Dear Willowdale Church Family,
This coming Sabbath, we have the privilege of gathering around the Lord’s Table for Communion. Before summer vacations, family visits, and travel take many of us in different directions over the coming weeks, it is a beautiful opportunity to come together one more time as one church family. Communion is one of the most meaningful services we share. It reminds us that, regardless of our different journeys and circumstances, we are united by the grace of Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and the hope we have in Him.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our deacons and deaconesses. Much of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes, yet their faithful ministry helps create a worship experience that allows each of us to focus on Christ. Thank you for your servant hearts and your willingness to bless our church family.
This past Wednesday, I celebrated Canada Day with a few friends in the backyard. With the intense summer heat, a swimming pool quickly becomes everyone’s favourite gathering place! The warm water was refreshing and invigorating, but before long, dark clouds unexpectedly rolled in. Strong winds swept through, followed by heavy rain, and our neighbourhood lost power from 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the next morning.
As I reflected on those events, I couldn’t help but smile at how closely they connected with the Communion homily I had already planned to share this Sabbath, entitled “Summer Storms and Setbacks.” Sometimes life can change just as quickly as the weather. Calm skies can suddenly give way to unexpected storms, disappointments, setbacks, and uncertainty. Yet even when the skies grow dark, God remains faithful.
That same theme will continue throughout our new summer midweek prayer meeting series, “Storms and Deserts.” Together, we will explore how God reveals Himself most clearly during life’s greatest challenges. Our first study this past Wednesday focused on Noah and the flood—a storm unlike any the world had ever seen. In the midst of overwhelming destruction, Scripture records one of its most comforting statements: “But God remembered Noah.” (Genesis 8:1)
Those words are just as meaningful today. Whatever storm you may be facing this season—whether it is physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual—you are not forgotten. The God who remembered Noah remembers you. He sees every tear, knows every burden, and walks beside you through every uncertainty. Even when we cannot see what lies ahead, He remains present, faithful, and true to His promises.
This is one of the beautiful messages of Communion. We come to the table not because life is free from storms, but because Jesus has already entered the storm for us. Through His broken body and shed blood, He offers forgiveness, peace, hope, and the assurance that our present trials will not have the final word. Because Christ lives, we have every reason to face tomorrow with confidence.
As we gather this Sabbath, my prayer is that each of us will leave renewed in our faith, encouraged by one another’s presence, and reminded that our greatest hope is never found in perfect circumstances but in our perfect Saviour.
I look forward to worshiping with you as we remember His sacrifice, celebrate His grace, and find fresh hope together.
Maranatha!
Pastor Glenn DeSilva