Online Bulletin
At-home Faith Formation Tip: At-home Faith Formation Tip - The Practice of Sabbath: In Wendell Berry and the Given Life, author Ragan Sutterfield quotes Berry: “[Sabbath] is not a break so that we might become renewed and refreshed for more work, but is rather a time when we live in the simple reality that we are creatures whose lives are given by God.” How might this insight change how you celebrate sabbath? (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation)
Just Faith Forum: The last six months have been a rather strange time in the life of the church and we are just beginning to think of what the long term implications of all of this might be. One thing that has happened for many of us is that we are spending more of our time closer to home and maybe closer to our own screens. Just Faith Forum is suggesting that we might be able to use this new reality to increase congregational awareness of justice issues around the world, those highlighted by our own denomination and also other issues we feel are important for us to pay attention to and be educated about. We hope to provide you, via this page, with articles to read, videos to watch, or discussions to participate in and learn from. You will notice that there are a number of references here to refugees that we are working to sponsor or families that we have sponsored several years ago and their joys and challenges today. The global refugee crisis continues unabated. The link provided here is about the ongoing challenge for Syrian refugees. The video Sky and Ground: A Syrian Family's Journey Across Borders tells of the 3000 km journey of the Nabi family in their search for a new and safer home.
Refugee Sponsorship: We have received news that Adel and Muna Altaha have had their medical exams and are fully approved for travel to Canada. Limited travel has opened for refugees to fly from Lebanon to Canada, so we hope and pray that they are able to come to Canada sometime in the next few months. Initially, they will have to be quarantined for two weeks and then we can begin the process of settling them into a new life here. (Muna is a sister of Inaam Alomar, who many of you have met over the past years.) We will be able to find out more info about them when they will arrive.
God's Got You Covered - When parents divorce everything changes for a child, but not God's love or his presence. Kids Corner’s ebook "God's Got You Covered" helps kids understand and talk about their feelings. Stories and activities show kids God is with them in what they're going through. Get the ebook when you subscribe at KidsCorner.net/GGYC.
GROUNDWORK: WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER: In our current society, the topic of justice has become very political. Join Groundwork as we study Leviticus 25:10-17, Luke 4:17-21, Acts 6:1-4, Amos 5, and Micah 6:8 to better understand the meaning of biblical justice and what that means for our role in pursuing justice. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork’s weekly emails for future episodes.
Handbook of Biblical Parenting - Teaching our kids to love God is the key calling of parenthood. "A Handbook of Biblical Parenting" from Family Fire empowers you to fulfill your most important responsibilities as a parent. Get the ebook when you subscribe at familyfire.com/parentinghandbook.
FAMILY FIRE is an online community exploring Spirit-led family, marriage, parenting, in-laws, blended families, and intimacy. Find encouraging articles and devotions at familyfire.com.
Bible Study Fellowship - Is school looking different for you and your family this year? Have you considered studying God’s Word together as a family? We have just the study for you! We have two Holland/Zeeland Monday evening Bible Study Fellowship men’s and women’s classes with accompanying school students programs for ages 6 to 18. For more information or to join, go to www.bsfinternational.org/class/923 for the women’s class and www.bsfinternational.org/class/365 for the men’s class. We will begin the year on Zoom and see where God continues to guide us. Come grow with us as we study the truth of God’s Word in Genesis this year.
BC Leadership Development Network: Looking for a way to understand leading the church with Biblical wisdom and faith during crisis? LDN offers monthly gatherings in a challenging but flexible and conversational format. Curious about joining a 3-year cohort that meets at Fleetwood CRC (Surrey) or East Hill CRC (Vernon) and virtually too? Program begins Saturday, Sept 19. Check out our website - bcldn.ca or email bcldn.contact @gmail.com.
UBCO: The chaplain at the UBC Okanagan campus, Todd Statham, would love to connect with students--especially incoming students--in this very unusual COVID-19 fall semester. Students can connect with Todd at crccampusokanagan@gmail.com or 250.215.7486.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID): Changes to MAID legislation were supposed to occur by June 11th but due to the pandemic the federal government has asked for an extension to December 18th. https://loom.ly/4Lw12nc. This means it's not too late to share your thoughts with your MP: https://loom.ly/XT58ZL0.
Disability Concerns October Caregiver Series - Join Disability Concerns every Thursday in October, at 12 pm EDT for a conversation on Caregiving. This training event will help caregivers navigate the emotional landscape of their role and will give practical ideas on how churches can help these families address the challenges for the person living with a disability as well as their siblings, parents, spouse, or other caregivers. Registration required. View their Network post: Disability Concerns Canada Conference Re-Imagined.
Resonate Global Mission: Join the Exodus! - October 17 - November 4, 2020. the Exodus Vision Tour is a great opportunity to step back into ancient times and walk the paths of the Exodus from Egypt to Israel. Learn about Christianity, see ministry in action, and grow in your faith. Learn more and apply online at resonateglobalmission.org/exodus
"Blessing Not Burden" Campaign - The CRC Office of Social Justice is relaunching their “Immigrants Are a Blessing, Not a Burden” campaign to equip people of faith to speak in uniquely Christian ways about immigration! Stay updated with resources and opportunities by following their “Blessing Not Burden” Facebook page today! facebook.com/BlessingNotBurden
Hurricane Laura - Hurricane Laura made landfall in the southwest corner of Louisiana on August 27th. It is reported to be the strongest hurricane to hit in 164 years. World Renew - Disaster Response Services is monitoring this disaster and making plans for long term recovery work. Please pray for the families and communities affected by Hurricane Laura. Also pray for DRS staff and volunteers and all disaster responders, as the coronavirus pandemic greatly complicates how to help. DRS is accepting donations for Hurricane Laura. Give online at worldrenew.net/hurricanelaura or send your check, made out to World Renew with “Hurricane Laura” in the Memo line.
Job Openings - Diaconal Ministries Canada currently has two (2) part-time job openings: Office Assistant (15 hrs) and Financial Coordinator (22.5 hrs). Job descriptions for these positions are available at diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/. The start date for each position will be September 21, 2020. Applications, along with references, can be sent to the National Director of Diaconal Ministries at rvandenbrink@crcna.org before September 9, 2020.
Join the team at World Renew! - Compelled by God’s deep passion for justice & mercy, we join communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation - and we have some opportunities for you to join us in this work! Please visit worldrenew.net/careers for more details about our current career opportunities: Human Resources Director, based in Grand Rapids, MI; and Country Director, Haiti.
CRCNA Canada Corporation Legal Update - In an effort to be fully transparent with members of the CRCNA in Canada about decisions made by the CRCNA Canada Corporation directors towards becoming fully compliant with all Canadian legal and income tax requirements, Carters Professional Corporation has prepared a brief Q&A document. It can be read at crcna.org/Canada
For Rent: Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath above ground basement suite with in-suite laundry in Murrayville. The great room is large with a set of french doors opening to the yard and a sliding door onto a large partly covered patio. The main bedroom has an en-suite with a shower stall, the other bathroom has a bathtub with shower. All together it covers the complete bottom floor of the house. $2200 a month includes utilities, wifi and cable. Contact Marion @ wmgriffioen2me.com or tel; 604-760-9826.
The Banner: The September edition of the Banner is available at the church! You can also access a copy online at The Banner.