Mountainview CRC

Pastor Erick Schuringa continues our Lent Series “The Passion Story - Journey to the Cross” with a look at Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75 - “Peter’s Denial”

Peter shows us both our ability to boldly state our convictions and to fall far short of them. Following Jesus calls us to be very honest about our limitations and very thankful that Jesus knows. Let us enter into the honesty of this part of the story. During our service this morning we are also privileged to witness God’s covenant in Baptism.

Pastor of Pastoral Care Jolene Veenstra will begin our Lent Series “The Passion Story - Journey to the Cross” with a look at Matthew 26:1-16 - “I Love to Meditate on Your Law.”

On the first Sunday of Lent we're going to kick off Lenten Guided prayer together. We'll start with an introduction to Lectio Divina, locating it in scripture and in our cultural/historical traditions. Then we'll switch into contemplative mode and try this practice together.  Hopefully we'll have some meaningful moments to share with one another afterwards over coffee. Just as a heads up, this will feel different. Rather than trying to listen to the preacher, we'll be trying to listen to the spirit as we meditate on God's word. 

Pastor Erick Schuringa will present a message on location with the DIG Team in Guatemala. He will reflect on various passages from 1 Corinthians chapters 10 & 11, along with others with a message entitled “Body Language.”

The theme for the DIG team this year is Body Language as we focus on the unity and diversity of God's people as well as the gifts he gives all of us to serve. This service will celebrate communion where we recognize that Jesus body and blood (representing his healing work on the cross) form us into his body bringing healing into the world. Our job is to pay attention to all the parts of the body which are united in him.

Pastoral Care Pastor Jolene Veenstra will reflect on the book of 2nd Samuel chapter 6 verses 1-8, with a message entitled “Reverence.”

I have questions about reverence. What does it mean? What does reverence mean to you? How do you show it? Scripture tells us to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (Heb12:28) Today we will wonder together, what does this look like? 

Today is Cadet Sunday and Pastor Erick Schuringa will reflect on their theme, “Stand Firm.” focusing on their theme verse from 1 Corinthians 16:13–14.

This year we can learn along with the Cadets  how we do not need to conform to the ways of the world. We are not expected to be unmoving, but rather act in love, living a life based on Christ. 

Today is GEMS Sunday, and Pastor Erick Schuringa will reflect on their theme, “Walk on Water,” focusing on the story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-23 and their theme from Deuteronomy 7:9.

GEMS girls and people everywhere are battling the storms of life, being tossed and turned by waves of lies, doubt, and fear. But what if we really knew the One more powerful than the wind and waves and lived anchored to the unchanging Truth of Scripture? Walk on Water: Stepping Out to Trust Our Faithful God teaches us that God is always with us and invites us to trust Him by stepping out in faith.

Pastor Erick Schuringa will reflect on John, chapter 9 with a message entitled “Healing and Helping Without Hurting.”

John 9 tells the story of a beautiful miraculous healing of a blind man. Around that event, however, there are all kinds of messy things going on that show how we can be hurtful even in the midst of trying to be helpful.

This morning we will also be privileged to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Pastoral Intern Brady DeBoer will present a message entitled “The Forms of Faith”, reflecting on the book of John, Chapter 11 verses 1-43.

Pastor Brady will lead us through the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Together we'll look at the many different characters present in this story and how they react to the tragedy at hand.