August 20, 2025
Having spent last week in Prince Edward County on the shores of West Lake, I am stunned, every year that I am there, how close to God I feel. The sheer beauty of nature, of the sunsets (as seen above), of the quiet, one cannot avoid the feeling that God is all around and that he has produced these wonders so that all who see them cannot help but feel his presence. Hymns kept popping into my head. “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”,
“Tis so Sweet to Walk with Jesus”, and “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” to name a few.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” – Matthew 18:20
While I do enjoy gathering for worship in my church, which I love, I also love to worship in God’s church on the shores of West Lake. I know that he is there with me.
Here is some further words on this topic.
Yes, that’s a common sentiment in many religions. The belief is that God is omnipresent and not confined to a specific building, so worship can be done anywhere, anytime. The concept of “church” often refers to the community of believers, not just the physical structure.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Biblical Perspective:
Many religious texts emphasize that God is not limited to temples or buildings. For example, in the
Bible, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that true worshipers will worship God “in spirit and in truth,”
not just in a specific place (John 4:23-24).
The Church as People:
The term “church” can refer to the community of believers, not just the building. The early Christians
often met in homes or other informal settings, highlighting that the essence of the church lies in the fellowship and worship of its members.
Personal Worship:
Individuals can connect with God in various settings, such as in nature, at home, or through prayer
and reflection.
Diverse Expressions of Faith:
While some traditions value communal worship in buildings, others emphasize individual practices
and spiritual experiences that can occur anywhere.
Worship Calendar
Aug. 24 The Poverty of Greed Luke 12:13-21 Rev. Eric Lee
Aug. 31 Filling the Table: Hospitality Luke 14:4-24 Rev. Eric Lee
In the Way of Christ
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
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.
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.
The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married for the
fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband’s occupation. “He’s a funeral director,” she answered.
“Interesting,” the newsman thought.
He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20’s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40’s, and a preacher when in her 60’s, and now in her 80’s – a funeral director.
The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such
diverse careers. (Wait for it)
She smiled and explained, “I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.”