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.
Youth Group: HEY YOUTH! Don't forget that we are having our Christmas Party at the Scott's (5028 200B st) on Sunday, Dec 17 from 6pm - 8:30pm. Bring an appy to share and a $15 gift that works for anyone! See you there. Thanks! The Youth Team - Amanda, Will & Joanna
Advent Devotional: Please help yourself to the free advent devotional "The Eternal King Arrives" available in the Church Lobby!! Journeying through Advent with our humble and mighty Savior.
Church Christmas Office Hours:
- Monday, December 25th - closed
- Tuesday, December 26th - closed
We will be open regular office hours December 27th - 29th. If you have any questions, please call the office @ 604-530-5959
Christmas Day Service: Join us this Christmas Day for a service with a wide variety of familiar Christmas songs, and a homily from Pastor Jenna, our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services will be different this year so, you are heartily invited to attend both of these services. Expect vibrant worship and warm fellowship as we anticipate and celebrate the coming of the Savior into this world.
New Years Eve Service: This New Year's Eve we are blessed to be having a combined Sunday morning service with Living Word Church. We will be celebrating with a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the service. Please bring the required dish based on your last name, A-H: Salads, I-P: Desserts or Sweet, Q-Z: Main or Savory Dish. Please join us in worship and building community as we get ready for the coming of the New Year. Hope to see you all there!!
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! Reminder the Coffee Break Christmas Brunch will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Please RSVP to Elsa at CoffeeBreak@licrc.ca Please bring along a brunch appetizer to share We will continue with Coffee Break/Story Hour on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 with a new study on the Book of James by Greg Gilbert; edited by J. I. Packer All at Langley Immanuel Church (21713-50 Avenue, Langley) Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Please contact Elsa for more info at CoffeeBreak@licrc.ca Or Rose at coffeebreak@willoughbychurch.com
The Gloria Dei Chorale, under the direction of Rob Workman, is pleased to present a Christmas Worship Service with lessons and carols on Saturday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Oasis at Elim Village, 9025 160 Street, Surrey, BC and on Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 pm at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 – 13th Ave, Burnaby, BC. Contact Tina 604-588-6377 or Elaine at 604-271-0283 for more information. A free-will offering will be received.
Christmas Concert: The Langley First Capital Chorus will be having a benefit concert for the Langley Christmas Bureau on Saturday, December 16 at 7:00 pm here at Willoughby Church. Tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for Seniors and 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door or by clicking here.
Blood Donor Clinic: This month we will be hosting a Blood Donor Clinic on Tuesday, December 19 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.
Songs Strings & Steps presents “A Symphony for Christmas” on Fri Dec 22nd and Saturday, Dec 23rd at Central Heights Church (Abbotsford) directed by Calvin Dyck featuring singers, dancers and a professional orchestra along with the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra. More information/tickets links can be found at www.calvindyck.com/concerts.
Stories & Strategies: Strengthening the CRC in Canada - Are you interested in learning more about church planting and renewal in the CRC? Join the Canadian Ministry Board for stories (and best practice learnings from those experiences) and how they might be applicable to your local church context. We look forward to discussing these ideas with you alongside other church members & leaders. More at crcna.org/Canada
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
Need Someone to Listen? Support is a Phone Call Away
Our church is partnering with Telecare Crisis & Caring Line. If you need to talk to someone about feeling alone, family issues, health issues or seek prayer, call 604-852-9099 or toll free at 1-888-852-9099. Your call is confidential, anonymous and not recorded. Telecare is a ministry showing the compassion of Jesus to anyone who calls for help.
Great Christmas Joy - God gave us his Best Gift at Christmas, Jesus, and in gratitude, we give as we have so abundantly received. Your donation to the World Renew Gift Catalogue can bring deep joy to a family who is struggling to survive. A chicken, a latrine, or a nutrition kit is a life-changing gift. Donate today at worldrenew.ca/gifts or call 1-888-975-3769 to give.
Christmas Greeting Video from The Banner - Watch a warm year-end video message where Banner editor Shiao Chong explains the impact The Banner has with its journalistic ministry that reaches thousands of people. He shares Christmas greetings to all readers. View it now!
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!
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 December 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 December 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:
Servant Leadership: Cohort Completes BIPOC Leadership Program - Seven women celebrated their successful completion of the inaugural BIPOC Leadership Development Program.
The Network: Why I Love Being A Chaplain - Chaplaincy helps people discover resources for and meaning in what they’re going through.
Groundwork: Jesus: Our Everlasting Father - Isaiah continued to reveal the nature of the Messiah when he called him the “Everlasting Father.” Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 63:15-16, John 14:6-14, 1 John 1:1-4, and 1 John 3:1-3 to better understand how this revolutionary title reveals the nature of Jesus and discover the comfort and belonging offered to us in Jesus, our Everlasting Father. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “. . . and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” In what ways might you make more space for Jesus in your everyday life? Learn more at crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject
Job Postings:
We Need a Short-Term Accountant in Nigeria - Resonate Global Mission is looking for an accountant to serve for 2-3 weeks in Nigeria. You'll be working with our Nigeria Business Manager to update the accounting system to help our mission run more smoothly. This is a great opportunity to use your gifts and skills to join God on mission. Timeframe for serving is flexible. Learn more at www.resonateglobalmission.org/accounting
Executive Search: Executive Director - Canada - The Christian Reformed Church in North America is seeking a candidate to fill the full-time, permanent position of Executive Director Canada. A search team has been tasked with recruiting for this position with the goal of having the successful candidate begin on or before May 1, 2024. Learn More at crcna.org/executive-director-canada-search
The Banner: The December 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