VISIT THE ‘EVENTS’ TAB TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR
MOUNTAINVIEW NEWS
Join us Sunday morning at 10 am in person or online. Pastor Erick Schuringa will present the last message in our Advent series considering the “Mysterious Magi”, looking at Matthew chapter 2, verses 1-12.
For this fourth Sunday of Advent we will consider the story of the Magi. We know they came, followed a star and brought three gifts. But what was their backstory? What had they experienced before this and what did the people of Jerusalem make of them?
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 Offerings:
December 24th P.M. – Christmas Eve – Grimsby Life Centre is a ministry that is committed to providing help for the physical, social, and mental well-being of those in crisis. This loving care is demonstrated through on-going counseling, support and care. All services are free and confidential, and we depend solely on donations from individuals, churches, businesses, and fund-raising events. Thank-you for your support and prayers.
December 25th A.M. – Christmas Day – World Renew Giving Tree: Your Mountainview Deacons invite you to join the 2025 Giving Tree Project from World Renew! (Tree with ornaments and gift catalogues will be in the foyer). At Christmas we celebrate God’s indescribable gift and remember it by reflecting his generous love to others. God knows each person and family and will provide what they need to take the next step into the wholeness that God intends for them through your GIVING:
Choose an ornament from the Giving Tree or online at worldrenew.ca/gifts
Complete the order form at the back of the gift catalogue OR give online at worldrenew.ca/gifts
Place cheque/cash and card/form in offering vase OR give online at worldrenew.ca/gifts
December 28th A.M. – The Village Church in Thorold: Thank you for partnering with The Village Church! Our church exists beyond the walls of just Sunday morning. We’re glad to be investing in Thorold and surrounding communities! We want to make a good city great! The Village Church is built on the foundation of valuing people, celebrating life together, and learning principles that will enable us to face life’s challenges. Our mission is to be a community of faith that is dedicated to knowing Jesus Christ, serving others in His name and making Him known throughout our home community. Please remember us in your year end giving
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible generosity we receive from our community year over year. Your support makes such a difference in the lives of those we serve at Grimsby Life Centre. The ministry is continuing to grow to meet the needs of the community, if you are able to make a year end donation to keep our programs available and accessible we would be so thankful! Visit our website for credit card giving and our mailing address, alternatively e-transfers can be made by sending to office@grimsbylife.org. Thank you again for standing with us and making our work possible! We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas from Diaconal Ministries! - As this year draws to a close, we pause with deep gratitude for the ways churches and individuals have supported Diaconal Ministries Canada. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement have been a steady sign of God’s presence at work through His people. Our work with deacons and churches across Canada is deliberate, relational, and Spirit-led—and it is only possible through faithful partners like you. You can read more about our work and the impact it's having on our website: https://diaconalministries.com. We also invite you to give a year-end donation - through your church or via our website. Together, may we enter the new year with expectation, believing that what we already have is enough for God to do immeasurably more. Merry Christmas from all of us at Diaconal Ministries Canada!
We are excited about our $200,000 match campaign- an incredible opportunity to see your generosity doubled to bless children and youth in our community. With your support, we can continue providing a safe place where kids experience God's love, learn Biblical truths, and grow in hope for a brighter future through meals, mentorship, and faith-based programs. Campaign: Nov 1- Dec31; www.rosecitykids.com. (Ways to give: e transfer (office@rosecitykids.com), cheque, cash, credit card) Questions? Barb Donker (905 788 9800) or office@rosecitykids.com
World Renew Nicaragua Young Adults Trip - Young adults (18–30), join us in Nicaragua from February 13-22, 2026! Experience God in another culture, while you explore poverty, international development and the global church through the lens of faith. Discover the impact of World Renew's work, witnessing how Nicaraguans are transforming their lives through faith and resilience. To learn more about this trip and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/nicaragua2026info
Celebrating the Greatest Gift - As we exchange gifts at Christmas, we celebrate Jesus, God’s great gift to us. Will you add a child or family living in poverty to your Christmas giving today? Your donation to World Renew helps people around the world improve their lives and find home in their heart for Jesus. Please give generously during the upcoming offering for World Renew or online at worldrenew.ca/gifts
Act Now! Help The Banner Meet Its Year-End Goal - Please help The Banner magazine reach its annual goal of raising $500,000 by giving before December 31. Your gift will enable The Banner to continue reaching North Americans with inspiring and insightful Reformed content for another year. Donate now at TheBanner.org/Give
Other…
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& OPPORTUNITIES
SOCO Beach Project Update: Calling all young adults - ages 18 (one year post highschool) to 29. Recruitment for this summer's SOCO 2026 has begun - and Jan 12, 2026 is the deadline for first consideration. Join in the fun of the year end Polar Bear Plunge Campaign - all proceeds strengthen SOCO's mission, opening the door for young adults to say "yes" to an enriching summer experience. Looking for a hospitable place for a small group retreat or weekend away - check out the SOCO house. This week's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/southcoastbeachproject/soco-update-december-18-8573031
Shalom Manor is seeking a volunteer piano or organ accompanists for Sunday church services throughout 2026. If you or someone you know is interested in serving in this meaningful role, please contact Brooke Roorda at volunteercoord@shalommanor.ca for more information. We look forward to welcoming a musician who can help enrich our worship and bless our community through music!
Members of Classis Niagara churches are welcome to join us on Sunday, January 4, to celebrate the many years of ministry Pastor Frank Engelage served as Pastor of Congregational Life at Bethel CRC and in numerous leadership roles within Classis Niagara. You are invited to stay for a soup social following worship (held next door at Dunnville Christian School). An open mic time will allow people to express their appreciation of Pastor Frank, who officially retires on December 31st. Unable to attend in person? Want to submit greetings to be read? Please share with Christopher Deklerk at Chris_deklerk@outlook.com.
Open House and Celebration of Learning – You are welcome to join us from 7-9 for a mini chapel, intro for new families, and some time to explore the school. New families: Please register on our website for we know to expect you! www.smithvillechristian.ca. Questions? 905-957-3256 or email admissions@smithvillechristian.ca
Family Outreach Ontario invites you to an information evening on Friday, January 16, at the Can. Reformed Church of Dunnville (109 Inman Rd.). Our Executive Director, John Kowtecky, will present An Overview of Addiction. Please plan to attend and tell others about it. It will be an evening you will be sure to remember. A collection will be taken to cover our costs. 7:00 pm - Doors open, Refreshments/Meet & Greet; 7:30 - 9:00 pm - Presentation and Q&A period followed by refreshments and opportunity for talk with Mr. Kowtecky or other Family Outreach members.
Cairn Christian School is hosting our annual Information and Registration Evenings for 2026/27 at 7 pm on January 19 at our Smithville campus & on January 20 at our Stoney Creek campus. Come and learn how Christian Education inspires students to live, learn, and lead together in God's world! If you know of a family that has children of school age, please pass this along and encourage them to come out to find out more.
The Young Adult Winter Retreat (YAWR) is back again at Maranatha CRC, Woodstock! We encourage all young adults ages 18-30 to join us for this weekend of faith-based discussions, service, fellowship, and funtivities! We are excited to announce that Pastor Harry Frielink from Covenant CRC in Barrie will be leading in the theme “The Gift of Friensdhip”. When: January 23-25, 2026. Early bird registration is $60. Registration opens December 1st. Need more Info? Follow us on Instagram (yawinterretreat), Facebook (Young Adult Winter Retreat), or email us at ya.retreat.team@gmail.com.
Truth, Reconciliation, and Exchanging Hearts - Calvin Theological Seminary’s Truth, Reconciliation, & Exchanging Hearts course offers a focused look at Canada’s Indigenous history and practical guidance for ministry leaders pursuing reconciliation. Deadline to apply is January 30. Learn more: https://loom.ly/I4i8muI
Niagara College Students for Life is a pro-life club starting at Niagara College (Niagara-on-the-Lake campus). This club is dedicated to upholding the value of all human life. We will meet several times a month to discuss pro-life topics, take part in fun activities, and educate others on this cause! If you are interested in joining or have questions, please register here or email studentsforlife1@gmail.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
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 Light of the World Among Us - Together, let’s explore the moment Isaiah’s anticipation of light turns to the reality of the light of the world among us. Join Groundwork as we study Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-9, and Revelation 22:5 to discuss Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and the hope he brings, uncovering the profound meaning of Christ’s light shining in our world and how we live as children of light. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Check out this week’s Kids Corner Devotion, “Advent at Home: Away in a Manger” at www.kidscorner.net. Jesus knows what it feels like to be human, just like you. This means He understands when you’re tired, hurt, or having a hard day. He loves you so much and always knows how to comfort and care for you! Explore all the great content at kidscorner.net, like the Kids Corner Christmas Collection of devotions, bible stories, crafts, and activities.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - It’s almost Christmas Day! How many different ways can you think of to say “Merry Christmas!” to people who know the story of Christmas and to people who don’t know the story? And how might you say “Merry Christmas!” to God this week in a way that reflects love back to our Creator? 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.
Do you long to help youth and young adult ministry grow and flourish? Classis Ministry Council invites you to apply for this position by December 31st. The Classis Niagara Youth & Youth Adult Champion (CNYC) serves to empower and encourage those working on the frontline in youth and young adult ministry within Niagara. The CNYC will listen, pray, help connect, and be a voice on behalf of youth and young adult workers at the classis level. David Scholman, who currently holds this position, is stepping down due to time constraints. David has already created a strong network of youth leaders and resources in Niagara. We are very thankful for the work David has done to revitalize Youth & Young Adult ministries in the past year. This is a part-time permanent position, averaging 15 hrs/month, with annual $6,000 compensation. A job description is available at classisniagara.ca/classis-personnel/. Send applications to CMC c/o Rev. Erick Schuringa, ericks@mountainviewcrc.org.
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/
The Director of Justice and Peace position at World Renew is now live -This is a full-time, leadership role open to candidates in Canada and the US. This position will strengthen World Renew’s capacity in Justice and Peace initiatives, ensuring programming is rooted in biblical principles and aligned with our global strategy. Learn more and apply at worldrenew.ca/careers by January 2.
EduDeo Ministries: We’re Hiring a Co-Impact Program Manager - Are you a strong communicator and strategic organizer who enjoys connecting people to meaningful opportunities? Do you excel at coordinating details while also keeping the bigger mission in view? If so, EduDeo Ministries invites you to consider this role. As EduDeo’s Co-Impact Program Manager, you’ll lead and strengthen our short-term volunteer program - recruiting, equipping, and supporting teams as they serve alongside our international partners. This is a unique opportunity to invest your skills in work that has global, lasting impact. Visit https://edudeo.com/careers for more information. Applications are due on January 7.