June 13, 2025
Hello Glenbrook,
First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS to Pastor Ian and Gwenna on the birth of their granddaughter! We also send a HUGE congrats to Lauren and Silas on their little bundle of joy!
There was a link to Pastor Stephen’s intro video in the last newsletter, some people were not able to access it so I will leave the Facebook link below for you to view. Simply cut and paste the URL in your browser address link.
https://www.facebook.com/GlenbrookPresbyterianChurch/videos/4083803475224183
A quick message regarding the congregation’s contacts information. As Glenbrook goes through some big changes, we feel it is important that everyone stay connected. With that in mind I am asking everyone if you have moved or have a new phone number, email address etc. please send your updated information to the office. You can send a quick email to office@glennbrook.ca or leave a message at (905) 820-9860.
Lastly, another congrats and well wishes goes to Samantha and Mike as they get married this weekend up in beautiful Parry Sound. To everyone attending, have a fantastic time!
Have a great week everyone
Andrea
Today’s Devotional
Which Route Should We Take?
Upon picking up a friend for a much-needed walk, we set out for a store along a very busy road. It was rush hour. The fumes from the exhaust coupled with the noises of the boom-boxes, big trucks and general glut of traffic pounded our senses and sinuses. We chose another route back. This one entailed a walk by just a bit of traffic, through a small outdoor mall, across the fair grounds where we watched a couple of young men kick a soccer ball around, along a wooded trail in a little forest, and back up some side roads. Either route would take us to and from our destinations; the latter though longer, being much easier and pleasant on our senses.
Our life's route can be one of constantly defying the odds and the elements. We can get caught up in the fast lane, tangled up in situations, allowing ourselves to be put in positions we'd really rather not be, surrounding ourselves with things that pollute our intended purpose in life. Then, exhausted by the "fumes" we choose another route.
When we decide to walk the route that Christ has chosen for us, it may seem longer or harder at times. It may seem a little "out of the way" compared to some around us, but He can make the hard times easier and with Him, it is more pleasant.
Mary Daniel
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Pastor Ian’s Farewell Drop In Open House
Drop-in Open House – Saturday June 21st
Time - 2pm - 5pm
We hope that you have received an invitation to the Farewell Drop In Open House to be held here Saturday June 21st from 2 till 5pm.
We encourage everyone to come visit, reminisce, and say farewell to our Pastor, leader and friend Ian McWhinnie.
It’s been quite a chore to gather emails, and we don't want anyone to miss out so please inform your Glenbrook friends so that they can join in on a wonderful celebratory afternoon.
In appreciation of the 26 years of service a group gift will be given and if you would like to contribute, please give with your offering (noting Gift amount or etransfer using the Glenbrook events email.) glenbrookpcevents@gmail.com
We are looking forward to hearing from you by June 15th or even earlier. (RSVPs will help us have a successful send off)
Thank you very much. Emoji
-Cynthia
Samantha’s Bridal Party
Thank you to everyone that came out to Samantha’s Bridal Tea Party. A big thank you to the organizers and everyone that helped set up. It looked amazing. Below are some images from last Saturday courtesy of Ellys.
Raw Carrot
It is time for the FINAL Raw Carrot Soup Order before their summer break.
Offering all 7 regular flavours of Signature Carrot, Flying Noodle, Hearty Lentil and Barley, Loaded Potato and Bacon, Mulligatawny, Spicy-ish Sausage and Cabbage, Veggie Mania and the special of the Month is called Three Sisters.
We have some packages currently available in Carrot, Loaded Potato, Mulligatawny, White Onion, Veggie Scotch Broth, Veggie Thai Curry and Asian Fushion.
Please sign up at the Lobby Table if you wish to make an order. Quick turn around this time as Orders must be in by Sunday the 22nd of June.
Men’s Lunch
The next Men’s lunch is scheduled for June 18th and will take place at Mulligan’s Pub in the Woodchester Plaza.
There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby for those who wish to attend.
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.
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!!!
June is National Indigenous History Month
June 1st marked the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in Canada. First celebrated in 2009 and then renamed in 2017, National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the cultures, stories, achievements and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Indigenous nations each have unique cultures and practices; learning about Indigenous nations and their histories affirms the importance of Indigenous identity and the rich diversity of Indigenous governments, economies, legal systems, spiritualities, languages, cultures and traditions that Indigenous people have practiced for thousands of years.
If you would like to read more information, please click on the link below.
June is National Indigenous History Month - The Presbyterian Church in Canada
World Refugee Day June 21st
We have some information from our PWS&D Champion Ellys MacKenzie regarding World Refugee Day. Please read below, there are also links to more details. I will be adding more information on this topic in next weeks newsletter.
No one chooses to be a refugee. Refugees and internally displaced people are forced to flee their homes out of fear for their lives, safety and freedom. On June 21, World Refugee Day, we honour the strength, courage and resilience of those who have been uprooted by conflict, persecution and disaster. We are also reminded that in 2025, an estimated 139.3 million people around the world will still be forcibly displaced or stateless.
PWS&D’s refugee ministry faithfully responds to Christ’s call to serve and defend the marginalized and persecuted. While the Government of Canada is reducing the numbers of refugees that we can sponsor,
our refugee sponsorship program continues to be an important part of our work, through which we affirm the inherent dignity of all people and our shared responsibility to offer compassion and advocacy.
Join the Canadian Foodgrains Bank World Refugee Day webinar on Conflict, Hunger and Humanitarian Access on June 19. Register here
World Refugee Day Webinar: Conflict, Hunger and Humanitarian Access | Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Gather 2Grow Conference
Before January of this year the US provided 40% of foreign aid to countries in need. Aid has been cut drastically not just by the U.S, other countries have also cut back the amount of aid support.
International Aid matters as it is a reflection of our Christian belief. It is important not just from a human development index perspective, health, education, standard of living. It also shows recipients that Canada cares. It gives Hope and Hope overcomes despair.
Gather2Grow Recordings
The recordings from this past weekend’s Gather2Grow conference are now available on our YouTube channel. Visit Youtube.com/@presbyworldservice or click on the individual links below to view the sessions.
Session 1: Why International Aid Matters
Session 2: All About Resources for Champions
Session 3: Reflections from the Guatemala Learning Trip
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 15th, 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
John 16:12- 15 NRSVA
Philippians 3:1-11 NRSVA
Message: “The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ” Brian Irwin
