Dear Church Leaders and Congregations,
As we approach the Easter season, I want to extend a word of encouragement to each of you across the Western Association. This is a sacred and meaningful time in the life of the Church—a season in which we proclaim again the hope, renewal, and victory found in the resurrection of Christ. I am deeply grateful for the faithfulness, creativity, and care you are demonstrating as you prepare to lead your congregations through Holy Week.
In this season, we also find ourselves looking ahead as an association. There is a growing sense that God is inviting us into a time of renewal—both in how we relate to one another and in how we serve our churches. In the coming months, we hope to engage in meaningful conversations about how the WABC can best support, encourage, and add value to your ministries. Your voice will be essential in this process, and we look forward to listening well as we discern together what God is calling us toward.
I also want to express sincere gratitude to those churches who have already contributed their association dues. We recognize that this is not a simple or easy time financially for many congregations. As a reminder, our current dues have been set at $6.75 per member. However, in light of declining membership and the recent closure of two churches, sustaining our shared ministry would require an adjustment closer to $8.15 per member. If your church is able to contribute beyond the current level, it would be deeply appreciated and will help us continue to support the work we share together.
I would also encourage you to take some time to explore and engage with our new WABC website at www.wa-bc.ca. This platform is becoming an important point of connection for our association. Through it, you can sign up for updates, stay informed through the events calendar, and easily connect with other congregations across our region. It is our hope that this will strengthen our sense of shared mission and make collaboration more accessible.
Looking ahead, there are several important opportunities for us to gather together:
On April 11, we will meet at Wheatley Baptist Church from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for our Congregational Listening Session and Annual General Meeting. Lunch will be provided, and this will be an important space for conversation, discernment, and shared direction.
Then on Sunday, May 24 at 4:00 PM, we will gather with our brothers and sisters from ARMBA for a united Pentecost service at Grace Baptist Church. A potluck meal will follow, and we look forward to celebrating together the work of the Holy Spirit among us.
We are also excited to participate in the opportunity for our youth through the CBOQ Ascent Retreat, taking place May 29–31 at Pearce Williams Camp. We would encourage all our churches to look into this is powerful experience for students in Grades 6–12. They will encounter Jesus in fresh ways through worship, teaching, and community. More information and registration can be found at https://cboqyouth.ca/experiences/ascent/.
As we enter this Easter season and look toward these upcoming gatherings, may we do so with hearts that are attentive to God’s presence, hopeful in His promises, and committed to one another in love and shared mission.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Rev. David Page, Moderator
Western Association of Baptist Churches