May 30, 2025
Hello Glenbrook,
How is it June already? The next few months always seem to fly by as we all try and take advantage of our beautiful spring/summer season and our weekends get packed with things to do. So, remember to really savor the moment as time really DOES seem to fly. Speaking of time flying…. I took a stroll through High Park this week and was amazed at how quickly the park came alive within a week or 2. There were still some cherry blossoms hanging on and the Chipmunks were everywhere! Here is a lovely photo of that day. Have a great weekend everyone and be safe!
Andrea
Devotional
Philippians 1:7 – Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (KJV)
About mid-way along our morning walk, my dog and I came upon a beautiful big red-breasted robin on the road. It was dead — probably pounced upon by some neighbourhood cat.
My pockets always possess plenty of bags for that which my dog leaves behind, so it was easy to pick up the robin to take home to bury rather than leave it to whatever else might befall it, and I didn't mind that it meant carrying it for quite a distance. Upon picking it up, I wondered if it would be as easy to do the same for a rat. Just the thought sends shivers down my spine and makes me wince. I am reminded that all creatures are creations of God and serve some purpose, and so it should follow that whether robin or rat, they should each receive the same respect with regards to their disposal.
How like life that scenario is! It is far easier to befriend those who are pleasant-mannered, pleasantly dressed, clean shaven, who, like the robin, "sing life's songs beautifully". It is far easier to readily accept jobs that are to our liking; to put ourselves in situations that are fun, interesting, and pleasant; to give of our time when it suits us best. Do we treat each one whom we meet as a robin or as a rat?
When we are faced with whatever is placed upon our path, do we accept only that which is palatable to us, leaving that which is distasteful to be dealt with by someone else?
It is through living by His word that we are given the grace to face what we sometimes would rather not do.
Prayer: Our gracious Father, we know that life doesn't always deal us only what we would wish to do, for we know that we grow through our challenges. May we remember to be gracious to all that is put in our path. In your name we pray. Amen.
Mary Daniel
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
A SPECIAL 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! It will be held in the Anglican Hall from 1pm-3pm.
ANOTHER VERY SPECIAL DATE - For Pastor Ian
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. There are some sheets on the front lobby table for some additional information. Also keep an eye out for an email which will have even more details.
Volunteer Needed for Flower bed Watering
We are looking for someone who would be available to water the flowers at the front of the Church. If you are interested, please contact Det for more details, thank you!!!
Muffins For Missions
It's our FINAL MUFFINS FOR MISSIONS SUNDAY UNTIL AFTER THE SUMMER!!!
Please stay for a coffee and a treat to raise some funds to go to Ian Anderson House. It is always amazing what this congregation gives and how this tradition encourages community through this time of visiting. Thank you for all f the support shown to this event throughout the special Sundays.
OPEN DOOR LUNCH THURSDAY JUNE 5TH - THIS WEEK
Sign Up for making a loaf of sandwiches or a cold salad. Talk to Cynthia if you have any questions.
Please have all food items at the church by 11am this Thursday to be driven up to Square One.
Spring Toiletries Drive for The Open Door
The Open Door donations can include, deodorant, shampoo, lotions, sunscreen, baby diapers, adult diapers, wipes, soap and shower gel, feminine products and laundry detergent.
There will be a laundry basket out in the lobby to collect items for the Toiletry Drive with donations going to The Open Door.
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.
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.
Indwell
We received a beautiful letter from Indwell thanking the congregation for being a part of their community. We have donated $1200.00 to their mission!! Thank you to everyone who has donated and made an enormous impact on people’s lives.
Indwell is currently providing homes for more than 1,250 people and has a 92% housing stability rate.
If you would like to know more about Indwell you can visit their website at
www.indwell.ca
Spring Bible Study 2025
Bible Study continues every Tuesday until June 10th. 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
Exciting news the nursery program is starting this week! We would still appreciate more names added to the list, men are encouraged to sign up. Thank you
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.
June 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 June 1, 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:
Matthew 5:13-14 NRSVA
Philippians 2:12-18 NRSVA
Message: “Shining Like Stars In The World” Pastor Ian McWhinnie
Have a great week,
Andrea
