Have you ever felt like you were running on empty? This past week, I literally pushed through on fumes. I arrived at Willowdale this past Monday for our weekly Pastors’ Staff Meeting, where we discuss the ministry of the church and always conclude with a season of prayer for our church family and for the personal challenges we each carry.
Following our meeting, I shared with the team that I needed to take some time away from church. The roles and responsibilities within my family were changing. As the youngest of three sons, I now take on the role of becoming a parent. Michelle and I had to move my mom against her wishes from an independent living environment to an assisted living community. I will admit that this season has been stressful and emotionally draining. Yet, even in the middle of it, God has been gracious. The support and comforting words of those who have travelled this road before me have helped immensely. The unwavering support of Michelle has sustained me, and above all, the carrying power of a gracious and loving God has kept me going. Michelle and I are not completely out of the woods yet, but every now and then we can look up through the clearing and see the heavens above us — and right now, that is enough for the journey. All I can say is, Thank You, Jesus!
As I look back over the summer, there is also so much for which we can praise God. The Willowdale Pathfinder Club survived a mission trip to Barbados! The stories, adventures, miracles, and memories of that experience have been reserved for Sabbath, September 26. Most importantly, young people from our church made life-long decisions to follow Jesus. God be praised!
During the absence of the pastoral staff, Willowdale’s pulpit was faithfully carried by Elders Andrew, Jennifer, and Geddes, along with our Youth Leader, Sujatha. After listening to their messages from the Hebrews 11 series, Portraits of Faithfulness, I was both impressed and deeply blessed. God was faithful, and He used each speaker to bless, strengthen, and edify the body of Christ — His Church.
And now, we look forward. Summer is coming to an end, and we are returning to the work, and ministry God has placed before us. Many ministry projects lie ahead. Our clubs are preparing to awaken again. Our music ministries are preparing for another season of service. There is much to do. But before we rush into activity, programs, meetings, and ministry, I believe God is calling us first to make sure that we are Anchored in Christ. Over the next three Sabbaths, the pastoral team will share messages from a small, sometimes overlooked book in the New Testament — 2 Peter. In just three chapters, the apostle Peter reminds believers living in uncertain times to remain firmly anchored:
Anchored in Christ.
Anchored in His Word.
Anchored in the promise of His return.
Before we do more for Christ, let us make sure we are growing deeper in Christ.
A few final family reminders: Our annual Family Corn Boil/Roast is next Sabbath, and I hope you will plan to join us for a wonderful time of fellowship. The Nominating Committee has one remaining meeting as it completes its work of recommending church volunteers for the 2026–2028 term. Please continue to pray for the committee and for those who will serve. And please do not forget “The Great Belong,” our Adult Sabbath School mission project. Remember, monies raised for our 2026 mission projects must be used during 2026, so let us continue to support this important ministry opportunity.
As I sit here writing, a hymn has suddenly come to mind: “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms.” Perhaps there is someone reading this who is tired. Maybe you are worn down. Maybe you are carrying responsibilities no one else fully understands. Maybe you, too, feel as though you have been running on fumes. I am discovering again that there is no better place to be than in the everlasting arms of Jesus. When your strength is gone, lean on Him. When the road becomes uncertain, lean on Him. When the woods seem thick and the way forward is difficult to see, look upward. There is still heaven above the trees. God is still faithful. His grace is still sufficient. And His arms are still strong enough to carry us.
I’m back! I look forward to seeing you this Sabbath at Willowdale. Until then, keep leaning, keep trusting, and stay Anchored in Christ.
Maranatha!
Pastor Glenn DeSilva