This past year, women across Ontario and Quebec have been gathering—in church halls and living rooms, on Zoom screens and at events—seeking to grow in their faith and strengthen one another in Christ. Each moment has reminded us of the importance of creating spaces where women can learn, serve, pray, and flourish together.
At our Meet & Greet during CBOQ Assembly, more than 50 women—from their early 30s to mid-70s—filled the room with laughter, prayer, and stories of God’s faithfulness. One woman shared how she brings her grandchildren along when she visits different churches, a simple reminder that faith grows richer when it crosses generations. We celebrated the unique gifts God has given each of us. Many left encouraged, being reminded that God is our strength and hope as women who belong to him.
Later in the fall, over 20 women gathered online for The Familiar Stranger, a book study exploring the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in our lives. Under the thoughtful and gracious leadership of Tracey Bagley, women shared openly—offering questions, personal stories, and deep reflections.
Doreen, the oldest participant at 97 years young, shared this: “I have experienced what I take to be the Holy Spirit…a whisper out of the blue…I have been calling it a ‘nudge,’ and my responding to it has brought confirmation that it was a message from God.”
One church even gathered their entire women’s Bible study to join together online. Each woman took her turn speaking into the shared discussion—an image of how the Holy Spirit knits hearts together across screens, distances, and generations. The study reminded us that faith is not something we carry alone. We are formed, strengthened, and supported in our faith when we gather as God’s people, and learning, growth and transformation continues throughout all of life!
In Montreal, Quebec, women also experienced a beautiful “day apart.” Expecting around 45 women, organizers welcomed 64—a joyful surprise. The day opened with prayer for our global sisters: women facing hurricanes, earthquakes, violence, instability, and injustice. Together, women lifted one another, and their sisters across continents, before God. A message on Psalm 100 invited worship and gratitude, followed by a moving interview between Hilda, age 104, and Meray, age 39—a powerful picture of generational wisdom and shared faith. Irma, a CBWOQ Board member, closed the day with updates and a look ahead to our upcoming 150th celebration.
Across every gathering—large or small, online or in person—one message keeps rising: Women grow stronger in faith when we grow together.
As we look toward another year of studies, retreats, gatherings, and opportunities to learn and serve, we invite you to help make this ministry possible.
If CBWOQ’s local ministries have encouraged you…
If you believe in forming women spiritually across generations…
If you long to see faith deepen in communities across Ontario and Quebec…
Would you consider giving toward CBWOQ’s local ministries?
Your generosity helps create more spaces where women meet God, meet one another, and grow together in faith.
Thank you for being part of this beautiful story— a story God is writing through women, week by week, gathering by gathering, as we keep growing together in faith.