Dear Willowdale Church Family,
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to keep the body of Christ informed, united, and spiritually attentive to the life and direction of our church. With that in mind, I write to share several important matters that were prayerfully discussed and affirmed at our recent Church Board meeting on April 21, 2026.
First, please take careful note that on Sabbath, June 6, our Willowdale church will not hold services in our usual place. Instead, we are being called into a larger gathering of fellowship and worship. All churches within the Metro Toronto Central Ministerial District will assemble for a special one-day convocation at “Catch the Fire” Church in Etobicoke. This sacred gathering is an opportunity for us to unite with our wider church family in worship, learning, and renewal.
We anticipate a powerful day of spiritual enrichment. Dr. Jose Cortez of the North American Division will bring the Word, and the day will be filled with meaningful opportunities for all ages: Sabbath School, children’s and adult worship services, discipleship training, and an afternoon concert of praise. The day will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the adult services will be available via livestream.
Let me encourage you—not casually, but earnestly—to make every effort to be present. There is something deeply formative about gathering in one place, lifting our voices as one, and sitting under the teaching of God’s Word in community. This is not merely an event; it is a moment for spiritual strengthening.
To help you prepare, I offer a few practical suggestions:
- Consider arranging carpools as an act of fellowship and stewardship
- Plan to arrive early to settle your hearts before worship begins
- Pre-register children for their programs to ensure their participation, as space is limited
- Use the lunch break (1–3 p.m.) wisely, especially if you plan to attend the afternoon sessions
Secondly, I urge you to mark your calendars for May 24, our Church Clean-Up Day, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is more than a time of maintenance—it is an act of stewardship and shared responsibility. The house of God deserves our care, and this is an opportunity for each of us to contribute in tangible ways. A sign-up list will be provided so that every willing hand may find meaningful work in caring for God’s house.
Finally, this Sabbath begins the sacred process of forming our Church Nominating Committee for the selection of church officers for the 2026–2028 term. This is not simply an administrative exercise; it is a spiritual calling. We will present the first reading of those selected for the Organizing Committee, whose responsibility will be to prayerfully select the Nominating Committee.
I appeal to each of you: remain open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The strength of our church depends not on a few, but on the faithful service of many. God has entrusted each member with unique gifts and talents, not to be hidden, but to be used for His glory and for the building up of His church. Now is the time to step forward in willingness and faith. May we be a people who gather faithfully, serve joyfully, and respond obediently to God’s leading.
Grace and peace be with you.
Pastor Glenn DeSilva