All bulletins can be found online www.firstcrcrocky.ca

Upcoming Events

CHINA: Pastor Arrested During Online Meeting

Pastor Luo was taking part in a "Proclaim Jesus Gospel Gathering" via Zoom when police took him away for questioning. At around noon on May 23rd, police entered the Nanjing Road Church in Wuhan and began searching the building. After finding Pastor Luo, they took him for interrogation which last-ed more than four hours.

While being questioned, Pastor Luo had the opportunity to share with the police what Christians were doing for the people of Wuhan during the COVID-19 crisis. Recalling the conversation, he stated: "Christians disregarded their own lives to do good things, yet the police treat them as the bad guys. This is unreasonable." He then let the officials know that he will continue living for Christ and sharing the Gospel with others. In the end, the authorities politely sent him on his way. For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China, as well as previously posted reports, go to our country report.

Remember the ongoing efforts of Christians in Wuhan and throughout China as they share the love of Christ with their neighbours in many practical and meaningful ways. Pray that the government's efforts to stop the spread of the Gospel will be countered in a manner that will bring further honour and glory to His name. May the wise words spoken by Pastor Luo to the police officers be used by God's Spirit to convict them of their own spiritual need for salvation and lead them to faith in the Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.

June 14 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20

Look for Pastor Ken’s

sermon on Facebook and

website/app

Office: Cheri-Lynn

7:30 pm Full Council

Meeting

June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27

Look for Pastor Ken’s

sermon on Facebook and

website/app

Office: Josephine

FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

June 14, 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 post 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 Mountain Bible Chapel.

✞ Birthday congratulations to Anneke O. (20) and James and Gerry H. who will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary (20)!

✞ We pray for Pearl V., Jennie K., Dale F., Ben S., Ron L., and Diane W. all at home. Elly O. in the Rocky hospital. 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 or 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. or Anita M.

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

✞ CHURCH FAMILY ✞

Welcome to First CRC Rocky If you are visiting online, 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

From Resonate Global Mission

Back to God Ministries International

From Faith Formation Ministries

Debt Valley - Check out our children’s programs at www.kidscorner.net. In this week’s episode, “Debt Valley,” to make big cash, Liz wants to borrow money. Is this scheme guaranteed to work? Listen now at kidscorner.net and subscribe to KC’s weekly emails for future episodes. Download the Kid Corner puzzle and game giveaway Summer Fun Bible Activity Book. https://kidscorner.net/activities.

GROUNDWORK: WHY, GOD, WHY? - Why do we suffer? Does God cause bad things to happen? If not, why does he allow them? How can we maintain faith in God when everything is going wrong? Study Job 1-3 with Groundwork to see how the story of Job helps us wrestle with one of life’s most difficult questions: the problem of suffering. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork’s weekly emails for future episodes.

At-Home Faith Formation Tip - This summer, watch for how God is revealed in creation. Read Psalm 148 for inspiration, then use your five senses when you explore parks, forests, and beaches. Admire the symmetry of a flower, the strength of a tree, or the pattern of a shell. Let the kids in your life teach you about childlike wonder! (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFor

How can you get involved in God’s mission?

Pray-“Brothers and sisters, pray for us,” writes the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:25. We need prayer warriors—people willing to join with missionaries in praying for open hearts, minds, and eyes to the truth of Jesus. We need people to pray for missionaries as they work to plant and nurture gospel seeds. Resonate has a network of people committed to praying for God’s mission. Join us by signing up for our weekly Prayer Points from ministry leaders throughout North America and the world.

Send- Some people are called to share the gospel in their own communities. That’s great. You can still play a part in spreading the gospel throughout the world. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch to “set apart” Paul and Barnabas for the work God calls them to. The church plays an important role—they send Paul and Barnabas. The church lays hands on Paul and Barnabas, prays for them, and sends them out to share the gospel. Resonate missionaries need people to send them. They need people to catch their vision for ministry, pray for them, and support them financially so they can be obedient to God’s specific call on their lives.

Go- Like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13, some of us are called to cross cultures in order to take the gospel to those who have never heard it, to disciple young believers, to equip local church leaders. In our world today, crossing cultures could be crossing the street or crossing an ocean. If you’re called to go—or if your heart is racing and you’re wondering if that’s you—let’s explore where and how you can join God on mission. For more info contact Resonate Global Missions at resonateglobalmission.org/go

Church Announcements

Rocky Christian School Kindergarten Registration- Do you have a child who was born in 2015 and looking forward to kindergarten in September? Even though we don’t know for certain what the new school year will look like, now is the time to register your child for Kindergarten.

The Bible says, in Colossians 1:16, that, “In him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been creat-ed through him and for him.”

In school, students learn about ‘all things.’ It may be packaged into subjects like Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science, but taken together the Alberta Program of Studies is an official collection of all of the things that a student is required to learn.

When Rocky Christian School teaches about ‘all things’ we understand that we are teaching about a world that was created by Jesus, for Jesus, and through Jesus. Any other way to understand the world is not consistent with what Christians profess to believe and with what the scriptures teach. The ‘all things’ that Jesus made includes people; you and me. The children of Rocky Christian school learn not only that they were made by Jesus. But also for Him and through Him.

We invite you and your children to become part of a school community that presents ‘all things’ in the same way that you do. Please contact the school by phone at 403-845-3516 or email rocky-christian@wrsd.ca for a registration package or if you would like more information

Community Events Notice for Book Sale 2020

Stock up on your summer reading at Shalom Counselling’s Drive-By Book Sale Event. Our annual sale with a twist due to COVID-19 will be held on June 19th & 20th from 10am to 4pm. Purchase a box of books for $20 (exact cash only) from pre-boxed categories such as children, teen, adult fiction, cook books, self-help, Christian…and more. Your order will be taken from the comfort of your car and loaded into your trunk using all safety protocols. Come see us at 5515 27 Avenue Red Deer (behind Balmoral Bible Chapel) and make a difference in the lives of those seeking hope, healing and peace. For more in-formation contact Shalom at 403.342.0339 or Lyn at 403.318.1715

Needed! Karen and Rodger Rinker are in need of a lawn mower for the mission on the reserve. If you have a working lawn mower that you could donate please call Rodger at the mission at 403-989-3715.

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

Offerings June 14—Rehoboth Christian Ministries (www.rcmflourish.ca)

We serve people with disabilities and help them flourish by providing services and support through four programs; Residential Services, Vocational Service, Supported Independent Living and Respite Services.

June 21—Local Church Ministries

June 28—Resonate (resonateglobalmission.org)- continues the good work of Home Missions and World Missions. For more than a century, these two agencies introduced people to Christ in North America and around the world. For us, that means continuing our partnership with churches in the United States and

Canada to plant churches, do campus ministry, train and equip pastors, and develop future leaders. Additionally, it means sending missionaries overseas, proclaiming the Gospel, and forging lasting

partnerships.

Gratefully Received May 21-31

Local Church Ministries $6140 World Renew– DRS Fort McMurray $405

GEMS $20 Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre $110

Members of First CRC In keeping with the announcement by the provincial government, declaring a public emergency, the council of Rocky First CRC has cancelled church services and all related ministries for the duration of the emergency. As council, we will follow the lead of our government concerning public gatherings. Council members will be getting in touch with each and every one of our membership to inform them of options available for worship, to inquire if there is an interest to be involved in community service and to encourage connecting with each other through social media, texting, telephone calls to maintain community. These are extraordinary times and we as a body of believers need to be intentional in our support of one another. Please do not hesitate to contact your elder, deacon or Pastor Ken with any challenges, concerns and encouragements in the days ahead. Robert B. (Chair of Council) 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). 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). CD's of the audio of the services and DVD's of the services are available by contacting the Church office.

From Council

Sonrise Camp was cancelled and group use has not been booked. Sonrise Camp was not "summerized". The Alberta Stage 2 Reopening details were discussed. Stage 2 allows for worship services. How can worship services be formatted to adhere to provincial guidelines in order to minimize health risk and allow for worship? These ideas were sent to Full Council and will be discussed at the June 16 Full Council Meeting.

Offerings & 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) in the App store (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 menu bar) - click ANNOUNCEMENTS and bulletins are found there. You can access the church during regular office hours. (Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am-12:00pm). Available at the church office for pick up during regular office hours → Today Devotionals for July/August → May & June Banners

Photo’s needed—Father’s Day is coming up next week, June 21 and we would like to put together a little video of activities that Dads/Grandpas have done with their children, grandchildren/great grandchildren . You can email your photos to tleenstra16@gmail.com Please have them in by Wed. June 17.

Highlights from the June 10 Admin Council Meeting

Church Announcements

Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre Baby Bottle Campaign Bring Change Now... and into generations to come.” Every year women, men, and families are impacted by the effects of an unplanned pregnancy. In their time of need, the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre is here to provide unconditional love and accurate information to equip them to make well-informed choices. Supporting our clients in need includes one on one peer counselling, programs to

help heal from sexual abuse, parenting programs, 24/7 Dad Program, options counselling, post abortion support, and our maternity home for single women to carry their pregnancies to term, and be equipped with the tools to parent successfully. Every dollar counts and will provide material supports and/or access to much needed support and education while facing an unplanned pregnancy. What your support will give access to:

$20 - Much needed necessities such as, diapers, wipes, and formula for a baby. $50 - Options counselling. Accurate information to make a well-informed choice $150 - Post adoption or miscarriage grief counselling. $500 - Find healing from a past abortion or from sexual abuse, misuse or trauma, or be equipped for successful parenting. $1500 - Contribute toward supporting a mom and child in our maternity home.

This year we are excited to host our annual Baby Bottle Campaign virtually! You can donate online by visiting our website (pregnancycare.ca) The campaign will run until Father’s Day (June 21) Thank you for your support as we adjust to doing this virtually this year!

Information from Shalom Counselling Centre Isolation, stress, anxiety, fear, depression, and relationship breakdown are among the issues being faced by many individuals and families during this difficult time. Shalom Counselling Centre does not want anyone to feel that they have to face these situations alone. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from talking to one of our Red Deer or Olds counsellors you can arrange a phone or ZOOM session. Individual or family counselling is available by calling our office at 403.342.0339 to arrange an appointment at either location. Shalom’s services are offered on a sliding-fee scale, making them more affordable for everyone. Please don’t wait – Good Mental Wellness is for Everyone!

Rehoboth would like to invite all members to the 2020 AGM on June 20th @ 10:30 am; hosted as a webinar through ZOOM. AGM agenda and information on how to participate can be found online at: https://www.rcmflourish.ca/2020-agm-agenda/

The Staff at Christian Stewardship Services are pleased to announce a series of Virtual Webinars and are delighted to invite you to join in. Since Christian Stewardship Services is partnered with the CRCNA, there is no charge to listen in or receive the personal follow up that is available. Our current webinars topics are: Planning or Reviewing a Will, and Tools of Gift Planning. They are running in June, (Tuesdays at 7pm EST or Thursdays at 7pm PST)

Following June, we will have new dates through the summer. You can register for any upcoming Webinar on our EVENTS page at http://www.csservices.ca/events.php or email info@csservices.ca with questions.