May Special Offering Weeks 1&2: Advokate/Hope for Women: The special offering for this month is for Advokate Life and Education Services, bringing HOPE to women and families. Advokate brings action to these women through pregnancy counselling and resources, baby supplies, postpartum support, community education and so much more. Their mission is to create educated communities where families thrive, and babies’ lives are valued and welcomed. They do this by putting hope in action for vulnerable women and families facing unplanned pregnancy, offering them compassionate, tangible support that empowers them to thrive. Your donation will help change lives.
You are invited to donate through the offering plate or click here to give through Tithley (Advokate - Hope for Women)
* The Deacons do two Special Offerings per month, Advokate - Hope for Women will run for the first two weeks, with Missionary Support - Naji & Hanna for weeks 3&4. You are invited to give to either or both offerings as they will both be available on tithley for the whole month of May! *
Youth: Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm for faith, devotion and fun!!! Youth is for children in grades 8-12 and they meet every Wednesday evening here at Willoughby. Here is the activities for the end of April & into May:
- May 7 - No Youth
- May 14 - No Youth
- May 21 - Bible Study
- May 28 - Bible Study
If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the program please contact Christian at Christian@willoughbychurch.com.
Thanks, Christian & Joanna
Preteens: Join us on Thursday evenings for faith, activities, bible study, games and a whole lot of fun!!! Preteens is for children in grades 4-7 and they meet on the first and third Thursday's of every month at 6:30pm. Here is the upcoming schedule for May:
If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the program please contact Christian at Christian@willoughbychurch.com.
Monday's Bible Study: The bible study group meets on Mondays at 7:30pm in the prayer room! Come join us on Monday, May 5th to read and reflect on Psalm 21. All are welcome! For any questions, call or email Pat.
Garden Sharing Table 2025: If your vegetable or flower garden is producing more than you can use, why not share the abundance? Starting this Sunday, you're invited to bring your extras to our Garden Sharing Table, located in the church’s front lobby. Whether you have a handful of herbs or a bumper crop of rhubarb, all contributions are welcome. Let’s bless others with the bounty and enjoy the gifts of the season together. The table will be available every Sunday throughout the summer. Happy harvesting—and happy sharing!
Women's Connect: Our next Women’s Connect event hosted by Willoughby & Living Word is Saturday, May 3rd @ 10am. Join us for a "PreLoved Fashion Show" presented by The Upper Room Boutique. You can also, Redeem… Repurpose… Renew your gently used clothing & accessories at our clothing swap!! Limit of 10 pieces can be donated and please indicate size on the bag to assist with sorting. Clothes can be dropped off at the Church office up to Thursday May 1st. Hangers are appreciated. Don't forget to bring your shopping bags!! Tickets on sale, starting Sunday April 6th for $5.00! Hope to see you all there!! All left over clothes will be gratefully donated to Raphael House.
Blood Donor Clinic: This month we will be hosting our Blood Donor Clinic, on Tuesday, May 6th starting at 1pm. If you are able, please join in saving lives together by donating blood. Appointments are necessary and can be booked at blood.ca.
Hoytink Service: Dear Congregation, The service for Marion Hoytink will be on Saturday, May 10th at 1:00pm, here at Willoughby Church. For those that are unable to attend the service, please use this link to watch via live stream. Blessings
10th Walk in the Spirit of Reconciliation – Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 1. This walk, in response to the TRC Canada, was created by a group of Christians in Langley to lament and walk in solidarity with First Nations People, remembering the harm done by the Residential School system. This year, we mark 10 years since the TRC with a series of walks and events designed to raise awareness and promote reconciliation. You can choose a self-guided walk, join a group walk, and/or participate in any or all events. All are welcome! See Walk in the Spirit for more information and to register.
Leadership Workshop: Wednesday, June 4, 7:00 pm @ Fleetwood CRC w/ Angela Reitsma Bick, author of Blessed are the Undone & Christian Courier editor-in-chief. Join in an engaging discussion about how Christian faith is changing in Canada and what promotes resilient faith for the long haul. Register at: https://www.newleafnetwork.ca/events/undonesurrey
Coffee Break: Bible Study, fellowship and refreshments for women of all ages, With Story Hour and nursery care for children, ages 0-5. Every Tuesday morning at Langley Immanuel Church (21713-50 Avenue, Langley) Doors open at 9:15 a.m. For more info please contact Elsa at CoffeeBreak@licrc.ca or Rose at coffeebreak@willoughbychurch.com.
Campus Ministry Update - Okanagan - May 2025: Here is a brief update for the congregations of Classis BCSE, from our campus chaplain at UBCO in Kelowna, Rev Dr.Todd Statham. Click here to read the Newsletter!
Come and join us at the Abbotsford Young at Heart Senior’s Expo and visit all the amazing exhibitors who are joining us. The Young at Heart Expo: Redefining Our Aging Years in Abbotsford at the Abbotsford Curling Club & Events Centre, 2555 McMillan Rd., Abbotsford, B.C. May 7th, 2025, from 10:00AM - 3:00PM. Our Young at Heart events have proven to be vital to our communities to allow our more senior community to get out, learn new things, discover new ventures and businesses, connect with the community, and have some fun with friends and family alike!
The GLORIA DEI CHORALE, guest choir, CANTABILE, and a string quartet, under the direction of Cathrie Yuen, are pleased to present their Spring concert, ‘Reflections of Peace’. Experience a night of reflective choral and instrumental music that seeks to uplift the soul and celebrate the power of peace. Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 pm at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave, Burnaby, BC. Tickets: $25, 10 and under: Free. Available from members, at the door, www.eventbrite.ca. Contact Tina 604-588-6377 or Elaine at 604-271-0283 for more information.
Finding Hope in Hospitality: A Faith-Based Conversation on Welcoming the Stranger - On May 15, from 7:30–9:00 PM EST, we invite you to a cross-border virtual gathering. In a time when refugee resettlement and immigration spark complex emotions and conversations across North America, Thrive, the Centre for Public Dialogue, Exodus World Service, and World Renew’s Canadian Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team invite you to a different kind of gathering—one rooted in hope, hospitality, and faith. Learn more and register today! network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/refugees/finding-hope-hospitality-faith-based-conversation
You're invited to join us for an exciting summer tradition: Regent's Evening Public Lecture (EPL) series. Hear from Summer Programs faculty as they discuss everything from groundbreaking research to insights gleaned from a lifetime of ministry. Summer EPLs are thought-provoking, spirit-enriching, and completely free! Join us in Regent's newly renovated Chapel to experience Summer Programs vibes, ask questions, and chat with other members of the Regent community. EPLs are also livestreamed at rgnt.net/live. Whether you attend onsite or online, we hope you'll invite a friend along and tune in to this year's EPLs. Our first EPL is:
Giving Voice to Brokenness: a theology of joy and lament, Monday, May 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Author, theologian and mental health nurse John Swinton will speak about lament as a necessary practice for spiritual health.
Facilitator: John Swinton
In-person (Regent College Chapel)
Target Audience: pastors, prayer groups and prayer group leaders, worship leaders, anyone suffering or who knows someone who is suffering
Gallery 7 Theatre proudly presents The Play That Goes Wrong, A Farcical Comedy of Mishaps, by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields.A hysterical mad-cap comedy about everything going wrong during the opening night performance of The Murder at Haversham Manor, produced by the well-intentioned members of the Cornley University Drama Society. Running May 9 & 10, 13 – 17, 20 – 24, 2025 @ 7:30 PM with Matinees on May 10, 17 & 24, 2025 @ 2:00 PM at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. Tickets and info: www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940. Group rates available!
Bethesda Lend a Hand Campaign: Bethesda’s Lend a Hand campaign is an opportunity to partner with us in this ministry. Your financial gift will help to offer funding assistance with special equipment & respite care, summer camps, and much more. If you would like to help strengthen this ministry of service, you have three different ways of donating: 1) mail your cheque to 2775 Emerson St, Abbotsford, V2T 4H8 2) go line to www.BethesdaBC.com and click on “Donate”, 3) or, if you live in the area, feel free to drop off your donation. Visit https://bethesdabc.com/lend-a-hand/ to learn more about the Lend a Hand campaign. If you have questions or are not receiving Bethesda newsletters by mail or email, please email life@BethesdaBC.com or phone us at 604-850-6604 (locally) or toll-free at 1-866-455-2231.
Cascade Family Bible Camp – July 3-7 at Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood, WA: Join us for a summer of faith, fellowship, and fun! Whether you're single, a couple, a family, or a senior, this retreat offers a refreshing time of worship and connection in a beautiful setting. Enjoy inspiring speakers, engaging programs for kids (preschool through post-high), and a variety of activities—including swimming, mini golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, bocce, a ropes course, rocket launching, and new this year – a ZipLine and Laser Tag! Choose to camp with your tent or RV, or opt for comfortable lodging with meals included. First-time attendee? Discounts are available! Register online: https://cascadefamilybiblecamp.org/registration-info For questions, contact rona718@hotmail.com or dean@lithocraft.com.
CASCADE CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING – Our nine counsellors have been very busy this year meeting the great demand of individuals, couples and families seeking counselling. We have two Cascade offices, one in Surrey and one in Abbotsford. We also have counsellors available in Chilliwack. All therapists offer online counselling options as well. Feel free to read through their bio’s on our website to gain a sense of which one might be the best fit for you. Cascade is committed to removing the financial barrier for Christ-like, professional support services. The sliding scale is from $90.00-$130.00. For more information or to book an appointment, go to www.cascadechristiancounselling.com or call our office at 604-585-1411.
Will You Give a Gift of Hope to Support Mothers? - Next week, on Women of Hope Sunday, discover how through your gift of support to World Renew’s Maternal Newborn and Child Health program you can help new and expectant mothers learn about pregnancy and child care best practices, ways to grow their income, proper nutrition, fostering healthy relationships, and so much more—so they can become Women of Hope—women helping their families and communities to thrive. For more information go to: worldrenew.ca/womenofhope
1Life May Newsletter: 1Life exists to curate a curriculum of resources that equips individuals and congregations to become increasingly whole-hearted, vibrant communities of Christian worship, discipline & mission. Click here for the May newsletter.
Do Justice - Justice Prayers: Do Justice is a conversation space for justice in the Christian Reformed Church, from the Office of Social Justice. Justice Prayers is a weekly post addressing justice issues from around the world. Click here to pray and read more!
CRC NEWS:
Diversity & Unity: 100 Women | 1 Heart A group of generous women gathered to raise funds for a Winnipeg, Man.-based ministry supported by the CRCNA.
The Network: After Easter After Easter, the question is no longer what do we believe — but how do we walk with Jesus now that death is defeated?
The Banner: Witnessing Christ in Unexpected Places One rainy September Sunday, a thin, young figure trudged onto the bus with a bright red blanket around his shoulders.
Groundwork: Christian Engagement in Societal Issues - Together, let’s delve into the complexities of Christian engagement in societal issues. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 3:10-12, and James 2:1-9 to discover practical insights and biblical wisdom to help us discern what it means to faithfully engage and embrace our role in shaping a more just and God-honoring society. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Teacher Appreciation Week - Ephesians 4 says that Christ himself gave us leaders, including teachers, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (4:11, NIV). At a mealtime with family members this week, share a story of a teacher who had a big impact on your life. How did God use them to help guide and encourage you? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
The Banner: The April edition of the Banner is now available at the church. You can also access a copy online at The Banner. To support the Banner's ongoing journalistic ministry, consider donating. www.theBanner.org/Donate
Today Devotion Books: The Today booklets are available at the church.
Contact for Online Bulletin: If you have anything to add to the bulletin, please email info@willoughbychurch.com
Contact Council: If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email the council at council@willoughbychurch.com
