May 16, 2025

Dear Friends, 

Last Sunday I began my final sermon series called “Joy: A Study in Philippians”. The Apostle Paul had a special relationship with the church of Philippi. While he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome, he wrote to them a personal letter of joy and gratitude for how they had remembered him and had supported him. The remarkable theme that is woven throughout this letter is that there is joy and gratitude expressed by Paul not just when things are going well, but also when there is suffering and adversity. In many ways, this seems counterintuitive. How can one be joyful in times of adversity and suffering? How can one find confidence and strength in difficult and anxious times? Well for the Apostle Paul he understands the paradox and mystery of adversity and in his case even the threat of death. He is suffering. He is naturally concerned about his future. In Philippians 1:19 he prays for deliverance. He prays that he will one day see his friends in the Philippian congregation. Yet at the same time, being imprisoned has allowed him to connect with other prisoners and even to share the Christian faith with some of the guards. This purposeful work has brought him joy. Paul has seen how God has used his suffering and his adversity to come alongside others in a “faithful labour”. In all of this, Paul’s joy is found in Christ. So for the Apostle Paul he says, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain”. Joy in adversity? Is this something we can have in our lives? Jesus did not promise an easy life for his followers, but he did promise an abundant joy for those who followed him.

I am pleased to let the congregation know that our Interim Moderator will be Pastor Stephen Rothery of Knox Presbyterian Church, Milton. I was the Interim Moderator of Knox Milton when Knox called Steve and the Presbytery inducted him to be their Pastor in 2021. I have been able to develop a friendship with Steve who is also a part of a small (Zoom) support and prayer group of Pastors to which I belong. I am grateful to the Presbytery for the work they have done to bring Pastor Steve along side GPC as I retire.     

This is the Victoria Day long weekend and I hope that those who are able will be able to enjoy this time wherever they might be. All The Best 

Blessings

Pastor Ian