Online Bulletin
Contact for Online Bulletin: If you have anything to add to the bulletin, please email carissa@willoughbychurch.com
Just Faith Forum: For many years Willoughby Church has been involved in welcoming and helping refugees resettle in Canada. Many of the more recent families we have sponsored have come from Syria. Often we are unaware of the challenges they face, not only as refugees but also as newcomers. Join our Just Faith Forum in viewing: Sky and Ground: A Syrian Family's Journey Across Borders which tells the story of the incredible odds and countless setbacks of one refugee family as they travel over 3,000km across Europe in their search for a new and safer home.
Refugee Sponsorship:
We have received news that Adel and Muna Altaha have had their medical exams and are fully approved for travel to Canada. Limited travel has opened for refugees to fly from Lebanon to Canada, so we hope and pray that they are able to come to Canada sometime in the next few months. Initially, they will have to be quarantined for two weeks and then we can begin the process of settling them into a new life here. (Muna is a sister of Inaam Alomar, who many of you have met over the past years.) We will be able to find out more info about them when they will arrive.
GROUNDWORK: BE HOLY - The theme of Leviticus—to be holy because God is holy—still applies to followers of Christ today. Join Groundwork as we study Leviticus 11:44-47, Leviticus 19:14-37, and 1 Peter 1:13-16 to help us better understand God’s command and what it means for how we live our lives. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork’s weekly emails for future episodes.
UBCO: The chaplain at the UBC Okanagan campus, Todd Statham, would love to connect with students--especially incoming students--in this very unusual COVID-19 fall semester. Students can connect with Todd at crccampusokanagan@gmail.com or 250.215.7486.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID): Changes to MAID legislation were supposed to occur by June 11th but due to the pandemic the federal government has asked for an extension to December 18th. https://loom.ly/4Lw12nc. This means it's not too late to share your thoughts with your MP: https://loom.ly/XT58ZL0.
Disability Concerns October Caregiver Series - Join Disability Concerns every Thursday in October, at 12 pm EDT for a conversation on Caregiving. This training event will help caregivers navigate the emotional landscape of their role and will give practical ideas on how churches can help these families address the challenges for the person living with a disability as well as their siblings, parents, spouse, or other caregivers. Registration required. View their Network post: Disability Concerns Canada Conference Re-Imagined.
Resonate Global Mission: Join the Exodus! - October 17 - November 4, 2020. the Exodus Vision Tour is a great opportunity to step back into ancient times and walk the paths of the Exodus from Egypt to Israel. Learn about Christianity, see ministry in action, and grow in your faith. Learn more and apply online at resonateglobalmission.org/exodus
Hurricane Laura: Hurricane Laura made landfall in the southwest corner of Louisiana on August 27th. It is reported to be the strongest hurricane to hit in 164 years. World Renew - Disaster Response Services is monitoring this disaster and making plans for long term recovery work. Please pray for the families and communities affected by Hurricane Laura. Also pray for DRS staff and volunteers and all disaster responders, as the coronavirus pandemic greatly complicates how to help. DRS is accepting donations for Hurricane Laura. Give online at worldrenew.net/hurricanelaura or send your check, made out to World Renew with “Hurricane Laura” in the Memo line. Address: World Renew Canada. 3475 Mainway PO Box 5070 STN LCD 1. Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8
CRCNA Canada Corporation Legal Update - In an effort to be fully transparent with members of the CRCNA in Canada about decisions made by the CRCNA Canada Corporation directors towards becoming fully compliant with all Canadian legal and income tax requirements, Carters Professional Corporation has prepared a brief Q&A document. It can be read at Legal Answers To Questions
BEIRUT RESPONSE - An explosion took place in the Lebanese capital of Beirut in early August causing enormous damage, killing at least 190 people, injuring 6,500, and leaving more than 300,000 homeless. World Renew would like to extend our thanks to Canadian churches and individuals who have demonstrated Christ's love in giving to the Beirut response—over $500,000 has been received and many gifts are having double the impact with the Canadian government's match from August 4-24. Through World Renew's partner, MERATH, 6,000 hot meals have already been provided to families affected by the blast. World Renew is also committed to a longer-term response providing food vouchers, hygiene kits, COVID-19 informational leaflets, and winterization supplies (blankets, warm clothes, stoves, and fuel) to vulnerable families. Please join us in praying for our Lebanese brothers and sisters. To stay updated on our response, visit us online at worldrenew.ca or contact us at 1-888-975-3769.
The Banner: The September edition of the Banner is available at the church! You can also access a copy online at The Banner.