Rev. Moon’s message for March 6, 2022

Risen Christ, as we remain in silence before you, we let this ardent prayer rise up: may the firing of weapons in the land of Ukraine cease! Welcome into your love those who are dying from violence and war, console the families in mourning, support those who have had to take the road of Exodus. Faced with incomprehensible suffering, we still believe that your words of love and peace will never pass. You gave your life on the cross and you opened a future for us, even beyond death. So we implore you: give us your peace. You are our hope.

from the Taizé Community
Flag of Ukraine

Dear friends,

We are heartbroken to witness what is happening in Ukraine.
We mourn and lament. We feel helpless.
So we humbly pray before God. The Spirit of God calls us to pray.
We pray for people in Ukraine and Russia.
We pray for many places in the world that are torn by violence, abuse, and hatred.
We pray for peace and healing in our schools, families, churches, communities, and world.

Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, March 5, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s message for February 27, 2022

Dear friends,

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Psalm 126 (NRSV)

Finally, we are going back. We are going back to the sanctuary. It has been a long wait. We are about to reopen our sanctuary on Sunday, March 6. It will be my first Sunday in the main sanctuary. I feel like a kid going to his school for the first time or opening his Christmas gift. I am excited and very grateful that I will no longer have to preach on a video camera in an empty room, but praise God with others (I will talk more about my experience of going back on Sunday, March 6).

I would like to thank everyone’s patience and prayers. I would also like to express my gratitude to each elder of the Session as they spent hours discussing, debating, questioning, listening, and praying. Each elder deeply cares about sharing God’s love in an inclusive, safe, and caring environment.

I recognize that our decision is far from perfect and that not everyone will agree with the decision that has been made. We know that everyone has different thoughts on vaccination, singing, reopening, etc. Some might feel we are reopening too late; others feel we are reopening too soon. Some might feel we have too many restrictions, and others feel we have too few restrictions.

We are approaching a decision to reopen (and how we reopen) not as a matter of “You are wrong, and I am right,” but as a matter of “What is the best way to serve our community and to worship God in a respectful, responsible and safe way?”

We accept that we are humans and that our decisions will be human decisions. That is why we will remain humble, open, and flexible. We have decided this for now with what we know, but we are willing to learn, unlearn, relearn, and listen every day.

I believe that God has placed each elder in our Session and that God speaks through each one of us. We make each decision carefully, trusting in our congregation’s abilities to forgive, understand and support one another beyond our differences.

I would like to ask for your blessing, understanding, prayers, and support for our Session’s humble leadership and discernment.

Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, February 26, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s message for February 20, 2022

Dear friends,

O my Beloved, you are my shepherd, I shall not want;
You bring me to green pastures for rest and lead me beside still waters renewing my spirit;
You restore my soul.
You lead me in the path of goodness to follow Love’s way.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow and of death, I am not afraid;
For You are ever with me; your rod and your staff they guide me, they give me strength and comfort.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of all my fears;
You bless me with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the heart of the Beloved forever. Amen
—Psalm 23 translation by Nan C. Merrill

The Good Shepherd” (between circa 1675 and circa 1682), by Spanish painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682); from the collection of the Städel art musuem, Frankfurt, Germany; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

This week, I have been thinking about God as a shepherd, how God works in our life.

God is not a dictator or persecutor, but a gentle shepherd who accompanies us in our human journey.  The recent tragic incident at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate on February 14 breaks our hearts. Our prayers are with the students, parents, teachers, staff, and neighbours of the school.

As a father of two, I could not help but to ask, “What happened at school today?” I felt helpless. Some of the challenges our next generation is facing are very different from the challenges I faced growing up. I also recognize that the ways we were taught how to handle problems such as depression, bullying and conflict are not always healthy and helpful today. As a parent, sometimes I am too quick to tell my children what to do, and not good at listening to what they are experiencing and feeling or expressing my own fear and concerns. I am certain I am not the only one who is struggling with this. Instead of saying, “I care about what you are going through”, we end up saying, “How come you didn’t speak to me about it?”

The image of God as a gentle shepherd gives us a clue in how to relate to one another and how to work as a family and community.  May we remember our God is a gentle shepherd who would guide us gently and firmly?  May we speak and listen to each other gently during this uncertain, stressful, and tense time?  May we be patient and gentle with our own struggles, questions, and disappointments?

Please connect with me whenever you need someone to talk to or pray with, or contact the church office.

Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, February 19, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s message for February 13, 2022

Dear friends,

During the week, sadly, we lost Audrey Lovrick, Ken Gibbons, and Joe Crofts from our faith community. Our prayers are with their families.

Our Christian faith teaches us that death is the end of our human life on earth, but it is not the end of our journey with God. It is a day we fix our eyes on Christ Jesus. It is a day we find hope from the eternal love of God. However, we also recognize our need to grieve. We grieve that they will not be with us physically. We grieve because we will miss their smile, kindness, and friendship. We also grieve for not being able to grieve together as a community. Grief is real. Its pain and emotions can be very overwhelming.

“Modern Mercy – Consoling the grieving” (before 1919), by Austrian painter Robert Schiff (1869–1935); postcard printed by W. R. B. & Co., Vienna; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

From my own grief journey, I have learned a few lessons.

First, I have learned that grief is a process. We need time to grieve. I am not saying that we only need time, but we need time to grieve. We need time to be silent, share, listen, speak, cry, laugh, reflect and pray. We have to be patient with our struggles and feelings.

Second, I have learned that we need to remember our loved ones fully. So often, when we are in grief, we pay so much attention to the time when our loved ones died, yet forget about the days when our loved ones lived. Grief is not just about recognizing sadness in our hearts but also discovering the happiness and joy in our hearts.

Third, I have learned that we are not alone. So often, we think no one understands our pain and struggles. But my experience has taught me that everyone knows what it is like to lose someone and something significant to them. Although some are better at listening than others, we have people around us who are ready to be there for us. We are here for each other. I am also here when you need someone to pray with. That is why we have our faith community. We are very grateful to have this caring faith community in Guildwood.

Please join us in our prayers for Audrey, Ken, Joe, their families, and all of us.

Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, February 12, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

In-person worship resumes March 6, 2022

I am pleased to announce our re-opening plans, guided by provincial and local health regulations as well as our own risk tolerance. As always, the safety and health of our congregation and our community are paramount.

Sunday Worship Services 

Public worship resumes in the Sanctuary this Sunday, March 6, 2022 —the first Sunday in Lent. Worship services are  governed by the following protocols:

  • No one who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness, or who has been exposed in the past 14 days to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, may attend in-person worship.
  • All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders.
  • Those participating in or leading the worship service must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19—including the minister, scripture readers, musicians, ushers/greeters, and duty elders.
  • While all attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated, there is no requirement for proof of vaccination other than for worship leaders as noted above.
  • There will be no singing during worship services, either by members of the choir, soloists, duos, etc. or by the congregation.
  • Seating will be arranged to maintain two metres of distancing between separate households and capacity limited to the number of people who can safely maintain that distance.
  • Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
  • There will be no in-person fellowship/coffee hour after services, but the Virtual Coffee Time via Zoom continues, starting at 12:30 PM on Sundays.
  • We will live-stream worship services and resources have been made available to purchase required technology.

Church-Sponsored Activities

In-person church-sponsored activities resumed Feb 17, 2022, under the following protocols:

  • All activities must be booked through Lisa in the office.
  • No one who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness, or who has been exposed in the past 14 days to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, may attend in-person activities.
  • All in-person participants in non-worship activities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Capacity limit is 50 people for indoor activities.
  • Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
  • All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders. Masks may be removed temporarily while eating or drinking.
  • Proper distancing of 2 metres between household groups must be maintained.

Rental Groups

In-person rentals resumed Feb 17, 2022, with the following protocols:

  • Capacity limit is 50 people for indoor activities.
  • All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders. Masks may be removed temporarily while eating or drinking.
  • Proper distancing of 2 metres between household groups must be maintained.
  • Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
  • Rental groups may establish their own protocols as long as church protocols are also followed.

Session continues to monitor the provincial and local COVID-19 guidelines as well as our own circumstances and adjust our policies as required.  Please let me know if you have any questions and remember that there is no pressure for anyone to return before they are ready to. 

We are excited to return to in-person activities at Guildwood.

—Bruce Morrison, Clerk of Session

Versions of this message first appeared in various editions of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s message for February 6, 2022

Dear friends,

Blaise Pascal said, “In difficult times, you should always carry something beautiful in your mind.” I agree that what we carry in our minds, hearts, and spirits matter and make a powerful difference in our life.

As a beautiful sunny morning can spark our soul, a caring phone call can help us go on. As beautiful music can create serenity in our human hearts, our kind and gentle human words can shine the light of Christ on each other.

“View from McQueen Pass towards Lyttelton Harbour, Canterbury, New Zealand”. Michal Klajban. CC BY-SA 4.0 International. Full photo credit below.

This week, I received emails and phone calls sharing their reflections on the service and their kind encouragement. They were short, yet powerful. I found myself being strengthened and uplifted by their loving words. I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many caring and compassionate people. I think I just need to do a better job of keeping such kind and gentle words in my heart a bit longer!

(The guide question for this week’s virtual coffee hour: “Have you witnessed something beautiful this week? What were they?”)

Rev. Chuck Moon

Photo credit: “View from McQueen Pass towards Lyttelton Harbour, Canterbury, New Zealand”. Attribution: Michal Klajban. License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0 International). Taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, February 5, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s message for January 30, 2022

Dear friends,

Henri Nouwen writes,

“Community is not possible without the willingness to forgive one another ‘seventy-seven times’ (Matthew 18:22). Forgiveness is the cement of community life. Forgiveness holds us together through good and bad times, and It allows us to grow in mutual love. But what is there to forgive or to ask forgiveness for? As people who have hearts that long for perfect love, we have to forgive one another for not being able to give or receive that perfect love in our everyday lives. Our many needs constantly interfere with our desire to be there for the other unconditionally. Our love is always limited by spoken or unspoken conditions. What needs to be forgiven? We need to forgive one another for not being God!” (Bread for the journey, 1996) 

I could not agree more that it is forgiveness holding people together. It is forgiveness that keeps us going.  We need to forgive each other and ourselves for not being God.

“Divine Mercy”(1934) by Polish painter Eugeniusz Kazimirowski (1873–1939); from the collection of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, Vilnius, Lithuania; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

I was supposed to attend my brother’s wedding and visit my extended family in Korea this week. Fortunately, my brother was able to go ahead with his wedding, but I could not be there for my brother due to the recent virus surge. I understand that it is a reality many are going through. And I know it is not my fault or anyone’s fault. But I find myself in need of accepting and offering forgiveness for not being able to go. We need forgiveness always, not just when we make a mistake but even when we make the right choice. We make our promises and plans, but they are far from perfect. Planning and replanning is always a part of our life. I had planned to finish writing and recording the sermon by Thursday. I am still working on it. I had planned to spend a day resting and playing, but I am still planning. If our plan does not work out, it is okay to make a new plan.

I believe we need to offer and ask for more forgiveness, especially during this pandemic. We need to forgive ourselves and each other for not being able to do more, at least not as much as we would like to. To forgive and be forgiven is to accept we are not God and need God’s grace each day. Our prayers are with you, all who are struggling. May God’s forgiveness and forgiveness for each other hold us together and empower us to embrace each day graciously.

Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, January 29, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Virtual Coffee time every Sunday

smiley face inscribed in coffee foam in a cup on a blue background with text
Join us for coffee time invitation

UPDATE March 6, 2022: With the resumption of in-person services as of today, the virtual coffee time has moved to 12:30 PM.

Grab a coffee or tea each week and chat with others in our congregation every Sunday at 11 AM. The Zoom meeting is open for about an hour, includes breakout rooms for smaller group discussion, and all are welcome to join. This is a social time and is in addition to the weekly worship services. See your copy of Tidbits for the Zoom link, or contact the office.

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, January 8, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Annual General Meeting 2022

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 7:00 PM. All members and adherents are invited to attend, and more details (virtual or in-person) will be sent closer to the date.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive and approve reports of various committees and church groups for 2021, receive the 2021 financial statements, and consider and approve the 2022 budget.

Any new business must be received in writing by Wednesday, March 2, 2022, by email at [email protected].

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, January 22, 2022, edition of Tidbits.

Goal for Special Mission Project 2021 Reached

muti-coloured progress chart depicting winter sports figures on a mountain
Progress chart showing having reached $10,000 goal for the special Mission Project for 2021.

Thanks to you, we’ve reached our goal for the special mission project in support of the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) Food Bank! We’ve already sent $8,000 of the $10,000 raised, and the balance will be sent soon. Congratulations on a job well done!

A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, January 22, 2022, edition of Tidbits.