Dear Friends, 

This coming Sunday I will begin a summer series on The Beatitudes of Jesus as found in Matthew 5:1-12.  On a Galilean hillside, standing before a diverse assembly of people from many places, both Jew and Gentile, Jesus spoke some of the most revolutionary words ever spoken. Jesus spoke the Beatitudes (latin for “blessed”) as they have come to be called. Eight “Blessed are…” statements through which Jesus began to describe the kind of people who begin to emerge when the kingdom of God starts to break into the world. What does it mean to be blessed? Is it a subject feeling of happiness? Is it about being fortunate? How do we define being blessed?

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  

Through the centuries since they were written down Jesus’ words have leapt of the page and are found on posters, greeting cards, hanging on walls, emailed out to millions. The fact is that these words should come with a caution: “Warning! let these words loose and your world will change!” 

So I invite you to join us this Sunday and for the rest of the summer months as we explore The Beatitudes and ask ourselves “What does it mean to be blessed?”

This Sunday is Muffin’s For Mission and our focus is the Open Door. Thank you for your support of this vital mission. The past week one of my first responsibilities as Chair of the Open Door was to send out a letter to all the church, business and agency partners of the Open Door across Mississauga. These are difficult times for many congregations, so I am so appreciative of Glenbrook’s partnership with the Open Door.

Finally, please consider donating to the Agape Fund here at Glenbrook. The Agape Fund runs completely on donations, and we use it to help out members and adherents of the congregation in need of food, missed rent, or other extreme circumstances. If you can help, please note “Agape Fund” in your regular donation to the church so we know where to distribute the funds. Thank you for your support over the years!

Have a lovely weekend

Pastor Ian