All bulletins can be found online www.firstcrcrocky.ca

Upcoming Events

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

10:00 am Worship Service

The Experience

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

7: 30 pm Profession

of Faith Class

Office: Josephine

July 26 July 27 July 28 July 29 July 30 July 31 August 1

10:00 am Worship Service

Ella & Friends

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

7:30 pm WPC

meeting

Office: Cheri-Lynn

August 2 August 3 August 4 August 5 August 6 August 7 August 8

10:00 am Worship Service

The Experience

Morning Service posted on

Facebook/website/app

Office: Josephine

7:30 pm Deacon’s

FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

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 St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church.

✞ Congratulations to Jennie K. and Corry W. who will celebrate birthdays on the 22.

✞Congratulations to Brett & Shylo S. on the birth of a son, Winston Harvey on Tuesday!

✞ 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 M.

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

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted,

but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV ~

IRAN: Seven Iranians Sentenced

Sources: Iran Human Rights Monitor, Middle East Concern, Article18, Mission Network News, Morning Star News

Seven Iranian Christian converts were sentenced on June 21st for "spreading propaganda against the state." The evidence used against them included possession of Christian books and symbols, holding home church meetings, and being in contact with Iranian "evangelists" abroad. All seven intend to appeal their sentences.

The sentences varied widely. Brothers Sam and Sasan Khosravi received a one-year prison term, followed by two years in exile. They have also been banned from resuming their work in the hospitality sector. Habib Heydari also received one year in prison but with no additional penalties. Pooriya Peyma received a 91-day prison sentence; the minimum required to ensure a criminal record. Sam and Sasan's wives, Maryam and Marjan, received fines of three to four months the average wage in salary. Maryam was also given a lifetime ban from working at any national institution -- a severe blow after two decades of service at a local hospital. Finally, Pooriya's wife Fatemeh was also fined.

Thankfully, new changes to Iran's criminal code were not applied in these cases. The recent amendment would have meant that those found guilty of "propaganda contrary to Islam" or "deviant psychological manipulation" could be labelled as 'members of a sect.' Such membership may result in more severe terms of imprisonment, fines, or even death. Additionally, these new changes target online ministries and virtual church meetings.

The new wording of the law appears to be an attempt to make such charges sound less religious in hopes of quelling international outrage. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Iran, go to our country report.

Remember these seven Christians in your prayers as they face the challenges posed by these sentences, including their painful separation from loved ones and fellow believers. As their appeals are presented before the courts, may the Holy Spirit mediate on their behalf -- at the same time, working in the hearts of the country's governmental and judicial authorities. Intercede also for the many other followers of Christ who are serving time in prison or living in exile because of their faith. May their lives serve as vibrant testimonies for Christ wherever they happen to be located, assured that His presence will always be with them.

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

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.

August 2– Local Church Ministries

Gratefully Received July 5-12

Resonate Global Missions $125 Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre $160 Tribal Trails $400

The Lord’s Foodbank $100 Indian Life Ministries $200 Wycliffe $1419

Rehoboth Christian Ministries $125

Second Quarter Financial Statements are available at the church office.

Highlights from the Admin Council Meeting July 14

1. The recent worship services with Covid format were discussed.

2. We need to find 4 people to upload the weekly worship services to YouTube.

3. Nomination timeline for elders and deacons was discussed.

4. We discussed how to celebrate communion safely with Covid considerations.

5. Pastor reported that Profession of Faith class will be starting soon.

6. The second quarter financial report was presented. All numbers looked good. There was some discussion on how to build understanding on giving and tithing.

7. Pastor Ken will be on holidays the last 2 weeks of August, and taking a course on Thessalonians the first week of September.

8. We hope to be able to begin fall programs in September. Expect some changes to accommodate the Covid safety protocol.

Joel S.—Clerk

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. Available at the church office for pick up during regular office hours (Tues—Friday 9:00 am-12:00pm).

A big thank-you to Sara D. for formatting and uploading the Sunday Services for us over the past few months.

Help wanted! → Can you help upload the Sunday worship service to YouTube? We are looking for 4 people who live in Rocky to take turns formatting and uploading the worship service for those who watch it online. →Looking for people to take turns videoing the morning services. If you are interested or require further information, please call the office.

Summer Camp with Christian Stewardship Services! Join Christian Stewardship Services online for an educational session where you will learn about opportunities to maximize your charitable giving! Discover new ways to bless charity you never knew CSS provided. Understand the simplicity and flexibility of a Donor Advised Fund and other options! Click here to find out more about CSS and click here to register today! Coming soon- The CSS Fireside Chat later this summer where CSS will answer all your frequently asked questions about gifting, Wills and Estate planning. Christian Stewardship Services 800.267.8890 x217 info@csservices.ca

Church Announcements

"Finding Strength and Support in Scripture" - This four-part Bible study podcast series and eBook from Groundwork can help you or someone you love draw power from God’s Word to grow in your faith when dealing with dementia, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness or pain. Get it when you subscribe to Groundwork at groundworkonline.com/findingstrength.

Black Cats and Sidewalk Cracks - Check out our children’s programs at www.kidscorner.net. In this week’s episode “Black Cats and Sidewalk Cracks,” Liz gets caught up in superstitions. Can he trust God to take care of him instead? 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.

Groundwork: Justice and Righteousness - It seems that on earth, justice cannot keep up with evil and corruption. Study Micah 6:8 and Romans 3:21-22 with us to see why righteousness is intricately connected to justice in God’s eyes and learn what this means for how we live faithfully as followers of Jesus Christ. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork’s weekly emails for future episodes.

At-home Faith Formation Tip - In the book Liturgy of the Ordinary (IVP 2016), Tish Warren writes, “As Christians, we wake each morning as those who are baptized. We are united with Christ and the approval of the Father is spoken over us. We are marked from our first waking moment by an identity that is given to us by grace: an identity that is deeper and more real than any other identity we will don that day.” How might you live out that truth this week? (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endures the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

With Covid, church services are being held in various homes.

New school building—in view of increasing demands and enrollment of pupils in school and the interest parents have on the quality of education offered at the Christian school. We have need to raise another structure to accommodate the rising student population. While in construction a wind storm destroyed a part of the existing building, but thank God that no one was hurt. Construction will continue on the multipurpose building.

Prayer requests: →Thank God for protection over our lives during this pandemic and saving the life of a fellow church member pray for our churches in villages that they won’t be weak in their faith as the church is not meeting →pray for our family, pray that God will bring the global pandemic to an end →I, (Rev. B. ) had typhoid and a rise in blood sugar, but thank God it’s been controlled now and to pray for continued good health

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Faith Formation Ministries

Update from Sierra Leone (full copy on the Missions Bulletin Board)