May 23, 2025
Hello Glenbrook,
“April showers bring May flowers” …. Or was it May showers bring June flowers? At this point I’m just hoping for some sun in June. Did you know the saying "April showers bring May flowers" is actually taken from a short poem by Thomas Tusser in 1557.
“His poem, part of "A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry," is said to have inspired the proverb. The poem, in part, reads "Sweet April showers, do spring May flowers,"
I love learning where sayings come from, there’s always a great story behind it.
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
Andrea
Devotional
Too Many “Oughts, “Shoulds, and “Musts”
As one day melted into another, I found it almost impossible to put a message together that made any sense. I paused to reflect on past experiences, knowing that sometimes God has other plans for us.
There are times when I am troubled about being unable to write — times when for some reason, I seem unable to get things together. That simple little story just won't gel.
Thinking this through, I began to blame the abundance of things in which I have become involved. Though most are Christian-oriented and are things I feel God has chosen for me to do, I somehow tend to feel overwhelmed.
I questioned myself: Am I trying too hard? Am I trying to win God's approval in doing too many "oughts", "shoulds", and "musts"? That means too many things we think we ought to be doing, should be doing, or must do!
How many of us become less and less the way God wants us to be by trying too hard to please God, when it really isn't necessary? In His eyes, we are already special, because God chose us. He loves us unconditionally. We are forgiven by God permanently, and nothing can take that away.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we come before You this day, giving thanks in the knowledge that it is You Who have chosen us to do Your will and not we ourselves. Sometimes we fail to understand where it is that we should be serving You, and we tend to forget that in You, we are special, we are chosen, we are loved, and we are forgiven through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Anne Russell
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Cross Border Cosmopolitans
During Black History Month Pastor Ian made reference to a book entitled “Cross Border Cosmopolitans- The Making of a Pan-African North America” written by a member of Glenbrook Presbyterian Church, Dr. Wendell Adjetey. If you are interested, we have 3 copies available in the office for a cost of $40.
Hug Ministry
St.Thomas Becket is inviting anyone who would like to join their free Brain Health & Dementia Awareness Session on Tuesday May 27th at 1:30 pm. A guest speaker from the Alzheimer Society of Peel will be joining and sharing valuable information and insight on keeping your brain healthy and understanding dementia. Tea will be served afterward. There is a sign-up sheet on the front lobby table for anyone interested.
Muffins For Missions
Final Muffins for Missions before Summer is coming. Bakers Needed Sign Up will be on the table this Sunday. The donations will be going to Ian Anderson House
Open Door Lunch
Thursday June 5th Sign Up for making a loaf of sandwiches or a cold salad. Talk to Cynthia if you have any questions.
Spring Toiletries Drive for The Open Door
A new season means restocking and shopping for new needs that can be costly but offer self-care and dignity. Please join in and drop off items to help out the patrons of The Open Door. Donations can include, deodorant, shampoo, lotions, sunscreen, baby diapers, adult diapers, wipes, soap and shower gel, feminine products and laundry detergent. Thank you in advance for your support.
[These items are always in need but for this Drive we will collect for 3 Sundays and then deliver on Wednesday June 11th.
Exciting News regarding Sunday School
Glenbrook will begin offering a class on Sunday mornings for the next 6 weeks with the aid and enthusiasm of a church friend. Victoria Chui is a member of the Glenbrook Adult Bible Study and her family has known our Pastor for a number of years. The Chui family is greatly involved in the Toronto Formosan Presbyterian Church with services in Taiwanese and English. Victoria leads Sunday school for various ages at her church but has agreed to help us out here at Glenbrook until the school year is complete. This will fill a need within our church family and provide a start off point for future Children's and Youth programming.
As we welcome Victoria, please look for her smiling face and introduce yourself this Sunday.
Children from 4years to 12years of age are invited to remain in the sanctuary for worship but then move out to the Board Room with Victoria and 1 Glenbrook volunteer leader.
May God bless this new program.
HOLD THE DATE JUNE 7th Bridal Tea for Sam
Ladies of Glenbrook, come and celebrate with us the wedding of our special friend Samantha Black. We are having a bridal tea for Samantha on June 7th. There is a sign-up sheet on the front lobby table and it’s filling up fast! If you plan to attend, please let us know so we have numbers for preparation of the food. Thank you
VERY SPECIAL DATE- MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Drop-in Open House – Saturday June 21st
Time - 2pm - 5pm
Glenbrook Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Come out, visit and express appreciation for the 26 years of dedicated service and for the countless ways Pastor Ian McWhinnie has touched our lives.
*More information to be sent out via email.
McCauley Scholarship Application Invitation
Glenbrook, through the Gordon McCauley Scholarship and Trust Fund has an opportunity and funds set aside, for two students seeking financial assistance. This trust was generously set-up through Gordon McCauley who wanted to benefit and help young people associated with our congregation with the costs of tuition etc. If you qualify and are interested, please contact the Glenbrook office for an application form. If you have any questions, please contact the office and we will put you in touch with the Trustees of this fund. The deadline for receiving applications will be May 31st.
Spring Bible Study 2025
Bible Study began this past Tuesday and will continue every Tuesday until June 10th. If you are interested, please join us, we start at 10:00 am.
St. Thomas à Becket Cricket Tournament
The cricket tournament returns on July 12th! An invitation to all churches in the area, including Glenbrook. No experience is required and if you would like to come out and watch that’s fine too! Save the date and if interested please speak to Pastor Ian. There is also a sign-up sheet on the front lobby table for those wishing to participate.
Looking for Coffee Volunteers
If anyone is interested in volunteering for coffee services on Sundays after the service, please let Admin know as we are a bit short staffed. Monthly or every other month or even just for the summer months??
Thank you!
Children and Youth Ministry
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are planning to restart our Sunday Nursery program. We are looking for volunteers to occasionally watch over our little ones in the nursery during our Sunday worship service. If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, please fill-in the signup list on the table in front of the sanctuary. Alternatively, you can contact Cindy Hallman directly if you have any questions.
-Conrad
Budget Position January to April 2025
The Board of Managers would like to ensure that the congregation is aware of the financial position and needs of Glenbrook and how they are being met through offerings. If you would like a more detailed breakdown of the funds, please reach out to Admin. We thank you for your generous stewardship and prayerful support.
May Schedule of Volunteers
Please let me know if there are any dates which I need to change or move for you 😊 If you would like to join the volunteer team even once every few months, let me know!
Service for Sunday May 25th, 2025
Please note that all services will be available on the SAME link each time. So click on the link below to watch all services live with us.
Enjoy the service!
https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live
Scripture Reading:
Mark 10: 42-45 NRSVA
Philippians 2: 1-11 NRSVA
Message: “Joy in Christian Unity and Humility” Pastor Ian McWhinnie
Have a great week,
Andrea
