GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

You’ve heard of OOTC frequently over the Christmas season. The snowman has been in the narthex collecting warm accessories.  37 pairs of socks, 9 pairs of hand knitted mittens, 2 pairs of ski mitts, 1 scarf, 4 hats, 3 thermal long underwear tops and 4 thermal underwear bottoms were collected. The Christmas Eve loose offering and designated givings totaling $484 was forwarded to OOTC. These donations are deeply appreciated. It is not a mission for which the church designates a specific annual monetary support so this generous practical support is so welcomed.

 As we look forward to 2023 from the start of it, we might feel anxious or wondering about what might happen this year. God’s people have felt this way for generations, in the midst of tumultuous change and huge negative historical events. Military empires rise and fall when we look back in history, but living through their expansion meant wondering if I and my family might live or die soon.

A few days ago, I had the honour and privilege to share God’s word with you.  We talked about prayer, and how we might approach God in a more intimate way.   Prayer is such a critical part of our Christian walk, and prayer is so needed these days.  We know that we should pray.  The Bible says “pray continually.”  That almost seems to make it an obligation.  Prayer should never feel to be an obligation, but rather a joy, a privilege. “What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!”  

On the streets, our outreach teams are noticing subtle changes. Prayer requests are beginning to shift towards day-to-day needs and away from desperation over cold, shelter, the heartache of loneliness, and from physical aches, pains and illnesses linked to the weather. There are sometimes now prayers of gratitude for God's protection over the winter, for sufficient food most days, for the glimpses of connections that build self-worth.