Families are the heart of the church. They provide stability, love, and support, forming the foundation upon which our community is built. Every family experiences different seasons—some filled with joy, others with challenges. From the early years of marriage and raising young children to navigating the teenage years and launching our kids into adulthood, each stage brings its own blessings and struggles. Some of you may not have children but are navigating other challenges. Many of us are constantly running in a million different directions. The distractions of our culture make it easy to overlook the need to slow down, lean in, and truly communicate with our spouse. Without intentional moments to reflect, we can lose sight of our marriage and family priorities.
Since family is a top priority for most of us, it’s important to pause and do a wellness check—starting with the health of our marriages.
Think about how we maintain our cars. We bring them in often for oil changes to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. Marriages and families need the same kind of care. Regular relationship check-ins can help us strengthen our bonds and create a healthier home environment.
At CLA, relationships are one of our prayer priorities this year. We began 2025 praying for relational health, and marriage is a big part of that. That’s why we’re excited to offer a special one-day marriage retreat:
Journey to Us – A Marriage Experience
In partnership with Focus on the Family, this interactive event will provide practical tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of married life with confidence and grace. Designed for Canadian couples, it offers real, faith-based guidance to strengthen your relationship.
📅 Saturday, April 12th
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Maple Ridge Campus – 11756 232nd Street, Maple Ridge
You can sign up through here, and if you need financial assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jcolwell@clachurch.com—we have 5 sponsorships available. Please note, there will be no childcare provided at the church.
I encourage you to invest in your marriage. Whether you come with your spouse or on your own, this retreat is a great opportunity to reflect, grow, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
