Online Bulletin
The September Special Offering is for the Indigenous Ministry CRC which is made up of a national committee (Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee), three Urban Indigenous Ministries, and a Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice, each using their strengths to support healing and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous people in Canada. It is rooted in a recognition of our Creator’s love for all creation and in the understanding that we all have gifts to offer one another.
Fall Sermon Series - Lessons in Jeremiah: Finding God in the Wilderness - As a part of Israel’s Scriptures, the book of Jeremiah is a trove of treasures when it comes to learning about God’s character amid trial and grief. Having just watched his people being sent into exile, Jeremiah was tasked with hearing, obeying, and speaking God’s words when no one wanted to listen. He had to obey God while dealing with his grief and suffering. He had to hear God amid the chaos around him. He had to find God in the wilderness.
What might Jeremiah have to say to us today? Join us on Sunday mornings as we step into the Old Testament and glean some prophetic wisdom for our own lives.
Guatemala Missions 2024: Once again, we hope to have a team of 14 heading down to Guatemala to be involved with house building, wheelchair distribution, and visiting homes to get to know the people. It is a busy week of seeing the great things God is doing in this country! If you are interested in being involved with this team and for more information about costs, please email Al Vandenberg at al@scouttg.com. Dates are March 2 – 9, 2024.
Youth Group: It is that time of year again and the Youth Ministry is back!! Here is the upcoming schedule for September:
- Sept 17: Welcome back! Bring your favorite snack to share with the group. Games and chat from 7-830pm.
- Sept 24: Youth Dinner from 5-7pm
Thanks! The Youth Team - Amanda, Will & Joanna
Preteens: Preteens Youth Night is back! The new ministry year has begun and we are excited to have the children in grades 4-7 at Willoughby, meet at the Church every second Wednesday at 7:00pm. The group is led by Brooklyn, with Jamie-Lynn & Josiah as other leaders. Their first event is on Saturday, September 23rd at the Aldergrove Waterpark from 5:00 pm-7:30pm swim session. Preteens will be required to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the session and bring a swimsuit towel and/or anything else they would want for a day at the pool. The first official meeting is on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00 pm. If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the program please contact Brooklyn at preteens@willoughbychurch.com.
Join Hearts Exchanged - Wondering how to personally move ahead on Indigenous reconciliation? Joining Hearts Exchanged might just be your next step. Hearts Exchanged, a project of the Christian Reformed Church, is designed for those who want to grow in understanding of and practices towards Indigenous people. Starting this fall, Liz Tolkamp is hosting an in-person Hearts Exchanged cohort just for Willoughby Church! We will meet once a month for 7 - 8 months with individual self-guided online learning between cohort meetings. If you are interested in joining this cohort, contact Liz at liztolkamp@gmail.com
Retirement celebration for Pastor Liz!: On Sunday, September 17 we will celebrate Pastor Liz’s 22 years of pastoral ministry at Willoughby Church. Following the service, you are invited to join in an ethnic/international potluck lunch in the fellowship hall. Bring your favorite international/ethnic dish that you love to cook, enjoy, or reminds you of your childhood. See you there!
Garden Sharing Table: If you have extra vegetables and fruit in your gardens, you are invited to bring them to our Garden Sharing Table located in the front hallway of the church. We will continue the sharing table through the summer months.
Coffee Break: Coffee Break, a Bible Study for women of all ages and stages of life and Story Hour and nursery care for children, ages 0-5, is ready to begin a new season! We are inviting YOU to come to our fellowship, refreshments, and Registration morning at Langley Immanuel Church (21713-50 Avenue, Langley) on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Doors open at 9:15am We are beginning our study this season with a book, “Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Who We Are in Christ” Editor: Melissa Kruger “Who am I? It’s a question we all ask ourselves at some point. Depending on the season we focus our identity on our job performance, marital status, personality type, or social network, among other options. However, there’s a larger question to consider. Who does the Bible tell me I am in Christ? From the wisdom and perspective of insightful authors—including Jen Wilkin, Hannah Anderson, Trillia Newbell, and Jen Pollock Michel—we’ll seek to answer this question.” We look forward to meeting with YOU!
All Nations Heritage Sunday is October 1 - In two weeks, we will celebrate All Nations Heritage Sunday. In preparation, learn more about Thrive's Multicultural Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance for students of various ethnic minorities in the CRC. Check out the website: crcna.org/AllNations for more information.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING plays Sept 6-17 at Langley’s Bez Arts: Burnt Thicket Theatre's astonishing comedy about depression and cultivating joy is back! "You’re 7 years old. Mum’s in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. You start making a list of everything worth living for. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling." 20 years and thousands of things later, the list takes on a life of its own, exploring the lengths we go to for those we love. It features Sarah Robertson, playing Sept 6-17 at Bez Arts Hub in Langley, Tickets & details are at www.bezartshub.com/events. "One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see.” —The Guardian.
BOOK LAUNCH | CUCKOOS IN OUR NEST: TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT BEING HUMAN: DR. IAIN PROVAN
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 7:30–9:00 PM REGENT COLLEGE CHAPEL. Please join us in the Regent College Chapel on Wednesday, September 20, for the launch of Cuckoos in Our Nest: Truth and Lies About Being Human, the latest book by Dr. Iain Provan, retired Marshall Shephard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College and founder of the Cuckoos Consultancy.
M2W2 - GALA DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION - October 2: Join us for our annual fundraiser! We’ll gather together, enjoy a delicious meal, bid on amazing silent auction items, and hear stories about how M2W2 walks with people as they overcome challenges related to incarceration. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.M2W2.COM/FUNDRAISER
Nurturing Belonging: Exploring Hospitality, Disability, and Theology - We believe that all people are created in the image of God and that each person is essential. Yet, when it comes to hospitality and belonging for people with disabilities, our congregations often don’t reflect what we believe. Join us online on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 1:30 to 6 p.m. (Eastern) to learn about how to nurture belonging. This event is virtual and free of charge. To register go to: https://www.crcna.org/disability/events
Listen Up! A workshop in active empathetic listening for real-world support: Join Telecare Crisis & Caring Line on Saturday, October 14, 2023, for an engaging workshop at Columbia Bible College. Registration begins at 8:30 AM, session starts at 9:00 AM. Continental breakfast included. Cost: $40 for Early Bird Registration through Sept 22, 2023. $50 for registrations from Sept 23 through October 14, 2023, and at the event site. Early registration is encouraged. Students: $25 for Early Bird Registration through Sept 22, 2023. $30 for registrations from Sept 23 through October 14, 2023, and at the event site. This event is for staff and volunteers in churches who use relational listening skills to build up the body of Christ in various contexts. Eventbrite Registration here
Abuse Awareness Sunday - September 24 - Next week, the CRCNA invites congregations to imagine a more holistic approach to nurturing a safe and healthy church community where abuse itself becomes unthinkable and where survivors feel supported and safe. Learn more about "The Power of a Trauma-Informed Church" and consider giving to support Thrive's ministry that empowers all CRCs. Learn more at crcna.org/SafeChurch
Sharing our Abundance - In three weeks, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and the abundance that God has given us while also remembering families around the world who do not have enough food on their plates. Our offering will highlight World Renew’s Free A Family® program, equipping families around the world to holistically change their story and find hope for their children. To learn more, visit worldrenew.ca/FreeAFamily.
Tour the Biblical Lands of Israel - February 26 – March 8, 2024. Experience a refreshing renewal of your faith, and gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, as you tour the biblical lands with teaching host, Pastor Peter Tuininga, and Sindbad Tours of Israel. See many of the biblical places (Jerusalem, Galilee, Caesarea, Jericho, and much more), and gain spiritual and historical insights that will make the Bible come alive for you. For complete information, cost, and registration, go to the website: toursofisrael.wordpress.com or call Peter Tuininga: 1 289 877-8433 or e-mail: peter.tuininga@gmail.com
Volunteer with World Renew DRS this October! - Come enjoy the sun and service - World Renew DRS needs volunteers and On-Site Managers for our first reconstruction team in Sarasota, Florida! If you or someone you know can volunteer with DRS October 7th-28th, contact Diana at dmarquez@worldrenew.net to sign up or with questions.
1Life September 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 September 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:
Listening Circles: An Invaluable Tool: Listening circles are one component of restorative practices. Click here to read the full article.
Help for Haitian Immigrants: Haitians have been immigrating to the Dominican Republic for decades, but now tens of thousands of people of Haitian descent are being deported. Click here to read the full article.
Groundwork: God is Sovereign Over All - We will find ourselves in many different situations throughout our lives. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2 and 4 to remember that in all things, no matter the situation, God is sovereign and in control. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Job Postings:
Classis BCSE & BCNW Safe Church Team Ministry (SCT) supports the important ministry work done by the Christian Reformed churches in BC. The SCT is looking to fill the position of Abuse Prevention and Response Coordinator. This position would require on average approximately 20 hours per week, with certain months having increased hours. The work includes providing abuse prevention and response education and requires travel to the Christian Reformed churches in BC. Applicants must be knowledgeable about the subject of abuse and have related work experience & education. The start date is flexible & training for the position will be provided. For more information/ job description, please email the SCT executive chairperson – Andrew Vanderleek - avdleek@gmail.com.
The Banner: The September 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