November 8, 2024
Hello and happy Friday,
I hope you have all been having a lovely week. I was away the last few days doing a lot of studying and putting in some hours for my psychotherapy designation upkeep. It was also time to go up to Penetanguishene to grieve with some close friends. My dear friend Becky lost her younger sister Mary earlier this week at the age of 29. Mike and I were able to be with their family on Wednesday and Thursday for the visitation and funeral. Becky’s mom, Kathleen, was in England visiting family when Mary passed, and wanted to share an experience she had on her way home that made her praise God amidst this unspeakable tragedy.
When she was in the airport trying to make her way home, she was praying to God to send an angel to be with her as she travelled alone in the darkest hour of her life. At that moment, a young woman approached her asking for help finding her gate. She noticed that Kathleen was distressed and asked her what had happened. Kathleen poured her heart out to this young stranger, who embraced Kathleen and prayed peace over her. It turns out this young woman came from the same neighbourhood as Kathleen, and when Kathleen arrived home, this young stranger had called ahead to her friends and sent them over to make sure Kathleen had made it home. She shared this story and expressed that God made it so clear to her that she was not alone, even as she felt the world was ending. She told me to thank God for his tender embrace. So I pass this onto my Glenbrook family. Let’s praise God for His grace, and also ask for His deep healing and peace to rest on the Connell family as they grieve the loss of someone so dear and young.
Remembrance Day
This Sunday, we acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made to allow us to live in such freedom and peace. The freedom we enjoy was not purchased with gold or silver but with the blood, sweat, and tears of the ones that we honour today. They died so that we might live!
There was one who came down from Heaven. The God, who put on human flesh, became one of us and gave His life for all of us. While we were dead in our sins and trespasses, He gave His life for us. He was without sin, and He took the judgment of God on our behalf. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. We are no longer enslaved to sin, but we are servants of God who have been set free to live lives that honour Him and bring peace with God to the world. It was the shedding of the blood of Jesus that won our salvation and His resurrection that sealed our pardon from sin, giving us hope for the life to come!
Indeed, there is no greater love than sacrificial love. Therefore, it is suitable to honor our loved ones and their sacrifice. So may we use the freedom that they bought to proclaim the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus!
As you remember the lives of those who sacrificed for your freedom, ask God how you can be an instrument of His love.
The Bible says in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God wants to give us guidance in our life. So, let’s humbly ask for his direction and commit to following Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. He will provide us with the instructions we need, one step at a time.
Attached here is also a Veteran’s Week Special of the Canada Remembers Times. Please take a look for some really interesting information on Canada’s history and involvement in various global conflicts, and what our soldiers have sacrificed over the years.
International Dinner
As you may know, we are bringing back the International Dinner NEXT Saturday, November 16th at 4:00pm. That is basically ONE week away, so please sign up in the lobby and indicate how many might be attending, and if you are able to bring a dish from your country! If you do not know the dish, or you are unable to bring anything that's no problem – just check off the box so I still have the number of folks planning to attend so we can plan accordingly! Or even if you cannot attend, please consider sending me your family or cultural recipe that brings you back to your childhood comfort.
If you are able to help set up, please also let me know!
Christmas Concert
This year, our Christmas Concert will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm. You may notice that this is a little bit earlier than previous years. We are hoping that this shift in time will allow those who cannot drive at night to be able to join! Also for those who have Christmas dinner plans will have time to do so after the concert. If you would like a ride to or from the concert, please let us know.
We will be continuing our choir practice this Thursday at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. See you there with bells on!
Annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon
Before the above Christmas Concert begins, the seniors of the congregation should keep an eye out in the mail for the invitation to our annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon. How wonderful will it be to join together for a lovely Christmas meal, and then immediately after be treated with the gift of music! So mark your calendar for Saturday December 14th before the Christmas concert begins!
Missions and Outreach
We have a lot happening with our Missions and Outreach team, so please take a look on our board at everything coming up!
Muffins for Missions
Thanks to all who baked and all who tasted Muffins and donated last Sunday. We raised $297.50 for The DAM!
Open Door Lunch
There were 6 more people from our church family that were busy shopping and cooking this week along with 6 additional servers and food item providers. Lynne Culham and the volunteers and patrons of The Open Door send along their thanks for Glenbrook's aid in this ministry once again.
Poinsettia Sales are here to mark the Christmas season's approach
Geraldine is heading up the sale once again this year and the plants will come from Sheridan Nurseries in Mississauga. To keep things simple there will be just 3 sizes of plants in 2 colour choices available for pre-order and pre-payment.
Poinsettia - 4.5" - $ 9.00
Poinsettia - 6.5" - $16.00
Poinsettia - 8" - $36.00
CHOICE OF WHITE OR RED ONLY
Pre-Payment via etransfer to the new Events Account using Glenbrookpcevents@gmail.com
Cash payments can be made on pick up only !
Sign up/Orders can be made at the lobby table starting this Sunday and MUST BE IN BY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24th. Orders can also be emailsed to Geraldine at rushtonbreeze@gmail.com
Plant pick up will be Wednesday Dec. 11th or Thursday December 12th (Confirmation of this date to come).
Raw Carrot
A huge thank you to all who bought Raw Carrot Soup and picked up so promptly last week.
If anyone missed our order date and has a craving for a warm bowl of goodness - we have the following soup packages available on a first come first serve basis this Sunday after the service.
See everyone this Sunday :)
Items – Needed and Need a Home
One item that is needed currently within our congregation is a bed! Do you or someone you know have a bedframe and mattress?
Alternatively, if you are looking for some items, the following are available:
1) Walker/Rollator
2) Bed Rail
3) Raised toilet seat
4) 4-pronged cane
Please contact Geraldine if interested!
Upcoming Workshop – Biblical Foundations for Narratives of Hope
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Moderator of the 2024 General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, will lead this in-person workshop for both clergy and laity. It will consider tales of hope from the Bible that lay a foundation for our own stories of hope and possibility. Participants will explore ways to find parallels in these ancient tales of hope for us today in the midst of challenging times. Listening to these stories and each other engages our spiritual imagination in the service of our faithfulness and future as God’s people.
When: Saturday, November 23, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Where: St. Giles Presbyterian Church; 15 Lambeth Rd., Toronto
Register: Contact mcopeland@presbyterian.ca by Friday November 15.
For more information, please visit https://presbyterian.ca/2024/11/05/upcoming-workshop-biblical-foundations-for-narratives-of-hope/
Meet & Greet Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay
You will find attached an invitation to meet and greet the Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, on Thursday, December 5, from 2pm–4pm at Knox College, 59 St. George St, Toronto.
Come for a time of conversation with Dr. Pillay as he speaks about the importance of our ecumenical relationships, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Canadian Council of Churches.
Please indicate your intention to attend no later than Monday, November 25 by emailing the Rev. Victor Kim, Principal Clerk, at vkim@presbyterian.ca.
Need a Dental Cleaning?
Our friend Matt has let us know that there is a dental hygienist student who is nearing completion of their studies. They are currently looking for people from the community who might be interested in having their teeth cleaned. All age groups are needed, and the cost is very minimal. Please contact Matt if you are interested @416-897-4232 so he can put you in contact with the student.
November 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 Remembrance Sunday, November 10th 2024
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
https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live
Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34
Message: "Encounters With Jesus: The Questioning Scribe"
Pastor Ian McWhinnie
Stay safe and stay connected!
Samantha Black
Administrative Assistant / Pastoral Care
3535 South Common Court
905-820-9860
Office Hours: Tues - Fri 9-12
