Online Bulletin
December Special Offering: The December special offering is for the World Renew - Gift Catalogue, this is the last Sunday to give to this worthy cause, 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). 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.
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!!
Youth Group: Here is the schedule for January:
- Jan 7: No Youth - Enjoy Christmas Break with family and friends!
- Jan 14: Study with Joanna and Will 7 to 830pm
- Jan 21: Vancouver Giants hockey game at 2pm. Drop off and pickup at Langley Events Center. Please RSVP to Amanda, Will or Joanna by Jan 14. Thanks!
- Jan 28: Youth Dinner 5 to 7pm
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. We are back on January 12th, studying Ephesians 4:17-32. All are welcome!
Preteens: Preteens will be meeting Wednesday, January 10 @ 6:45pm! If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the program please contact Brooklyn at preteens@willoughbychurch.com.
Happy New Year, 2024! Coffee Break, a Bible Study for women of all ages and stages of life Is inviting YOU to come! Along with Story Hour and nursery care for children, ages 0-5! Coffee Break/Story Hour resumes on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 with a new study on the Book of James by Greg Gilbert; edited by J. I. Packer Meeting 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
Blood Donor Clinic: This month we will be hosting a Blood Donor Clinic on Tuesday, January 16th 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.
Refugee Housing Crisis: Imagining a Response: Join Dena Nicolai (Chaplain and Refugee Support Mobilizer) and others involved in welcoming refugees on Saturday, February 3 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am at First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver (2670 Victoria Drive) for a morning of discussion around the urgent need for housing for refugee claimants and what we can do to address this need collectively. This event is free but we ask you to register so we have a sense of numbers. You can do so at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/refugee-housing-crisis-developing-a-response-tickets-758546020567
KEEP UP WITH THE BOOKSTORE IN 2024: Regent Bookstore is looking forward to another year of great reads, engaging conversations, and special sales sure to warm the hearts of book-lovers. Keep up with announcements, reading recommendations, and more on the Bookstore's website or Facebook page. And remember: you can shop online via Abe Books! Friends in the Vancouver area are invited to join the Bookstore team at 7 pm on Friday, Jan 12, when Dr. Michael Bird will address the question: What Did Jesus Mean by the "Kingdom of God"?
Giving Thanks at Christmas - Thank you for sharing God’s love through the World Renew Gift Catalogue during Advent. Your donation of a chicken, water filter, or goat can be a miracle for people who are facing poverty, hunger, and injustice today. It’s not too late if you want to give in the New Year! Go to worldrenew.ca/gifts or call 1-888-975-3769. Thank you!
Greetings from the International Disaster Response Team, As we come together this holiday season, I am honoured to share with you a heartfelt Christmas greeting the team has put together.
A Christmas Update from World Renew's International Disaster Response Team
In this video, we reflect on the year that has come to pass, its significance and the impacts it has brought to countless lives. Your presence in our community and your faithful support is a cherished blessing that helps us reach further. May the grace of our Lord be with you. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year, World Renew's International Disaster Response Team.
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
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.
End of Year Giving Opportunities for Diaconal Ministries Canada - Diaconal Ministries Canada partners with deacons and Christian Reformed churches and ministries to demonstrate God’s love in the community. In our last fiscal year, our Diaconal Coaches and Regional staff conducted more than 65 workshops & training events with deacons across Canada and were able to have over 75 consultations & meetings with deacons, pastors, and congregations. This support covered important areas of deacons' work within local congregations and their communities. Workshops like: Helping Without Harming in Church Benevolence, Developing Benevolence Guidelines, Everyday Justice, and Stewardship…just to name a few. Have you been blessed by our work this past year? On top of that, our NewGround program (formerly Operation Manna) has partnered with churches to break new missional ground, nurturing Spirit-led ideas that bear everlasting fruit. Will you help Diaconal Ministries Canada continue its work in equipping deacons and helping churches love their communities? Support our #EndofYearGiving2023 by donating today. Go to: diaconalministries.com/donate-now/ for ways to donate! And thank you for your ongoing support!
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:
Groundwork: Your Questions about Scripture and Hope - Join Groundwork as we study Matthew 6:9-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 11:13-16, Revelation 20:1-6, John 15:18-25, and Psalm 46 to look at some of the questions you asked this year in response to our discussions on the Lord’s Prayer, Joshua, and Revelation; then we’ll talk about the issues that feel most pressing for our faith right now and where we can find the hope and encouragement to keep living faithfully each day. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Eugene Peterson says of Scripture engagement, “Reading is an immense gift, but only if the words are assimilated, taken into the soul–eaten, chewed, gnawed, received in unhurried delight.” Read your favorite Scripture passage that way today. Take time to savor and “gnaw” on it, noticing any new insights that come to mind. Learn more at crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject
Job Postings:
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