All bulletins can be found online www.firstcrcrocky.ca

Upcoming Events

July 5 July 6 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 11

10:00 am Worship Service

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

Office: Josephine

7:30 pm Finance

Meeting

Blood donor clinic (make

appointment online)

July 12 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 18

10:00 am Worship Service

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

Office: Cheri-Lynn

July 19 July 20 July 21 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 25

10:00 am Worship Service

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

Office: Josephine

FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

July 5, 2020

Our MISSION is to worship God faithfully, nurture one another to grow in Christ, joyfully tell others about Jesus, develop our gifts to serve and pursue

stewardship, justice and peace in every area of life.

Pastor Ken Douma– kgdouma@gmail.com 780.728.8148

Church Office: (Josephine & Cheri-Lynn) 845.6067 (Tuesday — Friday 9am to 12:00pm) office@rockycrc.ca

Check out our Facebook page (@FirstCRC.RockyMtnHouse) or our website

(firstcrcrocky.ca) for links to sermons and blog posts from Pastor Ken.

“…And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

✞ As a ministerial church, each church has been asked to pray for our brothers and sisters in our community, today we pray for Partners in Christ (Holy Trinity Anglican & Rocky Mountain Evangelical Lutheran Churches).

✞ We pray for Pearl V., Jennie K., Dale F., Elly O., Diane W. and Ron L. all at home. Ken S. at Westview Lodge. Dick O., Norman & Mae P. and Gerrit O. at Clearwater Centre; Seenie B. and Corry W. at Park Avenue. We ask for God’s keeping and care. We thank you for all the caregivers who are able to assist those who require a little extra

help and care.

✞Please keep all missionaries in God’s care, wherever they may be serving. Join us in praying for: people and language groups who still live in Bible poverty, that God’s Word will reach them soon; open doors and open hearts; the emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing of ministry workers.

If you know of anyone that we should be keeping in our prayers for various reasons, council asks that you please call Pastor Ken, any elder or deacon. Elders are Robert B., Peter D. Cody L., David C., Anthony B., Gary V., Alan O., Joel S., Case K., Rita B. or Art T. Deacons are Bill S., Jim D., Logan V., Erika W., Thomas D., or Nancy O.

Do you know that there are groups of members who will lift you up in prayer? Do you know you can contact them through e-mail, through the church office,

phone call or through the website anonymously? If you have a prayer request and would like to be lifted in prayer contact:

Jean B.

Anita Middel

www.firstcrcrocky.ca (via the CONTACT link or PRAYER MINISTRIES link)

✞ CHURCH FAMILY ✞

Welcome to First CRC Rocky If you are visiting we want to offer a warm welcome!

We pray you will encounter God today as you worship and bring him praise!

For more Information view: www.firstcrcrocky.ca or FirstCRC.RockyMtnHouse on Facebook

"The world today is full of troubled and hurting people who need the Saviour's gentle care.... When we've been a beneficiary of God's loving compassion, we can't help but want to extend it to others."

~ A. Kieda in reference to Matthew 9:36~

NIGERIA: Reports of "Unfolding Genocide"

Sources: Forbes, Christian Post

For several years, suffering has been a way of life for Christians in Nigeria. In 2010, the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened a preliminary examination into this troubling situation which was formerly caused by the violence of Boko Haram militants. Thousands of lives have been lost throughout the years that followed, along with the destruction of numerous homes and churches, and the abduction of hundreds of innocent victims -- including teen Leah Sharibu who was taken captive in February 2018 and is still missing to date.

As horrific as the crimes perpetrated by Boko Haram have been, this terrorist group has been eclipsed in recent years by Fulani militia groups. While the exact death toll is unknown, Christian leaders claim that over 6,000 believers have been maimed or killed -- many of them vulnerable children, women and the aged. Open Doors refers to the attacks as a "religious cleansing"; in other words, an attempt to eradicate Christianity from the region. Others refer to it as genocide.

On June 15th, the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief released a report titled, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide? The document outlines the fact that thousands of innocent lives have been lost and multiple homes destroyed, concerns that have prompted the organization to call on the involvement of the international community. This call includes providing humanitarian assistance for those who are suffering, a response from the international community, and proactive action taken by the Nigerian government. To view the report, click here. British representatives have also taken their concerns to the ICC earlier this year, asking for further investigation.

The response of the Nigerian government to allegations referencing its passivity over the horrendous atrocities committed by the country's militants has been dismissive. President Muhammadu Buhari's spokesperson refers to a "misleading campaign" with "false allegations of persecution of Christians." Such an apathetic response leads to another concern, questioning potential bias on the part of the president, the son of a Fulani chief.

Intercede for Nigeria's Christians who are facing these ongoing campaigns of violence from various opposing sources. Pray that the government will act responsibly on behalf of these innocent victims by making efforts to halt the alarming number of casualties, rampages of destruction, and the resulting grief and suffering. May action from the international community serve as an impetus to bring about positive change and, therefore, a brighter future for all Nigerians.

Deacon’s Corner ~ Jim D. Erika W. Thomas D. Nancy O. Logan V. Bill S. Offerings

July 5—Local Church Ministries Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God. It comes from a heart of worship that recognizes that

everything we have already belongs to God. The deacons usually designate two Sunday offerings per month to “Local Church Ministries” which goes towards all our budget commitments. Staff, office expenses, power, heat, insurance,

children’s programs, mission support and ministry shares are all paid from “Local Church Ministries” collections.

July 12– Wycliffe Wycliffe Canada members dedicated to Bible translation have been impacted by the current pandemic. More Wycliffe

members than usual will need emergency funding. Many work in remote areas in developing countries. In these places, self isolation and quarantine are usually more difficult. They need to leave the field suddenly and costs of last minute

flights and accommodations are high. You can help ensure that this important work moves ahead despite the challenges. Your gift to the Emergency Fund will: Provide last minutes flights & temporary accommodations to get members out of situations where their health and safety are at risk, Ensure temporary financial support for members with supporters

unable to give as before, Support members who fall ill or must stay home with sick family members, and Offer resources to those in emergency situations.

July 19— Local Church Ministries

July 26— Rocky & District Victim Services The Rocky and District Victim Services Unit is a not-for-profit organization based at the RCMP detachment in the Town of

Rocky Mountain House. We offer compassionate, informative support services to victims of crime & trauma in Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County, Bighorn, Sunchild & O'Chiese First Nations. We are governed by a volunteer board consisting of representatives from the community and the regional RCMP detachment. RDVS offers crisis intervention 24

hours a day, 7 days a week, with the goal of alleviating trauma and reducing the emotional impact of a crisis situation. We also act as a referral service, providing appropriate information and direction to service providers that victims of crime

and tragedy may require. Our core purpose is to be the compassionate face of law enforcement when police are called in to respond to a crime, crisis or emergency.

Gratefully Received June 21-28

Resonate Global Missions $709 Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre $100

Local Church Ministries $10,930

As hospitals resume procedures that were put on hold due to COVID –19 the need for blood donors is high. Canadian Blood Services will be holding a blood donor clinic on Thursday, July 9. You MUST book an appointment, no walk ins. Go to blood.ca to book your appointment today

Profession of Faith—It's the beginning of summer, but since we were not able to offer a course this past spring, Pastor Ken is wondering who would be interested in going through a Profession of Faith Course in July and August or if people would prefer to leave it until the fall. Please contact him by July 12 if you are interested or have any questions about professing your faith.

Please note that you can watch our services online. There are three ways you can access these videos: 1. You can go to our Church website (firstcrcrocky.ca) and click on the link that will take you to the videos (you can also access the audio files on the Church website/APP). 2. You can search for First CRC Rocky on You-tube and click on the most recent service. 3. You can go to our church Facebook page (search for First Christian Reformed Church Rocky Mountain House and be sure to like the page and you will get notifications in Facebook when things are posted there).

Offerings & Tithes You can continue to give to the church even when you’re not there. There are a few options available: →pre-authorized bank withdrawals. Withdrawals are made on the 15th of every month and are allocated to our local church budget. If you are interested in giving in this way please contact Marlene O. or the church office. Please note that this withdrawal cannot be changed every month. Two weeks are needed to get this set up and if there need to be changes two weeks are needed for changes as well. →E-Transfer to treasurer@rockycrc.ca please put YOUR NAME and CAUSE on the memo line. → mailed to the church at First Christian Reformed Church (RR3 Site 4 Box 6 - Rocky Mtn. House, AB- T4T 2A3) or dropped off at the office from 9-12 Tuesday to Friday. Please make your cheques out to First Christian Reformed Church and note the cause on the front of the cheque. In this way we can still support the additional causes the church supports throughout the year.

From the Office- If you require a printed bulletin please contact the office or your elder and we will do our best to get it to you. We encourage you to download our App (iPhone or android—it’s free) First CRC Rocky Mtn House. This will keep you up to date with bulletins, blog posts and audio sermons. If you are using the APP to view the bulletin, for some unforeseen reason it is not posted on there; it does happen with the internet, please know you are able to view the bulletin on the church website (firstcrcrocky.ca) MEDIA (at the top) ANNOUNCMENTS. Available at the church office for pick up during regular office hours (Tues—Friday 9:00 am-12:00pm). → May & June Banners

GEMS for their Online Conference - GEMS leaders, ministry friends, and all women are invited to join GEMS for their Online Conference this year. The event will occur on July 30 & 31. Together we will explore what it means to confident in God's Unshakeable Kingdom amidst a season of uncertainty and confusion. Worship, breakout sessions, the debut of the Friended. curriculum, online coffee chats, and connection await! Keynote speakers include Bob Goff, Annie F. Downs, Arlene Pellicane, Lynn Cowell, Bruce Martin, Lenae Bulthuis, and Cindy Bultema. The registration rate is $99 USD/$133 CAD and includes access to view the event for up to 2 weeks following July 30-31. Find out more and register at gemsgc.org/events/onlineconference/.

Church Announcements

Groundwork: Choosing Hope in Suffering - When we have every right to lament and despair, what is the source for our continued hope? Join Groundwork as we listen to Job’s laments in chapters 13-21 and find out what he declares is the source of his continued hope at a time when it seems all hope is lost. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.

Wilderness Club - Check out our children’s programs at www.kidscorner.net. In this week’s episode, “Wilderness Club,” on a camping trip, Liz and the gang must learn to work together to survive in the wilderness and to rescue a friend! Listen now at kidscorner.net and subscribe to KC’s weekly emails for future episodes. Download the KC Sketchbook and draw and color all your favorite Kids Corner characters. https://kidscorner.net/activities

At-Home Faith Formation Tip - “Boredom is a crucial warning sign—as important in its own way as physical pain. It’s a sign that our capacity for wonder and delight, contemplation and attention, real play and fruitful work, has been dangerously depleted” from The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch (Baker Books). How might you refill those depleted areas at home this week? (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation)

Join the Team at World Renew! - We are compelled by God’s deep passion for justice & mercy, we join communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation. If you’re passionate about this mission and want to join our team check out the following career opportunities: Associate Director, Human Resources, based in Grand Rapids, MI; and Marketing Communications Writer - Parental Leave, based in Burlington, ON. See our website for more details about these opportunities and the links to apply: https://worldrenew.net/careers

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