Week 20

Thought for the week: “A mother holds her children’s hands for a while but their hearts forever.”

May 13, 2012 – Right to Life: This organization is dedicated to the protection of life from conception until natural death. Education and assistance to women and men who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy, as part of other pro-life organizations we help mothers have their babies and give them the support they need to make the LiFE affecting decision to either keep their child or find adoptive homes.

Sunday May 20, 2012 – Bethseda Centre: The Bethseda Centre offers accommodation, counselling and support of young mothers during their pregnancy and after the birth of their babies. At Bethseda, the expecting mothers live in a supportive and positive residential environment where they are able to continue their education while also learning how to care for and nurture their babies.

This Saturday we are helping out at Loads of Love from 8:30am – 10:30/11am painting & outdoor cleanup (bring rollers and/or brushes). Please contact Mark D for more information.

Jesus tells us to love one another, as taught in Matthew 22. In Acts 2 we also see the example of the believers caring for each other. These are models for us to use with our church today as well. We are God’s family and we want to support and care for each other. That’s why it is so important that you talk to your elder, deacon, pastoral care worker, pastor, or Council Executive if there is something that you are burdened with. These burdens can be physical or spiritual, or maybe other needs. This way, we as a church family can support you and surround you with love and prayer as you work through these situations. Whether it’s concerns and frustrations or celebrations and joyful moments, we urge you to let us know.

GRACE CRC CHURCH PICNIC: Please mark June 3^rd on your calendar for a church picnic here at Grace CRC after the morning worship service (check out the bright coloured insert for food requests). There will be lots of food, fun, and games for all!! We will be having a friendly district competition again (Go District #1)! And bring your lawn chairs. See you there!!!

MAIL SLOTS: If you have been worshipping with us as a guest and would like to have a mail slot to receive correspondence from our church please phone or send an e-mail to the church office and let us know. We’d love to set that up for you!

TECHIE PEOPLE NEEDED: We need to replace a couple of members of our audio/visual team and would love to have you join us. Training will be provided. Please contact Jeff D for more information. Thank you to Ken N, Ray V, and Phil V who have given a lot of time in this important ministry in our church! We wish you God’s blessings!

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Come join this great ministry and spend time with the youngest members of our congregation! We are in need of youth and adult volunteers for both am and pm worship services. This is an easy job to do and it is really appreciated! Talk to Jolene M, Natalie N, or Christina H if you can help us out!

Council Report: Last Sunday we drew the names for elders and deacons in the morning worship service. For elder, Frank B, Ron N, and Bill V were selected, for deacon, Jackie B and Myrna P were selected. We are thankful to all those who let their name stand for elder and deacon and we look forward to the service on the morning of May 27 when we officially welcomed them into the office. May God bless them in their new role in Grace Church and may God bless the out going elders Bill D, Greg N, and Ray V, as well as the outgoing deacons Teresa H and Aaron.

LIBRARY NEWS: “The Last Plea Bargain” by Randy Singer. Jamie Brock vows she will never plea-bargain a case. Convicted felons will say anything to get out of jail, but they also know a lot. To convict the devil, sometimes you have to cut a deal with one of his demons.

HOLIDAYS: The church secretary is on holidays this week so please contact Kathy D if you need anything in the bulletin.

New Members/Profession of Faith Class: Interested in learning more about the beliefs and teaching of Grace CRC and the denomination of the Christian Reformed Church? Want to know more about becoming a member of Grace CRC? Are you considering making a public profession of your faith? Pastor William and Pastor Jake invite you to join us for a six week class starting the beginning of June. Together we will explore what it means to be Reformed and why it matters. Please contact Pastor Jake if you are interested in attending.

Back from University or College? Come join the Young Adults group! We are meeting this Tuesday at Pastor Jake's starting at 7:30. Join one of the following discussion groups: Group 1 will be reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Group A will be reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Please visit www.gracecrcyouth.com for more info about the following events and Grace CRC's youth ministry.