Online Bulletin
Offering for weeks 3 & 4 of March:
Chaplain and Refugee Support Mobilizer: The other Special Offering this month is for the Chaplain and Refugee Support Mobilizer ministry of Dena Nicolai. Through her work, Dena provides a ministry of presence to people who have arrived in Canada as refugees, and partners with supportive communities in extending practical and relational support to these newcomers. These are just some of the ways Dena has served Willoughby Church and other church communities: Working with churches to help them learn more about healthy support of refugees; Helping churches share affordable rental housing information with refugee-serving agencies; Advising church refugee teams when a refugee family moves in nearby; Helping churches imagine and plan potential ministries such as hosting newcomer potlucks and English-conversation groups; Connecting churches to broader kingdom work by working with residents and staff of partner agencies such as the Immigrant Services Society of BC. This ministry receives some denominational support but is also very dependent on local church support.
You are invited to donate through the offering plate on Sunday mornings or by clicking here to give through Tithley (Chaplain Refugee Support Mobilizer).
* The Deacons we will now be doing two Special Offerings per month, Canada Food Grains Bank will run for the first two weeks, with Chaplain for Refugee Support Mobilizer Dena Nicolai 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 March! *
Youth: Join us on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm for faith, devotion and fun!!! Youth is for children in grades 8-12 and they meet every Sunday evening here at Willoughby.
Here is the activities for the month of February:
- March 16 - no youth (spring break)
- March 23 - no youth (spring break)
- March 30 - no youth (starting on Wednesdays in April)
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 end of February and March:
- March 20 - no preteens (spring break)
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, March 17th to read and reflect on Psalm 23. All are welcome! For any questions, call or email Pat.
Blanket Exercise: On Sunday, March 16, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, the Blanket Exercise will be held here at Willoughby Church. The Blanket Exercise walks participants through the history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Much of the content is written by Indigenous people and helps participants understand why reconciliation is needed and how to take steps toward reconciliation and new relationships. This in-person experience is free of charge and open to anyone 11 years of age (Grade 5) or older. Please register by clicking the link here. For more info contact Evelyn Bouwman or Liz Tolkamp. Please bring a large throw-type blanket for this exercise.
Coffee Break: Bible Study will be taking a two week break during Spring Break. We will resume on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. For more info please contact Elsa at CoffeeBreak@licrc.ca or Rose coffeebreak@willoughbychurch.com.
Housing Wanted: A Christian missionary family seeks a 3-bedroom rental in Abbotsford, Aldergrove, or Langley by March 15th-April 1st. Quiet neighborhood, near highways and shopping, within a reasonable budget. References available. If you have any referrals, please email multicultural2002@gmail.com
CSS: Mark your Calendars!! Christian Stewardship Services (CSS) is now in the second half of their Winter Conversation Series. The upcoming evening Webinar is on March 27 (One receipt and online giving); Don’t miss them. You can find the RSVP links on our website at [https://] Events. CSS can assist you in the preparation of your Will, or help you with your regular or preparation of major gifts. These services are available to any CRC member without charge, or obligation. If you have decided in your heart to give, we can help!
Surrey/Abbotsford Area CRCNA Airlines - Board the “CRCNA Airlines”, where your flight attendants will lead you on a wild adventure following our ministry share dollars across the globe. We'll jet off to Cambodia, Uganda, traverse Canada and the USA, explore our Urban Indigenous Ministries, and so much more. You'll leave feeling inspired and empowered, knowing that your ministry share dollars are hard at work, making a significant impact on countless lives. Are you ready for a fun adventure? Join us for this epic Ministry Shares workshop and be part of something truly extraordinary! DATE: Saturday, April 5th, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: Fleetwood CRC, 9165 160 St., Surrey, BC, V4N 2X7 RSVP: crcna.regfox.com/crcna-airlines-surrey or April 6th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: New Life CRC, 35270 Delair Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2E2 RSVP: crcna.regfox.com/crcna-airlines-abbotsford
Regent College: Every summer, God brings together new and exciting combinations of people to learn with and from at Regent College. This summer, join our community—and bring your community with you. We'd love to get acquainted!
Even better than studying with friends is saving on tuition while you do it. During Summer Programs, you can:
- Save 25% when you register with a church group of 3 to 10 people.
So, invite your friends and church members to join you at Regent this summer. It's a great way to grow in relationship as you think and learn together. We hope to see you soon!
Gallery 7 Theatre proudly presents Footloose A Musical of Healing & Forgiveness. Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford, Music by Tom Snow and Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman. This rockin’, rhythmic Tony Award-nominated musical about a father reeling from tragedy and a young man longing for the father who abandoned him features a Top 40 score, dynamic new songs, and soaring ballads. It’s a celebration of forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, and community. Running March 14 & 15, 19 – 22, 25 – 28, 2025 @ 7:30 PM, with Matinees on March 15, 22 & 23 @ 2:00 PM at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford. Recommended for ages 12 & up. Tickets and info: www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940. Group rates available!
"Ministry to Seafarers" announces its 55th anniversary Port Tour Cruise planned June 28, 6-9 PM. Join us for a beautiful cruise, including light snacks and a narrated port tour. Cost is $100/person. Payment by e-transfer to finance@ministrytoseafarers.com, or by cheque to: Ministry to Seafarers Vancouver, 401 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC V6A 4G9. Contact Gary at crcvanportchaplain@gmail.com for more information.
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.
World Renew Nicaragua Young Adults Trip - Calling all young adults age 18-30! World Renew extends an invitation to join us in Nicaragua this summer from August 9-17, 2025. We are recruiting young adults to experience God in another culture while developing a perspective on poverty, missions, and community development. Apply for a $1,000 CAD bursary! To learn more about this trip and to register, visit: bit.ly/nicaragua2025info
1Life March 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 March 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:
Mercy and Justice: Safe Church Conference Encourages Action The 28th annual inter-classis safe church conference took place on Mar. 1 in Waterloo, Ont.
Servant Leadership: World Renew Introduces Global Executive Team World Renew has reorganized its leadership team to more effectively carry out its vision.
The Banner: Editorial: Empathy Psychologists suggest empathy is crucial in helping people who are struggling. Can we truly love our neighbor as ourselves if we do not have some level of empathy?
Groundwork: Paul's Third Journey: Strengthening and Encouraging Believers - The apostle Paul’s third missionary journey was marked by faith, courage, and love. It was also full of incredible opportunities and heartbreaking goodbyes. Join our Groundwork conversation as we study Acts 18:23–21:17 to learn how to live with the same bold trust and purpose in our own lives. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (NIV). At a mealtime this week, share a passage of Scripture that’s been especially meaningful or “sweet” in your life of faith. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
JOB POSTINGS:
M2W2 Job Opportunity: We have a part time Office Assistant position available, This position is ideal for someone looking for flexible hours and an opportunity to serve the community. You can find more details and the application link here: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8dfb9ef5678142e5&from=shareddesktop
Job Opportunity: National Director - The mission of Diaconal Ministries Canada is to inspire, empower, and equip deacons as they animate congregations to join in God’s transforming work in communities across Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the full-time position of National Director. A full job description is on our website: diaconalministries.com/our-team/careers-opportunities/ Interested applicants can submit their cover letter and resume to our Board Chair, Mr. Peter Van Harmelen, at petervanharmelen@gmail.com, on or before March 28, 2025. Start date for this position is Fall 2025.
The Banner: The January/February 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