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 HERE
As bullets pierce their human flesh
Wounds too deep to bandage dress,
The last vision seen before they die
Is twilight, darkening their night sky
Some will never know tomorrow
So much pain, too much sorrow
Life cut short, forever gone
As bugles played their last song.
Many nights we walk the floor
Hearts broken, to the very core
Shattered dreams of you and me
Granite headstones are all we see.
No matter if you’re young or old
When taps are played, and flags are fold
Respect the memories of those we lost
Wear a poppy to honour, their final post.
Dedicated to all who served, and their families.
Jacqueline Black – 2024
Wife of Sgt W.P. Black (deceased)
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Many thanks to Brenda Nash for again leading our Remembrance Day Service last Sunday. Brenda sent Joan Kohar an email expressing how much she enjoyed the time delivering the service and time with the people of Graceview. She appreciated the time and attention we gave her.
The essay that Brenda Nash read out last Sunday was poignant and very moving. This was written by a Middle School student right here in Etobicoke. Her essay won the Canada wide Intermediate Essay Competition at the Royal Canadian Legion this year. Her name has been withheld for privacy reasons. We did, however get permission to print her essay in our weekly email.
In The Footsteps
My head is spinning, my stomach is churning, I can’t think. I don’t have time to feel sorrow or reminisce about the days that knew a sliver of peace. Yet, I look up to the sky and allow myself one singular moment.
In the deepest parts of my mind, where shame has no name, I’m scared I’m not strong enough. Father fought in the war, now I will continue his legacy.
Mother says that I must not break down, that I am brave. Grandpa says I will serve well and bring honour to my family. Will I bring honour or shame? My eyes water, and my vision blurs, but I quickly compose myself. I will persevere. For my home, for my country, for you.
Time has passed. Battles have been fought. It’s August of 1942 now, and we head to Dieppe, a strongly guarded port that will take much force to bring freedom to. However, I have confidence in myself that only comes with time. I am no longer the scared boy I was before.
Hours pass, and our element of surprise is gone. My energy is dwindling, and my body screams for a break. But there are no breaks in war, it knows no mercy. Bodies are scattered, and blood paints the ground.
Cries of soldiers echo the field. Amongst the chaos and carnage, a bullet found its mark deep in my chest, leaving no replies. I clutch my wound and crumple to the ground. Everything slows, sound and sight. I have learned so much in so little time: how to work a rifle, fight, and hold life in my hands. I must not let the
Germans win; I must be stronger than them.
My eyes burn as salt streams out of my eyes into my ears. Flashes of memories float around in my mind. I see Mother, wrinkles growing more prominent each year I see her. I see Father, smiling down at me as a child. I see a younger me, grief shadowing what should be a young boy’s bright face.
Pain, unimaginable pain hits me. Realization dawns, I am dying. I look up as the sun sinks below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. A gentle breeze hits me as a light flashes, the world around me fading. Father appears before me and says “Son, come with me.” He stretches out his hand.
Disbelief shadows my face, and then I suddenly stop, “Wait, what about the raid? I have to help them!” I say.
Father turns around, a small smile on his face. “Brave soldier, I admire your persistence, even in death. Worry not of the port, fate is in your favour. You have played your part in the scheme of things”. With that reassurance, I continue toward the light and welcome death.
Years later on the ground where the soldier passed on, a seed of promise grew into a sapling, and then into a bright, everlasting red poppy.
Prayer Roster
We are looking for additional congregants to help with the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession. If you feel that you would like to volunteer to read this prayer occasionally on a Sunday morning, please speak to Bob
Twynam. This is not a difficult task, as this prayer can be found on the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s website. All you have to do is print it off and you are set. OR if you feel that you would like to make up your own prayer, you are most welcome to do so.
Coffee/Tea Sign – Up is Here Again
PRAYER REQUESTS AND PASTORAL CARE
- Pray for the people of war-torn countries who are living in fear and uncertainty. Pray for those close tohome who need your special love and guidance during trying times.
- Beth Smith’s son-in-law, Robert Soth who will undergo open heart surgery today (the 13 th )
- Alice Wachira is requesting prayers for her cousin Zachariah Mwangi who was admitted to hospital.
- Please keep in your prayers the following: Shelia Thomas’ grandson, Carter, Shirley P. Ed L., Bob N., Lenore C., Charlotte Prentice, Joan and Peter K., Margaret M’s brother, Simon, the Jarvis family, Olive S., Roman P., Jean Fox’s nephew, Ryan, Anna C. and family and Gordon F. Please keep these folks, and indeed everyone
in our church family and people around the world, in your prayers.
Picnics and weddings.
A Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest were good friends. They were at a community picnic one day and the
priest was eating a ham sandwich. “You know,” he said to his friend, “this ham sandwich is simply delicious. I
know you’re not supposed to eat ham, but I don’t understand why something as good as this would be
forbidden to you. Why don’t you break down and try one?”
To which the rabbi replied, “Sure, at your wedding.”
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Do you have any news or prayer requests that you would like to share? Drop me a line and I will be happy to
include it in the Weekly Email. Have a blessed week, everyone.
Susan choppertini@hotmail.com
Contact information for Pastor Eric Lee: 778-791-1741; leefyeric@gmail.com
NB: If the phone number for Pastor Eric does not connect to you immediately (technical issues?) call the church
(416-621-0888) and press #1 for Pastor Eric.
Email for Iris: ericirishk@gmail.com
- Message from Pastor Eric: “FYI, the Graceview website page below has been revamped to keep people updated on our activities and events. Visit us and enjoy all that is good about Graceview”.
https://graceview.ca/calendar-events