December 13, 2024
Hello Glenbrook,
I hope you are bundling up from this wind! We are now almost halfway through December, and I cannot wait to go all-in on some Christmas activities in the next week. Of course tomorrow we are going to have time of cheer and fellowship at the Senior's Christmas Luncheon, and then the afternoon will be filled with joyful music at the Christmas Concert! Later this week, I'm hoping to drive around and look at Christmas lights around different neighbourhoods. There's also some crafts that will be on the list with a friend. Earlier this week, Mike and I were able to go see A Christmas Story: The Musical at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton. It was FANTASTIC! One of my favourite Christmas movies, and they did an incredible job with the set design, props, music, and performances.
This coming Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent - Joy. You might notice when we light it tomorrow that it is pink instead of purple. Why is the third advent candle a different color? In most advent wreaths, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple, but the third candle is pink or rose. Various writers have given different explanations for why the third candle is pink. There is some consensus that the colors connect to the different candles’ themes. Purple or violet is associated with contemplation and fasting, particularly in Catholic Lent celebrations that influenced Advent celebrations. Thus, candles 1, 2, and 4 are purple and are occasions to contemplate hope, peace, and love.
In contrast to purple, pink or rose represents joy and celebration. Susan Clement writes that one of the ancient church’s popes gave a citizen a pink rose on the third Sunday of Lent, symbolizing the moment of joy amidst Lent’s fasting and penance. Therefore, when Catholic priests modeled Advent celebrations on Lent, they wore rose-colored robes and set the third Sunday of December as the time to remember joy. The pink or rose-colored advent candle is lit on that third Sunday. As with most things liturgical, however, there is not consensus here. Some associate the candle with Mary and perhaps there’s confusion because “Mothering Sunday” — the Fourth Sunday in Lent (aka Laetare Sunday) — is the other occasion for rose-colored vestments. There are a lot of other possible stories of why we have certain colour candles. But for this weekend, we will recognize the joy of Jesus coming.
At Christmas, we joyfully celebrate that God’s greatest promise was fulfilled: God’s kingdom has come. The final movements in God’s plan (the last battle against Satan, the resurrection of the dead) are still to come. As some scholars have put it, we live in the “already/not yet” phase of God’s kingdom, where it has arrived, but the final effects haven’t come yet. However, with Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, the definitive move in the battle against evil was struck. More skirmishes will follow, but the war has, for all intents and purposes, been won. That is definitely something to be joyous about.
Christmas Concert - Tomorrow!
Our annual Christmas Concert will be held TOMORROW at 2:00pm. We are so excited to share with you the music our celebration choir has been working on for the last few months, as well as music from some special guests! Bring your own singing voices as we join together in Christmas carol favourites to praise the birth of our Lord. Bring your friends and neighbours - and let them know we will have hot apple cider and treats for all to enjoy. See you tomorrow!
Annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon - Tomorrow
A reminder to those who RSVP’d please plan to come for around 11:30 tomorrow 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. Bring your appetites and good cheer!
ESL Breaking for Christmas
This last week was the last ESL class of the year here at Glenbrook. Since our friend Cindy began this ministry last September, it has grown exponentially into one of our biggest ministries on campus! Every week we have students coming to converse and learn English for free, thanks to our volunteers. Not only do I hear their laughter and joy through the doors each week, but throughout the year, we invite the students to various programming here at Glenbrook such as Soup Lunch & Movie, the International Dinner, and Bible Study. Last week ESL had their Christmas lunch and carol sing-a-long to end the year off with a bang. We can’t wait until the New Year to see all the smiling faces again!
Missions and Outreach
The Christmas Open Door Gift Card Drive
Hello and Thank You from your Missions and Outreach Committee!
Ephesians 2:10
"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do".
Once again this church family has heard the voice of God and carried out His calling. Just over $2430 in gift cards (72 cards in all), have been given to the staff of The Open Door on behalf of Glenbrook. These have been and will continue to be distributed to those in need this Christmas. Sharing Christmas Blessings warms so many hearts.
Raw Carrot
This Sunday Soup Orders can be handed in/made.
This coming week Raw Carrot soup will be picked up in Paris and brought back to our Glenbrook freezer. This is just in time to stuff a stocking/warmly saticfy an appetite for Christmas.
Give orders to Cynthia at themtroom@yahoo.com or in person. PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE NOW OR AT PICKUP IN CASH OR ETRANSFER TO glenbrookpcevents@gmail.com
You can pick up the soup THIS Sunday December 15th.
Upcoming Local Christmas Events
Evening of Carols at St. Andrew’s – TONIGHT at 7pm
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.
Festival of Trees - December 13th, 14th, and 15th
Held at the historic Small Arms Inspection Building, this heritage space will once again transform into a breathtaking winter wonderland, featuring stunning art installations by artists from across Canada, twinkling seasonal lights, live performances, and workshops for all ages.
Stroll through our Artisan and Culinary Holiday Market, showcasing 80+ local vendors offering one-of-a-kind artisan goods and mouthwatering culinary creations. Whether you’re shopping, exploring, or simply soaking up the festive vibes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Pay-what-you-can admission
Spectacular art installations
Dazzling holiday light displays
Live performances from local talent
Holiday Market featuring artisan and culinary vendors
Workshops and interactive community programs
A Charlie Brown Christmas - December 22nd
In 1965, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi composed original music for what would become the most popular televised Christmas special ever. Come hear the soundtrack from the iconic Charlie Brown Christmas, led by pianist/vocalist Carmen Spada and his trio, as well as featured guests performing “Christmas Time is Here,” “Skating,” and the famous “Linus & Lucy.” Get tickets for $29 to see B-Jazzed perform at Meadowvale Theatre!
https://www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/a-charlie-brown-christmas/?eventdate=2024-12-22T14%3A00%3A00&schedule=16863
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 Third Sunday of Advent December 15th 2024
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.
https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:7-18
Luke 7:18-27
Message: "Advent: A Time of Renewal and Rejoicing"
Pastor Ian McWhinnie
Samantha Black
Administrative Assistant / Pastoral Care
3535 South Common Court
905-820-9860
Office Hours: Tues - Fri 9-12
