Summer can be a time for spiritual reflection and growth, encouraging a deeper connection with nature, self, and the divine. It’s a season for slowing down, appreciating God’s creation, and finding rest and renewal. Spiritual practices like mindfulness, prayer, and spending time in nature can help foster a greater sense of presence and gratitude during the summer months.
Here are some ways to incorporate spiritual reflection into your summer:
1. Embrace Nature:
- Spend time outdoors: Take walks, observe the natural world, and appreciate the beauty of creation.
- Find stillness: Meditate or pray in nature, allowing the sounds and sights to center you.
- Reflect on God’s presence: Notice the abundance and beauty of summer, recognizing God’s hand in creation.
2. Cultivate Mindfulness:
- Practice present moment awareness: Engage fully in activities, savoring the simple joys of summer.
- Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings: Observe without judgment, allowing emotions to pass through you.
- Practice gratitude: Reflect on the blessings in your life, both big and small.
3. Seek Rest and Renewal:
- Schedule time for solitude: Create space for quiet reflection and connection with God.
- Let go of stress and worry: Find ways to release tension and embrace a more relaxed pace.
- Seek spiritual guidance: Engage with spiritual texts, teachings, or communities to deepen your understanding.
4. Engage in Spiritual Practices:
- Pray or meditate: Find a comfortable space, either indoors or outdoors, to connect with God through prayer or meditation.
- Read spiritual literature: Explore books, articles, or scriptures that inspire and guide you.
- Reflect on your experiences: Journal about your thoughts, feelings, and insights, allowing for self-discovery.
By intentionally incorporating these practices, you can experience a spiritually enriching summer, deepening your connection with God and finding greater peace and joy in the present moment.
Psalm 23:2-3 “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
Worship Calendar
July 20. In a World of Distraction Genesis 18:1-10 & Luke 10:38-42. Rev. Eric Lee
July 27 Jesus Teaches Us to Pray Luke 11:1-13 Rev. Eric Lee
Aug. 3 TBA Rev. Jan Hieminga
Aug. 10 TBA Rev. Jan Hieminga
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our New Instagram Account
We’re pleased to share that Graceview now has an official Instagram account! It will be maintained by Rachael Chen and will focus especially on updates and outreach related to our new Young Adults Group. We invite you all to follow our IG account.
Here is the link:
https://www.instagram.com/graceview.presbyterian?igsh=MnlpeXE5YTYyN2ly
Young Adults Fellowship
The Young Adults Fellowship group has begun at Graceview. They plan to meet every 2 weeks’ time. Do you know of a young adult who may like to join? Spread the word. All are welcome. Next meeting will be July 19 at 7:30 PM.
Egg Cartons Wanted
St. James Food Basket is once again in need of egg cartons, at least for the summer months.
Please leave them in the cloakroom at Graceview and they will be taken to St. James. Thank you for your help.
SodaStream
Free to a good home two pink canisters for SodaStream. Contact Maureen at 416-433-8148 or maureenscreen@gmail.com.
A Summer Devotional Update (Updated June 17, 2025):
A new edition of These Days (July/August/September), as well as a new edition of Our Daily Bread (June/July/August) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Music Announcement
Glen would like to start a New Bell Ringers Choir. Anyone can join between the ages of 10 and 110 years. No music knowledge or experience is needed. Rehearsals will be once a month, every third Sunday for 20 minutes after church. The first performance will be Thanksgiving Sunday. The first rehearsal of the Graceview Bell Ringers will be on July 20.
Summer Quotes that Capture the Spirit of the Sunny Season
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow
Audrey Hepburn
Summer has a flavour like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine
Oprah Winfrey
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?
John Steinbeck
Summer afternoon: to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language
Henry James
Winter is copper, autumn is bronze, spring is silver, and summer is gold.
Matshonoa Dhliwayo
If there’s heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.
Jimmy Buffett
Summer night-even the stars are whispering to each other.
Kobayashi Issa