Ministries

 

THE MINISTRY OF CARE

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and he rules over her from heaven by means of His Word and Spirit.  Christ has instituted three offices for His Church.  The office of Minister is comprised of men who teach and preach the Word of God.  Elders govern the church and look after the spiritual well-being of the congregation.  Deacons look after the physical needs of the congregation and extend Christian charity.  Specific components of the Ministry of Care at our church include:

  • Elder visits to Church members on an annual basis and special visits when requested or needed;

  • Spiritual Counseling to equip people to serve the Lord;

  • Exercise of Church discipline to return sinners to Christ;

  • Meeting the material and physical needs of Church members.

 

ADULT MINISTRIES AND ACTIVITIES

Adult Bible Study:  Several Bible studies are available for our adults.  They are summarized as follows:

  • Women’s Bible Study: meet every other Monday at 1:30 pm.  Bonnie Grootenboer leads the women in a study of Women of Old Testament.

  • Women’s Inductive Bible Study: this study is led by Nora Cook and consists of an in-depth study of 1 Peter.

  • Men’s Bible Study: one group meets every Monday morning at 1:30 and the other at 8:30 every Thursday evening.  These Bible study groups are led by Pastor Don Cook and consist of a in-depth study of Romans.

  • Adult Bible Study: geared toward parents of catechism, Cadet and Kingdom Seeker children.  This group meets every Wednesday evening at 7:45.  Pastor Don Cook is currently leading the group in a study of the Life of Christ.

  • Confession Class:  Pastor Beukema also leads a class for those young adults who desire to make public confession of faith.

 

YOUTH MINISTRIES AND ACTIVITIES

Catechism:  As we recognize that our youth include the future leaders of the Church, we find it of utmost importance that our youth are thoroughly catechised in the doctrine of our Reformed forefathers.  The youth, ages 13 to 16, follow the study material of Dr. James Visscher entitled, “I Belong”.  All the youth (ages 9 to 16) gather at the church every Wednesday evening at 7:45 for a devotional, then go to their individual classes from 8 to 9 pm.  For those young people aged 17 and older, catechism is held every Monday evening at 8:30 pm, led by Pastor Beukema.  Currently this class studies from the book entitled “The Golden Chain of our Salvation”, a study of the Canons of Dordt by Rev. John Bouwers.

Teen Club: Those youth aged 13 to 15 are are encouraged to join with others in their age group for Bible studies and enjoy social outings together.  Teen club meets at one of the youth’s homes every other Sunday at 8 pm.

Young People's: This group is those youth aged 16 to 19.  Young People's have Bible studies and enjoy social outings together.  Young People’s meet at one of the youth’s homes every other Sunday at 8 pm.

College & Careers: Generally those aged 20 and [slightly] older meet at one of the youth’s homes every other Sunday at 8 pm for Bible studies and enjoy social outings together.

 

CHILDRENS MINISTRIES

U.R.C. Thunder Bay has a number of ministries designed for children of all ages, from pre-school through to elementary:

Sunday School: Follows the ‘Song of Preparation’ during the afternoon worship service and runs from September to May. These classes teach Bible stories and help children learn what the Bible teaches. There are two classes, one for those aged 3 & 4 and the other for those aged 5 & 6.

Kingdom Seekers: In this club, girls 9 to 12 learn the Bible through interesting studies and have the opportunity to earn badges for completing various activities and crafts.  Kingdom Seekers meet every Wednesday at 7:45 at the church.

Cadets: In Cadets, boys aged 9 to 12 do Bible study and learn about God's creation through things like camping trips. Woodworking and other crafts also make up part of this program.  Cadets earn badges for completing various activities and crafts.  Cadets meet every Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at the church. The cadets are affiliated with "The Calvinist Cadet Corps."