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.
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.
Bowling Night: The Pastoral Elders are again hosting a bowling night at Alder Alley Lanes in Aldergrove. It will be from 6:30pm - 8:30pm for those that have signed up to attend!! See you there!
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
Songs Strings & Steps presents “A Symphony for Christmas” on 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.
Jesus is The Reason - As we give and receive gifts at Christmas, we celebrate Jesus, God’s gift to us! Will you add someone who lives in poverty to your Christmas giving? Change a life with an item like a goat, a bicycle, or a handwashing station from World Renew’s Gift Catalogue. Give online at worldrenew.ca/gifts or call 1-888-975-3769 to give.
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.
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!
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:
Video: Advent Greetings - Let’s take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Christmas by listening to these lessons from Scripture.
Denomination: A Simple Message for Complicated Christmas - While Christmas can be complicated, I stand convicted of a simple truth that is often overlooked.
The Network: Is Christmas the Appetizer? - Has anyone else been struggling with their Christmas spirit this holiday season?
The Banner: The Christmas Clock - What happens when our expectations turn to disappointment? When the predictable patterns of the past cease, like a clock with dead batteries? When somber silence replaces the upbeat tunes and ticking?
Groundwork: Jesus: Our Prince of Peace - As we celebrate Christmas, join Groundwork as we study Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 137, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 53:4-12, Ephesians 2:14-19, and Luke 2:1-21 to discover the deep and meaningful shalom Jesus brought to us in his birth, that he promises to establish permanently when he returns, and how we can be his agents of peace in our world here and now. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
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