Our Church Family: November 22/09
▪ Heero’s recovery from surgery is going very slowly. Hopefully therapy which was started this past Friday will be helpful to speed recovery.
▪ Alice P. is in Toronto, having been assessed for heart treatment which she is hoping to receive tomorrow.
▪ We pray for God’s care and healing hand to be with Heero and Alice, as well as with Henny Y., Sheila, Brian, Hank and Jim. May God be near anyone dealing with health or other difficulties, and our senior members.
(Note: Starting this week, John Visser (WS) will be the
contact person for family news items. Use the church
email address or call John directly at 767-8525)

Congregational Meeting: Please take note of the congregational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 24th at 7:30 here at the church. This is a particularly important meeting as we will be reviewing the church budget. Try to keep this evening free and plan on attending.

Forty Days of Prayer Journey: Scripture readings for the second week of the Prayer Journey prior to Christmas, focus on Jesus as our Saviour. As we recognize the sinful state we are in as individuals and the world, we are made aware of our need for a Saviour, and thank God for providing that in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

SERVE Update: There are 8 youth from our midst who have signed up for next year's mission trip. Our confirmed destination is Platte, South Dakota, from July 10-17. We will be looking for a male and female driver to accompany the group. We would like to recognize those students who are going - Tim Schonberger, Farren Smith, Alexis Schenk, Paige Kok, Jamie Kok, Kristen Setala, Tyler Moskaluk, and Peter Miedema. These youth will be engaged in various fundraising activities over the coming months to cover the cost of the trip, the first being a BAKE SALE that will take place during our upcoming congregational meeting. We invite members to participate either by purchasing baking or bringing some of your own.

Teen Club (Grades 7-10): There will be a Teen Club meeting Sunday Nov. 29, at Greg and Penny’s. We will get together after church for lunch and an afternoon of games. Pick-up is at 2:30pm. Come out and have some fun!

Received from Lifewater Canada:
A letter and certificate of thanks to Bethlehem CRC.

Faith in the Face of Facts: The facts of life seem to say that the good guy always finishes last. This seems to go against our Christian faith. So how can we hang on to faith when everything in life says it isn’t true? Find out on the Nov. 29 Back to God Hour. Go to www.BacktoGod.net for local stations and times.

Lakehead Choral Group presents “The Spirit of Christmas” on Wednesday, December 2nd at 8:00 pm at St. Agnes Church, located at the corner of Mary and Brown St. Special guests will be the Thunder Bay Youth Choir. Tickets are $10 in advance ($12 at the door) and are available from Dominion Motors, Rollason Flowers, Hull’s Family Bookstores, Finnish Bookstore/Kitchen Nook and all Lakehead Choral Group members, or phone 577-8805 for more information. Come out and catch the “Spirit of Christmas”. See Poster

Our Church Family: November 15/09
▪ Last Saturday evening, Alice P. was admitted to hospital with severe angina pain. She’s thankful to be at home again as of Wednesday, and anticipates traveling to Toronto Wednesday for heart-related treatment. We pray for safety in travel for her and Herman, and success for the procedure, that Alice’s pain may be relieved.
▪ Heero is thankful to be at home again as of Wednesday. He needs to take it easy, and appreciates the prayers and tokens of concern for him and Klazien.
▪ Jim has been able to resume his work, but needs to continue with the eye drops for some time yet. We pray for healing and protection of Jim’s eyesight.
▪ Our ongoing prayers are with Henny Y. as she continues to receive treatment, and our senior members.
▪ Also remember Sheila as her collarbone heals, and Brian as he recovers from his bike accident.

The devotional booklet for the (early) Advent Season began Sunday, November 15 – 40 days until Christmas! You are encouraged to use these devotions and join with Christian Reformed Churches across Eastern Canada for forty days of united corporate prayer. As we think about the fact that Jesus came and is still with us, let us give thanks and praise to God. (Psalm 100)

Hello from Nicaragua: After a rainless rainy season, we just got hot by Hurricane Ida. Some areas received 30 inches of rain in five days. Attached is my most recent newsletter. I share a story in how farmers are 'cultivating water' in Nicaragua. When I first heard of cultivating water, I thought I had misunderstood Esteban and Eriverto as they led me down the path towards their farms. Perhaps it could be my less than fluent Spanish, or maybe it’s a new crop I haven’t heard of yet. I asked Esteban to repeat what he said, this time there was no doubt…. they were ‘cultivating water’!. This ought to be interesting I thought! A few minutes later we arrived at the edge of his property Esteban turned around to reveal a series of water holes that were fed from a spring. This is my water crop he said with his face beaming!... read on in the attachment.....
Mark Vanderwees, CRWRC Nicaragua

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK: Churches around the world will recognize Restorative Justice Week, November 15-22. The CRC has been deeply involved in restorative justice, which attempts to engage victims of crime, offenders and the affected communities in bringing about deep and lasting solutions by focusing on restitution, restoration, healing, and the future. See what God is doing through restorative justice, and how you can become a part of it: click on Issues, then Restorative Justice on the Office of Social Justice's website: www.crcjustice.org

TBCS Bazaar and Auction: Step Right Up! The Thunder Bay Christian School 2009 Bazaar and Auction promises to be filled with the excitement of a Real Carnival. The Big Top is coming to the Thunder Bay Christian School on November 19 and 20. Doors open at 7:00pm on Thursday and 6:00pm on Friday. The auction will start at 8:00pm on the Friday night. Delicious Food, Exciting Games and Deals Galore for Everyone! Admission is Free!
• Auction: We’ve got some exciting auction items lined up for you this year! See the journal for a sneak peek!
• Dinner on Friday! Remember, the doors open early on Friday! So plan for delicious Beef on a Bun for supper.
• Parking! We’d like to reserve the pavement directly in front of the school for seniors and handicapped.

Prayer Mobilizers coming: On November 25 and 26, John and Linda Parsons (Prayer Mobilizers for Classis Lake Superior - Canada) will be in Thunder Bay. At 8:00 pm, Wednesday November 25, at Hope CRC, they will teach on listening prayer (as detailed in the book "Can you hear me?" by Brad Jersak) The next day Thursday November 26, they will be available for individual inner healing sessions starting at 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Please contact Sonya Cahais at 935-2135 for more information and/or to set up an appointment for an inner healing session.

Thunder Bay Christian School Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Hope CRC. Please keep this date open.

BUS DRIVER NEEDED for TBCS: The Transportation Committee is looking for a bus driver. If interested in this position, please send a resume or contact Gerrit Cramer or Henry Streutker.

Our Church Family: November 8/09
▪ Heero was readmitted to hospital last week Saturday, and as of Thursday was awaiting further testing. He is mobile and doing well, and we pray that he may be restored to full health.
▪ Jim is dealing with an eye issue that requires medication in the form of eye drops for the next five weeks. The condition has a negative impact on already worsening cataracts. We pray for patience for Jim, and for God’s grace to protect his sight.
▪ Hank is thankful for continuing recovery.
▪ After a long period of healing from a broken collar bone, Brian is once again nursing an injury, this time a broken finger.
▪ We pray for these members and others dealing with health issues, and for our senior members.

The Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre wishes to express their appreciation for the Thanksgiving food offering taken by the Christian Reformed Churches of Thunder Bay. "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brother and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11 Thank you for heeding the word of the Lord to help feed those in need in Thunder Bay and area. May God Bless you for your generosity.
Thank you also to the Council members, church representatives and Board members of the Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre for your attendance at the Open House held in October. The power was out but the light of Jesus shone brightly through your support and encouragement. Blessings to you all from the Staff at the Christian Community Centre.

WORLD MISSIONS: Headed to Urbana '09? - CRWM and CRWRC are offering grants to help with the cost of travel for CRCNA young people who are attending Urbana '09. For more information and to download an application, visit www.crwm.org. Applications are due Nov. 30--apply today!

Advance Notice: You are invited to join us for Prayer for the Prodigals and or Lost people in your life. We want to meet to encourage and to support one another in prayer. You are not alone as you pray, because He's waiting, just as you are, to welcome your child or lost one into His embrace. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 We hope to meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at Hope Church. The first meeting is planned for December 2. Meeting room to be announced. For more information please contact Sonya Cahais 935-2135 or Isable VanRamshorst 473 - 8055.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank project was a great success this past season, our harvest day late last month was a true community effort - the barley crop was harvested in several hours, a large BBQ meal was enjoyed by all, everyone was able to have an afternoon of fellowship and being thankful to God for the blessings of the crops we grow. A total of 68 tonnes of barley was harvested, which translates into over $11,000 of aid we are able to provide from our local project to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
We would like to thank all those who were involved this past year, the farmers who planted, tended and harvested the crop, the cooks who prepared our great harvest meal, and everyone who kept our project in their prayers this season.
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. I Corinthians 3:7

From a volunteer at the Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre to the CRC churches and the TBCCC board:
Once again, the holiday season is over. It is very cold outside but what a warm heart the TBCCC has. A wonderful warm building, a staff that makes every person who comes in the door welcome.
Over the holidays (Thanksgiving) the generosity of the congregations of the CRC churches have willingly filled our emergency food cupboard with excellent food. It is very rewarding to go to the basement and see the full shelves.
As a volunteer at TBCCC, I would like at this time to thank you for the privilege of allowing me to take part in the many activities and increasing my understanding of the workings of God. So friends, today, give yourself a well-deserved hand for your complete helping hand to people.
Isaiah 44:6 “I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.”

Our Church Family: October 25/09
▪ Heero H. underwent successful surgery to clear a blocked artery in his neck and is recovering at home. We pray that he may soon be up and well again.
▪ Sheila D. continues her slow recovery from the broken collar bone as the result of a fall. She is at Pioneer Ridge.
▪ Hank underwent some testing to determine the cause of his pain.
▪ Our prayers and concerns are with all those dealing with health issues as well as our elderly, in particular Henny Y., Alice P., Jane H., and Eero T. We encourage also those who are their care givers and support people, that they may have all they need for this sometimes difficult task.
▪ We continue to keep the Schonberger family in our prayers as they deal with grief and loss, and serious illness in their extended family. May the Lord be our Strength and Comfort.
▪ Birthdays coming up: Gerrie V. (tomorrow), Herman P. (Friday), and Ada K. (next Sunday). Next Sunday, Nov. 1, also marks the 60th Anniversary for Fred and Jane H. We congratulate them on reaching this milestone, and pray for the Lord’s continued care over them.

Our Church Family: October 18/09
▪ This week Thursday, Mrs. Kok and Alice V. will be celebrating their birthdays. For Mrs. Kok it will be 102, and for Alice a whole lot less. Happy birthday to both of you, and may our gracious God protect you in the days and years to come. Mrs. Kok  has been widowed for 24 years and Alice for 15 years. May the Lord be with all our widows and those who live alone. Keep them in your prayers.
▪ May the Lord be with our members who struggle daily with pain and sicknesses: Alice P., Henny Y., Sheila D, and others.
▪ Heero will have to undergo surgery this week, which will result in a hospital stay for some days. Pray for a good outcome for the procedure.
"Your protector is the Lord: shade for you he will afford.
Neither sun or moon shall smite:
God shall guard by day and night" (Psalm 121)

Painting Party Postponed: Thank you to those who have already shown interest in helping paint at the Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre. However, we have been truly blessed this fall by having some much-needed repairs done on the exterior of the building. Because of these repairs to our bricks and roof, we will be holding off on the painting party that was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 24th at 10 am. Please stay tuned for more information on the new date and time of our painting party to happen in the near future!

A time to give thanks! Bethlehem CRC is excited to announce that on Saturday, October 10, Albert Postma was ordained as a Pastor of the Christian Reformed Church, and installed as pastor of Bethlehem Christian Reformed Church. Give thanks to God with us, for this blessing.

Our Church Family: October 4/09
▪ Bill and Gaye W. would like to thank the congregation for celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with them, and for all the kind words and wishes from Bethlehem. They were very heartwarming.

Thank you, Congregation and Council, for allowing me the opportunity to minister the Word to you over the past few months. It was a real privilege and joy. And thank you for your very generous, totally unexpected, but gratefully received gift of appreciation. It was over the top! And your many kind words warm my heart.....Pastor Harold

Nursery Move: The nursery will now be located in the children’s ministry centre located at the rear of the church. If there are any questions or concerns please contact Yvonne Schenk at 344-5516.

From the Education Committee: If your child is anywhere between age 4 and grade 5, he/she is welcome to join Natasha and Jennifer for Sunday School during the service in the Children's Ministry Centre; they will be leaving the sanctuary after the first part of the service (usually after the opening songs of praise). There are two catechism classes being held before the services from 9:30 - 10:10 am. The gr. 6-9 group meets with Herb Bax (or with Fred Wagenaar, spare) in the Children's Ministry Centre, and the gr. 10-12 group meets with Bram Drost (or with Jennifer Drost, spare) in the room downstairs between the nursery and library. (Parents, a schedule of classes was sent home today. Ask your son/daughter for it and keep it in a handy spot).

Small Group Resource: Looking for material for your small group? “Love to Pray”, written by Alvin Vandergriend, is a 40-day devotional for deepening your prayer life. The devotional and a study guide are available in the church library if you would like to check them out, and they can be ordered from Faith Alive Christian Resources. Also in the library is “The Joy of Prayer”, which is a follow up publication, and includes the study guide. Highly recommended by Cathy Y., Prayer Coordinator.

LEAVING HOME FOR UNIVERSITY? If you or someone you know is attending a public university this fall, the Christian Reformed Campus Ministry would like to know! Send us your name, address, and which university will be attended, and we will forward this information to the CRC campus ministry at that university. Or, contact them directly yourself! See our directory of ministries at www.crcma.com. Let’s keep the covenant alive! Our campus ministries nurture discipleship that includes mentoring, fellowship, social justice work and spiritual growth. For details or to send contact info, please email Rev. Brian Bork at waterloocampusministry@gmail.com.