CRC Communications
Edmonton Area CRCNA Airlines - Board the “CRCNA Airlines”, where your flight attendants will lead you on a wild adventure following our ministry share dollars across the globe. We'll jet off to Cambodia, Uganda, traverse Canada and the USA, explore our Urban Indigenous Ministries, and so much more. You'll leave feeling inspired and empowered, knowing that your ministry share dollars are hard at work, making a significant impact on countless lives. Are you ready for a fun adventure? Join us for this epic Ministry Shares workshop and be part of something truly extraordinary! DATE: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: West End CRC, 10015 149 St, Edmonton, AB, T5N 3X6 RSVP: crcna.regfox.com/crcna-airlines-edmonton
Edmonton Area CRCNA Airlines - Final Boarding Call - Next week board the “CRCNA Airlines”, where your flight attendants will lead you on a wild adventure chasing our ministry share dollars across the globe. We'll jet off to Cambodia, Uganda, traverse Canada, and so much more. Join us for this epic Ministry Shares workshop and be part of this fun adventure! DATE: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: West End CRC, 10015 149 St, Edmonton, AB, T5N 3X6 RSVP: crcna.regfox.com/crcna-airlines-edmonton
40 Days of Prayer for Synod - You’re invited into 40 days of intentional, guided prayer leading up to Synod 2025. The theme, Journey With Jesus, has been engaged with by a wide variety of CRC contributors. Learn more and sign up for either daily Scripture and prayers OR a week’s worth of Scripture and prayers that will be emailed to you. crcna.org/synod/prayer
40 Days of Prayer for Synod 2025 - 40 Days of Prayer are written prayers representing the diversity of CRC members that will guide us for the 40 days leading up to synod. Sign up to receive an email with the prayer for the day, or a PDF with each week’s prayers. The 40 Days of Prayer will begin next Sunday, May 4, and will conclude as Synod 2025 delegates gather on June 12. crcna.org/synod/prayer
40 Days of Prayer for Synod 2025 - It's not too late! Pray-ers from around the denomination and the world began praying for Synod 2025 on May 4, but new pray-ers are always welcome. With prayers contributed by a wide variety of CRC writers, join us as we seek God's guidance and presence for this year's synod. Learn more and sign up for either daily Scripture and prayers OR a week’s worth of Scripture and prayers that will be emailed to you. crcna.org/synod/prayer
Pre-Synod Prayer Gatherings - Synod 2025 will be held June 13-19 at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario. In preparation for synod, on Wednesday, June 11, there will be a Pre-Synod Prayer Gathering at Grace CRC in Ancaster. We will gather 9am - 5pm to spend time in worship, and intercession for the delegates, classes, CRC staff, ministerial candidates, Redeemer staff, and others who will be participating at Synod. Lunch will be provided with registration. In the evening, 7:00-8:30, there will be a Synod prayer service that is open to all. Additionally, on Thursday morning, June 12, 9-11 am, there will be a prayer walk that will start on the floor of Synod and then walk through Redeemer's campus praying in the advisory committee rooms, the different meeting spaces, and throughout the campus. Learn more and register at crcna.org/synod/prayer
Indigenous Ministry
100 Women | 1 Heart - Next week join us for 100 Women | 1 Heart On April 24, 2025 from 7:30-9pm. You’ll hear from keynote speaker Shannon Perez, a Sayisi Dene woman and the director of the Indigenous Family Centre. Join us at CRCNA Office 3475 Mainway Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8 for fellowship and delicious food. Can’t attend? Give a gift in honour of another woman you admire. crcna.regfox.com/100-women-one-heart
CRC Heritage Fund
Eggs in the Giving Basket -
Savvy farmers who put some of their eggs – or grains, almonds, berries, corn, or even livestock – in the giving basket avoid taxes AND have tremendous Kingdom impact. Commodities are often more cost-effective to give than cash! Are commodities the right giving option for you? We’d love to tell you more. Write to [email protected] or call Josh Remer, CRCNA Planned Giving Advisor at 616-223-5885
Doing More for Ministry (1) - “I wish I could do more!” That’s a common sentiment we hear from supporters of CRC ministries who are passionate about the work of ministries like Thrive, Reframe, and Resonate. One way you can do more for ministry is including a gift to CRCNA in your will or trust. Learn more at crcna.org/heritagefund or call Josh Remer, CRCNA Planned Giving Advisor, at 616-223-5885.
Doing More for Ministry (2) - “I wish I could do more!” That’s a common sentiment we hear from supporters of CRC Ministries who are passionate about the work of ministries like Thrive, Reframe, and Resonate. One way you can do more for ministry is naming CRCNA as a charitable beneficiary of your retirement assets or life insurance policy. Learn more at crcna.org/heritagefund or call Josh Remer, CRCNA Planned Giving Advisor, at 616-223-5885.
Doing More for Ministry (3) - “I wish I could do more!” That’s a common sentiment we hear from supporters of CRC Ministries who are passionate about the work of ministries like Thrive, Reframe, and Resonate. One way you can do more for ministry is through a charitable annuity. Make a gift that pays you income for life. When you no longer need the income, the balance of your gift will go toward ministry! Learn more at crcna.org/heritagefund or call Josh Remer, CRCNA Planned Giving Advisor, at 616-223-5885.
ReFrame Ministries
Kids Corner: Good News at Easter - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion “Good News at Easter” at www.kidscorner.net. Just like we know the voice of someone we love, Mary Magdalene knew it was Jesus when he called her name outside the empty tomb on Easter morning. That special moment changed everything for her! It reminds us to share the amazing news that Jesus is alive and loves us so much. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Lent and Easter Collection.
Kids Corner: Needed: Grand Friendships - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion, “Needed: Grand Friendships,” at www.kidscorner.net. Spending time with mentors helps us grow in faith, share love, and remember that God is always with us. We can learn to see God’s goodness and share it with others, whatever their age. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Earth Day Collection.
Kids Corner: Connecting Like Jesus in the Digital World - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion, “Connecting Like Jesus in the Digital World” at www.kidscorner.net. God wants us to build good relationships with others, just like Jesus did. We can use technology to stay connected, but we should always be kind, loving, and thoughtful in how we interact with others. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Coloring Packet Collection.
Kids Corner: Rest and Recharge - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion, “Rest and Recharge: Following Jesus’ Example in a Digital World” at www.kidscorner.net. Jesus took time to rest, pray, and spend time with his friends, and we should too! Taking breaks from technology helps us feel refreshed, connect with God, and enjoy time with the people we love. Check out all the great content at kidscorner.net, like KC’s Coloring Packet Collection.
Groundwork: Easter: Jesus is Risen! - Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study the story of Jesus’ resurrection in Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-10 to grow in faith by remembering and celebrating Christ’s victory over death, and to see how we’re invited to participate in telling the gospel story again. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Resonate Global Mission
Easter Greetings from Resonate - He is risen! When we follow Jesus, we have an opportunity to live into that truth a little more every day. We also step into a calling to work toward the kingdom transformation Jesus brought to earth. Resonate Global Mission, your mission agency, walks alongside you and your church as you join God on mission. Thank you for your prayer, care, and support for your missionaries and church planters! This Easter season we have a special opportunity for you to double your impact—see details at www.resonateglobalmission.org/double
Other
Cadets All Ontario Camporee - Are you a parent of a Cadet? Registration has been open for boys in Cadets to sign up for the All Ontario Camporee since January, and we as counselors encourage you to consider sending your boys. For information or pictures from previous Camporees, visit https://camporee.ontariocadets.ca/index.php. Requirements to attend: minimum age of 10 years old by Dec 31, 2025; completion of the required 4 badges (Camp cooking, Knots and Lashing, Fire building and Axemanship -- these must be done before the Camporee, not necessarily before registration); taking part in the Camporee Certification Course which is scheduled at the end of May. We as counselors have seen this activity to be a blessing not only to the boys but also to the counselors who attend. Thank you for taking the time to talk to your boys and considering this. In His Service, All Ontario Host Committee
The Banner
The Banner’s Counting On You! - Please support the award-winning journalistic ministry of the CRC by giving today. $500,000 is needed every year to keep The Banner going. The more funds raised in this annual drive, the less is drawn from ministry shares, releasing money to other agencies of the CRCNA. Please donate now online at: TheBanner.org/Give
Calvin University
Paul's Missionary Journeys in Greece - October 13-24, 2025 - Travel by motor coach (6 days) and cruise ship (4 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 [email protected].
Paul B. Henry Lecture 2025 - You’re invited to the annual Paul B. Henry Lecture! The Henry Institute is partnering with the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) for a lecture on "God Behind Bars: A Conversation about Faith, Incarceration, and the Public Square" on April 22nd at 4PM at Calvin University. The discussion will include Todd Cioffi, Senior Advisor of CPI; Shawn England, CPI Alumnus and seminary student; and Noah Nagy, Warden of the Parnall Correctional Facility.
Centre for Public Dialogue, Thrive, World Renew
Finding Hope in Hospitality: A Faith-Based Conversation on Welcoming the Stranger - On May 15, from 7:30–9:00 PM EST, we invite you to a cross-border virtual gathering. In a time when refugee resettlement and immigration spark complex emotions and conversations across North America, Thrive, the Centre for Public Dialogue, Exodus World Service, and World Renew’s Canadian Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team invite you to a different kind of gathering—one rooted in hope, hospitality, and faith. Learn more and register today! https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/refugees/finding-hope-hospitality-faith-based-conversation
World Renew
Give the Gift of Hope this Easter - As we think about the sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross and the hope of his resurrection, let us consider how we can be a part of God’s promise to restore creation. In some cultures, disasters cause people to ask whether they might be a punishment from God. At World Renew, we see a crisis as an opportunity to unite as God’s people and share God’s hope and love. When we respond with mercy, we make room for God to use us to reconcile lives. The people of Myanmar continue to struggle to access food, water, and other essentials following the devastating earthquakes of March 28. Please give generously to World Renew’s Myanmar Earthquake Response Fund and help share the unimaginable love of God. To give, visit worldrenew.ca/earthquake or call 1-888-WRLD-RNW.
Thrive
Abuse Awareness Sunday - April 27 - Next week, Thrive invites our church 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. In preparation, learn more about Thrive's work toward safer churches and consider giving now to this valuable ministry that empowers all CRCs at their website: crcna.org/SafeChurch
Today is Abuse Awareness Sunday - On this special Sunday, Thrive invites our congregation 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. Please support this valuable ministry that empowers all CRCs by giving now at their website: crcna.org/SafeChurch/Donate
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Easter Sunday - This is the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Read John 20:1-18, which tells us how Jesus’ friend, Mary Magdalene, met Jesus in the garden soon after he had risen from the dead. At first she thought he was the gardener. Imagine experiencing this as Mary did. What words would you use to describe how she felt? What did she say when she finally recognized Jesus? Share with the people around you how Jesus has shown up in surprising ways throughout your life. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Consejo de Thrive sobre Formación en la Fe - Domingo de Pascua - Hoy celebramos la resurrección de Jesús. Lee Juan 20:1-18, que nos cuenta cómo María Magdalena, amiga de Jesús, lo encontró en el jardín poco después de que había resucitado. Al principio pensó que era el jardinero. Imagina vivir esta experiencia como lo hizo María. ¿Qué palabras usarías para describir cómo se sentía? ¿Qué dijo cuando finalmente reconoció a Jesús? Comparte con las personas a tu alrededor cómo Jesús se ha mostrado de maneras sorprendentes a lo largo de tu vida. Presentado por Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive 신앙 훈련 팁- 부활주일 - 오늘은 예수님의 부활을 기념하고 축하하는 부활주일입니다. 요한복음 20:1-18은 막달라 마리아가 부활하신 예수님을 정원에서 만난 이야기를 전합니다. 마리아는 처음에 그를 정원사로 오해했지만, 곧 예수님임을 알아차립니다. 내가 마리아가 되어 그 순간에 서 있다고 상상해 보세요. 만일 나라면 그 감정을 어떻게 표현했을까요? 그가 마침내 예수님을 알아보고 했을 법한 말들을 떠올려 보세요. 또한, 예수님께서 당신의 삶에 놀랍게 나타나셨던 경험이 있다면 주변 사람들과 나눠보세요. Thrive에서 제공하는 자료입니다: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Abuse Awareness Sunday - Today is a day when the church acknowledges the sad reality of abuse in our world and in our communities. Abuse happens when one person treats another with cruelty and violence, hurting them physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. Jesus came to put an end to such suffering and to the cruelty that causes it. Consider how the church can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. How can the church support people who are abused? How can the church help to put an end to abuse? If you’re looking for a helpful starting point, check out crcna.org/SafeChurch.
Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Consejo de Thrive para la Formación en la Fe - Domingo de Concientización sobre el Abuso - Hoy es un día en el que la iglesia reconoce la triste realidad del abuso en nuestro mundo y en nuestras comunidades. El abuso ocurre cuando una persona trata a otra con crueldad y violencia, causándole daño físico, emocional y/o espiritual. Jesús vino para poner fin a este sufrimiento y a la crueldad que lo provoca. Reflexiona sobre cómo la iglesia puede seguir los pasos de Jesús. ¿Cómo puede la iglesia apoyar a las personas que han sufrido abuso? ¿Cómo puede ayudar a poner fin al abuso? Si necesitas un buen punto de partida, visita crcna.org/SafeChurch. Presentado por Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive 신앙 훈련 팁- 학대 인식 주일: - 오늘은 교회가 우리 사회와 공동체에서 일어나는 학대의 슬픈 현실을 직면하는 날입니다. 학대는 한 사람이 다른 이를 신체적, 정서적, 또는 영적으로 해치며 잔혹하게 대하는 행위를 말합니다. 예수님은 이러한 고통과 그 근원이 되는 잔혹함을 끝내기 위해 이 땅에 오셨습니다. 교회는 어떻게 예수님의 발자취를 따라갈 수 있을까요? 학대받는 이들을 위해 교회가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? 또, 학대를 종식하기 위해 어떤 역할을 할 수 있을까요? 이에 대한 유용한 정보는 crcna.org/SafeChurch에서 확인해 보실 수 있습니다. Thrive에서 제공하는 자료입니다: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Teacher Appreciation Week - Ephesians 4 says that Christ himself gave us leaders, including teachers, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (4:11, NIV). At a mealtime with family members this week, share a story of a teacher who had a big impact on your life. How did God use them to help guide and encourage you? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Consejo de Thrive para la Formación en la Fe - Semana de Apreciación a los Maestros - En Efesios 4 se nos dice que Cristo mismo nos dio líderes, incluidos maestros, “a fin de capacitar al pueblo de Dios para la obra de servicio, para edificar el cuerpo de Cristo” (4:11, NVI). Durante una comida con tu familia esta semana, comparte la historia de un maestro que tuvo un gran impacto en tu vida. ¿Cómo usó Dios a esa persona para guiarte y animarte? Presentado por Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive 신앙 훈련 팁- 스승의 주일 - 에베소서 4장은 그리스도께서 가르치는 자들을 포함한 지도자들을 우리에게 주셨다고 말합니다. "봉사의 일을 하게 하며 그리스도의 몸을 세우려 하심이라"(12절). 이번 주 가족 식사 시간에, 당신의 삶에 큰 영향을 준 선생님에 대한 이야기를 나눠보세요. 하나님께서 그들을 통해 당신을 어떻게 인도하고 격려하셨는지 생각해 보세요. Thrive에서 제공하는 자료입니다: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Mother’s Day - While Mother’s Day is not part of the church calendar, it provides a great opportunity to give thanks to God for the people in our lives—whether they be mothers, siblings, aunts, grandmothers, or friends—who nurture, support, love, and encourage us to be all that God created us to be. Consider who has functioned in this way in your life, and take time this week to thank them. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Consejo de Thrive para la Formación en la Fe - Día de las Madres - Aunque el Día de las Madres no forma parte del calendario litúrgico, nos brinda una maravillosa oportunidad para dar gracias a Dios por las personas en nuestras vidas—ya sean madres, hermanos, tías, abuelas o amigos—que nos cuidan, apoyan, aman y animan a ser todo lo que Dios nos creó para ser. Reflexiona sobre quién ha desempeñado este papel en tu vida y toma tiempo esta semana para agradecerles. Presentado por Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
Thrive 신앙 훈련 팁- 어머니의 날 - 어머니의 날은 교회력에 포함되지는 않지만, 어머니, 형제자매, 고모, 할머니, 친구 등 우리를 양육하고 지원하며 사랑으로 격려해 준 분들을 생각하고 하나님께 감사할 수 있는 좋은 기회입니다. 당신의 삶에서 이런 역할을 해 준 사람들을 떠올리고, 이번 주에 시간을 내어 감사의 마음을 전해보세요. Thrive에서 제공하는 자료입니다: crcna.org/Thrive
Calvin Theological Seminary
Building Belonging and Peace Across Difference - Join us for a special program on Building Belonging & Peace Across Difference: Living into the Christian Call Now at Calvin Theological Seminary on Monday, April 28th, 2025, 4-8:30pm, with featured speakers, Ruth Padilla DeBorst, Martin Accad, and Gary Burge. Learn more and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-belonging-peace-across-difference-tickets-1285322386859
