Rev. Moon’s Message for March 23, 2025 – Third Sunday in Lent

“Parable of the barren fig tree”, rococo pulpit (1748) by Joseph Deutschmann in the Mary Assumption parish church at Aldersbach Abbey, Germany; taken from the Wikimedia Commons. Wolfgang Sauber CC BY-SA 4.0 International. Full photo credit below

Dear Friends,

Celebrating and remembering faithfulness

Our congregation is truly blessed by the prayers, service, and wisdom of the respected retired ministers who have faithfully served our denomination and Christ throughout their lives. The GCPC session seeks to remember and acknowledge their ongoing faithful service to Christ through our congregation, encouraging one another to serve Christ as well. Once a year, we dedicate a Sunday to expressing our joy and appreciation for their journey with us, recognizing their servant hearts and lifelong commitment to Christ and the community.

  • Sunday, March 30 – Rev. Dr. Bob Smith
  • Sunday, June 15 – Rev. Helen Smith
  • Sunday, September 28 – Rev. Dr. Ian Morrison

Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, March 23 – Annual Congregational Meeting following the service
  • Saturday, March 29 – Saturday Night at the Movies at 6:30 PM

Helping Our Own

We cannot help everyone in the world, but we can support those around us as much as we can. At times, our own church members face difficulties and may not know where to turn for help. When I hear such requests, I try to connect them with other members of the congregation, inviting prayers and doing whatever we can. If you would like to receive emails about the needs of our community or be part of a group committed to helping and praying for others, please let me know your email address.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Photo credit: Wolfgang Sauber, 23 August 2016;  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Rev. Moon’s Message for February 23, 2025 – Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

“Altarpiece – ‘Sermon on the Mount’ – detail” in the Sankt Matthæus Kirke, Copenhagen, Denmark; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friends,

Self-giving, selfless, and unconditional love is one of the core values of our Christian faith and humanity. We witness this core value being tested and challenged by an aggressive, self-serving capitalistic attitude that prioritizes profit over every other human need—our need for compassion, justice, relationships, fairness, and the well-being of all.

It is our prayer that we are not consumed by the darkness of the world but continue to pray and follow Jesus and his Spirit faithfully.

We are looking forward to a wonderful Family Night tonight (Saturday)! Please come even if you haven’t signed up.

May this Sunday’s worship be an opportunity for personal renewal and for strengthening our connection with one another in Christ.

May God bless you throughout the month ahead. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for February 9, 2025 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God” painting (before 1902) by American nun, educator and artist Maurice Schnell (1830–1902); from the collection of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friends,

Self-giving, selfless, and unconditional love is one of the core values of our Christian faith and humanity. We witness this core value being tested and challenged by an aggressive, self-serving capitalistic attitude that prioritizes profit over every other human need—our need for compassion, justice, relationships, fairness, and the well-being of all.

It is our prayer that we are not consumed by the darkness of the world but continue to pray and follow Jesus and his Spirit faithfully.

This Sunday, we celebrate Communion—a sacred time to gather in unity and reflect on Jesus’ profound sacrifice and love. The Mission and Outreach Committee has invited a special guest from LOFT to share about the important community work their organization is doing. This will take place in place of the sermon. A short homily will be given during the opening part of the Communion invitation. Following the service, the Craft Club is hosting a lunch to raise funds for the church’s sound and A/V system.

We are looking forward to a wonderful Family Night on February 22. Please sign up in the church hall so we know how many to plan for!

May this Sunday’s worship be an opportunity for personal renewal and for strengthening our connection with one another in the body of Christ.

May God bless you throughout the month ahead. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for February 2, 2025 – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Dear Friends,

As we step into February, may we be a reflection of God’s love, joy, strength and light in all that we do. Let us be reminded of the new and continuing opportunities we have to serve one another and grow in faith together.

I would like to invite anyone interested in helping with our new monthly Pre-school Drop-In group to join us for a meeting this Sunday after the service. This is an exciting initiative, and we’d love for you to be part of it as we seek to support and connect families in our community.

We are anticipating a wonderful Family Night on February 22; please sign up in the church hall so we know how many to plan for!

This Sunday we are blessed to have the Bells of Guildwood performing in our service. Their music will surely inspire and uplift our spirits.

May God bless you throughout the month ahead, and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for January 5, 2025 – Second Sunday After Christmas Day

“The Adoration of the Magi” (ca. 1515) by Netherlandish painter Gerard David (ca. 1450/1460–1523); from the collection of the National Gallery, London; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you and your family!

As we bid farewell to 2024, we open our hearts to embrace the new opportunities and challenges that 2025 will bring. May this year be a time of renewal, growth, and joy for each of you.

May God grant us the strength to let go of the burdens and regrets that no longer serve us, and the wisdom to cherish and nurture the relationships, dreams, hopes, and moments that truly matter.

Wishing you a year filled with peace, love, courage, and laughter.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

Rev. Moon’s Message for December 15, 2024 – Third Sunday in Advent

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

Dear Friends,

Christmas is near. In a capitalistic society, we often act as consumers, and every event tends to become a transaction of buying and selling. We are aware of how the Christmas season has become commercialized. Yet, the true spirit of the season is to remember the birth of Jesus and the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God has blessed us with, despite the hopelessness, violence, darkness, and suffering we witness in the world.

Christmas is a season that reminds us—and each other—that we are not alone and that God has not given up on us. Christ invites us to be followers, pilgrims, and disciples, pursuing and seeking the ways of God’s love and compassion. During this season, let us pause and reflect on who we are and what we do.

I am fully aware of the challenges many of us are facing, but may we never lose the gifts of courage, love, resilience, hope, and kindness that God has planted in our hearts. We are God’s people. During this Christmas season, may we celebrate who we are in the eyes of God.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God’s peace dwell in our hearts and in the world.

Some events in December to help deepen our connection with Christ:

Sun., Dec. 153rd Advent Sunday (Celebrating the Gift of Joy)
Wed., Dec. 18Caregiver Support Group at 10 AM
Wed., Dec. 18Grief Support Group at 7 PM
Sat., Dec. 21Longest Night Service, 7:30 PM
Sun., Dec. 22Lessons & Carols with Sunday School Participation
Tues., Dec. 24Christmas Eve Celebration (Choir, Bells, Prayers, Scriptures, and Candles), 7 PM

—Rev. Chuck Moon

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].

GroupMonthly Date* & TimeDescription
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 Group3rd 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

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

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

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

“Portrait of Martin Luther” (1528) by German painter and print-maker Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472–1553); from the collection of the Coburg Fortress, Coburg, Germany; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

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