News Letters

News Letters

December 31, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the PDF here Dec. 31, 2024 Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. — John 14:27 (NIV)As the Christmas festivities come to an end and the twinkling lights begin to fade, find a peaceful space to unwind and contemplate the lessons learned and the blessings received during this special time. Feel yourself relax and…

December 30, 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Graceview Family!As we step into 2025, we are invited not only to chart new paths forward but alsoto engage in deeper reflection—on who we are, why we are here, and what ittruly means to walk with God. This past month, I had the opportunity to read Dr. Jordan Peterson’s We WhoWrestle With God, a profound exploration of faith, humanity, and the eternalquestions that challenge us all. Peterson draws from the Biblical story of Jacobwrestling with God—a powerful…

December 24, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the PDF here Dec. 24, 2024The fifth candle of Advent, also known as the Christ candle, is a white candle that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus. It is usually placed in the center of the Advent wreath and is larger than the other candles. The Christ candle symbolizes the light and purity of Jesus Christ, and represents the hope, peace, joy, and love that he brings. It is a reminder of the prophecy that…

December 18, 2024 – Weekly news

Download the PDF Dec. 18, 2024 What Does the Fourth Advent Candle Stand for? In contemporary Western Christianity, the typical Advent wreath has four candles inside an evergreen wreath. Each one is lit during a new week of Advent and has a particular meaning attached to it. Candle 1 is purple, known as “the Prophet’s Candle,” and it stands for hope. Candle 2 is purple, known as “the Bethlehem Candle,” and stands for peace. Candle 3 is pink or rose-colored, known as “the Shepherd’s Candle,” and stands for…

December 11th, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the PDF Dec. 11, 2024 The third week of Advent The third week of the season is characterized by joy. The third candle lit during this week is usually pink, signifying the joy that comes from the nearing celebration of Christmas. Often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” it emphasizes the joy announced by the angels at Jesus’ birth.This week serves as a vibrant reminder for Christians to experience and share joy amidst life’s challenges and to celebrate the…

December 4th, 2024 – Weekly news

Download PDF Dec. 4, 2024 The second week of Advent The second week of Advent centers on the theme of peace. The second candle, often referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle,” is lit to symbolize the peace that Christ brings to the world. This week encourages believers to reflect on the idea of peace in their lives and communities. The focus during the second week is not only on the peace of Christ but also on how individuals can contribute…

November 27th, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the PDF Nov. 27, 2024The first week of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical season. Advent Sunday is what many Christians call the first day of Advent. The theme of the first week of Advent is hope. This theme emphasizes the hope Christians have in the coming of Christ, reminiscent of the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament. It is also a time of reflection and prayer, as individuals and communities prepare their hearts and…

November 27, 2024

As we begin the Advent season, our theme – “The Weary World Rejoices”, invites us to reflect on the promises of Christ that bring hope, peace, joy, and love to our weary world. Over the next four weeks, our Advent sermons and lunches will focus on the fulfillment of these promises as we prepare for Christmas. This Sunday, December 1st, we will celebrate Communion by Intinction during worship. This sacred time will remind us of Christ’s promise to be with…

November 20th, 2024 – Weekly News

Download PDF How to Learn to Enjoy Change Pablo Diaz Here’s how you can make a big life change a positive experience. Stepping into a new phase of life requires a lot of trust in God. Everything is new, and change is constant.  My wife, Elba, and I are in the middle of our transition from New York to Florida, leaving long-time jobs and relationships and starting over. As with all change, there are gains and losses, but prayer is helping…

November 13th, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the PDF Remembrance Day was last Monday, and despite this being 2 days later, we should all never forget. We must remember every day of the freedoms that we enjoy and the cost of human life that happened so that we may live as we do. Let us always be grateful to those who served and lay down their lives for us. NO LONGER HEREAs bullets pierce their human fleshWounds too deep to bandage dress,The last vision seen before…

November 6th, 2024 – Weekly News

Download the Weekly News Here Nov. 6, 2024 What a glorious day it was yesterday. I could not get over the fact that in November we reached 24 degrees Celsius. I was actually walking Miss E. in a tee shirt. Wish every day would be like this one throughout the winter. The downside to yesterday was the wind and the fact that leaves from down the street were blowing onto my lawn as it was being mowed. It was really…

Traditional Christmas Pudding – butter recipe

Christmas pudding (à la Dickens) is a tradition in our house, a legacy from Bob’s family tradition when he was growing up. For years, I had been buying it ready-made, first from Hot Oven  Bakery at Cloverdale, and for the past couple of years at A Bit Of  Home on Dundas street. It isn’t cheap – about $60 for two puddings, which is what I needed. I still have my mother-in-law’s pudding bowls, and her recipe, so last year I decided…