Online Bulletin
January Special Offering: Community Missions: This weeks offering is for Community Missions which will provide funding for students or members to participate in local mission opportunities and will also contribute to local outreach opportunities for Willoughby Church (ex. Movie night or games night). * The Deacons we will now be doing two Special Offerings per month, the Guatemala Mission Trip will run for the first two weeks, with Community Missions for weeks 3&4. You are invited to give to either or both offerings as they will both be available on tithley for the whole month of January! *
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. Please meet Joanna at the Langley Events Center at 1:45pm for the game on Sunday, Jan 21. Parents pick up will be at 4:30pm at LEC.
- 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. On January 26th, they will be studying Ephesians 4:1-16. All are welcome!
Women’s Bible Study: A bi-weekly study of Ephesians will begin on Tuesday, January 23 at 9:30 am in the church building (room tbd). You are welcome to join us. Please contact Grace Groot at ngroot@shaw.ca if you plan to attend.
Preteens: Preteens will be meeting Wednesday, January 24 @ 6:45pm! If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the program please contact Brooklyn at preteens@willoughbychurch.com.
Seniors: Due to the cancellation on January 18th for weather, join the Seniors this Thursday January 25 at 10 am, we will be getting together for a time of fellowship, refreshments and fun. Everyone is welcome, hope to see you there!
WCRC Library: Did you know Willoughby Church has a library? Find the 'Willoughby Faith Formation Library' through the offices! 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.
Job Search: Richard Nyembo, a Congolese newcomer to Canada who has been worshipping at Willoughby for some time, recently received a Work Permit and is searching for employment. He is prepared for construction, warehouse, greenhouse, landscaping, and security work. If you know of any jobs in these (or related) areas please get in touch with Peter Roukema at phroukema@gmail.com. Thank you.
Mother's Helper Needed: Perfect for a teen or young adult. We are looking for someone to come into our home and help with caring for our two small children (age 3.5 and almost 2) and a few things around the house. I (Lauren) would always be present. Weekly hours: about 5-10, possibly more when third baby arrives in April - hours are negotiable. Please email: laurenheinen@hotmail.com for more details. Located near Langley Costco.
Stories & Strategies: Strengthening the Church in Canada: Join with other Christian Reformed Churches in Canada to discuss some of the exciting things happening in church planting and church renewal. You’ll have a chance to hear and share some stories, discuss lessons that might help you in your local context, and explore resources for next steps. Saturday, January 27, 2024 - 11:00am to 1:00 p.m. (EST) Register or find out more at crcna.org/Canada or by emailing canada@crcna.org
Jam Session: Do you play a instrument, love to sing or are interested in tech or sound???? The Worship Leaders are having a Jam Session and would love to have you join them on Saturday February 3, 2024 from 12 - 2pm. Come play or learn how to mic an instrument, use the sound board and just enjoy making music with one another!! No sign up necessary, just stop by anytime between 12 - 2pm and be ready to play, sing or learn in the tech booth.
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
Calvin University January Series Watch Party - Calvin University January Series Watch Party at 1Life Learning Hub (Fleetwood CRC) : January 22, 23 & February 1 at 9:30 a.m. The full January Series viewing is also available at New West CRC weekdays at 9:30 a.m. from January 15 to February 2. Don't miss the chance to engage in thoughtful lectures on important topics. Watching at home is also possible. Register at calvin.edu/january-series/
HOUSING HELP FOR REGENT STUDENTS: Regent College is a graduate school of theology located on the UBC campus. Regent students are in desperate need of high quality and affordable housing to continue in their calling to study theology and serve the body of Christ. If you have a rental suite, or know someone who does, will you consider advertising it to Regent students? Visit housing.regent-college.edu to sign-up. Thank you!
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.
Christian Stewardship: Is there a charity close to your heart that you would love to see thrive for years to come? Christian Stewardship Services is hosting open Q&A sessions every other week this winter to answer all of your questions on charitable giving and estate planning, Explore the topics and register here!
Each session will have a 10 minute introduction, and then an interactive Q&A. The first three topics are: adding a Charity Child, estate documents, and donating life insurance. For more information, contact: info@csservices.ca.
1Life January 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 January 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:
Ministry in Canada: Churches Get Creative in Community Small grants from the CRCNA are helping some Canadian churches find creative ways to reach out.
January Series: Martin Luther King, Jr.:‘OK, I Will’ Award-winning author Lerone Martin kicked off the January Series with a presentation on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Network: Continued Prayers for Peace in the Middle East We grieve and lament deeply for lives lost and the continued disregard for the sanctity of life.
Groundwork: Thankfulness and Gratitude - Why are thanksgiving and gratitude important virtues for Jesus' followers to cultivate? Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Luke 17:11-19, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Philippians 4:4-9, and Colossians 2:6-7 to discover why grateful hearts and expressing thankfulness are essential virtues and to discuss the difference these virtues can make in our thoughts and our lives. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Phil Reinders writes, “Through the Holy Spirit, the Word shakes off ink, paper, and pixels, stepping out of the page or screen and into our daily lives. That comes through patient attentiveness, a listening that is slow and savours.” Invite the Spirit to bring God’s Word alive to you in ever deeper ways. 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
CEO Opportunity – The Emmanuel Seniors Living Society is now accepting applications for its next permanent CEO. There are some exciting things happening in the Society and the Board is seeking the right person to lead the Society through the next chapter of its growth! More information, including the Job Posting and Organization Profile, can be found at www.emmanuelhome.ca and inquiries can be sent to the Transition Committee at info@emmanuelhome.ca.
The Banner: The January 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