Posts from 2025
January / February 2026 – Graceview
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What is Shrove Tuesday, and What Does it Have To Do With Pancakes?
“Shrove” is the past tense of the verb “to shrive”, meaning “absolve from sin”, and seems to be currently used only in relation to “Shrove Tuesday”, the day before Ash Wednesday. In the Middle Ages, on Shrove Tuesday morning the church bell would ring, calling Christians to church to confess their sins and be “shriven” – in other words, receive absolution or forgiveness. This was especially important at the start of the Lenten season, a forty-day period leading up to…
Message of Hope
Email from my sister Lynne: I thought you might be interested in this. I found it in a little booklet of devotions for Advent that was given out at church today. Note from me: You know I am a big fan of C.S.Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. (Feel free to roll your eyes and think, “There she goes again.”) I thought it interesting that this appeared in a booklet of devotions given out at a Catholic Church on Marco Island, Florida,…
I Know of a Lovely Garden – Martin Luther
Centuries after his death, Martin Luther’s deep affection for home and children still lives on in his writings. In 1530 he wrote the following letter to his four-year-old son Hans. I was intrigued by it, by the gentle, loving, sensitive message to his little boy, from a man we know as the brave, determined monk who transformed the Christian church and changed the Christian world. To my little son, Hans Luther, grace and peace in Christ. My heart-dear little son:…
The Real Saint Nicholas
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving. by grace. through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” St. Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of children, sailors and merchants. St Nicholas is a revered Christian saint who is celebrated for his piety, generosity, and numerous miracles. Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and probably contain legendary elaborations.…
Hiemingas Celebrating St. Nicholas 2025
Dear friends!! We have had so much to be thankful for this year – not only joys, but also the challenges. We are finishing off the year experiencing the joy and light of the birth of Jesus. This began as we celebrated the Dutch tradition of “St Nicholas” (Dec. 5-7) We opened our time together in prayer of thanksgiving for food and time together. Every year St Nicholas Celebrations become even more special. In past we have made a gift…
Guest Minister – Rev. Dr. Ernest Van Eck
Guest Minister – Rev. Dr. Ernest Van Eck On Sunday, November 9, (Remembrance Day Sunday) we were blessed with the presence of Rev. Dr. Ernest Van Eck, Principal of Knox College, in our pulpit. Many people commented on his sermon, and a few of you, including me, confessed to having some difficulty understanding his charming South African accent. His most excellent sermon is worthy of a second look. It is printed below with his permission, and an introduction by himself.…
December 24, 2025 – Minister’s Message
When the Bells Ring: A Renewed Hope for the City As this year draws toward its close, I find my heart lingering on a moment of grace God provided for me earlier this month—one that arrived at just the right time. I had the privilege of being invited by the Canadian Bible Society to the 25th Anniversary Bells on Bay Street breakfast worship event at the Fairmont Royal York. The gathering began at 7 a.m. on a snowy Toronto morning,…
December 24, 2025 – Weekly News
Download the PDF Reflecting on the Christ Candle means recognizing Jesus as the “Light of the World,” dispelling darkness, bringing hope, love, and peace, and symbolizing His pure life and presence among us, prompting believers to carry His light through selfless acts and share His message, transforming the world one flame at a time. It’s a call to open our hearts to God’s immense love, follow Him, and be His hands and feet in a world needing His transformative power, especially…
December 17, 2025 – Weekly News
Download the PDF Dec. 17, 2025 The Fourth Sunday of Advent symbolizes Love, focusing on God’s profound love in sending His Son, Jesus, to save the world, culminating in His birth. It shifts focus from John the Baptist to Mary’s faith and the imminent arrival of the Messiah, representing God’s ultimate gift and the fulfillment of promises, bringing the themes of hope, peace, and joy to a climax before Christmas. Key Meanings & Themes: In the Advent Wreath: This Sunday invites reflection…
December 10, 2025 – Weekly News
Download the PDF The Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday (Latin for “Rejoice”), signals a shift in the somber Advent season to joyful anticipation because Christmas and Christ’s arrival are near. It’s a moment to pause penitential practices, symbolized by wearing pink (rose) vestments or lighting a pink candle on the Advent wreath instead of purple, reminding us to find deep, spiritual joy in God’s promised salvation, even amidst hardships. Key Meanings & Themes: Traditions: Worship Calendar Dec. 14 – Advent 3…
December 3, 2025 – Weekly News
Download the PDF Dec. 3, 2025 “Advent is the season where the silent night becomes a sanctuary for peace, and the angels’ song echoes in the recesses of our hearts, proclaiming ‘Peace on earth.’” — Jeremi Richardson. This Sunday, we light the second candle on the Advent wreath; the atmosphere is bathed in a serene glow, echoing the theme of peace. The journey through Advent continues, and on this Second Sunday, our hearts turn toward the profound and transformative concept…