Oct. 22, 2025
John 14:1-29 offers comfort through Jesus’ assurances that his followers’ hearts should not be troubled because he is preparing a place for them in heaven, and that he is the way, truth, and life to the Father. It also emphasizes the promise of the Holy Spirit, who will act as an advocate and guide, empowering believers to continue Jesus’ work and glorifying God. This passage challenges believers to live out the teachings of Christ through love and faithfulness, trusting that God will work through them.
Comfort and hope through faith
- Do not be troubled:
Jesus tells his disciples not to be troubled by his impending departure, offering a promise of a place in his Father’s house. 2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
- The way to the Father:
Jesus identifies himself as the “way, the truth, and the life,” through whom believers can know and come to the Father. 6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
- Heavenly dwelling places:
The mention of “many dwelling places” suggests that heaven is a place of great hospitality, with ample room for all who believe.
The role of the Holy Spirit
- The Advocate:
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, who will serve as a comforter and advocate to continue to teach and remind believers of Jesus’ words. 17 “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
- Empowerment:
The Holy Spirit is sent to empower believers to perform works even greater than Jesus’ own, as they continue his mission on Earth.
The challenge to live a life of faith
- Living by faith:
The passage is not a promise of immediate, “fast relief,” but a challenge to live faithfully through difficult times, trusting that God is working things out in his own time.
- Love and obedience:
Believers are called to show their love for Jesus by following his commands, which is a path toward a more faithful life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Worship Calendar
Theology 101: No Other Way John 14:1-29 Rev. Eric Lee
Remembering Tree Service TBD Rev. Eric Lee
Remembrance Sunday TBD Rev. Ernest van Eck
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
In Memory of Olivia Waugh
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday November 2nd 12:30pm at the Old Mill. This event is for family only. Regrettably, they cannot go over the 20-person capacity limit due to fire code issues (the room is quite small) and the maximum table settings. However, Graceview will be represented by Pastor Eric and myself.
To celebrate Chuka & Koko’s wedding
A Service of Christian Marriage is scheduled to be held at our sanctuary on Friday, October 31st 10:00amAll Graceview friends and choir are welcome! The couple plans to arrange some food and refreshments for the guests (about 30 people, including our church side), and they wish to give thanks to the organist, the choir, and all who will come to help and witness the service.
Jane Finch Reaching Up Fund Raiser
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP 2026 March 14–22, 2026 (Tentative)
Called to Serve. Changed Forever.
You are invited to take part in a transformative short-term mission experience to Guatemala during March Break 2026. Sponsored by the Presbytery of West Toronto, this trip continues a vibrant legacy of partnership, discipleship, and mutual growth in faith.
Whether you’re youth, adult, or senior—if you’re willing to serve and be shaped, there’s a place for you on the team.
Why Guatemala?
Since 2017, POWT churches have journeyed to Guatemala to:
- Share God’s love with children, families, and vulnerable communities.
- Worship and serve alongside local churches and ministries.
- Learn from resilient believers with joyful, generous faith.
- Return home with renewed purpose and a deeper walk with Christ.
In past trips, teams have served at orphanages, schools, women’s shelters, disability care centers, and small congregations. Locations and activities for 2026 will be finalized in due course.
Who Can Join?
- Youth (Grade 7–12), adults, and healthy seniors
- Members of any church within the Presbytery of West Toronto
- No Spanish required—just a servant heart
“Dios te ama.” – “God loves you.”
A simple phrase that has brought smiles and tears in every place we’ve visited.
Mission Goals
- Discipleship – Grow deeper in faith through training, prayer, and devotions.
- Service – Encourage and assist local ministries and communities.
- Relationship – Build lasting connections with our Guatemalan partners.
- Education – Understand new cultures and expressions of Christian life.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
Mission Leadership Team
Rev. Young Cho, Rev. Julio Miranda, Rev. Eric Lee (Subject to change) Team size would be limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
Cost & Support
Each participant is asked to contribute 1/3 of the total cost, which comes to approximately $700 CAD.
The remaining cost will be covered through Presbytery grants and team-based fundraising efforts.
The payment schedule, group preparation meetings, and fundraising activities will begin after the team
is finalized and gathered in the fall season.
If you’re interested in joining but unsure about finances, we encourage you to still reach out—many have
found that God provides in surprising ways when we step forward in faith.
Reflections from Past Participants
“It was never about what we could give, but what God was doing in all of us.”
— Brenda Rodriguez
“Seeing kids learn about Jesus was a joy—and reminded me that God uses even our smallest efforts.”
— Camilo Jimenez
“The children’s joy, their songs, and generosity—these are glimpses of God’s kingdom.”
— Jason Gang
“Serving as a family was such a gift. I came to serve, but I left transformed.”
— Kya Bruneau
“I struggled with doubt—even guilt—after the trip, but I now realize love is always worth it. This mission reawakened my heart.”
— Rachael Chen
Want to Learn More or Join?
Contact your local church pastor or missions committee. Or speak with any of the leadership team listed above.
Watch our 2025 highlight video:
“Soup by Dave” Luncheon
Outreach will be hosting our fourth “Soup by Dave” luncheon on Monday, November 10th at 11:30 AM in the downstairs hall. Chef Dave Taylor will be preparing Dutch split pea soup and will demonstrate how to make it for us. Every guest will receive a copy of his recipe. We are very pleased to have “Chef Dave” share his culinary talents with us and know that he will provide us with another lively presentation. After lunch, Jan Hieminga will talk to us about his trip to Holland in May to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the front foyer. Please plan to attend and invite your friends to join you. Free Will Offerings will be gratefully accepted.
Church Decorating Team
Many thanks to Dave Brown and Georgena Engineer for stepping up and spearheading the decorating of the church for the different themes of the church season. It does take a team, and we are lucky to have these two congregants step up and take the lead. Many, many thanks.
Changing your PARS Donations
PARS program. – If you are on the PARS program for your church giving and you wish to update your monthly donation, this can be easily done by contacting Jackie Taylor either in person or by email at jacquelinet@sympatico.ca