April 25, 2025
Hello Glenbrook,
I hope that your long weekend was a restful one. With Spring comes this tradition of “Spring Cleaning” I saw this Devotional below and it reminded me of this and the practice of letting things go and or donating things to someone who may really use them. I have unfortunately lived through 2 floods. The number of things I lost was really tough at the time, but it also taught me so much regarding the attachments we have to material things. May your “Spring Cleaning” be a successful and rewarding one! Have a great weekend.
Andrea
Devotional
It's that time of year again: time to go through drawers and closets, sorting out, downsizing, and organizing. It's something that I like to do about this time each year, before the good weather comes when I would rather be outside enjoying God's creation — the birds, my gardens, the beach …
As I was going through one bin, I came across some of my journals from several years ago. I stopped sorting for a while and sat down to read some of the things that I had written. As I read, I realized how close it drew me to God as I shared my deepest feelings and thoughts with my Creator.
God wants us to draw near to Him. He wants us to know Him as our heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour, and our constant companion and helper.
James 4:8a – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (NRSV)
How well do you know God? Do you want to draw closer to Him? If you haven't tried journaling, why not give it a try? If you have journaled in the past, why not get back to it?
You might be wondering, "What will I write?" But once you start, you'll be surprised at how quickly you'll have filled an entire page!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
How are you feeling?
Are you angry about something? Talk to God about it.
Are you thankful for something? Thank God.
Are you sad? Tell God what is making you feel that way.
Are you struggling? Ask God to help you.
Praise God for what He's doing in your life.
Tell God that you love Him.
Take time to be with God and get to know Him better as you honestly share your feelings with Him.
Psalm 46:10a – Be still, and know that I am God! (NRSV)
Ephesians 1:17 – I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him. (NRSV)
When you look back through your journals, as I did when I was sorting things out, you'll be amazed at how God has been working in your life.
1 Corinthians 13:12 – We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (MSG)
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank You for Your wonderful love for us. You alone are holy and worthy of our praise. We long to know You better — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank You for who You are, what You have done in our lives, and what You are still doing. Help us to trust You and sense Your presence throughout all our days. May we love You more deeply day by day and see You more clearly as we seek to draw closer to You. Help us always to listen for Your voice to lead us and guide us as we seek to do Your will and to serve You all of our days. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Dee Renaud
Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada
Current Projects of PWS&D
The Presbyterian Church supports many mission projects and social justice initiatives through Presbyterian Sharing and Presbyterian World Service and Development. If you want to know more, please link to the following video for more information. Please also speak to Ellys Mackenzie who is Glenbrook's Champion. She will be glad to give you updates on the current projects of PWS&D.
Link:
Children and Youth Ministry Planning Meeting
We will have a meeting that is open to all who are interested in planning and discussing the direction of Children and Youth Ministries at Glenbrook. It will be held in the Studio on Sunday April 27th after the worship service (approximately at 11:30 AM).
Blessings,
Conrad
Raw Carrot
Thank you to all who ordered Raw Carrot Soup. The order was picked up a few days ago and is waiting in the church freezer for you to pick up following the service this Sunday.
Look for the “Pick up” table in the coffee area and we will get your order for you.
Just to let you know... we were actually given the Specialty Soup of the Month - Butter Chicken flavour as well. There are 10 packages at $11 each available for first come first serve. Yum!
There will be a Sign-Up Sheet on the lobby table for Baker's Needed for the next Muffins for Missions next Sunday May 4th. The donations will be going to Indwell which we will all have the pleasure of learning about in this Sunday's service with Trish DeSimone and Jess Brand visiting us.
-Cynthia
Indwell Guest Speakers Sunday April 27th
We will have guest speakers from Indwell ministries Trish DeSimone who is the Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Mississauga/Peel Region and Jess Brand on Sunday April 27th (This Sunday!)
“Indwell is a Hamilton-based Christian charity that has been supporting vulnerable adults dealing with mental health challenges for 50 years. We are the fastest growing developer of new supportive affordable housing in Ontario. Indwell’s communities support over 1290 tenants in regions across Southern and Southwestern Ontario—with several projects currently under construction or pre-development. Indwell empowers tenants to achieve health and wellness goals, and to constructively engage with their communities.”
If you would like to learn more about Indwell and future events, please read more about them on their website at www.indwell.ca
Change Her World was created when Linda Willis, a retired teacher and Carol Hamilton, a nurse consultant/minister were confronted with the harsh realities of poverty and gender inequality during a study visit to Malawi, Africa in 2006.
As they embarked on a HIV/AIDS study visit to the rural region of northern Malawi, organized by Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D), their encounters with girls and women ignited an intense desire to take action in some way. Returning to their homes in Stratford, Ontario, they began researching and dialoguing about what they could do. We recently received an email from Carol.
“Dear Glenbrook Church, your support of Change Her World has meant so much. This weekend we will be celebrating 15 years of working in Malawi. To date more than 50 girls have successfully completed their college/university education and 98% are employed. We now have 155 students we are currently supporting as well as 30 elderly women and over 200 women involved in goat and pig projects. So...we have much to be thankful for. Glenbrook has been there from our first year and we are so appreciative of this support. Linda and I look forward to keeping the congregation up-to-date with the latest happenings. Thank you. “
Congratulations to Carol and Linda on this incredible accomplishment! For more information please visit the link below
Spring Bible Study 025 Bible Study
Winter Bible Studies are now on pause until May 6th. See you then!
HOLD THE DATE JUNE 7th!
Ladies of Glenbrook, come and celebrate with us the wedding of our special friend Samantha Black!! Details to follow.
St. Thomas à Becket Cricket Tournament
The cricket tournament returns on July 12th! An invitation to all churches in the area, including Glenbrook. No experience is required and if you would like to come out and watch that’s fine too! Save the date and if interested please speak to Pastor Ian.
Men’s Lunch
The Men’s Lunch will be held on Wednesday May 21. The restaurant will be announced shortly.\
City of Mississauga free fitness membership for individuals over the age of 65
Did you know that The City of Mississauga has launched free fitness memberships for seniors known as 65+ Fit membership?!
Older adult residents must visit a local community centre with proof of Mississauga residency and valid identification. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, property tax bill or a valid Ontario driver’s license. Memberships must be renewed annually, and while the membership is free, standard drop-in fees apply for certain activities such as Shinny Hockey, Pickleball, and Aquafitness.
Residents must be 65 years of age or older and be a resident of Mississauga on the day of membership activation and their account must be in good standing (no amount owing to the City). Customers must also have their photograph taken to produce the membership card. For further information please visit seniors fitness membership.
Link below
65+ Fit membership – Recreation and sports
Income Tax Preparation and e-Filing
Glenbrook has joined CRA's CVITP (Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparer) program. If you have a simple tax situation and a modest income, we can prepare and e-file your income taxes for free. Seniors, students, and newcomers are all welcome to try this service.
If you do not qualify for CVITP but you would like to prepare your own income tax, we can help navigate tax software, troubleshoot error codes, and set up "My Account" on the CRA website. As of March 24, CRA will no longer accept bank information changes from e-filed tax returns.
Contact: Caroline at caroline1008@gmail.com
April/May Schedule of Volunteers
Please let me know if there are any dates which I need to change or move for you 😊 If you would like to join the volunteer team even once every few months, let me know!
Service for Sunday April 27th, 2025
Please note that all services will be available on the SAME link each time. So click on the link below to watch all services live with us. Please note: Listen Everywhere assisted listening equipment is available in our sanctuary to enhance the listening pleasure for those with hearing impairments. Listen Everywhere works with your smartphones to sync with hearing aids and other devices such as ear-pods and Wi-Fi headsets.
To sync your smartphones with Listen Everywhere simply download the Listen Everywhere app to your smartphone and, upon arriving at the Church, open the app then do the following steps:
Go to your settings and select Wi-Fi.
In the Wi-Fi setting select Listen Everywhere.
Open the app, then listen to, or close, the promotional message.
You should now see two panels on you smartphone's screen.
Select the highlighted panel and you will be connected to the church service.
Enjoy the service!
https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live
Welcome and Announcements
Bumper Video: “After Easter (Our Mission)”
Responsive Call To Worship
One: In life, in death, and in life beyond death,
All: The Risen Christ is Lord.
One: In success and discouragement, in fear and in hope,
All: The Risen Christ is Lord.
One: Of the poor and broken, of the sinner and the sinned against,
All: The Risen Christ is Lord.
One: In Church and community, in our hearts and our homes,
All: The Risen Christ is Lord, and so we gather to worship in his name.
Worship Song: “Mighty To Save”
Gathering Prayer/Thoughts:
Worship Song: “Alleluia Alleluia Give Thanks To The Risen Lord”
Prayers of Adoration and Confession:
Worship Song: “All Heaven Declares”
Scripture Reading:
John 1: 6-14 (The Message)
Bumper Video: “Indwell Ministries: Hope and Homes” Jess Brand
Message: Indwell Ministries: Hope and Homes - Jess Brand
Tithes and Offerings
Offering Song of Dedication: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
Prayer of Dedication:
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn: “Crown Him With Many Crowns”
Benediction Song: “Shalom My Friend
Have a great week,
Andrea
