Dear Willowdale Family,
I recently did a few quick calculations and realized that I have now been privileged to pastor here at Willowdale for more than one hundred and twenty weeks—about two years and four months. How quickly time flies! That milestone immediately brought to mind Noah, who faithfully preached for one hundred and twenty years, warning the antediluvian world of the coming flood.
Now, let me be clear—I have no intention of preaching for the next one hundred and twenty years, nor do I expect to be around that long. But I do believe, with deep conviction, that God has entrusted me with a message that Willowdale needs to hear in this season of our life together.
Our mission statement—“Know Jesus and Make Jesus Known”—beautifully captures why the congregation at 535 Finch Avenue West exists. These words are more than a slogan; they are our marching orders, both personally and collectively. Everything we do as a church must be rooted in knowing Jesus more deeply and intentionally sharing the good news of who He is, what He has done, and what He is preparing to do next. Simply put, our purpose for living and serving must always point back to Jesus.
This coming Sabbath at Willowdale will be a planning worship experience, something new and, for us, unprecedented. Our Sabbath School and Divine Service will intentionally include time for prayerful brainstorming and planning together. While this may feel unfamiliar, the pastoral team has placed these plans before God, the Board of Elders, the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department, and the Church Board. We have listened carefully to feedback, and we are confident that God is leading us in this process.
Prepare yourselves for a different kind of worship experience this Sabbath.
Both Sabbath School and the Worship Hour will include interactive elements. During Sabbath School, fourteen classes will prayerfully brainstorm and plan. During the Worship Hour, a representative from each class will briefly share the ideas that emerged. Throughout the day, we will bathe this entire process in prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will conclude with praise-filled singing and a message from God’s Word. While the service has been carefully planned to follow our regular Sabbath schedule, the content itself will be refreshingly unique.
This Sabbath, “The Great Belong” will meet—and be joined with—“Sabbath School Alive.” I trust your curiosity is stirred and your heart is open.
One simple request as you come: arrive with a good attitude, allow the Holy Spirit to lead, and be prepared to worship God from the heart.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Pastor Glenn DeSilva