https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:13:36 +0000 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/bientot-see-you-soon At moments like this I often think of a song by the Byrds with the lyrics "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season, turn, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under Heaven". Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/bientot-see-you-soon Sat, 25 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/generational-differences This past Christmas I headed back to the family home to celebrate. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/generational-differences Tue, 21 Jan 2014 07:36:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/tips-hospital-visits Recently a friend of mine discovered that their father has cancer.  Needless to say it has been overwhelming and emotional. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/tips-hospital-visits Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:23:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/justice-it-even-worth-it In the Form of Ordination for Deacons it says "In Christ's name the deacons relieve victims of injustice".  If you asked around most people would say they know what injustice is. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/justice-it-even-worth-it Tue, 29 Oct 2013 06:47:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/kingdom-god-concert A fews weeks ago the song "Ice Cream" by Sarah McLachlan came on the radio. It was the live version and being that I was alone in the vehicle I had no one complaining when I turned up the music up and attempted to sing along. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/kingdom-god-concert Tue, 08 Oct 2013 05:16:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/emotionally-safe-people When I first read the John Powell quote above it struck a chord deep within me. I had recently experienced the pain of having something personal revealed by another.  In my situation I felt betrayed. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/emotionally-safe-people Tue, 03 Sep 2013 05:54:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/ready-or-not-here-september-comes We are just a couple of weeks away from September.  I'm sorry if that has shocked you!  Historically September is when things begin again in our churches.  People and pastors are back from holidays. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/ready-or-not-here-september-comes Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:10:16 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/extravagant-love-and-hardened-heart "Melissa, there is someone here with flowers for you". Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/extravagant-love-and-hardened-heart Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:37:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/good-bye-martha-stewart-rethinking-hospitality Hospitality makes me happy.  Whether I'm giving it or receiving it, the reality of connecting with people, and creating or enjoying a space of welcome brings me great delight. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/good-bye-martha-stewart-rethinking-hospitality Tue, 23 Jul 2013 00:46:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/summer-book-recommendations Long evenings, vacations, quieted responsibilities often provide opportunities during the summer months for reading.  If you haven't already decided on your book list, I thought I would give you some ideas to explore.  Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/summer-book-recommendations Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:03:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/diakonia-remixed-report-synod-decision This week Synod met, and one of the items on the agenda was the Diakonia Remixed Report.  I was eager to find out what would be decided and so I ended up streaming Synod online! Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/diakonia-remixed-report-synod-decision Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:35:26 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/inbreaking-kingdom Every weekday morning I roll out of bed and walk over to the local community centre where I swim.  For three months now this has been my faithful routine, and though I can't always say I'm happy about going, I am always happy that I went.   Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/inbreaking-kingdom Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:13:49 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/hey-canadian-churches-grant-money-available Is your congregation looking to develop or grow a community ministry?  Are you trying to determine how you can serve your neighbours?  Do you have an idea but struggle with the funding of it? Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/hey-canadian-churches-grant-money-available Mon, 13 May 2013 04:38:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/all-i-learned-church-how-do-administration I'll confess, I'm one of those "weirdos" who actually enjoys meetings.  I like gathering with others, discussing ideas, sharing information and figuring out where to go from "here". Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/all-i-learned-church-how-do-administration Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:20:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/lead-christ-knowing-him A few months ago I went with a friend to a hockey game.  This was the first time I had been at a game where the action was recorded and shown on a screen above the ice.  I found myself mesmerized as I watched each play. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/lead-christ-knowing-him Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:06:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacon-webinars-april-24th-and-may-1st There are two great webinars coming up which you may be interested in - check them out! Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/deacon-webinars-april-24th-and-may-1st Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:16:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/diakonia-remixed-report-synod In a few months (which we all know will zoom by), Synod will be considering the Diakonia Remixed report. (It can be found here). Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/diakonia-remixed-report-synod Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:10:47 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/prayers-people Have you realized yet that we're halfway through January?  Almost daily I'm asking myself where the time is going as another week quickly passes by.  Perhaps that's why reading Colossians 4:2 stopped me in my tracks today. Devote yourselves to prayer. Devote yourselves to prayer. Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/prayers-people Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:03:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/christmastime Merry Christmas! I'm grateful this year to be celebrating with my family, a gift I don't take for granted!   Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/christmastime Wed, 26 Dec 2012 01:33:42 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/how-young-too-young-council I think it's safe to say that most of us have been part of a conversation about "the youth" in our church. Lately this conversation has had less to do with "how do we quiet them down" and more to do with "where are they? Melissa Van Dyk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/how-young-too-young-council Tue, 11 Dec 2012 04:52:15 +0000