Minister’s Message
Do We Still Know Our Bibles?
It may seem like an odd question to ask in church. After all, the Bible is at the heart of our worship. We hear Scripture read, listen to sermons, sing hymns drawn from its words, and pray using language shaped by it. Many of us have been reading the Bible for years, even decades. And yet, …
Some shout-outs…
We have been in summer mode since early June, with committee activities and choir paused, reduced attendance, people at cottages or just relaxing with family, and an informal approach to our worship services. Nevertheless, there are some things that continue to happen throughout the summer, and they don’t happen by accident or magic. A big thank you to:
Susan, for keeping the Weekly News going all summer, taking only one week off for a holiday.
Al, Earl and Dave for keeping the grass cut and the bushes trimmed.
The AV team (Jackie, Norma, Halyna, Iris and Bob) for their faithfulness in providing live streaming for our people who rely on it.
Bob, who has spent many hours this summer at the church and at home dealing with the AV equipment, sorting out glitches, meeting with our tech experts, researching what we need to do to upgrade our system, and sending and receiving countless emails related to all of this.
Our readers, announcers and prayer people for faithfully continuing to show up on their appointed days.
Carol and Earl for looking after lemonade and cookies after church, and all those who generously contributed cash or cookies for this purpose.
Al and Lynne, Harry and Pat, Pastor Eric, Helen N. and others who continue to minister to Centennial Park Place on summer Thursdays.
The Church as Music Hall
We have been very blessed over the summer to have our erstwhile Music Director and friend, Kento Stratford, playing for us, while we consider the direction we wish to take with our music program in the future. We continue to be blown away by his outstanding skill on the piano and organ, his ability to take a simple hymn tune and…
Save the date!
Graceview’s Outreach Team Presents
A Taste of Italy
Friday, October 16 (to be confirmed after Labour Day)
Tickets: $30
Prepared by the teacher and students of Thistletown Collegiate’s culinary arts program, assisted by Chef Keith Hoare.
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the
Thistletown Euro Trip to Italy which will take place during the 2027 March Break.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
A few weeks ago as we were having dinner with friends, the conversation turned to questions of Christianity, and what it means to be a Christian. Funny how dinner conversations sometimes take on a life of their own. We did not get together for dinner planning to discuss the Bible, of all things, – it just happened. This conversation arose from a …
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Drayton Entertainment does it again…
While many of you were relaxing at cottages this summer or doing a bit of travelling, Bob and I also did some travelling – to St. Jacob’s, Cambridge, or Drayton Ontario, to attend theatrical shows. Some of you know that we are big fans of Drayton summer repertory theatre and go to several shows every year. If you like live theatre, there is no better deal in or near the GTA. Tickets for the best seats in the house are in the neighbourhood of $50 -$60, compared to …
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The Seven Teachings and Their Animals
The seven grandfather teachings are a set of Anishinaabe guiding principles that show how to live a good life in peace and respect with all creation.
Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin): Represented by the beaver, meaning to cherish knowledge and use your gifts to help your family and community.
Love (Zaagidwin): Represented by the eagle, meaning to know peace and love all things unconditionally.
Respect (Mnaadendimowin): Represented by the buffalo, meaning to honor all of creation and go easy on one another.
Bravery (Aakwa’ode’ewin): Represented by the bear, meaning to face challenges and problems with integrity.
Honesty (Gwekwaadziwin): Represented by the sabe (bigfoot) or raven, meaning to be true in word and action and honest with yourself.
Humility (Dbaadendiziwin): Represented by the wolf, meaning to know yourself as a sacred part of creation and live for your pack.
Truth (Debwewin): Represented by the turtle, meaning to know all the teachings and speak only what you have experienced.
Pastor Won Hwang – July 19th 2026 – Sermon
On Sunday, July 19, we welcomed Pastor Won Hwang to our pulpit, not for the first time. Ordained in 2006 by the Presbyterian Church in Korea, he has recently been admitted to serve in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. While providing pulpit supply, he is prayerfully seeking a pastoral call to continue his ministry of teaching and shepherding God’s people.
[ View the Entire transcript and Watch Online… ]
I hope you have enjoyed the September/October issue of Graceviews. The next issue will be available early in early November. The deadline will be Sunday, October 25.
If you have anything you wish to share with your church family,please make your editor very happy by writing it up and sending it to me by email. Anyone can submit anything, either written by yourself, or something you have found interesting that you think would interest others. I try to provide a variety of rich and interesting reading, and am always happy when I can publish a piece with a byline other than my own.