GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

I missed the deadlines for the last two issues of Good Gracious; and for that I offer my most sincere apology.  It certainly was not my intent.  The past three months have been an amazing journey of hard work, fun, travel, emotional highs and lows, sickness and recovery.  Let’s take a walk together.

There have been two very...

As we come to the end of another school year, and the end of another Church season with the celebration of Pentecost, and the end (soon) of my ministry at Grace, I have a few reflections. It is good God gives us rest, a slower pace in the Summer, some Summer activities to look forward to enjoying. It is good God gives us Sabbath and seasons. He...

One of the things we see on the news daily is the inundation of homes near water sources, the Ottawa River, creeks, low lying areas, you name it. Perhaps you are like me and ask yourself why the city or region would allow buildings to be built in these areas that are prone to flooding. And if the officials allow it, why would homeowners continue in these buildings and properties causing themselves the stress and pressures of being unable, in many cases, to actually remedy the situation and have a safe property to live on. Everyone makes their decisions in light of their understanding of the situation in which they live. They choose the best path they can figure out. Is it for me to judge those who are in waterfront residences? It is not my decision...

Miriam Centre has been serving the community since 1988. It offers emotional and spiritual support as well as practical assistance to all who find the circumstances surrounding their pregnancy difficult. It also provides follow-up care and guidance after the birth of the child.

Miriam Centre reaches out with love and compassion to those grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage, abortion or infant death, sharing their pain and helping them experience healing and peace.

As you all can see there's a lot of exciting updates to share, the foremost of which is the fact that Sam and I got married February 18th, which I am so pleased to share with all. It was a lovely, intimate and intentional service shared with close friends and family and live-streamed to include as many loved ones as we could.

Peace That Comes After Holy Week and Easter

There was almost too much in that last week of Jesus’ life. The Gospel writers give more attention to that last week than to any other part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We know that this last week is the culmination of the three-year presentation of God’s plan for humanity,...

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!”  

Grace Church was not able to fulfill its commitment to financially support a number of Missions in the 3rd quarter due to lack of funds. Givings have been down substantially this summer and fall and the church has spent more money than we have received. The income improved in November and we pray for that trend to continue in December so that we can end the year in a positive direction.

Several people have asked which missionaries we were not able to support in September. Below I have identified them with a website and contact information to allow individuals who feel moved to act individually with financial support to do so. Please note that if the general givings continue to increase in December, the church will be able to honour the Missions commitment, making payments to our priority Missions first.