Online Bulletin
Share God’s Hope with People Impacted by the Ukraine Conflict - The reports of food and medical supply shortages, disruptions in water services, and families being torn apart following the escalation in hostilities in Ukraine have caused deep global concern. Millions are displaced within Ukraine and over 1.5 million people have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees. The growing need is heartbreaking, but you can share hope with people impacted by this crisis. World Renew is joining with the Humanitarian Coalition, through its membership in Canadian Foodgrains Bank, to raise funds for this crisis. We are also supporting fellow Integral Alliance members as they work with on-ground partners in the region. Your gift, through World Renew, will give temporary shelter, emergency non-food items, such as blankets and hygiene items, and much-needed health support to people left vulnerable by this conflict. To donate go to: worldrenew.ca/ukraine-response
You Can Help Open Doors to Welcome Refugee Families - Around the world there are over 26 million refugees. They are children, women and men who have fled conflict, persecution, or disaster in search of safety. In two weeks, join World Renew in celebrating sponsors who helped open doors to welcome refugees to Canada. Discover how, through your gift to World Renew’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program or through sponsorship, we can together support refugees as they rebuild their lives here in Canada. For more information go to: worldrenew.ca/refugeesunday
Watson Signs Letter to Kirill: The CRCNA executive director, Colin P. Watson, Sr., joined 100 other Christian leaders from across the United States in sending a letter to the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, asking him to use his influence to end the invasion in Ukraine. To read the whole article click here.
The Banner-Communication: It’s difficult to handle disagreements, especially when we care about an issue and have concerns about the implications of other perspectives. To read the whole article click here.
Seniors Fellowship: The Senior Ministry is delighted to invite you and anyone you would like to invite as well to a morning of games and coffee fellowship. If you would like to bring your favorite game to play, please feel free to share it with the group. When: Thursday, March 24 at 10am. Where: Willoughby Church Fellowship Hall
How the World Has Changed Workshop - Wednesday, March 30, 6:30-8:00PM - Let’s discover anew what it means to be God’s people discovering and participating in God’s mission today! In this online workshop, participants will consider the changes of the world, their implications and how they are, by the work of the Spirit, leading the church to a renewed understanding of what it means to be God’s people joining the Spirit on God’s mission in their neighborhoods. Register here
The #MeToo Reckoning Webinar - Wednesday, March 30, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm PST - Join Rev. Ruth Everhart as she discusses her book The #MeToo Reckoning. Through powerful storytelling & insightful scriptural analysis Ruth will show us how we got to where we are and why abuse matters, as well as offer churches a needed way forward and a more biblical practice of justice for victims. Register here
Coffee Break - a Bible Study for women of all ages and stages of life and Story Hour for children, ages 3-5 continues at Langley Immanuel Church every Tuesday, pausing for Spring Break March 15 & 22. Nursery care is available for the little ones. We are beginning a new study from Gospel In Life - “Praying with the Psalms”. Please join us. Our doors will be open at 9:15 A.M. For more details please connect with Elsa at coffeebreak@licrc.ca or Denise at coffeebreak@willoughby.com
Discerning God’s Will Together: is it even possible? - Monday, April 11, 7:00-8:45PM - Through this workshop, participants will be introduced to a clear but rich process of Biblical discernment outlined in Ruth Haley Barton’s book Pursuing God’s Will Together. Participants will also engage Barton’s challenging thesis that a “conversion” of sorts is needed if church leadership teams hope to make decisions with the confidence & joy expressed by the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. Register here: https://bit.ly/3HhUSQo
The Annual Banner Appeal is underway! - The 2022 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
Focus on the Cross - Lent is a season to focus on the hope of Jesus Christ. Receive a free Today devotional email series to help you refresh, refocus, and renew your faith during Lent. Or download the ebook! Subscribe at todaydevotional.com/lent.
Navigating Refugee Support Discerningly - Monday, March 21, 7:00-8:30PM - Direct your congregation’s refugee support discerningly by learning more of the Biblical WHY of refugee support paired with on-the-ground HOW in order to help you more confidently discern WHO. Dena Nicolai (Refugee Support Mobilizer/World Renew Program Associate for Refugee Sponsorship & Resettlement) along with Brian Woudstra (Refugee Support, Fleetwood CRC) and other local support team members will be presenting in this panel discussion. Register here: https://bit.ly/3gZcnu1
Groundwork: The Shame of the Cross - As we seek to comprehend the fullness of Jesus’ sacrifice, we need to revisit the shame of the cross. Join Groundwork as we study Isaiah 53:1-3, Philippians 2:5-8, Genesis 2:25, Genesis 3:7-10, Hebrews 12:1-3, and 1 Peter 2:4-6 to examine the relationship between sin and shame and unpack why Jesus’ experience of shame was necessary for our salvation. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
At-home Faith Practices Reflection Tip - Reflection and Discussion Starter—the Practice of Listening: Read James 1:19 and ponder or discuss the following questions. Being “quick to listen” is an enormous challenge in Western culture, where we often value speaking over listening. Do you know someone who is an intentionally deep listener? How does interacting with that person make you feel? (For more on faith practices from Faith Formation Ministries, visit bit.ly/FaithPracticesProject)
Come and Be Inspired - We can all use some inspiration and togetherness. Registration is now open for Inspire 2022! Gather with us in the Chicago area on August 4-6 for a time of worship, learning, and fellowship. Register now to get the early bird rate; bring a group of more than 5 from the same church and get a further $15 off! Full refunds are available until June 30; after that, you can transfer the registration within your church. Learn more and sign up at crcna.org/inspire
Launch of Thriving Essentials - Thriving Essentials is a new course for elders, deacons, church staff, and any volunteer ministry leader. These four, one-hour sessions are offered on Zoom and cover key ideas about mission, discipleship, discernment, and leadership. New groups start every month. Learn more and register now at crcna.org/thrive
New 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/faithformation to learn more!
Job Postings:
Now Hiring: FAMILY SUPPORT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (ABBOTSFORD, BC) – Bethesda. The manager for family support and community development is a highly collaborative, front-facing role. You will work closely with your team, other Bethesda staff, families, and community organizations to find and develop opportunities to support families of people with diverse abilities and to promote inclusion within our communities through relationship building and new initiatives. This is a new role and well suited to someone enthusiastic and excited to grow in this area. You will find opportunities to refine the role and develop as a professional. You will find immense satisfaction from seeing families and relationships thrive and making a difference in people’s lives. As you forge connections and increase public awareness of Bethesda, you will bring our vision of inclusive communities closer, a vision where people of all abilities are valued and empowered. This is currently an 18-month, full-time position with plans to make it permanent. The position is available immediately and is ideal for an experienced leader who has worked directly with people who have diverse abilities and their families. This position includes the following competitive salary range: $59,945 – $65,062. *Please note that as per current provincial health orders, all Bethesda staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19*. Interested applicants may apply online at https://bethesdabc.com/careers or submit a resume, cover letter, and references to the Chief Human Resources Officer via email (careers@bethesdabc.com) or mail (2775 Emerson Street, Abbotsford BC V2T 4H8). Deadline to apply is April 1, 2022. Applicants should reference posting #840. (Full job description is available on Bethesda’s website).
Now Hiring: CARETAKER OF AN INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY (CHILLIWACK, BC) – Bethesda. Bethesda is seeking an on-site caretaker couple or family for a beautiful and well-established 9-unit townhouse community. Opened in 2016, the Vedder Terrace community has become a place rich in belonging for people with and without disabilities. People who, with their unique contributions and their personal dreams and goals, have created a vibrant community and lifestyle that reflects their shared commitment to inclusion and interdependence. This position includes: (1) annual salary plus free rent including utilities as a taxable benefit on an on-site 3-bedroom suite, (2) excellent extended benefits package, including pension plan and, (3) 3 weeks vacation to start. This role is suitable for a couple or family. The caretakers will live on site in a 3-bedroom townhouse suite and have the flexibility to schedule duties to suit. This is a pet-free environment.*Please note that as per current provincial health orders, all Bethesda staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19*. Interested applicants may apply online at https://bethesdabc.com/careers or submit a resume, cover letter, and references to the Chief Human Resources Officer via email (careers@bethesdabc.com) or mail (2775 Emerson Street, Abbotsford BC V2T 4H8). Applicants should reference posting #821. (Full job description is available on Bethesda’s website).
The Banner: The March edition of the Banner is now available at the church. You can also access a copy online at The Banner. To support the Banner's ongoing journalistic ministry, consider making a donation. www.theBanner.org/Donate
Get The Banner Straight to Your Inbox - The Banner, the magazine of the CRC, will send you news, features, and columns straight to your email inbox! Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter by visiting thebanner.org/signup.
Today Devotion Books: The Today booklets are available at the church.
Contact for Online Bulletin: If you have anything to add to the bulletin, please email info@willoughbychurch.com
Contact Council: If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email the council at council@willoughbychurch.com