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.
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 24, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
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!).
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 24, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
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 & Time | Event / Service |
| Dec 2 7:30 PM | Wine & Cheese and Carol Singing Party |
| Dec 3 11 AM | Advent 1 & Communion Sunday |
| Dec 10 11 AM | Advent 2 & Amnesty Sunday |
| Dec 16 7 PM | GCPC Christmas Concert & Children’s Presentation |
| Dec 17 11 AM | Advent 3 Sunday Service |
| Dec 21 7:30 PM | Longest Night Service |
| Dec 24 11 AM | Advent 4 Sunday Service |
| Dec 24 7 PM | Christmas Eve Service |
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 24, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
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.
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.)
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.
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
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, November 24, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
“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.
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.
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.
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
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, November 18, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, November 11, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dear Friends,
Sunday, October 29 is a day of appreciation and recognition for our beloved music director, Rachelle Risling, and her dedicated ministry among us. This Sunday will also mark Rachelle’s final service with us before she embarks on her new role at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church in Mississauga, starting on November 5. We extend a warm invitation to all to partake in our celebration of Rachelle’s time with us and to congratulate her on her new journey. Additionally, the Bells of Guildwood will grace us with their performance.
I’m sure many of you are pondering about what lies ahead for us. 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. While we embark on this search, we’ll welcome guest musicians each week, possibly even some familiar faces. Your prayers and support for the search committee and their important task are greatly appreciated.
Sunday, November 5th is the 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.”
Please, send us a photo of a loved one, ie. parent, grandparent or other family member that was part of the Armed Forces during WWI, WWII, Korea, Afghanistan or during peacekeeping times. The name and where the loved one served should also be included to go along with the photo. For example:
Walter Harris, Late Father of Al Harris
Lance Corporal
Royal Canadian Army Service Corps
86th Bridge Company
WWII
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.
On Sunday, November 19 immediately following the church service, we will hold a congregational meeting to discuss and initiate a motion/motions on the Future Directions Committee’s report and recommendations.
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.
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
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, October 27, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
Dear friends,
Describing our thoughts and emotions while we witness the events in Israel and Palestine is a challenging, if not insurmountable task. Words elude me, rendering me speechless in my attempts at prayer. The past several days all I could do was to offer silence to God. I’m at a loss for words to articulate my prayers for the suffering and oppressed people in Palestine and Israel. During the recent Sunday worship services, I had intended to offer a prayer for the conflict, but I failed to find the words. I found some prayers written by others but could not say those words. I humbly ask your forgiveness for my silence. Yet, my silence is not denial or ignoring or approval of what we witness, but acknowledging my inadequacy, grieving the unbearable suffering of the oppressed and soul-searching for what is that I can do to fix our eyes on Christ not on hatred and darkness. I will continue searching for the words and carrying those unknown words in my soul, and as I do, I would like to humbly request your prayers for the afflicted people in Palestine and Israel. Praying that peace will prevail, and the humanity will not be consumed by hatred or violence.
God of truth, mercy and peace, God of life and of reconciliation,
we mourn the suffering and murder of your people
and we pray a just peace and reconciliation for the people of Palestine and Israel
who have endured the burden of violence and conflict for so long.Console those who grieve, heal the injured,
comfort those who are alone and afraid, protect those who held hostage, and
restrain those who would cause more violence or act cynically for political gain and power.Let wisdom settle on your churches and on the governments and leaders of this world
Prayer courtesy the PCC
so that justice is sought, reconciliation found, peace established and security provided for all.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
This Sunday, October 22, at 1 PM, a virtual book study will be held. This month we will be studying Julian of Norwich’s Spirituality (who famously prayed, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”)
On Wednesday, October 25 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.
Sunday, October 29 is a day of appreciation and recognition for our beloved music director, Rachelle Risling, and her dedicated ministry among us. October 29 also marks Rachelle’s final service with us before she embarks on a new role at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church in Mississauga starting on November 5th. We extend a warm invitation to all to partake in our celebration of Rachelle’s time with us and to congratulate her new journey. Additionally, the Bells of Guildwood will grace us with their performance.
Sunday, November 5th is the 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.”
Please, send us a photo of a loved one, ie. parent, grandparent or other family member that was part of the Armed Forces during WWI, WWII, Korea, Afghanistan or during peacekeeping times. The name and where the loved one served should also be included to go along with the photo. For example:
Walter Harris, Late Father of Al Harris
Lance Corporal
Royal Canadian Army Service Corps
86th Bridge Company
WWII
—Rev. Chuck Moon
Image credit: “Reconciliation by Vasconcellos, Coventry” (2011) by Martinvl. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Taken from the Wikimedia Commons.
A version of this message appeared in the Friday, October 20, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, we have scheduled a memorial service to honor and commemorate our cherished departed ones. At the start of the service, the Mission and Outreach committee will conduct a special moment of gratitude. Following the service, the committee will host a pierogi luncheon in dedication of our mission project and to offer prayers for the people of Ukraine.
Friday, October 20 at 1 PM marks the gathering of our monthly prayer and reflection group in the lounge. Everyone interested in deepening their understanding and experience of prayer is warmly invited to join us.
On Wednesday, October 25 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.
Sunday, October 29 is a day of appreciation and recognition for our beloved music director, Rachelle Risling, and her dedicated ministry among us. October 29 also marks Rachelle’s final service with us before she embarks on a new role at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church in Mississauga on November 5. We extend a warm invitation to all to partake in our celebration of Rachelle’s time with us and to congratulate her new journey. Additionally, the Bells of Guildwood will grace us with their performance.
—Rev. Chuck Moon
Image credit: “Book of remembrance.jpg” by MacGyver24; Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, October 14, 2023 edition of Tidbits.
