Rev. Moon’s Message for December 31, 2023

1922 New Year card by paleontologist & artist Charles R. Knight; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friends,

We extend our heartfelt wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this sacred season be filled with peace and love. May the Spirit of Christmas deepen our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.

Thank you for expressing interest in a monthly Bible study. We are pleased to announce that starting Wednesday, March 13 at 7 PM, a monthly Bible study called Mind and Heart (theology and contemplation) will be held at the church. We will be studying the Gospel of John together and will meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month on March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12. We hope to create a safe space to ask questions about faith and deepen our meditation on God’s words.

Groups resuming in the New Year

  • Read and Pray (faith and prayer study group): 3rd Friday of the month @ 1 pm, March-June, October-December
  • Listen and Listen (quiet prayer and communion service): Last Wednesday of the month @ 7:30 PM, March-June, September-November
  • Read and Discuss (virtual book study group): 3rd Sunday of the month @ 1 PM)
  • Mind and Heart (Bible study): 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7 PM

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for December 24, 2023

Dear Friends,

“Christmas Eve” painting by J. Hoover & Son, 1878; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

We are approaching the end of the season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation. While the cultural demands and expectations of Christmas can be overwhelming, the season of Advent serves as a deliberate reminder that the light of God surpasses the darkness in the world. May we fix our eyes on Christ Jesus, the symbol of God’s hope, peace, joy, and love during this season.


Share our Advent & Christmas events with family and friends with this link or using our Facebook post.

Upcoming Important Dates

  • Sunday, Dec 24, 11 AM:  Advent IV (Love)
  • Sunday, Dec 24, 7 PM:  Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols (Bells of Guildwood & Choir)
  • Sunday, Dec 31, 11 AM:  Last Sunday Service of 2023

Monthly or Biweekly Evening Bible Study

I’m currently in talks with a few of you about initiating a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study (or Lectio Divina: Divine Reading) in the upcoming year. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for December 3, 2023

Advent wreath made from natural materials on the first Sunday in Advent 2021. Burkhard Mücke CC BY-SA 4.0 International. See below for full photo credit.

Dear friends,

We are entering the season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation. While the cultural demands and expectations of Christmas can be overwhelming, but the season of Advent serves as a deliberate reminder that the light of God surpasses the darkness in the world.

May we fix our eyes on Christ Jesus, the symbol of God’s hope, peace, joy, and love during this season.


Upcoming Advent and Christmas Events and Services

There are many upcoming events, services and concerts in this special season, from the Second Advent (Peace) & Amnesty International Write for Rights Service next Sunday, Dec. 10, to the The Light of the World Concert on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 PM, to The Longest Night, a service of quiet prayer & healing which will be led by Rev. Dr. Laura Alary, on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7:30. See the full list of events and services for more details.

Monthly or Biweekly Evening Bible Study

I’m currently in talks with a few of you about initiating a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study (or Lectio Divina: Divine Reading) in the upcoming year. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Image credit: Photo by Burkhard Mücke. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

GCPC Christmas Concert 2023 – Dec. 16

Colour poster with text, a cross, snowflake motifs and sparkling streaks
The Light of the World – Christmas concert 2023 poster – featuring the GCPC Junior and Senior choirs, the Bells of Guildwood, and guests.

Please join us on Saturday, December 16 at 7:00 PM to celebrate the music of the season with the Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church Choirs, The Bells of Guildwood, and guests.  Entitled The Light Of The World, it promises to be a highlight of the Christmas season. Freewill offering gladly accepted.

Wine & Cheese and Christmas Carol Singing Party – Dec. 2, 2023

Xmas carol party 2018
Christmas carol party 2018

The annual Wine & Cheese and Carol Singing Party is Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 7:30 PM at 177 Greyabbey Trail. This will be the 30th such party (not counting a 2-year COVID absence). All adult members of the congregation are welcome. A freewill donation and some goodies or squares to share would be appreciated. We will sing all your favourite carols. As a special treat this year, JoAnn Vanderyagt will be playing the piano. There is a sign-up sheet in the church hall. Please sign up there (or contact the church office) so we know how many will be coming (but if you forget to sign up, come anyway!).

Advent and Christmas Season 2023

“Happy Christmas” (1891) by Danish painter Viggo Johansen (1851–1935); from the Hirschsprung Collection, Copenhagen; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Christmas and Advent is a special time at GCPC and we look forward to reflecting the festive spirit. Please join us for one of the many services and events taking place.

Date & TimeEvent / Service
Dec 2 7:30 PMWine & Cheese and Carol Singing Party
Dec 3 11 AMAdvent I (Hope) & Communion Sunday
Singing Christmas card orders due
Dec 10 11 AMAdvent II (Peace) & Amnesty International Write for Rights Sunday
Gift cards donations for Holiday Gift Bag due; Smoked Salmon orders due
Dec 15 1 PMRead and Pray Faith and Prayer study group
Dec 16 7 PMThe Light of the World Concert featuring Jr./Sr. Choirs, Bells of Guildwood, Special Guests
Dec 17 11 AMAdvent III (Joy); Read and Discuss, Virtual Book Club follows
Care Team cookie donations due
Dec 21 7:30 PMThe Longest Night (led by Rev. Dr. Laura Alary) – Service of quiet prayer & healing
Dec 24 11 AMAdvent IV (Love)
Dec 24 7 PMChristmas Eve Lessons & Carols (Bells of Guildwood & Choir)

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 26, 2023

I’ve been reading the work of Rev. Dr. Angela N. Parker, a highly regarded womanist theologian and assistant professor at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. Her book, “If God still breathes, why can’t I? (Black Lives Matter and Biblical Authority),” and a public lecture at United Theological Seminary have profoundly impacted me. As a person of color, her experiences as an African American womanist theologian have been instrumental in expanding my understanding of who I am as a person. Through her writings, I’ve been challenged to think deeply about the essence of preaching and reading the Bible.

One powerful statement from her lecture resonated with me: “As long as we are alive, we have hope.” This message was a timely reminder that, regardless of the challenges we face, there is always hope as long as we are alive. It’s a sentiment that I believe everyone can benefit from incorporating into their daily lives. Despite the darkness that may surround us, the fact that we are alive signifies an enduring wellspring of hope. We each serve as ambassadors of God’s love and hope, capable of making a positive impact every day, no matter how small it may seem.


“Christ before Pilate” by Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy (1844–1900); from the collection of the Déri Museum, Debrecen, Hungary; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Rev. Helen Smith and Christmas tree decorating – this Sunday, November 26

This Sunday, November 26, we are very blessed to have Rev. Helen Smith leading the worship service. Her sermon is titled “A different kind of king” and is based on John 18: 33–37. Following the service, we will come together to decorate the Christmas tree. (We apologize in advance that the livestreaming of the service on November 26 will not be available.)

Quiet Prayer and Communion Service – Wednesday, November 29

On Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 PM, we will host a quiet prayer and communion service in the sanctuary. In the midst of our often busy and hectic lives, finding moments for prayer and listening to God can be challenging. Our communal silence and prayer provide a space to enhance our connection with God. Please, come and pray with us.

Monthly or Biweekly Evening Bible Study

I’m currently in talks with a few of you about initiating a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study (or Lectio Divina: Divine Reading) in the upcoming year. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 19, 2023

19th century stained-glass window by German glass artist Ludwig Mittermaier (1827–1864), after a work by German painter Gustav König (1808–1869), with the words of Psalm 133:1 in German; in the Evangelische Stadtkirche (“Protestant City Church”), Ravensburg, Germany; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1

Dear Friends,

“The Psalmist reminds us that one of the best ways to live out faith and to praise God is to live together in unity with our brothers and sisters.”

This Sunday, November 19, immediately following the church service, we will hold a congregational meeting to discuss and initiate a motion/motions on the future direction committee’s report and recommendations.

The congregational meeting is not just an opportunity to make a motion but also to worship God by listening to one another. The unity we seek starts with listening and celebrating the diverse thoughts and perspectives our community members carry. We believe that differences in our thoughts can strengthen our collective decisions.

May we openly share our thoughts and actively listen to one another, seeking to perceive God’s voice within each of us, for we firmly believe that God speaks through each of God’s children, not just a few leaders. We are committed to supporting whatever decision the congregation makes. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, make informed choices to honor God and each other, and stand united behind the outcomes of our collective decisions. May our discussions and decisions at the meeting glorify God. We humbly ask for your prayers and support for the meeting.


Rev. Helen Smith and Christmas tree decorating – Sunday, November 26

On Sunday, November 26, we are very blessed to have Rev. Helen Smith leading the worship service. Following the service, we will come together to decorate the Christmas tree.

Quiet Prayer and Communion Service – Wednesday, November 29

On Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 PM, we will host a quiet prayer and communion service in the sanctuary. In the midst of our often busy and hectic lives, finding moments for prayer and listening to God can be challenging. Our communal silence and prayer provide a space to enhance our connection with God. Please, come and pray with us.

Monthly or Biweekly Evening Bible Study

I’m currently in talks with a few of you about initiating a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study (or Lectio Divina: Divine Reading) in the upcoming year. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 12, 2023

L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, ON; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friends,

Join us for our virtual book club gathering this Sunday, November 12, at 1 PM, and every third Sunday of the month thereafter. We extend a warm invitation to those eager to engage in thoughtful discussions. This month’s focus is on Henri Nouwen’s “Bringing Solitude into our lives.” Nouwen, a beloved author, played a significant role in shaping my perspective during the initial decade of my ministry. It might pique your interest to know that Henri Nouwen spent his final years — from 1986 until his passing — at the L’Arche home in Richmond Hills, Ontario. Contact the church office for the Zoom link to the meeting.

I’m currently in talks with a few of you about initiating a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study (or Lectio Divina: Divine Reading) in the upcoming year. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a monthly or biweekly evening Bible study.


Monthly Prayer and Reflection group – Friday, November 17

On Friday, November 17, at 1 PM, we will hold the gathering of our monthly prayer and reflection group in the lounge. We will be reading from and reflecting on Joan Chittister’s “The Breath of the Soul” together. Everyone interested in deepening their understanding and experience of prayer is warmly invited to join us.

Congregational Meeting – Sunday, November 19

On Sunday, November 19, immediately following the church service, we will hold a congregational meeting to discuss and initiating a motion/motions on the future direction committee’s report and recommendations.

We extend an invitation to each of you, encouraging not only prayerful reflection upon your own individual desires for our church but also the discernment of how best to serve God collectively through our congregation. May we openly share our thoughts and actively listen to one another, seeking to perceive God’s voice within each of us, for we firmly believe that God speaks through each of God’s children. We are committed to supporting whatever choice the congregation makes. We believe in the collective wisdom and unity of our community, and we trust that the congregation’s decision will be in the best interest of all. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, make informed choices, and stand united behind the outcomes of our collective decisions.

Rev. Helen Smith and Christmas tree decorating – Sunday, November 26

On Sunday, November 26, we are very blessed to have Rev. Helen Smith leading the worship service. Following the service, we will come together to decorate the Christmas tree.

Quiet Prayer and Communion Service – Wednesday, November 29

On Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 PM, we will host a quiet prayer and communion service in the sanctuary. In the midst of our often busy and hectic lives, finding moments for prayer and listening to God can be challenging. Our communal silence and prayer provide a space to enhance our connection with God. Please, come and pray with us.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 5, 2023

Dear friends,

The session has put in place a search committee to initiate the quest for our congregation’s next music director. This dedicated committee is composed of the following individuals: Kunle Akingbola, Christianne James, Sandra O’Brien, Carol Ritchie, Cindy Similas, and Steven Szeto. Your prayers and support for the search committee and their important task are greatly appreciated.

Brooks Gorst has graciously accepted the role of interim music director, for which we are deeply appreciative. Brooks’ generosity and dedication are truly commendable. While Brooks will lead us on numerous Sundays, we will also extend a warm welcome to guest musicians who will serve as accompanists during this interim period.

John McCrae Memorial “book” with his poem “In Flanders Fields” (1915) at the McCrae House, Guelph, Ontario. By Lx 121. CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported. See full image credit below.

Remembrance Sunday – This Sunday, November 5

This Sunday, November 5, is Remembrance Sunday. We gather to remember the importance of peace and those whose lives are changed forever. The purpose of our worship is not to glorify a war, but to remember the stories of people whose lives were forever changed by a war and remind each other, “Please, never again.” We thank Al Harris for helping us to deepen our remembrance.

Rev. Beaton and Virtual Book Study Session – Sunday, November 12

On Sunday, November 12, Rev. Gordon Beaton will co-lead the worship service. After the service at 1 PM, there will be a virtual book study session. Please note that the virtual book study has been rescheduled to November 12 due to a congregational meeting planned for November 19 (see below). Right after the Nov. 12 service, the Nurture and Education Committee will convene a meeting to discuss the women’s retreat. We extend an invitation to anyone interested in participating in future retreats to join the meeting.

Congregational Meeting – Sunday, November 19

On Sunday, November 19, immediately following the church service, we will hold a congregational meeting to discuss and initiating a motion/motions on the future direction committee’s report and recommendations.

We extend an invitation to each of you, encouraging not only prayerful reflection upon your own individual desires for our church but also the discernment of how best to serve God collectively through our congregation. May we openly share our thoughts and actively listen to one another, seeking to perceive God’s voice within each of us, for we firmly believe that God speaks through each of God’s children. We are committed to supporting whatever choice the congregation makes. We believe in the collective wisdom and unity of our community, and we trust that the congregation’s decision will be in the best interest of all. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, make informed choices, and stand united behind the outcomes of our collective decisions.

Rev. Helen Smith and Christmas tree decorating – Sunday, November 26

On Sunday, November 26, we are very blessed to have Rev. Helen Smith leading the worship service. Following the service, we will come together to decorate the Christmas tree.

Quiet Prayer and Communion Service – Wednesday, November 29

On Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 PM, we will host a quiet prayer and communion service in the sanctuary. In the midst of our often busy and hectic lives, finding moments for prayer and listening to God can be challenging. Our communal silence and prayer provide a space to enhance our connection with God. Please, come and pray with us.


—Rev. Chuck Moon

Image credit: “Johnmccraememorialbookcloseup02.JPG” by Lx 121.  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 3, 2023 edition of Tidbits.