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April Special Offering:  The special offering for April is the Willoughby Church Refugee Sponsorship Fund.  Willoughby has successfully helped to settle 11 families over the past 10 years. We are expecting 2 newcomers this year who will be co-sponsored by their families. And we are looking forward to welcoming 2 new families in the next few years. Over the upcoming weeks, we will hear from our Refugee Sponsorship Team, celebrating past sponsored newcomers and presenting information about upcoming individuals and families. As always, we are grateful for the generous support that the Willoughby church community has provided for refugees who are seeking a new, safe home country and pray for continued generosity. 

Youth Group (Grades 8-12):  Here is the April Youth Group Schedule! 

  • April 2 -  Bible Study at Willoughby 7 to 830 with Will & Joanna
  • April 9 -  Easter Sunday - No Youth
  • April 16 -  Lazer tag 7 to 830 - please bring $10 & a waterbottle!
  • April 23 -  20:20 Immanuel 630 to 830
  • April 30 -  Youth Dinner 5 to 7 at Willoughby

Women's Bible Study: The following are all the sessions offered at the church for Women's Bible Study, please feel free to join any session at any time.  All are welcome!

  • Friday, April 14th, at 10:00am, studying Daniel 2.
  • Tuesday, April 18th, at 10:00am,  this season’s final meeting will focus on the last chapter of our study on the book of Mark. This will be followed by lunch at Adrian’s at the Airport at noon on the same day. 

Announcement from Council:  With the change in the worship coordinator position, Council would like to remind the congregation that any criticisms or concerns regarding the worship component of the service should not be conveyed to the members of the worship team after the service. Instead, it would be appreciated if any such concerns could be put in writing and emailed to worship@willoughbychurch.com for attention. This reminder does not apply to positive feedback and praise that congregants wish to convey to members of the worship team after the service, which is of course always encouraged.  We appreciate your love, prayers, and input. Our desire is that worship at Willoughby is a meaningful experience for all, and that God is praised.  

Guess Who's Coming to Lunch:  Sunday, April 30th following the worship service.  To sign up you can pick up a card in the foyer after the services on April 2, 9, 16 & 23,  guests bring dessert & hosts prepare lunch.  Please fill it out and hand in to Rose or Tamara by April 23.  You will recieve an email prior to April 30, on the address you will be having lunch at or how many you will be hosting!  Hope you all join in to build our community here at the Church and make new friends!!

Community Meal Share Program: Are you tired of meal prep?? Or have extras to give?? The community meal share is a new program here at the Church and is another way for each of us to bless and be blessed by our community on a regular basis with culinary delights.  On Sundays and throughout the week during office hours the church will be open for meals to be dropped off or taken home whenever is convenient for you.  This is not charity, it's just community. Grab a meal for no other reason than you want to, or you're having a busy week. Bring a meal just because you had leftovers! Swap a meal if you're dropping off and another meal looks good! Labels to provide the date and any common allergens will be provided, and there will be a space in the freezer for the meals. 

Book Launch: Amazing Grace - DR. BRUCE HINDMARSH, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023 at 7:30–9:30 PM - REGENT COLLEGE CHAPEL: Join us as we celebrate the release of Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton and the Surprising Story Behind His Song by Bruce Hindmarsh, James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology and Professor of the History of Christianity at Regent College. Bruce will be on hand to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase from the Regent Bookstore.

Concert Announcement:  The Trinity Western University Chamber Choir and Klemata Chorale present their final concerts of the year, under the direction of Dr. Joel Tranquilla.  Also featuring soprano Alison Nystrom, orchestra, members of the Vancouver Oratorio Society (Saturday only) and the Gloria Dei Chorale. Don’t miss this special presentation of works by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Tawnie Olson, as well as the world premiere of Dr. David Squires’ oratorio, Gardens, a nine-movement work that follows the biblical arc from the first garden in the opening of the book of Genesis to the ultimate and longed for garden described at the end of the Revelation to St. John.  Saturday, April 15th at 7:30pm at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church (9165 160 St, Surrey) https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gardens-a-sacred-oratorio-tickets-539767116977.  Sunday, April 16th at 3:00pm at Central Height Church (1661 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford) https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gardens-abbotsford-performance-tickets-534029515657.  Adults: $25, Seniors: $22, Students and Children: $10.  

Easter Pipe Organ Concert: With audience singing by organists, Aart Bijkerk (Chilliwack), Frank Ezinga (Langley).  There will be seasonal sacred music by Bach, Bédard, Boelmann and Dupré  Heritage Pipe Organ (1912).  A concert for the whole family, on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 3 PM at Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church, 12300 - 92 Ave, Surrey, B.C. Admission by donation (no tickets), wheelchair accessible, refreshments served following the concert.  Contact:  maranathaorgan@gmail.com 

Conversations on Hopeful Citizenship in a Divided World: Sunday, April 23 6:30 - 8:30 pm - Fleetwood CRC. Come & join the conversation to discuss mutual respect as salt and light Christian witness in today's political climate. We'll share stories, draw on some CRC Justice and Reconciliation ministries resources and remember that hope is action we take in community. Mike Hogeterp, the Director of the CRC's Centre for Public Dialogue will be facilitating the conversations. This workshop/conversation is hosted by the Classis 1Life equipping and learning hub. Refreshments will be served. Registration will reserve your spot however drop-ins are welcome!  

1Life Learning Hub Conference w/ Andrew Root - Join us Friday, May 12 through Sunday, May 14 for a 1Life Learning Hub Conference w/ Andrew Root, Will there be Faith? Following Christ in a secular age. Author & cultural critic Andrew Root (Luther Seminary) and jazz musician Mark Glanville (Regent College) will unpack Jesus’ big question at the first ever 1Life Foundations conference at Fleetwood CRC in Surrey. For more info or to sign up, see crc1life.ca. Sign up for the whole conference or for single events.

Thank You For Participating in Refugee Sunday - As the injustices of conflict, war, and violence escalate around the world, worsening the refugee crisis, God’s call to welcome strangers rings out loud and clear. World Renew is grateful for your generosity that makes it possible for sponsorship groups to receive support as they go through the sponsorship process–support from World Renew’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement team that helps ensure their applications are processed smoothly and in a timely way. You are part of the story of welcoming newcomers to Canada. Thank you! For more information, visit: worldrenew.ca/refugeesunday

1Life April Newsletter: 1Life exists to curate a curriculum of resources that equips individuals and congregations to become increasingly whole-hearted, vibrant communities of Christian worship, discipling & mission. Click here for the April 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:

1.  A Greater Emphasis on Jesus' Resurrection: What would it look like to put a greater emphasis on Jesus’ resurrection this year?  Click here for the full article.

2.  As He Hung Dying: From his lofty perch on the hill called Golgotha, the man on the cross could make out a mob heading his way.  Click here for the full article.

Groundwork: The Anticipation of Holy Saturday and the Thrill of Easter Sunday - Holy Saturday is a day to reflect on Christ’s death before celebrating his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Join our Groundwork as we study John 19:38-20:23, Luke 23:55-24:47, and Matthew 28:16-20 to discuss the events of these holy days and remember again the unexpected, mind-blowing thrill of our salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Listen now at Groundworkonline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.

Summer Service Trips with World Renew DRS - Looking for ways to serve with your congregation or youth group this summer? Join World Renew DRS to repair homes after natural disasters all across the US and Canada! We have sites available in Washington, Kentucky, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and more! Contact Chris, our Groups Program Manager, at cgibson@worldrenew.net if interested or with questions.

NewGround (Diaconal Ministries Canada) - NewGround Sunday is May 7th! “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last!” (John 15:16a). To date, NewGround has helped over 100 churches in Canada do ministry in and with their communities. Perhaps YOUR church was one of them! Did you know that over 80% of these ministries are still going strong today? While these ministries might not be in your own city or town, we believe that the work of the Lord is being done and you are actively participating in growing God’s Kingdom all across Canada! Your generous donations are helping churches bear fruit -- fruit that will last for years to come. To donate or to learn more about this program, visit diaconalministries.com/newground.

Your Gift to Resonate Will Go Twice as Far - As we celebrate our Savior who is the Resurrection and the Life, let’s go out with joy in our hearts to join God’s mission! This Easter, you can help Christian Reformed church planters, missionaries, and campus ministers live out the good news by making a gift to Resonate while your gift will go twice as far! Find out how at www.resonateglobalmission.org/Double!

Christian Stewardhip Services: Gain “Peace of Mind” and answers to your charitable giving and estate questions by attending one of Christian Stewardship Services’ upcoming Partner Community Will Clinics! You can learn the basics of getting your documents in place, and learn how to support your favourite Partner Charity and others. Our online Partner Community Will Clinic will be on April 5th as well at 8:30pm EST. Register HERE for the online will clinic. For more information contact Katiev@csservices.ca or 800-267-8890 x213 

Job Postings:

Now Hiring: SUPPORT WORKER – INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICE (ABBOTSFORD, BC) – Bethesda. As a support worker for an individualized service, you will support and assist a person with diverse abilities and critical health care needs in their family home. This is a permanent full-time position available immediately $21.63 – $25.19/hr (expected to increase with ratification of collective agreement). **NEW** hiring bonus + leadership development program + exclusive employee discounts through Perkopolis. *Please note that as per current provincial health orders, all Bethesda staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19*. Interested applicants may reference posting #847 and apply online at bethesdabc.com/careers. See full job description on Bethesda’s website. 

Now Hiring: CHILD AND YOUTH WORKER (ABBOTSFORD, BC) – Bethesda. The child and youth worker provides support to children or youth who have moderate to severe behavioural challenges. You will be supporting one or more children or youth under 19 years of age in an attractive, home-like setting designed especially for day and overnight respite. $23.10-$26.91/hr (expected to increase with ratification of collective agreement).  **NEW** hiring bonus + leadership development program + exclusive employee discounts through Perkopolis. *Please note that as per current provincial health orders, all Bethesda staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19*. Interested applicants may reference posting #842 and apply online at bethesdabc.com/careers. See full job description on Bethesda’s website. 

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 making a donation.  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