Deacons Challenge Congregation to Participate in Reverse Offerings

When Rachel Vroege (Regional Ministries Developer -West) from Diaconal Ministries Canada visited the Deacons of Bethel CRC in Saskatoon last year, one idea she presented to us was that of a Reverse Offering.  We were immediately taken with the idea, and went about trying to make it work for our local Rosthern Food Bank.  We explained…

Read More about Deacons Challenge Congregation to Participate in Reverse Offerings

Refugee Sunday

Have you seen a robin yet? There has certainly been extremely cold and stormy weather in many parts of Canada this winter!  Some areas have had excess snow whereas other areas have had incredibly cold temperatures. In Ontario, we experienced the coldest February on record! I find great comfort knowing this weather is in His…

Read More about Refugee Sunday

“Sharing many passions”

Diaconal Ministries Canada provides many resources for deacons in the Christian Reformed Church. At the very top of the resource list are the Diaconal Ministry Developers (DMDs). These passionate and creative individuals are encouragers and coaches for deacons. They are experienced in diaconal work and are available to help deacons understand their role and work…

Read More about “Sharing many passions”

NEW! Devotions for Deacons #6

Here is the sixth devotion for deacons in the latest set of devotionals from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC). In our conversations with deacons across the country, DMC often summarizes the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. This devotion is the third of 3 to focus on deacons and compassion. Each devotion…

Read More about NEW! Devotions for Deacons #6

A New Year: setting goals as deacons

The beginning of 2015 may feel like a new start after the break for Christmas. Of course there is some continuation of existing ministry patterns and activities; however, some of those activities may follow the established agendas of past leaders or they may cause your diaconate to lose focus because of old dilemmas and diverse…

Read More about A New Year: setting goals as deacons

Offering More

What started as a one-time fundraiser some 40 years ago has become a very popular annual tradition that church members look forward to every Thanksgiving. Hebron CRC in Renfrew, Ontario held their first Thanksgiving Day auction as a fundraiser for the Calvinette (now GEMS) program. It was so popular that congregational members suggested that it take…

Read More about Offering More