Weekly News (Page 7)

Weekly News (Page 7)

Sept. 18, 2024

The Power God Gives Us to Comfort Others

Pablo Diaz

When you encounter someone whose heart is broken, here’s what your faith calls you to do.When you are hurting and broken-hearted, so many memories can stir up the pain—places, images, even clothing and household items. As a pastor, I see this with some couples going through divorce. The person still at home wants everything out that

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Sept. 11, 2024

I am not a fan of violent, heavy rainstorms. There is something about water damage both inside the home and outside that scares me. Since I moved into this house in Markland Circle, I have dreaded heavy rain because the eavestroughs would fill up and overflow to the point that my poor gardens under the eaves got more than they bargained for. The soil would be washed away. I have been known to open large umbrellas and place them over my poor plants to

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Sept. 4, 2024
The Fall season is symbolic of change. From the leaves evolving to beautiful warm hues to chunky knit sweaters making their way into our daily attire, Fall brings change—but with a sense of comfort and ease. To admire the changes orchestrated by Mother Nature is to be humbled by nature’s power and its influence over our environment, routines, and even our moods.
Studies show that some…

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Aug. 28, 2024

Well, here we are in the last days of August, and Fall is right around the corner. The CNE is on, and that is a surefire sign that summer is waning and will soon be gone. Thankfully, as I write this, the sun is shining, my lawn is being mowed and I have this glorious day to myself to get tasks completed and to enjoy some outdoor time. We have a busy month…

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Susan B. Anthony Paves the Way

Susan B. Anthony Paves the Way  Adapted from an essay by Joanna Strong and Tom B. Leonard  Kathy Twynam  It has been rumoured that sometime within the next year,  Ontarians will be facing an election – perhaps provincial,  perhaps federal, perhaps both, if our politicians can ever get over themselves and decide what to do. And many of us followed the recent compelling US election with great interest, knowing that the repercussions were bound to spill over into Canada no matter who won. …

Choir Notes

The year was 1970, and Grace Church was struggling. Its minister, Rev. Bill Mitchell, retired on December 31 that year,  leaving the pulpit vacant until the arrival in September 1971  of Rev. R. Campbell “Cam” Taylor. Cam served as Grace’s beloved minister for almost five years, until May 1976, and after retirement in 2001 returned with his wife Sandy to the newly amalgamated Graceview as Minister in Association and later Minister Emeritus.   We tend to think of churches as thriving in those days fifty years ago,…

The Past Life of Maureen Screen 

The Past Life of Maureen Screen           by Parkland Resident Don Kerr  Maureen Screen awoke on a morning in 1954 to find that  Hurricane Hazel flooding had washed away fourteen homes on her street and killed thirty-two residents, including the five-year-old neighbour she walked to school every day.  The first thing she heard that day was a voice on a loudspeaker from a helicopter whirring overhead. It was warning residents who had sought refuge on the roofs of their houses to remain there to be rescued…

The Mysterious St. ValentineJanuary 2025

In mid-February we will celebrate the Feast of St. Valentine,  a day on which, traditionally, people express their love for each other, sending Valentine’s cards or giving gifts, often of candy or flowers. In schools, children send greetings to their classmates, and often an entire week is devoted to Valentine activities such as the decorating of special bags to hold one’s messages of friendship. Sometimes, there is a classroom party, with special treats such as cinnamon hearts or pink iced cupcakes. Oddly enough, although in many public…

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 also to engage in deeper reflection—on who we are, why we are here, and what it truly means to walk with God. This past month, I had the opportunity to read Dr. Jordan Peterson’s We Who Wrestle With God, a profound exploration of faith, humanity, and the eternal questions that challenge us all. Peterson draws from the Biblical story of…

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 11, 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 4, 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 / December 2024

Download the PDF Here Beloved Graceview church family, It has been an incredible three months since I came to be your minister, and today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. In this relatively short time we have spent together, your support has touched my heart greatly, especially during my recent marathon and Ironman journey.

November 27, 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…