Online Bulletin

In January we'll be welcoming Pastor Erik Delange from Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church in Chilliwack to talk to us about "The End of Western Civilization"!

Erik writes this:

"Western Civiliation is largely defined by 4 terms: Modern, Liberal, Capitalist, and Democracy.  What has been happening in the past number of years is that these realities are shifting and changing or perhaps being undermined completely.  We are in a Post-Modern, Post-Liberal, Post-Capitalist, and possibly even Post-Democracy society and that is understandably rattling, as it seems to shift the ground that we stand on.

"But as Christians our faith is not in the West, but in Jesus Christ, and modernity already sowed the seeds of it's own demise right from the Start.  By looking back in time to the Gospels and thinkers like Plato, it is my hope we will be able to reclaim an enchanted view of the world that will help us to withstand even the toughest of storms in our Modern Western World."

Consider coming out to join us on Tuesday, January 13, for dinner and discussion on this important topic!  Click the link here to sign up for the event.

Seniors: We will be meeting on Thursday, January 15th at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. Come join us for fellowship, refreshments & games. We’ll be having games for entertainment so please feel free to bring a favourite game to play with others!  Anyone is invited to join in the fun! Hope to see you all there!!!!

Watoto Children' Choir: We're so excited to welcome all the way from Uganda, East Africa, the Watoto Children’s Choir, performing songs from their brand-new album, “Better Days—There Is Hope”. Come join us on January 18, 2026 at 10:00am for this vibrant celebration of God’s love.

Don’t miss out on this uniquely immersive worship experience through song, dance and video story-telling!

We are looking for Volunteers for the Day of the event, if you would like to help out, click here to register your name!

Thanks, The Staff at Willoughby Church

Host Families Needed: We will be hosting the Watoto Children's  at Willoughby Christian Reformed Church on Sunday, January 18, 2025 at 10:00am. (Hosting the children will be for one night, Saturday, January 17th.)

A note from the Choir: Thank you for opening you home and hearts to Watoto. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated!

Hosting Needs:

• 10 homes and 2 hotel rooms (one for the choir team leader and one for the bus driver) for one night, Saturday, January 17th! The choir will be leaving after the service Sunday morning for another concert that evening!

Requested Housing Breakdown:

• 5 homes with 1 boy and one male chaperone each
• 1 home with 2 boys and one male chaperone
• 1 home with 1 girl and one female chaperone each
• 3 homes with 2 girls and one female chaperone each 

If you are able to host the choir, please click the link here or contact Tamara at tamara@willoughbychurch.com!!

Save the Date - Women’s Connect Event: 

Saturday, February 21/26
Hues of Blue High Tea Experience
Details to follow

Women's Connect Team

Trauma Informed Response in the Church: 2 workshop opportunities to choose from:

When: Friday Jan 30 12pm - 4pm (includes lunch) OR Saturday Jan 31: 9am – 1pm (includes healthy brunch food)

Where: New Life CRC 35270 Delair Rd Abbotsford V3G 2E2

REGISTRATION: Trauma Informed Response Registration

On average 2 of 5 congregants have experienced trauma. Trauma is a wound of the heart and mind that causes suffering. Our churches can become safe places to process & heal from trauma when churches & leaders are equipped to support those whom God puts in our paths & churches. Come learn about trauma, what the Bible says about trauma, recognizing symptoms in self & others, gain understanding of the 3 most common ways trauma presents itself, & responding in nonharmful and practical ways.

FOR pastors, elders, deacons, pastoral care providers, church leaders & ALL interested persons. Workshop Facilitating Partners: Stacey Stolte - program lead - Bible based Trauma Healing - Canadian Bible Society Faye Martin & Jiyoung Jung - Abuse Prevention & Response Coordinators - BC CRC Safe Church Ministry INQUIRIES: contact Faye@bcsafechurch.com or Jiyoung@bcsafechurch.com INFO: BC CRC Safe Church Ministry

Regent College: Andy Squyres in Vancouver - Regent College is delighted to bring musician and writer Andy Squyres to Vancouver for two special evenings, filled with conversation and music. Join us on Friday, January 30 at the Regent Chapel for an artist talk by Andy, including conversation with Jonathan Anderson. On Saturday, January 31, join us at First Baptist Church to experience a live concert by Andy Squyres, with an opening set by Jesse Nakano. $10 tickets are available for purchase at rgnt.net/squyres.

Legacy Education Summit: “Prepare to be inspired and equipped as we are reminded of the importance of a biblical worldview in education. Together, we will explore and ponder the following questions: 
What is the purpose of education? What kind of students do we want to enter the world? How can we help reshape education so that students enter the world well-equipped? How do we create a lasting effect? 
How can education influence our culture for Christ? What role do parents, families, and our elders have in education? The purpose of this event is to gather anyone who understands how important education is and how it affects both individuals and our communities at large. Plan to attend this important and potentially life-changing event! Saturday, January 31: 9am - 5pm at Riverside Calvary Chapel. Everyone is welcome – please invite others to attend!”

An Opportunity to Serve - The CRCNA is looking for nominees willing to serve as At-Large members of the Council of Delegates and the Canada Ministry Board. The Council of Delegates acts as the interim governing body of the CRCNA, providing governance and oversight of the denomination’s ministries and activities between our annual Synods. The Canada Ministry Board provides governance and oversight of the work of the Canadian Ministries. If you have skills and expertise in board governance and a heart for the CRCNA, or know of someone who does, we invite you to complete this nomination form (https://bit.ly/COD-nominations).  

Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Greece (April 3 - 13. 2026): Travel by motor coach (6 days) and cruise ship (3 days) to sites connected with Paul’s second and third missionary journeys, as well as visit other major sites of biblical, archaeological, and cultural interest. Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading Pauline scholar, hosts this inspirational tour. For more information, contact Dr. Weima at 616-328-3110 or weimje@calvinseminary.edu.

Go Deeper in Faith Through a Trip with Resonate - Come on a journey with Resonate Global Mission—starting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through Guatemala, and ending in Costa Rica as we visit stops along the route of people on the move. Together we will learn from their faith, hear their stories and connect them to our own, and learn to better love our neighbors as ourselves. The trip is April 17-28, 2026 with an application deadline of January 31, 2026. Learn more and let us know you're interested at www.resonateglobalmission.org/move

1Life January 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 January newsletter.