Dear Willingdon Church Family, As I write this letter, my heart is filled with gratitude for the journey we've undertaken together in the past year. Reflecting on the teachings of Christ, we, as church leaders, recognize the profound responsibility to serve with pure hearts, devoid of pride and arrogance. Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 5:2-3, we are reminded to be shepherds of God's flock, not out of obligation but with a willing spirit, eager to serve and not driven by dishonest gain.

Our elder board, consisting of 16 devoted members, including 13 lay elders and three pastor elders, remains committed to the task of shepherding the church the beautiful bride of Christ. Two of our elders are currently on a sabbatical journey. For those curious to learn more about the individuals steering our congregation, detailed information, along with pictures, is available on our church website. While a number of our elders have been at Willingdon for many years and served faithfully, we also need to grow younger. We currently have several younger elder candidates that are being considered for eldership in the near future. Our plan is to increase the elder board size closer to 20 in the next few years.

Amidst the affirmations and support extended by the church body to our elders, it is essential to acknowledge the indispensable role of our elders' spouses. The strength and support they provide are instrumental in enabling our elders to fulfill their roles effectively. These dedicated partners actively share in the leadership of the church, utilizing their unique God-given gifts to contribute to the overall well-being and vibrancy of our community.

Each member of our elder board actively participates in various ministries, collectively reinforcing our commitment to service. While some may have a more noticeable presence, every elder plays a vital role, contributing to the richness and depth of our shared mission. Recognizing the need for both experience and fresh perspectives, we are actively considering several younger elder candidates who are poised to contribute to the leadership of our church. Hopefully this trend will continue for several years as we invite the next generation into church leadership.

The richness of diversity within our congregation is a treasure we hold dear. Despite differences in age and cultural backgrounds, we stand united as one body in Christ, a truth beautifully encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. As elders, we eagerly anticipate the privilege of serving alongside each member, recognizing and valuing the unique contribution that every individual brings to our collective journey.

The past year has seen a remarkable influx of new faces, especially from younger generations, representing a myriad of cultural backgrounds. This growth has ignited our passion to nurture more lay leaders, both men and women, encouraging them to step boldly into leadership roles. To this end, we plan to reactivate deacon committees, presenting opportunities for increased involvement in leadership roles within the church. Stay tuned for more opportunities to lead.

Amidst the joy, we also experienced the profound loss of Elder Bob Davies in November 2023. Bob's heart for missions, exemplified by his active involvement until the very end, leaves an indelible mark on our church. His legacy of sharing the gospel and glorifying God through his life will be dearly missed. Please join us in keeping his wife, Sharon, in your prayers.

The addition of four new pastors - Ruben Heyn, Roby Pamintuan, Jonathan Hsieh, and Bryan Born - has been a significant blessing, enriching our pastoral and support staff. The elders express deep gratitude for the generous giving from the church in 2023, a testament to the unwavering support even in challenging times marked by increased inflation and financial uncertainty.

In 2023, the elders approved a partnership with Journey Home, utilizing the recently acquired Willingdon House for refugee ministry, a tangible demonstration of our commitment to compassionate outreach. Furthermore, we are actively exploring opportunities for church planting and expansion in key areas of the Lower Mainland, seeking God's guidance for fruitful endeavors. We believe that God has led us to an opportunity that is from Him and not by our strength or wisdom. We continue to pray that this opportunity comes to fruition and hope to have something to report on soon.

Maintaining our large facility is an ongoing responsibility, and in 2023, various improvements were made, including the replacement of mechanical equipment, fencing, and front entry upgrades. As we navigate the post-COVID landscape, we are committed to stewarding our resources wisely, ensuring the optimal utilization of the blessings God has bestowed upon us.

The Elders at Willingdon Church remain open and receptive to input from the congregation, understanding that our role is centered on serving the body of Christ. Whether in person or through email at elders@willingdon.org, we eagerly welcome your valuable feedback. Your insights and perspectives are crucial in shaping the direction of our community, and we genuinely look forward to hearing from you.

In conclusion, we humbly request your continued prayers for unity within our church, starting with the elders and pastors. Our collective goal remains to bring a clear message of hope into a broken world, a mission that requires steadfast dedication and divine guidance. Serving the body of Christ at Willingdon Church is not merely a duty but a joyous privilege, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement throughout the past year.

In Christ's love and service, Ed Thiessen
Moderator of the Elders

The Psalmist writes: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84:11-12). In 2023, God proved himself again to be completely worthy of our trust.

We began the year with the "The Elephant in the Room" sermon series, addressing big questions such as: Can we trust the Bible? and, Is Jesus really the only way? The good news is that God has gifted us with solid answers and a sure foundation for life.

Romans 911 was the title of our spring series. The young Jewish and Gentile believers of Rome had big questions: If God's promises to Israel had not been realized, how could they trust God to keep his promises to them? Had God failed to keep his word?

Paul answered with a resounding NO! God had been faithful to every word to his people and would remain faithful. His purposes were and are unstoppable. Paul ended chapter 11 by praising God for his inscrutable ways! He will be glorified in all things! At some point, we must stop asking questions and simply worship.

The last verses of Romans 11 provided the perfect transition into the summer series, "Psalms: Songs for Life." These ancient songs, expressing the whole array of human thought and emotion, reminded us that God is worthy of all our worship and praise in every moment.

At the Fall Festival, we launched the fall series, "The Beautiful Kingdom," based on Matthew 14-18. These chapters revealed the identity of the Servant King and the nature of his kingdom family. Instead of judging people and seeking revenge, Jesus' followers forgive and restore. Rather than battling for power and prestige, they serve the little ones with humility. May the Willingdon church family be marked by these beautiful kingdom traits!

We ended the year with the Christmas series, "Do you Hear what I Hear?" The songs of Isaiah, Mary, Zechariah, and the angels inspired our worship of Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In 2023, we said goodbye to three men who worshipped Jesus and proclaimed his gospel faithfully: Pastor Ted Klassen, Pastor Rob Penner, and Elder Bob Davies. As I have reflected on the impact of their lives, I'm reminded that all modelled how to live a life fully devoted to God and his purposes, love one's family and the church family, be an encouragement to others, and be used by God even while suffering. We miss them dearly and long to see them again. May we follow their example while we are here.

Over the past year, as a church family, we have sought to worship God with all that we are, proclaim the gospel clearly and boldly, engage in meaningful relationships (welcoming those who are new), be equipped for ministry, and empower one another for kingdom service. All ministry areas have grown and matured.

As we look to 2024, we are filled with hope. At the beginning of 2022, the Lord spoke to me through Isaiah 37:30 "And this shall be the sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year, sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit." We have completed two years of rebuilding. It is time for some new vineyards (new ministry initiatives)! Stay tuned! King Jesus is leading us.

Ray Harms-Wiebe
Lead Pastor