meaning of Easter hope found in Scripture and the music of Bruce Cockburn. For our last class on May 15, Bruce Cockburn will join us as our special guest! Go to www.bibleremixed.ca for more information."
JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Job Opportunity - Research Consultant - Over the past months, Diaconal Ministries Canada, along with World Renew Canada, have leaned into the understanding that doing natural disaster and crisis response work in Canada is quite different from doing this work in the US and in other parts of the world. As disasters continue to present themselves in our nation, Diaconal Ministries is looking to hire a Disaster/Crisis Response Research Consultant who will research and write a “best practices report” and present this report to our team and World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS). This will help our agencies decide on how best to move forward with this vital work here in Canada. This position is a Short-Term Contract Position (10 weeks @ 20 hours/week). Start Date: TBD. For the full job description, visit our website: diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/. Please direct any questions or inquiries to Ron Vanden Brink, National Director for Diaconal Ministries: rvandenbrink@crcna.org
Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in St. Catharines is looking for a Facilities Manager to provide general cleaning and upkeep to our facility (20 hrs/wk). Jubilee is a busy church community with a preschool tenant that provides its own daily cleaning. For more information, for a copy of the job description, or to submit your cover letter and resume, please contact Alice Klamer at alicecklamer@gmail.com.
Cairn Christian School has immediate openings for reliable, consistent school bus drivers who love kids in the Beamsville, Grimsby, and/or Smithville areas, either permanent or for short-term or occasional assignments. 'B' Licence training provided if not already held. Please contact Kevin at 519-546-9159 or khuinink@cairnchristianschool.ca to inquire.
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 to our residents. Visit our website (‘Get Involved’ and ‘Careers’ tabs) to find out on how you can become part of this excellent team: Contact Lauren at hr@shalo mmanor.ca for more information.