Members of Willoughby Christian Reformed Church in Langley, British Columbia, showed up for church on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend dressed in an odd assortment of Sunday best—coveralls, scrubs, uniforms, or aprons—marking the end of a sermon series focusing on how God calls us to our vocations.
Baker Audrey Tolkamp and machinist Joe Tolkamp wear their work attire to church.
The eight-week series, centered on the book of Hebrews, encouraged the congregation to devote all aspects of their lives to Christ, including the roles they are called to during the week, whether as students, workers, stay-at-home parents, or volunteers.
Various individuals shared details about their vocations. They talked about how they see God’s hand in their place of work and how the congregation could support them through prayer.
High school student Sam Ravensbergen said, “At school, I am constantly faced with challenges in regard to my faith. Being prayed for was beneficial to me because I am now assured of support from the congregation.”
Police officer Joel Tuininga was encouraged and honored to be lifted up in prayer by fellow Christians. “I asked for prayer that I could be a light in a sometimes dark environment, and that I would bring glory to God by showing love, compassion, and integrity in how I deal with the people I encounter, the accused or the victimized. My work is the place where my faith should be lived out.”
“We are sent to our weekly tasks to call attention to Christ’s presence and work in the world,” said Mark Glanville, Willoughby’s pastor. “We hoped that by spotlighting a variety of individuals we could do a number of things: bless members in their work, be led to think more specifically about our own work situations, come to a greater awareness of our community and diversity, and be energized as a community sent into the world Monday to Saturday.”
About the Author
Tracey Yan is the Banner's regional news correspondent for classes British Columbia North-west and British Columbia South-east.
