November 30, 2024

Written By Ward Pipher

Hello Glenbrook,

I hope your week is going smoothly so far! We’re really starting to feel the winter chill creep in, so make sure you are staying cozied up and giving yourself extra time in the morning to let your car warm up! I did a number on my left eye this week and scratched the sclera. It was SO red and bloodshot that I couldn’t even look in the mirror for a few days because I looked like a horror movie villain. Thankfully I’ve been using some prescription drops which have really helped with healing the eye, and I’m hoping I won’t be terrifying to look at by this Sunday. The last few days have been pretty busy buzzing around the church too. We have some wonderful volunteers helping to set up the Christmas trees in the Sanctuary and the coffee area before Advent begins this weekend.

As this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, we are entering into the time of waiting and the beginning of a new liturgical year. Our reading from Jeremiah this week speaks about the coming of the Lord God, and the need for preparation on our end. It’s also a message of hope and encouragement to the people experiencing a time of trial (the Exile and persecution). The coming (advent) of the Lord will be accompanied by a time of peace and justice. The focus of most people at this time of year is not on the coming or advent of Jesus’ return, but on the preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ First Coming (Christmas). Now I know the tradition is to make New Year resolutions for the first of January…But I wonder if we might challenge that tradition and reflect on how we can re-examine our habits starting at this new liturgical year instead – AKA the beginning of Advent. What can we do in our lives this season to deepen our commitment to Christ? What can we do to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the coming of Christ?

I’d like to share a few links with you to help prepare for this Advent season:

Notice - Sanctuary Temperature
Please note that Thursday evening we noticed the temperature in the Sanctuary would not turn up. This afternoon, we learned that there is an issue with the heating fan, and it is being fixed as soon as possible. That said, please wear warm layers and a coat on Sunday morning in anticipation of it being a little chillier inside than we are used to. 

Christmas Concert
This year, our Christmas Concert will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm. You may notice that this is a little bit earlier than previous years. We are hoping that this shift in time will allow those who cannot drive at night to be able to join! Also for those who have Christmas dinner plans will have time to do so after the concert. If you would like a ride to or from the concert, please let us know. 

Annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon
Before the above Christmas Concert begins, the seniors of the congregation should keep an eye out in the mail for the invitation to our annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon. Please plan to come for around 11:30 for a delicious Christmas meal that will begin at 12:00. While the choir goes to the final rehearsal after lunch, we will have a game of bingo before we move into the Sanctuary for the concert.

Cookies and Squares Requested - Desserts for the Seniors Christmas Lunch on December 14th

You are invited to help spread Christmas Cheer amongst friends and church family with Christmas goodies to go along with warm apple cider.

There will be a sign up sheet on the lobby table this Sunday looking for bakers to lend a hand/share a treat. To keep things simple we request one flavour/type pre-cut in small sizes and placed on a plate to be offered at the Lunch. Any left overs will be served after the Cantata.

Missions and Outreach
Raw Carrot
For a quick, easy meal when you might be saving room for the larger meals that go with the Holiday Season. The Raw Carrot Soups will hit the spot.

For just 2 Sundays the Soup Order Sign up sheet will be on the lobby table along with Order Forms to take to family and friends. Order deadline is Sunday, December 8th Cynthia and Geraldine will collect all orders and do a quick pick up of soup so that you can take home packages on Sunday the 15th. This is right in time for gift giving.

Remember that payments can be made via etransfer to Glenbrookpcevents@gmail.com or CASH at pick up.

We do have some packages on hand right now. They include;
1 - Mulligatawny
2 - Spicy-ish Sausage Italian Sausage
1 - Hearty Lentil and Barley
1 - Loaded Potato
2 - Flying Chicken Noodle
9 - Morrocan Butternut Squash
9 - Southwest Corn Chowder 

These are $10 each but $11 of the final 2 flavours which are specialty.

The next Order date will be in February

The Poinsettia Order from Sheridan Nurseries has been Placed
PICK - UP will be Wednesday December 11th OR the Thursday the 12th from 3pm to 7pm at the church. 

Thank you to all who have made payment already and for those still needing to pay you can do so via etransfer to glenbrookpcevents@gmail.com 

You can pay Geraldine directly or you can pay cash at pick up.

Open Door Lunch
The OPEN DOOR LUNCH will be next Thursday December 5th!

For anyone cooking or donating items please meet Caroline at the church by 11am the morning of the lunch. She has kindly taken on the delivery of the food this time around. 

The Christmas Open Door Gift Card Drive
We have already given some cards to The Open Door as distribution to patrons has begun. There is of course a continuing need to help brighten this Christmas for families in need. 

$25 and $50 Walmart Gift Cards are desired but any amount helps to give recipiants a way to purchase foods and/or gifts for their own celebrations.  Thank you for spreading the love of Christ in this, His birthday season.

Final day to donate for the Christmas season at the Open Door will be Sunday, December 8th.

Harbourtown Sound - Today!
Glenbrook folk have enjoyed the concerts of Chris Starkey's barbershop chorus (Harbourtown Sound) in the past so let him know if you are interested in attending this year's "Holiday Spectacular". Featured choruses will include Harbourtown Sound, the reigning international women's chorus champions A Cappella Showcase, and an up-and-coming youth choir "Young Voices". The finale will have over 100 voices onstage and promises to be "spectacular". Please see Chris Starkey for tickets or email him at godlovespresbystoo@gmail.com

 

Upcoming Local Christmas Events
Santa Claus Parade – December 1st
Get right in the holiday spirit with spectacular floats, musical entertainment, local celebrities, and an appearance by Santa himself. The parade route is along Dunwin Drive, Woodchester Drive, Motorway Boulevard and Glen Erin Drive (road closures will be in effect).

Candlelight Service at Christ First – December 8th
Christ First invites us to join them for their Candlelight Service of hymns and carols at 151 Lakeshore Rd. West Port Credit - Christ First. If you are interested, the service will be at 7pm on December 8th

Evening of Carols at St. Andrew’s – December 13th
For those who may not be able to attend Glenbrook’s service on the 14th, or who are looking for more Christmas activities this season, please note that our friends at St. Andrew’s will be having an “Evening of Carols” at 7pm on Friday, December 13th.

December 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 the First Sunday of Advent December 1st 2024 - Hope
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.

Enjoy the service!

https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
                              Luke 21: 25-36

Message: "Advent: A Time of Hardship and Hope"
Pastor Ian McWhinnie

Stay safe and stay connected!

Samantha Black
Administrative Assistant / Pastoral Care
3535 South Common Court
905-820-9860
Office Hours: Tues - Fri 9-12

 

Ward Pipher
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