Online Bulletin
Offering for weeks 3 & 4 of August: The special offering for weeks 3&4 is for the two missionaries we support through Resonate Global Missions. Resonate serves over 40 countries to faithfully proclaim and live out the good news of Jesus around the world. They join with a diverse network of CRCNA congregations and other partners locally and globally. Resonate works to mobilize individuals and communities to participate in God’s mission and work for the spiritual and social transformation of the world.
Our congregation sponsors Naji in Egypt (Click here to read their newsletter!) and Hannah in Greece (Click here to learn more about Hannah). Naji and Hannah need our prayers, care, and support, so please give generously.
You are invited to donate through the offering plate or click here to give through Tithley (Resonate - Naji & Hannah)
* The Deacons now do two Special Offerings per month, the Regent College will run for the first two weeks, with Resonate - Umran's & Vandekamp for weeks 3&4. You are invited to give to either or both offerings as they will both be available on tithe.ly for the whole month of August! *
Men's Bible Study: Would you be interested in joining a Men's bible study here at Willoughby?? Jake Lieuwen, is looking for any interest in starting a Men's bible study group in September, if you would like to join reach out to Jake and let him know!!! Contact Jake at, lieuwen@telus.net, or you can email Tamara at tamara@willoughbychurch.com as well.
Urgent need: Ohans Bozikian, an Armenian Christian refugee from Syria who was sponsored by Willoughby Church last year, along with his daughter Natalie, are looking for a two-bedroom apartment by August 30. Please get in touch with Natalie at natalie.bozikian@gmail.com if you can help.
Giving Thanks: Dear congregation, We are deeply grateful for the many ways in which you as a community have supported and carried us through the past year of Dennis's illness and dying. Your gifts of prayers, presence, vists, food, cards, and words of love and kindness have sustained us. Even as our loss and sorrow are great, we give thanks and live with gratitude. We are Held and Upheld. Jenny deGroot and family
Family Fun Event!!: We are hosting a family fun event on Saturday, August 24th on the front lawn of the church. You are invited to bring your kids, grandkids, friends, and neighbours. The event will be drop-in style from 9:30am to 11:30am with many fun activities and snacks to enjoy. There will be: Popcorn, Juice boxes, A bouncy castle, Face painting, Music, Crafts, Ring toss, Chalk...and more!
Make sure to put this event on your calendars, invite your friends, family, and neighbours, and join us for the fun!!
Blood Donor Clinic: This month we will be hosting a Blood Donor Clinic on Tuesday, August 27th 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
SAVE THE DATE - Women's Connect Social: On Saturday, September 14th at 10:00am!! Come and join us for a morning of fun, more details to come!! Hope to see you all there!!!
Thriving Essentials Overview - Online August 22 - Thriving Essentials is a training course for elders, deacons, church staff, and any volunteer ministry leader. This one-hour webinar will give you an overview of what the full course involves including discussions on four key concepts of Mission, Discipleship, Discernment, and Leadership. Sign up to attend this preview on August 22 (3PM EDT) and discern if the full course is right for your church: crcna.org/Essentials
GLORIA DEI CHORALE, a Christian Community Mixed Voice Choir, is excited to start singing again on September 9, 2024. We are also very excited to welcome our new director, Cathrie Yuen, from Trinity Western University and new pianist, Melody Chan. New and former members are invited to join the choir this fall. If you love to sing, you've come to the right place! We are especially interested in male voices, but welcome all who are eager to sing. Rehearsals are at 7:15 pm on Monday nights at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church: 8255 - 13th Ave, Burnaby. Contact Tina 604-588-6377 or Elaine at 604-271-0283 for more information. http://www.gloriadeichorale.com/
Garden Sharing Table: Summer 2024 - This is the time of year when home vegetable gardens areproducing vegetables ready for picking. Many of us tend to 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.
WCRC Library: Did you know Willoughby Church has a library? Find the 'Willoughby Faith Formation Library' through the offices or look online on our website! Whether you are looking for a devotional or a book on reflection, there are books available for all ages. This resource is open during office hours and after the Sunday service. For inquiries, email Natalie at natalie@willoughbychurch.com.
Henri Nouwen Society: Spend time every day being encouraged to grow spiritually. Sign up today to receive free daily meditation emails from the Henri Nouwen Society: www.henrinouwen.org.
The Coffee Break ministry would like to make note of the Summer Park Schedule. Every Tuesday at 9:30 am we meet in parks around Langley! You are welcome to invite a friend and join those who meet each week. The upcoming Dates and Parks are below! Check with Denise for more info/questions at 778-386-4944
- August 27 Williams Park (playground, trails) 238 Street & 68 Avenue, Langley
- September 3 Murrayville/WC Blair Playground (playground, splash park) 22200 Fraser Hwy, Langley
- September 10 Brydon Park (playground) 198 Street & 53 Avenue, Langley
Hearts Exchanged - There are opportunities this fall for individuals as well as churches to be equipped to go beyond the headlines into deep work that wrestles with how our churches can become places of belonging and embrace God’s call to reconciliation with Indigenous neighbours. Hear from others' experiences of this program and get full details at: crcna.org/hearts-exchanged
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Greece (March 28 - April 8, 2025): 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.
Deacon Training Available - Being a deacon is an exciting opportunity to lead church members to share Christ’s love and mercy with those both inside and outside of their church walls. Since 2001, Diaconal Ministries Canada has provided relevant and practical training and resources to deacons to support them in their role. Through the generous support of Canadian CRC churches, Diaconal Ministries offers a national network of Diaconal Coaches and regional staff, as well as our NewGround Program (formerly Operation Manna) which helps churches love their communities. Visit our website and contact us today - www.diaconalministries.com. We are here to help!
We're excited to invite you to "Listen Up!" workshop, an event that Telecare Crisis & Caring Line has proudly offered for over seven years. Join us on September 28, 2024, for an engaging morning dedicated to the skill of active empathetic listening. Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Location: Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford (Clearwood Room, Student Centre), Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast and materials). Join us and elevate your impact in your community and the lives of those you help. Click here to register!!!
August is National Make-A-Will Month - You don't have to be wealthy to establish an estate plan. If you own a house, have any investments or special collections, you should have a plan. August is National “Make A Will” Month and a great annual reminder to set up a trust or gift a charity in your will. The CRC has resources to help. Learn more by visiting the CRC Heritage website at crcna.org/foundation
1Life August 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 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:
Mercy & Justice: Voices for Change An event in Ottawa, Ont., is dedicated to inspiring the next generation to make a difference in the face of global hunger.
The Network: CRC Leadership Landscape How can the denomination better support leadership development in the CRCNA?
The Banner: Peacemaking as Kindness Toward Strangers Read the second-place winner of The Banner’s 2024 Young Adult Writing Contest on the topic of peacemaking.
Groundwork: Called To Be God's Prophet - It can be hard, even shocking to follow God’s call on our lives and share his message. Join Groundwork as we study Ezekiel 1-3 to learn from Ezekiel’s experience and discuss what it means to be called, to be a prophet, and to speak truth. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Job Posting:
Open Position, Classis BCSE: At the end of October BC South-East will need a new stated clerk. The current clerk will complete his second term at that time and will not continue in the role. The position involves preparation of agendas for classis and the Classis Ministry Committee, taking minutes at the meetings, record keeping, as well as communications with churches and denominational offices in Burlington and Grand Rapids. You'll be working with gifted and interesting people who love the Lord and serve him in our BCSE region and the denomination. If you have an interest, feel free to contact the current clerk Len Batterink (statedclerk.bcse@gmail.com) for more information. If needed, a transitional training period is available.
Job Opening - Director of Ecclesiastical Governance - As a member of the Office of General Secretary, the Director of Ecclesiastical Governance shall serve, support, and equip the governance of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). The Director shall serve as the synodical and Council of Delegates (COD) meeting officer and be the liaison between the Office of General Secretary and classes in Canada and the U.S. The Director shall serve as the Church Order and Synodical Rules of Procedure subject matter expert, strengthen the capacity of synodical delegates and COD members, equip its leadership, and promote best governance practices and continuous improvement. This position offers a flexible work schedule, an attractive benefits package (including retirement fund contribution), and four weeks of vacation. Learn more and apply at crcna.pinpointhq.com
Job Opening - Information Technology Director - The CRCNA is hiring an Information Technology Director. The IT Director is responsible for establishing and executing the IT strategy, ensuring its integration with the mission strategy of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), enabling the CRC to extend the reach of its mission. The IT Director participates in and contributes to the overall organization’s operating model by bringing current knowledge and future vision of leveraging information and technology in service of the organization’s mission. Apply now at https://crcna.pinpointhq.com/
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 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