August 1, 2025
Hello Glenbrook,
I hope everyone is doing well, I managed to escape to Lake Huron last weekend and I’ve never in all my years of going there experienced such warm waters. The following day there was a tornado warning and although our area wasn’t affected a tornado did in fact touch down near Blyth south of us. You don’t really think about tornados around here so when that alert goes off it’s always unnerving. Thankfully the temperature for next week looks a little more stable as the humidity lifts, I do hope you have a great week and enjoy some outdoor time as that Vit D is so good for you!
I also wanted to let you know about the speakers we have coming up this month for Sunday Service. On August 10th Susie Choi will join us, August 17th Samantha de Jourdan and August 24th will be Pastor Steven. Please join us!
One last thing, someone left a pink sweater behind at Wednesday’s BBQ, it is in the admin office. Speaking of the BBQ…. that chicken was delicious as was everything else.
Have a great week
Andrea
Update from Pastor Steve
Hi Folks, I hope you are enjoying your summer. It was great to meet with some of you at the Chicken BBQ on Wednesday and it was fun to try some “Jelly Salad” for the first time as well. (Still don’t know what was in it, but it was yummy).
In terms of next steps at Glenbrook, I also just want to give a bit of an update. I met with Session a few weeks ago and we decided that we would not seek to appoint an “Interim Minister” for 1-2 years but rather would continue to focus on Pulpit supply and start the process of forming a search committee.
The pulpit supply for Sunday services will be covered by a range of different people over the summer and I am working on finding someone who can provide more consistent preaching for from October through to Christmas.
In terms of the Search Committee, this is a Session responsibility, so they are currently seeking to discern how best to form this committee to help Glenbrook take the next steps to fill the vacancy.
Thanks and God Bless
-Pastor Steve
DEVOTIONAL
The Lighthouse
I suppose that we have all had dreams concerning what we wanted to do when we grew up. Years ago, I was in a meeting when amidst our time of discussion, one person asked the group, "What did you want to be when you grew up?"
As we each shared, to everyone's surprise, none of us was doing what we had hoped or thought that we would be doing. Life had taken us in its own direction, or perhaps God's direction, for all of us were Christians, and none of us was disappointed with our life's work.
There was one job, however, that I still thought would have suited me well: a lighthouse keeper. The solitude of such a job, as well as its importance in keeping people safe from the dangers of the sea, greatly appealed to me. Alas, no such opportunity ever arose.
Not long ago, however, I was again thinking of the keepers of the light and how much I might have enjoyed that job, when the Spirit spoke to me, reminding me that all of God's children are, in fact, lighthouse keepers. We are keepers of the light of the world, Jesus, Who dwells within all those who proclaim Him as their Lord and Saviour. Each one of us has made the solitary choice to dwell spiritually away from this world. Though we still remain in the world, we are no longer of it. Each one of us, as we let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven, is in fact helping to guide the spiritually lost, those endangered by the perils of the sea of sin, to the safe harbour of Christ's love and forgiveness.
How about you? What did you want to be when you grew up? Did your dreams come true, or did life lead you in other directions? Whatever the case may be, if you know Christ as Lord and Saviour, no matter what else you may do, you, too, are a lighthouse, a keeper of the light of the world within you. So, let your light shine brightly and bravely each day, whether the weather of life be bright and sunny or wild and stormy, for people are watching and taking note. People are longing for a safe harbour, a place to lay their weary burdens down and rest, and you and I know exactly where such a harbour can be found.
Psalm 62:7-8 – My help and glory are in God — granite-strength and safe-harbour-God — So trust Him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. (MSG)
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
GLENBROOK ANNOUNCEMENTS
SERVICE FOR KRIS RAMLOGAN
A service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for Kris Ramlogan will take place at Glen Oaks Funeral Home on Wednesday August 6th. Visitation will be 10-11 am. Service at 11 am followed by a reception. For more details, please go to Glen Oaks website.
Kris and Shameena were active members of Glenbrook for many years. Kris served on the Board of Managers at Glenbrook. Kris was an Elder at Rockwood PC (Guelph) but always stayed in touch with our Glenbrook community. Our prayers of peace and hope are with Shameena, Camille, Claire and their family in their great loss.
JIM’S BBQ EVENT
We had such FUN!!!
Glenbrook loves Jim's Chicken. A great meal and visit were had by over 100 people. This very musical congregation sang grace and then filled our plates. Between 30 take - out and 90 in - person meals made for a very successful event. $ 884.08 will be deposited to start off a 2025 Fundraising campaign for Canadian Foodgrains Bank - A Christian Response to Hunger. There will be more information on this campaign at the end of September when Glenbrook can give through offering.
A special thanks to all those who donated salads, helped with set-up and take down, washed dishes, lugged garbage, buttered buns, and scooped ice-cream. For all of you who attended please know that your positive energy and interaction made the time so enjoyable.
In the mood for another BBQ? You are invited to a PIG ROAST BBQ
Come join our friends involved in the Good Neighbours Foodgrains Project Sunday August 17th
Location: Browns United Church - Thorndale ON, (about a 2-hour drive)
Travel: Carpooling will be arranged
Time: Cars will leave the church parking lot at 2pm returning about 9pm
BBQ details: Entertainment at 5:15, BBQ dinner at 6:00 pm.
NO COST: Donations appreciated. (If you could donate a salad or dessert item that would be helpful (but not required).)
Sign-up sheet on the lobby table or more information contact Cynthia Starkey (no.) or Don Hallman (289-888-0053).
Thank you!
EDEN Food For Change
Mark your calendar! A Taste of Eden returns on Saturday, September 13th at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga.
Enjoy a vibrant evening of food, culture, and community — all in support of Eden Food for Change.
More details coming soon!
AUGUST 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 AUGUST 3rd, 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
This Sunday, we have a Song Service. It will be an intimate and casual time (like a Coffee House) but it'll all be about worshipping our awesome God. Samantha de Jourdan will lead us as we sing, pray and read scripture. Margaret Leaver-Power will sing "Flowers" by Samantha Ebert. Our Samantha will then end the session with a homily about worship.
