Online Bulletin
December Special Offering: The December special offering is for the World Renew - Gift Catalogue, to help people who live in extreme poverty experience more of the fullness of life God intends for them. We are striving to raise funds for two of World Renew’s best-seller bundles (p.17 in the gift catalog). One bundle, worth $3,878, contains goats and quackers, the herd, 1 farm team, the whole barnyard, a family-sized water filter, 1 bicycle, and “where needed most”. You are also invited to visit the Christmas Giving Tree in the church lobby and ‘buy’ an ornament(s). Each ornament is a unique gift that can make a difference for people in need around the world. Complete the information on the ornament card and mail it directly to World Renew. You can also browse or purchase the giving ornaments online with the World Renew Gift Catalogue.
Thank You's: Henk Van Eyk and family would like to thank you all for your support, cards, and prayers, in the passing away of their beloved wife and mother. We certainly felt cared for by the Willoughby Church family during this time.
Youth Group: Here is the schedule for December:
- Dec 3: Study with Will & Joanna 7 to 830pm at Willoughby
- Dec 10: Cookie Decorating with Young Adults 3 to 5 pm (@ Ravensbergen's 20945 50a Ave)
- Dec 17: Christmas Party at the Scott's from 6 to 830pm. (5028 200B st) Please let your leaders know what appy you can bring! Also, bring a wrapped $15 gift for a gift exchange.
Thanks! The Youth Team - Amanda, Will & Joanna
Women's Bible Study: Women's Bible Study meets weekly on Fridays, from 2-3 pm in the Fireside Room. This week we will study Ephesians 3:4-21. All are welcome!
Seniors: Come and join us on Thursday, December 7 at 10 am, we will be getting together for a meaningful Christmas program and devotion. We will be focusing on Advent as we anticipate and prepare for Christ’s birth on Christmas Day. Be here for devotion and plan to stay for a nice warm lunch afterward. Everyone is welcome!
URGENT NEED: Please see the note and need below from Dena Nicolia,
As many of you know, I serve as Chaplain and Refugee Support Mobilizer with the CRCs of BC, coordinating a ministry of presence and support for people who arrive as refugees in the lower mainland. Part of what I do involves facilitating a "Clothing Bank" out of the space of First CRC Vancouver. With the colder weather, many more newcomers are accessing the clothing bank, and I am in urgent need of several items!
We are currently in need of the following items (used - clean and in good condition, or new):
- Winter coats and rain jackets (all sizes)
- Warm sweaters (adult only)
- Gloves and mittens (all sizes)
- Socks (all sizes)
- Umbrellas
- Scarves
If you can donate any of the items needed above, please bring them to the Willoughby Church office by Sunday, December 3rd! As we will be delivering the items on the 4th! Any questions, please reach out to Tamara at tamara@willoughbychurch.com.
URGENT NEED: Covenant Kids Christian Daycare (CKCD) is in urgent need of a staff member who is also able to drive the (24-passenger) bus before and after school. We are looking for someone with an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certificate who also has a Class 4 Driver's License. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this position, you are encouraged to pass this information on. Joni Garratt, the CKCD Director, can be contacted at 604-530-5619 or joni@willoughbychurch.com. Anyone with a Class 4 Driver's License who doesn't have an ECE Certificate and is interested in a part-time small bus driving position, is also encouraged to apply.
You are invited to Coffee Break, a Bible Study for women of all ages and stages of life. Along with Story Hour and nursery care for children, ages 0-5! We are inviting YOU to join in the fellowship and refreshments as we continue on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, with a new study on the Book of James by Greg Gilbert; edited by J. I. Packer at Langley Immanuel Church (21713-50 Avenue, Langley) Doors open at 9:15 a.m. We look forward to meeting with YOU! Please contact Elsa for more info at CoffeeBreak@licrc.ca Or Rose at coffeebreak@willoughbychurch.com.
A Rocha Christmas Open House (Surrey, BC) December 2 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST |Free: Celebrate Christmas with the merry A Rocha community! Enjoy caroling by the fireplace in our cozy heritage guest house with a hot chocolate in hand. Come by for some homemade treats and kids' crafts. And on your way out, be sure to stop by the A Rocha Café & Farm Stand and stock up on gifts for friends and family! No RSVP is required.
"Advent in the Neighborhood" Free Webinar - How do you share the hope and peace of the gospel with your neighbors this season? Many of your neighbors might not know what Advent is, but most of them likely get into the festive spirit of Christmas. Advent is a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ, but how? Join us Monday, December 4 from 7-8:30 pm EST for a free webinar. Learn more and register at: Resonate Global Mission Webinar
Concert Event: Songs Strings & Steps presents “The Celtic Tenors” from Ireland performing at Central Heights Church (Abbotsford) on Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 pm. More information/ticket links can be found at www.calvindyck.com/concerts.
Devotions for a Blue Christmas - Amid hard times, find strength and encouragement through God's word. A set of fourteen encouraging Today devotions reassure you that even during the darkest of Christmas seasons, you’re not alone. Receive this free email series and ebook when you subscribe to Today at todaydevotional.com/bluechristmas
You are making a difference! On behalf of the ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, thank you for your gifts to ministry shares. Your support enables congregations to do so much more to further God's Kingdom than any one church could do alone. Our denomination could not impact the world through missions, media, and church development without your incredible and faithful support. Thank you! To discover more visit crcna.org/ministryshares.
Christian Stewardship Services: Is there a charity close to your heart that you would love to see thrive for years to come? Have you ever considered who would make a suitable Executor or Power of Attorney? Why might someone donate Life Insurance? Christian Stewardship Services is hosting open Q&A sessions about these topics and more throughout the winter to answer all of your questions on charitable giving and estate planning. Find out more about the Winter Conversation series here. While you are planning, why not contact a consultant to maximize your year-end giving, or set up an appointment to review your will in the new year? Schedule an appointment today!
Explore the Intersection of Faith and Art in Italy! - Join the Institute for Christian Studies for ART in Orvieto, an advanced summer studies program in art, religion, and theology located in Orvieto, Italy, a magnificent hill town 90 minutes north of Rome. The program offers an ecumenical exploration of Christian understandings of the arts through a three-week residency designed for practicing artists, art teachers, graduate students in relevant fields, and other adult learners. The first eight applicants are eligible for a $500 early bird scholarship, and additional financial aid is available for teachers, graduate students, and working artists. Want to learn more? Visit icscanada.edu/art-in-orvieto, or join us for an online Info Session on November 30 at 6:30 pm. Email recruitment-coordinator@icscanada.edu to RSVP.
With the Fall season comes preparations for Christmas at Sea. This year the Ministry to Seafarers will again be delivering Christmas gifts for seafarers. Your donations for this project can be made by cheque payable to Ministry to Seafarers, and mailed to 401 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC V6A 4G9. You can also make donations online via our website, ministrytoseafarers.com. Please designate gifts for "Christmas at Sea." Thank You! For more information or to view our Fall Newsletter, please click here!
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Greece (May 31 - June 11, 2024): Travel by motor coach (7 days) and cruise ship (3 days) to sites connected with Paul’s second and third missionary journeys, as well as visit other major sites of biblical, archaeological, and cultural interest. Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading Pauline scholar, hosts this inspirational tour. For more information, contact Dr. Weima at 616-328-3110 or weimje@calvinseminary.edu.
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, discipline & 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!
CRC NEWS:
Global Mission: Win Gritter’s Life of Mission - As far back as she can remember, Win Gritter wanted to be a missionary. This year, she celebrates 68 years of serving wherever God has led. Click here to read the full article.
Servant Leadership: Thriving Together Continues to 2nd Phase - Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc. the CRCNA will continue its program for pastors in transitional moments. Click here to read the full article.
Groundwork: Jesus: Our Wonderful Counselor - The prophet Isaiah calls the coming Messiah a ‘Wonderful Counselor.” Join Groundwork as we explore Isaiah 9:6, Proverbs 1:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, and Colossians 1:15-19 to discover what this title communicates to us about Jesus and its connection to the biblical wisdom tradition. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Ponder this quote from Mother Teresa: “This Christmas when Christ comes, will he find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s concern.” How might you and your family love and serve others during this season? Learn more at crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject
Job Postings:
Position available – Part-time Bookkeeper needed (6 hours per week) at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church, in Surrey.
The primary purpose of the role is to ensure accurate church financial records, specifically to maintain and complete the Accounts Payable, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Bank Reconciliation, and Financial Reporting for Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church. This position provides week-to-week transactional support for Fleetwood Church, as well as prepares documentation at month-end and year-end closing and reporting. Pay commensurate with experience.
Please contact info@fleetwoodcrc.org or (604) 584-6244 for more information. Thank you.
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 donating. 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