News – Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church

Rev. Moon’s Message for December 1, 2024 – First Sunday in Advent and Communion Sunday

Dear Friends,

Sometimes, in our busyness of “being church”, we forget to nurture our spiritual hunger and desire for growth. Small groups within a church offer numerous benefits, fostering deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We invite you to join one of these monthly groups our church offers. If you are interested, please speak to Rev. Chuck Moon or email [email protected].

Group	*Monthly Date & Time**	Description
*Mind and Heart* Bible Study	2nd Wednesday 7–8 PM Dec 11, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14, June 11	A study of the Gospel of John for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Bible
Caregiver Support Group	3rd Wednesday 10–11 AM Dec 18, Jan 15, Mar 19, May 21, Jun 18	A support group for those on the caregiving journey
Grief Support Group	3rd Wednesday 7–8 PM Dec 18, Jan 15, Mar 19, May 21, Jun 18	A support group for those who have lost loved ones
*Read and Pray* Book study & sharing on prayer	3rd Friday 1–2 PM Mar 21, May 16, Jun 20	A study group for those who wish to deepen their understanding of prayer
*Read and Discuss* Virtual book study	3rd Sunday 1:30–2:30 PM Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 15	An online book study for those interested in exploring different spiritual approaches (Leaders: Cindy & Maureen)
*Listen and Listen* Contemplative Prayer and Communion Service	Last Wednesday 7:30–8:10 PM Joining The Longest Night Service on Sat. Dec 21, Mar 26, Apr 30, May 28, Jun 25	A quiet prayer service for those to deepen their listening and silence in prayer

*Dates are subject to change due to inclement weather/other reasons. Please check with Rev. Chuck or the church office if you have a question.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, November 30, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

2024 Advent and Christmas Services

Dec 1 11 AM: Advent 1 & Communion Sunday
Dec 8 11 AM: Advent 2 & Write For Rights Sunday
Dec 15 11 AM: Advent 3 Sunday Service with Carol Sing @10:45 AM
Dec 21 7:30 PM: Longest Night Service
Dec 22 11 AM: Advent 4 Sunday Service (Celebrating Christ’s Birth) with Carol Sing @10:45 AM
Dec 24 7 PM: Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols, enhanced with music from our Jr. & Sr. Choirs, Bells of Guildwood

A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, November 23, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 10, 2024 – Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost and Remembrance Day Service

“Trenches on the Somme” (1919) by Canadian artist Mary Riter Hamilton (1867–1954); from the collection of the Library and Archives Canada, accession number 1988-180-38.

Dear Friends,

Each year, as we observe Remembrance Sunday, we reflect on how the lives of our people have been changed, influenced, and impacted by those who served. This Sunday, Al Harris shares his story and leads the children’s time during the service. As we listen and reflect, may we pray for peace in the world.

Please send us a photo of a loved one, i.e. parent, grandparent, or another family member who served in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) or in a civilian organization that supported the Armed Forces such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, or the St. John Ambulance. Please send those photos to us this week and they will be included in the service.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 8, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for November 3, 2024 – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

“Pillar of Love” (1990) by Barbara Eichner-Shaw; located in Hermitage Park, Edmonton; taken from the Art in the Christian Tradition project at Vanderbilt University; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Dear Friends,

Each year, as we observe Remembrance Sunday, we reflect on how the lives of our people have been changed, influenced, and impacted by those who served. This year on Sunday, November 3, Don MacOdrum will share his personal story during the children’s time. Then, on Sunday, November 10 (Remembrance Sunday), Al Harris will also share his story and lead the children’s time during the service. As we listen and reflect, may we pray for peace in the world.

Please, send us a photo of a loved one, i.e. parent, grandparent, or another family member who served in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) or in a civilian organization that supported the Armed Forces such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and St. John Ambulance. Please send those photos to us this week and they will be included in the service.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, November 2, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for October 27, 2024 – Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost and Reformation Sunday

Dear Friends,

We welcome Rev. Dr. Bob Smith to the pulpit this Sunday as I have been assigned to visit another congregation on behalf of the Presbytery of Pickering. During the fellowship hour, we will take a moment to celebrate with Rev. Gordon Beaton, who will be relocating to be closer to his family.

On Wednesday, October 30 from 7:30 to 8:00 PM, we will hold Listen and Listen, a quiet prayer and communion service at the church. The service is open to all who wish to deepen their awareness of God’s grace and cultivate a greater sense of peace. We live in a busy world, and we are often expected to stay busy. We constantly think, “What’s next? What do I need to buy next?” This quiet prayer and communion service aims to help us silence the demanding voices of the world. Come and deepen your prayers for peace.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Sunday, October 27, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for October 20, 2024 – Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost and Memorial Service

Dear Friends,

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:4–7

May we embrace this peace daily, especially in moments of uncertainty or worry. Let us live in the assurance that God’s peace will continue to guard our hearts and minds as we place our trust in God.

Sun. Oct. 20 (11 AM–12 PM): Memorial service; Bells of Guildwood
Sun. Oct. 20 (1:30–2:30 PM): Read and Discuss, the online book study led by Cindy Similas/Maureen Monk
Wed. Oct. 30 (7:30–8 PM): Listen and Listen quiet prayer service
Sun. Nov. 10 (11 AM–12 PM): Remembrance Day Service

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Sunday, October 20, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for October 6, 2024 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, October 16 we will start a grief group, a time for sharing and listening. We have all experienced the loss of someone or something sacred to us, yet there are not enough spaces for us to share, process, and pray together. Our culture often approaches grief as a problem to be quickly fixed or solved. In contrast, we aim to create a safe space for sharing, listening, praying, and reflecting on our life journey. We believe in the power of our stories. Many of us, including me, have experienced the transformative power of listening to one another. Our prayer is that by sharing our own stories of loss, we will help each other discover healing, joy, encouragement, and renewal. Attendees do not need to be church members. Rev. Chuck Moon plans to facilitate each meeting prayerfully. If you have questions, please speak to Rev. Chuck Moon or at [email protected].

Upcoming events

Sun. Oct. 6 Communion
Wed. Oct. 9 (7-8 PM): Mind and Heart Bible Study (Gospel of John)
Wed. Oct. 16 (10-11 AM): The Caregiver Support Group
Wed. Oct. 16 (7-8 PM): Grief Support Group information meeting
Fri. Oct. 18 (1-2 PM): Read and Pray, the faith and prayer group
Sun. Oct. 20 (11 AM-12 PM): Memorial service; Bells of Guildwood
Sun. Oct. 20 (1:30-2:30 PM): Read and Discuss, the online book study led by Cindy Similas/Maureen Monk
Wed. Oct. 30 (7:30-8 PM): Listen and Listen quiet prayer service

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Friday, October 5, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Village Fair 2024

November 2, 2024 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Image of a poster for the Village Fair Nov. 2, 2024

A long-standing tradition continues: please join us for our 2024 Village Fair with something for everyone.

Visit unique shoppes for handcrafted items, including a queen size quilt, gift baskets, white elephant, home baking, costume jewellery, classic treasures, books, Christmas decorations, plants, and children’s items.

Enjoy a hot lunch in our café!

Please help the environment by bringing your own shopping bags.

For more details, contact the church office.

The Knitting Pilgrim – tickets now on sale

Photo credit: Georgia Kirkos, Jorjas Photography

Buy your tickets now for the one-person play The Knitting Pilgrim taking place at GCPC on November 16 at 7:30 PM!

It is a fascinating presentation of one man’s efforts to understand and educate others about the similarities and differences of the three Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He uses a beautiful three-part tapestry that he spent years knitting.

Pay by credit card, debit card with Visa or Mastercard logo, or by PayPal account if you have one. Your tickets will then be held at the door for pick up from 7:00 PM (showtime is 7:30 pm).

Find out more about the show or buy tickets.

See you there!

—Nurture and Education Committee

A version of this message appeared in the Sunday, September 8, 2024, edition of Tidbits.

Rev. Moon’s Message for September 8, 2024 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

“Jesus Healing a Deaf-mute” by Dutch painter Bartholomeus Breenbergh (before 13 November 1598 – after 3 October 1657); from the collection of the Louvre; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Congratulations to Rev. Chuck on his 3^rd anniversary with us!

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe we are already heading into September. Many activities will be resuming, and here are the starting dates for some programs:

Sun., Sept. 8: Welcome Back BBQ
Sun., Sept. 15: We are excited to officially welcome Lorelee Sankarlal as Sunday School Coordinator (and Sunday School resumes).
Wed., Sept. 18 (10–11 AM): Care Group Support Group.
Wed., Sept. 25 (7:30–8 PM): Listen and Listen, the quiet prayer service.
Wed., Oct. 9 (7–8 PM): Mind and Heart Bible Study.
Wed., Oct. 16 (7–8 PM): Grief Support Group information meeting.
Fri., Oct. 18 (1–2 PM): Read and Pray, the faith and prayer group.
Sun., Oct. 20 (1:30–2:30 PM): Read and Discuss, the online book study.

Thomas à Kempis prays:

Grant me the grace, O God, to know what I should know, to love what I should love, to praise what pleases you, and to cherish everything that is precious to you. Keep me from judging simply by what my eyes see, or my ears hear; help me to know the difference between appearance and spiritual reality. Above all, may I have the grace always to seek your joy.
Amen.

May this prayer be our prayer as we enter the season of new beginnings. May God give us peace and strength as we journey together. May God deepen our trust in Him and our love for each other.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Sunday, September 8, 2024, edition of Tidbits.