Bulletin Announcements

CRC Communications

Join us in Praying for Synod 2022 - Synodical delegates, church leaders, and CRCNA members across the continent are praying for Synod 2022. Please join us! Prayer gatherings for synodical delegates are scheduled for May 11 and May 25. We will post prayer guides on the Network each time so that you can pray with us at a time that works for you as families, individuals, church councils, small groups, and others. Need some prayer points to pray through now? Find the April 27 prayer guide at https://network.crcna.org/prayer/prayer-guide-synod-psalm-13

Elder and Deacon Online Training Course (Free) - Are you a leader or incoming Elder/Deacon at your church? Register now to take the Thriving Essentials virtual training in June at no cost (limit 25 persons). The two, 2 hour-long Zoom sessions on June 2 and 9 can help get all church leaders on the same page concerning the key concepts of Mission, Discipleship, Discernment, and Leadership. Take the class for yourself, then decide if attendance would benefit your core church leadership. Website: crcna.org/Thrive

Send Us Your Church Life Photos - Send us your photos of the church at work or at worship! If you attend a CRC church and like taking photos, we'd love to see photos of your church in action: worshiping, engaging with the neighbourhood, gardening...anything that brings church members together. We hope to share these photos on our Facebook page, on the homepage of the CRCNA website, on the Deacons' Offering Calendar, and in other ways that showcase some of the many faces of the CRC. (For that reason, please ensure that you have permission from the people in the photo to share it.) Send your photos to [email protected]

Send Us Your Church Life Photos - Send us your photos of the church at work or at worship! If you attend a CRC church and like taking photos, we'd love to see photos of your church in action: worshiping, engaging with the neighborhood, gardening...anything that brings church members together. We hope to share these photos on our Facebook page, on the homepage of the CRCNA website, on the Deacons' Offering Calendar, and in other ways that showcase some of the many faces of the CRC. (For that reason, please ensure that you have permission from the people in the photo to share it.) Send your photos to [email protected]

Synodical Service of Prayer and Praise - All area CRC members are invited to join the delegates in worship at the Synodical Service of Prayer and Praise on Sunday evening, June 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the University Chapel, Calvin University, 1835 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rev. Dirk M. vanEyk, pastor at Encounter Church CRC, will deliver the message.

Faith Formation Ministries

Faith Practice Reflection Tip - Reflection and Discussion Starter—the Practice of Prayer: Read Mark 9:14-24 and ponder or discuss the following questions. This father’s utterance, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” is an honest prayer. He’s not trying to impress Jesus; he’s asking Jesus to meet him where he is. In what areas of your faith do you experience doubt? How is doubt handled in your church family? Is there room for people to experience both belief and unbelief as they grow in faith? (For more on faith practices from Faith Formation Ministries, visit bit.ly/FaithPracticesProject)

Survey on Faith Formation in the Home - Faith Formation Ministries is partnering with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) on a study about how faith is being formed in homes across Canada. Their research will help our denominational ministries better serve families and churches to meet the discipleship needs and opportunities of children and youth. The survey is open through June 7, 2022. If you are a parent with children under 18 living at home, please consider participating in the EFC's parent survey: https://www.research.net/r/89XWFTB

Other

Hope for Ukraine - Benefit Concert by Libertas Male Choir - Join us at at Redeemer University on THURSDAY MAY 26, 2022, 7:30PM. A portion of ticket sales and a freewill offering at the concert will benefit the charitable organization, Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine. (www.mennonitecentre.ca) We welcome back our director, Martin Mans and guest musician, Hugo van der Meij, both from The Netherlands, as well as Andre Knevel, organist. Online tickets will soon be available at www.tickets.redeemer.ca

Together Seeking God’s Face – Prayer for Synod - Monday, June 6, 7:30PM - 8:30PM PST - On Monday, June 6, join in a bi-classical worship and prayer time hosted by 1Life that invites us into prayer “to recapture the spirit of Jesus prayer in John 17 – that of loving God and each other so deeply that the world will know that Jesus is Lord” (quotes from Denomination Calls for Year of Prayer, July 2021). Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3MAq3cO

Tri-State Teens Encounter Christ - (TEC) is accepting applications for the upcoming weekend at the First Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. TEC is an interdenominational three-day Christian retreat designed to help high schoolers learn more about their faith and their community. The next TEC is June 24-26, 2022. To learn more about TEC or register, please visit www.TriStateTEC.org or email [email protected] The cost is $50 and includes a t-shirt & other special gifts. Scholarships are available upon request.

ReFrame Ministries

Ascension Day: Jesus Now in Heaven - Check out the new kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. In Acts 1, we read about the last moments of Jesus’ time on earth. He told his disciples what he wanted them to do next, and then he left. Why did Jesus have to leave? What could be good about Jesus going? Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.

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. Subscribe for regular email updates and connect with our Family Fire community on Facebook.

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. Subscribe for regular email updates and connect with our Family Fire community on Facebook.

The Great Commission: Reflecting God - Check out the new kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. We have the opportunity every day to proclaim God’s love in our actions and words. In Matthew 28, God commanded us to share our faith with others: to share our stories of God’s love for us. That’s a big responsibility! Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.

Understanding Pentecost - Check out the new kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. The Spirit came in a powerful way and filled the people. That’s because we serve a powerful God! The wind and fire are symbols for God’s presence. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.

I’m a Part of God's Story - Check out the new kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. The Bible is like a telescope that helps us zoom in on God’s plan; it reminds us that God works all things together for good. God gave us his Word to be the lens through which we can look at our lives. Ask him to make his promises clear and to help you trust in his plan. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.

Tabitha: Community Builder - Check out the new kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. The Bible is filled with ordinary people who listened to God’s calling. One struck down a giant, others interpreted dreams, one rescued spies, another saved animals from a flood, and still another sewed clothes. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content.

Groundwork: Sharing Your Faith Makes Disciples - Participating in evangelism can be an intimidating, but Jesus commands us to share our faith. Join Groundwork as we demystify ideas of evangelism by studying the stories of Jesus ascension to heaven in Luke 24:46-53, Acts 1:6-11, and Matthew 28:16-20 to discover what Jesus' command is, what it means, and what it looks like in our lives today. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.

World Renew

World Renew DRS 50th Anniversary Tour - For 50 years, disaster survivors have been met with God’s justice through church and volunteer partnership with World Renew Disaster Response Services. Come and celebrate all God has done on our 50th Anniversary Tour on June 15th at our new office building, 8970 Byron Commerce Dr SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315. This will be an open house style celebration from 4-7PM Eastern. We hope to see you there! More information can be found at worldrenew.net/drs-50th-anniversary-tour

World Renew DRS 50th Anniversary Tour - At World Renew Disaster Response Services, we are grateful to celebrate 50 years of DRS! Our work with churches and volunteers is how Christ’s hope and love is shared through disaster response, home repairs, and more. Join us on our anniversary tour for an open house style celebration from 4-7 PM on July 19th at Third Christian Reformed Church (514 Liberty St., Lynden, WA) to reconnect, join in fellowship with a meal, and more.

World Renew DRS 50th Anniversary Tour - At World Renew Disaster Response Services, we are grateful to celebrate 50 years of DRS! Our work with churches and volunteers is how Christ’s hope and love is shared through disaster response, home repairs, and more. Join us on our anniversary tour for an open house style celebration from 4-7 PM on July 21st at Trinity Christian Reformed Church (13427 - 57 St NW, Edmonton, AB) to reconnect, join in fellowship with a meal, and learn about volunteering with DRS.

Career at World Renew: Communication and Information Assistant - World Renew has an exciting opportunity for you to join us in our work of Living Justice, Loving Mercy and Serving Christ. We are currently seeking a Communication and Information Assistant in Burlington, ON. See our website for more details about this career opportunity: worldrenew.ca/careers

Career - World Renew is currently looking to hire a Finance Manager. This position is responsible for World Renew’s grant financial management by providing support to Grants Managers and Special Donor Funds (grants only) in financial management. Specifically, this involves ensuring compliance with grants and providing training when necessary to ensure this, and ensuring World Renew’s overall successful performance in financial management for grants/special funds administered by the Program Excellence (PE) Team. This role will provide leadership and management to the Gift Processing team; ensure accurate and timely entry and updating of gift, donor, and member records; and manage the gift process to conform to policies, timelines, donor intent, and agency instructions. More details about this opportunity and the link to apply can be found at worldrenew.net/careers. The application deadline for this position is May 30, 2022.

Resonate Global Mission

Resonate Global Mission - Member Care Coordinator - Resonate is hiring a Member Care Coordinator to coordinate member care services that contribute to the emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational health of Resonate missionaries and their family members and volunteers with the goal of helping them to be resilient mission workers and families who can thrive where God has called them to serve. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or applying to this role visit: crcna.pinpointhq.com/en/jobs/48442

Diaconal Ministries Canada

Diaconal Coaches Needed - Diaconal Ministries Canada has a network of amazing Diaconal Coaches spread out across the country, equipped with the tools and resources deacons need! We are currently looking for a few coaches to add to our amazing team, specifically in Northern BC & the Okanagan region; Calgary, AB; Winnipeg, MB; and also in Southern Ontario (Windsor, Chatham & Sarnia region) and Eastern Ontario (Kingston area). A Diaconal Coach serves as an equipper and encourager for local diaconates. Coaches do this by holding workshops and training events, by providing relevant resources, and by connecting deacons and churches to local organizations. Coaches receive training and support as well as a modest salary and an expense budget. Want to learn more? Email [email protected] or visit our website for more information: diaconalministries.com/diaconalcoaches

Job Opening - Fundraising Coordinator - Diaconal Ministries Canada is excited to see our staff grow! We are currently searching for a Fundraising Coordinator who will be responsible for new revenue generation through the development, maintenance, and management of all aspects of our fundraising efforts. This will also include some work on the annual NewGround Campaign. This role is part-time (18 hours/week) with a start date of on or around July 30th. The ideal candidate would live in close proximity to our office in Burlington, ON, or amongst a cluster a Christian Reformed churches. For the full job description and the application deadline, visit diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/

Board Members Needed - Diaconal Ministries Canada equips and supports deacons in the CRC in Canada. Our Board of Directors includes one representative from each Canadian classis in the Christian Reformed Church. Their main goal is to oversee the work of Diaconal Ministries and ensure it is accomplishing its intended outcomes through its programs and resources. We are currently searching for a Board Member for Classis Niagara (starting immediately), as well as for Classis Hamilton and Classis Toronto for this coming fall. If you would like to receive more information on this role or if you would like to submit your interest, please contact Ron Vanden Brink, National Director, at [email protected] He'd love to connect with you!

Job Opening - Fundraising Coordinator - Diaconal Ministries Canada is excited to see our staff grow! We are currently searching for a Fundraising Coordinator who will be responsible for new revenue generation through the development, maintenance, and management of all aspects of our fundraising efforts. This will also include some work on the annual NewGround Campaign. This role is part-time (18 hours/week) with a start date of on or around July 30th. The ideal candidate would live in close proximity to our office in Burlington, ON, or amongst a cluster a Christian Reformed churches. For the full job description and the application deadline, visit diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/

The Banner

Get The Banner Straight to Your Inbox - The Banner, the magazine of the CRC, will send you news, features, and columns straight to your email inbox! Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter by visiting thebanner.org/signup. While you're there, you can sign up to receive The Banner print magazine straight to your door as well! TheBanner.org/signup

Banner Delayed - Due to worldwide paper shortages, delivery of the June issue of The Banner will be delayed by up to two weeks. In the meantime, visit TheBanner.org for new features, columns, news, and more. All reporting leading up to and during Synod 2022 can be found at thebanner.org/synod