Fall Newsletter Excerpt
Ministries This Year
The months of September and October signal the start up of Living Hope’s ministries after taking a break throughout the Summer. We offer opportunities for people of all ages to get connected into the Living Hope community beyond the Sunday morning service — whether that’s through attending or volunteering. Check out all the exciting ministries happening this year!
INFANT/TODDLER MINISTRY
The infant and toddler nurseries minister to families with children by providing childcare during the Sunday service to anyone who would like it. Volunteers care for and play with the children and teach simple bible lessons to those that are preschool aged. Being involved with this ministry is a great way to connect with and get to know other people in our church community!
If you love to take care of and interact with the youngest generation, they’d love to have you join their team of volunteers!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School provides childcare for children ages 4 to Grade 3 during part of the Sunday morning service where the kids learn more about God through song, lessons and crafts.
Sunday School is looking for people to help with song leading and piano playing. If you are interested in either, or both, please contact sundayschool@livinghopecrc.ca. There is also space to teach for one month on and two months off from September to May.
CADETS
Our Cadets ministry is a club for boys in grades 3-7. They are given the opportunity to grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ, with peers, and with adult leaders. They do Bible studies, projects, and have special outings! Stay tuned for more about when this ministry will kick-off in October!
GEMS
GEMS is a girls club for grades 3-7. They meet on Tuesday nights (approximately every other week) from October to April for a night of fun and learning about God’s will in their lives. This year their curriculum focuses on the book of Esther.
Ladies, would you consider volunteering to teach GEMS? They need adult women as well as high-school-aged leaders. You do not need to be crafty to be a GEMS leader, you just need to connect with the girls and get to know them! If you can’t commit to a full-time leader, they would love to have you share your special talents. Some amazing special events over the years have included guided painting, candle making, macaroni shoe art, hiking, canoeing and print making. Contact Janice to volunteer or if you have questions: gems@livinghopecrc.ca
YOUTH
Do you enjoy planning special events and service opportunities for youth? We are looking for a few more people to join the Living Hope Youth group leadership. The only qualification is a heart to learn and connect with the youth. Please reach out to Pastor Ben if you would like more details on ways you could be involved.
YOUNG ADULTS
Young Adults is just beginning. If you are a young adult (post high school) looking to be part of this group, please contact Pastor Ben.
SMALL GROUPS
We have resources in our library – searchable online. If you need help finding material or if you’d like to be part of one – please contact Pastor Ben.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Keep September 19 at 9:30am free for our first Bible Study! As requested, we are studying God’s creation plan for women, using some of the stories of the lives of women in the Bible.
COFFEE BREAK
Coffee break is a time for ladies of all ages to get together, share a treat, laughter, tears, frustrations, encouragement, wisdom, and joy together. A time where God’s beautiful daughters are able to learn more about Him and His all-powerful, omnipotent, healing love for us. We are able to do this with the blessing of ladies caring for our in Story Hour.
If this is something you and/or a friend may wish to take part in, please join us starting September 20 every Wednesday from 9:30-11am. We would love to have you!
WOMEN’S CONNECTIONS
We are hoping to plan an event in the fall and would love your input on (a) what kind of event, and (b) when is best.
Mark your calendars: Living Hope and several other CRC churches are planning a Women’s Conference on April 12 & 13, 2024. It will be a time of learning, fellowship, worship, various break-out sessions and food! Grace Fox will be speaking on “In Love With the Good Shepherd” based on Psalm 23. Registration will come out early in the new year!
MEN’S MINISTRY
This ministry is for ALL men over the age of 18. Typically, we meet once a month to connect and socialize in a very relaxed setting at someone’s home. We also will occasionally organize fun outings and service projects. It’s a terrific way to get to know other men from the congregation and build friendships and community. Check the website and watch the weekly announcements for our next event! Ask Grant Notenbomer for more details.
YOUNG AT HEART | SENIORS
Our new season will start on Thursday, October 19 at 10am. Everyone over 60 is welcome to join us. Wanted from you: Ideas for presentations, musical numbers, activities, etc. for our monthly gatherings. Perhaps you would consider presenting something? Please let Ria, Sue or Al know. We need your ideas!