Online Bulletin

July Special Offering: This is the last Sunday to give to this worthy Ministry! The special offering for this month is for Campus Re/Formed Okanagan. This ministry is led by Chaplain Rev. Dr. Todd Statham at UBC Okanagan and seeks to equip and encourage students, staff, and faculty to be lifelong disciples of Jesus. Chaplains are supportive listeners who are on campus to support campus well-being and encourage students, faculty, and staff on their spiritual journey. Dr. Statham is an ordained CRC pastor and has been serving as campus pastor since 2016.   

Garden Sharing Table: This is the time of year when home vegetable gardens are beginning to produce vegetables ready for picking. Many of us tend gardens that produce more than we can eat ourselves. If you have extras, you are invited to bring them on Sundays to our Garden Sharing Table located in the front hallway of the church. We will continue the sharing table through the summer months. 

Recommended Resource: Sound of Freedom Movie - This movie, the Sound of Freedom (Angel Studios) is based on a true story about former US Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard who left the security of his career to rescue children from global traffickers. The film tells the story of how, after rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, he learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. This film shines a light on the disturbing prevalence (2 million children around the world) of human trafficking and exploitation. Rated PG-13. To read more inforamtion about the film, view this article or click the link to view the trailer. https://www.angel.com/watch/sound-of-freedom

Volunteers Needed: Do you want to serve? We need volunteers for all areas of the church. If you are interested in being involved in any way including on tech teams, Children's Ministry, greeting, or in hospitality. Please see Tamara or email tamara@willoughbychurch.com, thanks!

Langley Food Bank Donations: The Deacons have set up a permanent basket in the lobby for Food Bank Donations, you can bring in canned goods, personal items, baby items or dry goods at anytime the church office is open or on Sunday mornings. Thanks for continuing to support this great cause!

Blood Donor Clinic: We will be hosting a Blood Donor Clinic on Tuesday, Aug 1 starting at 1pm. If you are able, please join in saving lives together by donating blood.  Appointments are necessary and can be booked at blood.ca.

Hearts Exchanged: This Fall - Hearts Exchanged is a learning and action journey designed to equip Reformed Christians to engage with Indigneous people as neighbours. It's a great way to learn more about the history of Canada. You can participate in a cohort with people from your area! Read more and express your interest today. crcna.org/hearts-exchanged

Volunteer with World Renew Disaster Response Services - Are you looking for volunteer opportunities to help others and serve God? Make a life changing difference with World Renew Disaster Response Services this fall in Boutte, Louisiana; Whatcom County, Washington; or Sarasota, Florida! For dates and more information, go to worldrenew.net/volunteer. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Healing Hearts Transforming Nations Retreat - Register Today! - Sunday, July 30 - Thursday, August 3 This three-day workshop on Bowen Island aims to equip Christian leaders to be agents of healing and reconciliation. A combination of interactive teaching, group sessions, ministry times and participant interaction are used. The workshop seeks to bring healing and reconciliation to communities suffering from division and hatred. People from differing backgrounds are invited to encounter God and one another at heart level. To register CLICK HERE!

Youth Justice Project - Make a difference in your community! The Youth Justice Project is a video contest funded by NewGround (a program of Diaconal Ministries Canada). Teens from CRC’s across Canada are invited to identify an injustice in their community and share ways they hope to address it, along with the deacons of their church. Approved applicants will receive up to $6,000 as well as coaching and support from NewGround staff. Get your youth group together this summer and start planning! Find out more here: diaconalministries.com/newground/new-ground-youth-justice-project/

ICS Fall Courses - Check out the new courses offered at the Institute for Christian Studies this fall. Explore Jim Olthius’ 'theopoetic philosophy' in "A Cosmic Theopoetics of/for Love", "Biblical Foundations: Narrative, Wisdom, and the Art of Interpretation" with Nik Ansell, or "Critical Theory and Religion: The Frankfurt School and Beyond" with Ron Kuipers. All of ICS' fall courses are offered online, so you can take them no matter where you are. Tuition is $1,500 to take a course for credit, $600 to audit, or $400 for first-time auditors and alumni. To learn more or register, email academic-registrar@icscanada.edu or visit icscanada.edu/fall-courses to see more offerings.

1Life July 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 August 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!

CRC NEWS:

A hopeful lesson in holy anger - our response in times of anger can be used to do good instead of bad. Click here to read the full article.

Leaning in to the struggle - God is not afraid of our feelings. Click here to read the full article.

Groundwork: Only Glorify Jesus - The Apostle Paul offers a valuable perspective on power, authority, and leadership in the church, and a vital reminder that Christ is the foundation upon which we should build all things. Join Groundwork as we study 1 Corinthians 3 to gain a better understanding of what it means to dwell in Christ and live and work as believers today. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.

Kids Corner: Don't Be Afraid - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. We all feel afraid at times. Maybe like the disciples in Matthew 8, you have been scared during a storm. Just like Jesus was with his disciples during the storm, it’s important for us to remember that God promises to never leave us in our times of need. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net like the Bible story podcast “Jesus Calms the Storm.”

The Banner: The July/August 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.

Job Postings:

Part-time job opportunity - Financial Controller: The ministry of M2W2, which works in the Lower Mainland seeking to mentor and assist the incarcerated and who are emerging back into society, requires the part-time employment of a CGA or CPA to serve in providing oversight to its financial record keeping and planning. If you are qualified and interested, please get in touch with William Veenstra, the board chair, at 604-702-8564 or via email at: frogcrossing27@gmail.com 

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