Online Bulletin
World Renew - Hunger for Good: This is the last Sunday to give toward this month’s special offering for World Renew and its efforts to end world hunger and help put food on tables around the world. Thank you for your generous gifts towards this work around the world. Through your gifts, God can accomplish abundantly more than we ask or imagine.
Women's Bible Study: This Wednesday November 30, at 7:00pm, hosted by Jenn, will be focusing on the third chapter of Ephesians this week. This Friday December 2, at 10:00am hosted by Pat, will be studying Romans 5:1-10. All are welcome, please come and join either session!
Preteeens Group: This Wednesday, November 30 @ 7:00pm is Preteen Youth Night here at the church. If you have any questions, please contact Brooklyn for more information at willoughbygems@gmail.com.
Refugee Sponsorship Team: The Willoughby Church Refugee Team is looking for a car in good condition, that could be donated "in kind" to Willoughby CRC. ("In kind" means you would get a tax receipt for the value of the vehicle), please let Peter Roukema know. phroukema@gmail.com. Thank you!
Youth Group: Here is the upcoming December Youth Group Schedule!
November 27 - Study with Will & Joanna at Willoughby - 7pm
December 4 - Youth Dinner at Willoughby - 5-7pm
December 11 - 20:20 at Immanuel - 6:30pm
December 18 - Youth Christmas Party at Stortebooms time TBD
Guatemala Missions 2023: Twelve people have already signed up to go, but there is still a few more spots open if more people are wanting to be involved with house building, wheelchair distribution, and visiting homes to get to know the people. It’s a busy week of seeing the great things God is doing in this country! If you are interested in being involved with this team please email Al Vandenberg al@scouttg.com and/or Hank Hamstra hankhamstra@shaw.ca for more information about costs. Dates are February 25 – Mar.4th 2023.
Coffee Break: Over the next two weeks we hope to complete the study of the prophet Isaiah in “The Word of the Lord-Seeing Jesus in the Prophets” by Nancy Guthrie. This will lead us into the coming of the Christmas season. We will end with our Coffee Break-Story Hour Christmas Social with a special morning of delicious treats and fellowship at Langley Immanuel Church (21713-50 Avenue, Langley) on Tuesday December 6, 2022. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. We are planning to resume in the new year on Tuesday, January 10, 2022 with the study of the prophet, Habakkuk. We look forward to celebrating together! For more details please connect with Elsa at coffeebreak@licrc.ca or Rose at coffeebreak@willoughbychurch.com
Handel’s Messiah: Saturday, December 10th at 2:00 PM Central Heights Church, Abbotsford Join the Valley Festival Singers and the Pacific Spirit Choir along with four outstanding soloists for this timeless work - led by concertmaster Calvin Dyck and conductor Gerry van Wyck. Tickets at calvindyck.com or on Eventbrite.
Sierra Leone: Check out the latest October newsletter from our ministry partners. Click here to read the newsletter.
"Prepare the Way" - Free Advent Devotion - Prepare the Way is an email devotional series put together by World Renew, Resonate, and CRCNA Social Justice that features reflections from people with CRC ministries around the world during Advent 2022. Sign up to receive the email devotions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Advent at crcna.org/advent.
1Life November Newsletter: 1Life exists to curate a curriculum of resources that equips individuals and congregations to become increasingly whole-hearted, vibrant communities of Christian worship, discipling & mission. Click here for the November newsletter.
Do Justice - Justice Prayers: Do Justice is a conversation space for justice in the Christian Reformed Church, from the Office of Social Justice. Justice Prayers is a weekly post addressing justice issues from around the world. Click here to pray and read more!
Living the Call: This informative report gives you a brief overview of the work that you are a part of as a congregation of the Christian Reformed Church. The report goes out in February, April, June, August, and October, and each one has as its theme one of the five callings of the CRC: Global Mission, Mercy and Justice, Gospel Proclamation and Worship, Faith Formation, and Servant Leadership. To read the new report, click here.
Christian Stewardship Services: “Gain peace of mind and answers to your charitable giving and estate questions by participating in Christian Stewardship Services’ upcoming Partner Community Will Clinic! You can support your church or learn more about some our Partner Charities and others. Our online Partner Community Will Clinic will be on November 24th as well at 8:30pm EST. Register HERE for the online will clinic.
Safe Church 2022 Webinar Series: Safe Church Basics - Webinar 5: Responding to Abuse with Compassion and Justice - This webinar will feature Rev. Amanda Benckhuysen and Rev. Eric Kas as they walk through the basics of responding to an abuse allegation. This fifth step will premiere November 30th at 12 pm ET as a pre-recorded video resource on our YouTube Channel: Youtube.com/SafeChurchMinistry. We will also be hosting a watch party with many Safe Church Coordinators of Classes - all are invited as well to share via chat, ask questions, and connect briefly together at 1 pm ET (10am PT). You may register for this Collective Zoom Watch Meeting here: https://bit.ly/SCwebinar5
Here are the current song selections for this Sunday's service, please feel free to familiarize yourself with the music ahead of time by clicking on each song below. * Please note that adjustments may be made prior to Sunday morning.
CRC NEWS:
1. Restorative Practices: Facilitators are introducing ministry leaders to a biblical and practical approach to making decisions, dealing with differences, and leading effectively. Click here for the full article.
2. Hope for the Church: A new book that explores the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities is sparking imagination and hope for the church. Click here for the full article.
3. 5 Advent Resources for Families: These five things helped my family experience Advent in a more meaningful way. Click here for the full article.
Advent At-home Faith Formation Tip - During Advent, we light the candle of Hope. Through Jesus Christ, God provides us with hope for our daily living and hope for our future. How can you be a messenger of hope this week? Wonder and talk about that with someone this week. (Tip from Faith Formation; bit.ly/CRCFaithFormation)
Groundwork: The Magi: A Reminder that Jesus Came for All Nations - The Magi may not be present at Christ’s birth like most nativity sets would suggest, but the inclusion of the Magi in the gospel of Matthew is strategic and intentional. Join Groundwork as we study Matthew 2:1-12 to hear the gospel writer’s message and prepare our hearts to once again celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
The Banner: The November 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
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