CBOQ Assembly 2026
June 4th-6th at Brock University
Reflections from Elisabeth Duckworth
Reflections from Elisabeth Duckworth
It was my first time attending Assembly, so everything was brand new and quite overwhelming. I travelled with fellow FBC delegate Carolyn Bridge and CBON delegate Dolores Duke. After we managed to park, register, and find our rooms, we headed to the main meeting room and joined the other 300+ people. It was nice to see Pamela's friendly smile and vigorous waving amidst the unfamiliar faces. My first impression of the group was one of excited anticipation, happiness, and a sincere joy to see and greet one another.
The first full day was spent in a blessedly boring AGM. There were no contentious issues, no controversies, no negative comments. The overall message was that CBOQ is healthy and prospering. One sad note was the loss of eight rural churches which closed due to falling congregation numbers. However, three new churches joined CBOQ bringing with them numbers which far exceed the eight closed churches.
The evening gatherings were ones of music, revival, and powerful messages. The theme for this year's Assembly was “And Then They Prayed” (Acts 1:24). The aim was to move prayer from a place of formal activity in our churches to becoming a deep and normal culture of praying amongst our people as individuals and a natural outpouring in every aspect of our church life. This theme was carried out in all the day-workshops and evening gatherings.
Elisabeth Duckworth, Carolyn Bridge, Dolores Duke
The music worship leaders were a group of young Ukrainian Christians who attend a church for new Canadians in Montreal. I didn't know every song they sang, but their talent and deep commitment to Christ were very evident. Finally, the Assembly experience provided me the opportunity to get to know my fellow FBC delegates and attendees: Pamela Fitkin, Torie Schmidt, Carolyn Bridge, Dolores Duke, and Darren Almas in a new and deeper way. What a blessing that was! Thank you to FBC deacons and congregation for giving me the opportunity to experience CBOQ Assembly 2026.
Reflections from Carolyn Bridge
The absolute most beautiful and touching part was when the worship team, a group of very young people from Ukraine, told us their stories. One young lady's father was on the front line for two years. Another was a chaplain for the soldiers. The children are ripped from their parents and forced to go to Russia. They asked for prayer and said what you hear on the news is only half of what's really happening. So we all started to pray because the theme of the event was “And then they prayed”. Everybody was praying over them and with them. Small groups were all praying out loud at the same time. It brought me back to my experience in Haiti and it made my tears flow. It was a Holy Spirit moment for sure.
A highlight was seeing Elaine Poproski's bright loving smile and recognizing some of the youth leaders like Matt and Alvin who have been our main contacts for the youth over the years, feeling that connection and support.
Darren Almas and I attended a Bible study on discernment. It was a really good study and I remember the questions in the reflection were deep, but what I took away from the study is that our God is a God who sees me and a God who hears me. We just have to show up, and try to remember during prayer to focus on what we have, not what we don't have.
I learned more about CBOQ. We heard how some churches have left, but others have joined from church planting. It's bigger than I thought. It's so multicultural. It was my first time at Assembly, but being able to be at the annual meetings and hold up my badge with my name, which said voting member, really made me feel part of something big. I went in with open eyes and open heart. I loved being part of such a large group of believers: all ethnic groups, all there for the same reason, and loving the Lord. It was as I imagine a little bit of Heaven would be like.
Thank you church for this experience and opportunity.
Reflections from Darren Almas
While I was at the CBOQ Assembly 2026 this year, I was struck by the community of different churches coming together as a larger representation of the Body of Christ. There was a sense of unity and connectedness as we all prayed together, worshipped together, and learned together, while enjoying each other's company and communicating with other believers.
I enjoyed seeing people we knew and making new connections with others. There was sharing, caring, and hearing how God is active in people's lives. We listened to their stories of how the Holy Spirit directed and guided them on their Christian journey. There are many great things happening with the CBOQ in general.
I felt the energy and growth of what God is doing in and with the CBOQ. It is encouraging, and I am happy, blessed, and thankful to be part of it.
Praise to God, in Jesus' name.
