Our Deacons
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” — Acts 6:1-4 (ESV)
The office of the deacon was established in the early church so that the apostles could spend more time teaching and ruling the church, while the deacons took care of the poor, sick, widowed, and orphaned. The work of our deacons is first within the flock of Christ, to help those in need. They also visit the sick, the elderly, and others to show the compassion of Christ as part of His ministry of mercy. Finally, they also have the duty to prepare the celebration of the Holy Supper.
Special Collections
If the needs within the congregation are being met, the deacons have the opportunity to assist ministries around the world with collections from the congregation.
Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund
The Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund is a voluntary charitable organization based in the federation of Canadian Reformed Churches. Its purpose is to give Christian charity to every area of the world that is in need of such. We do this because Scripture teaches us to show generosity, charity, mercy and kindness to the poor, and in this way to reflect our thankfulness for the great salvation we have received in Jesus Christ.
Dulce Refugio
Dulce Refugio seeks to help orphaned and abandoned children by giving them a Christian upbringing. Funds collected will help with building costs and with providing food and shelter for the orphans. Please prayerfully consider donating to Dulce Refugio. For more information on what Jeremy and Ana VanBeelen and Duane and Maribel Visscher are doing there, as well as staying up to date with ongoing projects please visit www.childrenofhope.info.
L’Église Réformée du Québec
L’Église Réformée du Québec (ERQ) is a small group of Reformed Churches in Quebec. They are relatively small congregations in a predominantly Roman Catholic province that are reaching out to others with the reformed faith. The Owen Sound Mission Board maintains contact with the ERQ. Please consider financially supporting the work of the ERQ and prayerfully be thankful for God’s blessings in Quebec.
Gateway of Hope
The Gateway of Hope opened its doors to the community of Langley in November 2009. They serve the community by taking care of people in our neighborhood who struggle with homelessness, hunger, loneliness, addiction and many more difficulties. They seek to provide assistance to these people by making meals three times a day and have accommodations for up to 55 people. They also have rehabilitation programs that work on integrating these people back into our community. During this time of year when the effects of homelessness are felt most, please consider donating to this organization.
International Reformed Theological College
The International Reformed Theological College (IRTC) was founded in order to provide, through distance education in the Portuguese language, post secondary training in Theology, Arts and Sciences from Biblical perspective. All courses are currently provided on-line. This has become the best way to make education available to those who live away from larger urban centers or are limited by family or professional responsibilities. They have continuously struggled to meet their budget for the last nine years. Rev. R.F. Boersema, the current President of the IRTC has sent out an urgent request for financial support so they may continue to offer this on-line college.
Manoah Manor
Manoah Manor is a not-for-profit facility, owned and operated by the Canadian Reformed Senior Citizens Home Society. It is a residence for men and women in their senior years. The home serves the Dutch, Christian community, in a setting where residents receive support from caring, qualified staff, from each other, family, and fellow church members. Your donations to Manoah Manor will help keep it affordable for anyone in our community who needs the care this home offers. May the Elderly at Manoah Manor feel the support of the communion of saints with our visits, prayers and financial support so they may truly enjoy their sunset years among us in this Christian home.
Middle East Reformed Fellowship
The Middle East Reformed Fellowship (MERF) is a Reformed Christian organization giving support to Christians living in the Middle East and Africa who are reaching out to their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. MERF uses Radio broadcasts, Reformed literature translated in the Arabic language as well as a training centre in Cyprus for pastors, evangelists, and elders. At this centre they are instructed by Reformed ministers from around the world. MERF also assists Christians who need financial aid.
Mission Aid Brazil
A large part of Mission Aid’s budget is used to assist Escola Biblia Crista, the Christian school in Sao Jose that has over 250 students. Mission Aid also provides funds which are directed to young people who require financial assistance to attend post secondary education institutions. They also work with the deacons of local churches to help make sure that the financial needs of all their members are met as well.
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) operates and maintains aircrafts used to assist in mission work throughout the world. Many areas that are almost impossible to reach have been made accessible thanks to the services of MAF, thus allowing mission workers and relief workers to reach the unreachable. MAF’s mission is to exist to demonstrate God’s love through aviation, communication, and logistics to meet spiritual and physical needs. MAF has also been providing flights for relief agencies working in Africa to assist those suffering from the effects of the famine.
Word & Deed
Word & Deed Ministries is a Reformed, international relief organization which addresses the spiritual and physical needs of people in the developing world in accordance with biblical principles. They partner with Christian organizations in the developing world on a wide variety of projects including child sponsorship, Christian Education, orphan care, disaster relief and vocational training, while providing accountability and encouragement for our partners, as well as timely updates to all supporters.
M2/W2 — Restorative Christian Ministries
Prison visitation is the core of M2/W2. Since 1966, M2/W2 has responded to Jesus’ call to visit the prisoner in a simple offer of support and friendship. Many people in prison have no one else on the outside who cares or visits them, and so the volunteer may be the only friend that the prisoner has from the community.