May 30, 2025

Dear Friends, 

This Sunday we will continue our study in a 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 in 60 AD) he wrote to them a personal letter of joy and gratitude for the ways in which they had remembered him and had supported him. He also wanted to encourage them in their Christian faith even in his absence. Paul recognized that salvation is a gift of God given to all people through the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus. This is sometimes called “justification”. However salvation was also empowered by the Holy Spirit such that we “work out” or that we carry out the saving grace that we have been given. This is sometimes called “sanctification”. The purpose is not that we “work for” our salvation, but because we have been saved by Christ, our lives begin to reflect a Christlikeness in our attitudes and behaviours. Paul encourages the Philippian believers to “shine like stars in the world” just a Jesus encouraged his disciples telling them “You are the light of the world    …let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 13-16 As I retire and step away from ministry. I hope this is one of the ways I can encourage those who have made Glenbrook their church family. I want to encourage you in your Christian faith to “work out your salvation” and to “shine like stars in the world”. So please join me as we explore this theme on Sunday.

On Tuesday our Interim Moderator Pastor Steve Rothery was officially appointed  at the regular meeting of the Presbytery of Brampton. On Thursday I had my first meeting with Stephen and have begun planning a leadership transition over the next month. Over the next several weeks he will be coming into Glenbrook to meet with staff and the leadership of the congregation and to check out some of our ministries.  

Have a great weekend  

Pastor Ian