Sunday’s Coming 92

Greetings.

This Sunday we continue with stories from the life of David.  In 1 Samuel 1: 1, 17-27 David laments the death of his king and his friend.  It’s an amazing contrast from last week’s high of defeating a giant.  But contrasts are part of David’s life in God.  And ours.  Two services, 10 a.m. (e.g. “All people that on earth do dwell“) and 11:30 a.m. (e.g. “Our God is greater“), with Communion at 11: 30 a.m.

At both services, we will celebrate Vacation Bible Camp by showing a set of pictures from the week.  A huge thank you to Judy Pemberton and her team, for putting on an excellent camp!

At 10 a.m., we will say farewell to Rosemary Stewart, who leaves this week, moving back to Scotland.

Has anyone ever wondered about a refresher or introduction course on Christianity?  I’ll be offering one starting August 29th, for 5 Wednesdays in a row.  Please mark your calendars.

As you know, one of the Ministers associated with Briarwood, John Vissers, is the Moderator of the 138th General Assembly.  This week he represented the church at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and gave this address.

Thank you to Nancy W. here is the Summer newsletter.

Best wishes,

Greg

P.S.  If you look on the right hand side of the homepage, you should see a new section called “Goodreads”.  These are books I have found helpful and recommend to you!

www.briarwoodpresbyterianchurch.ca

mtsbible.wordpress.ca

Summer newsletter letter

Greetings.

This year I was asked to go the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.  Among all the wonderful people and new resources that I came across, one was a list of 7 gifts for ministry.  These are gifts a church needs to be emotionally, spiritually and financially healthy.  Over the summer, have a look, and reflect on where your gifts are in this list and how God might be calling you to use them at Briarwood.

1. The church needs administrators (Genesis 41: 29-40)
2. The church needs servers (John 11: 17-44)
3. The church needs encouragers (Acts 11: 22-26)
4. The church needs teachers (1 Corinthians 3: 5-9)
5. The church needs people of vision (Luke 3: 2b-20)
6. The church needs generous givers (Genesis 13: 1-12)
7. The church needs people of compassion (Luke 10: 30-35)

On a personal note, our family looks forward to our 8th annual cousins camp.  We are trying a new spot this year new Algonquin Park.  We’re up to nine cousins on Lindy’s side of the family, so it should a wonderful week.

With best wishes,

Greg

www.briarwoodpresbyterianchurch.ca

 

Sunday’s Coming 91

Greetings Friends.

The text for Sunday at Briarwood is the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1, 39-49).  Have you ever been up against something that seemed impossible to overcome?  In this story, God has something to say about that.

This Sunday is the 10 a.m. outdoor service at Baie D’Urfé town hall.  The choir will join with others for special music directed by Briarwood’s Alejandro Durán.  There will also be the 11:30 a.m. service here at Briarwood (“How can I keep from singing?“).  Michelle V., who has been part of the congregation through this service for almost 3 years, is moving back to Alberta.  Sunday 11:30 a.m. we will say good bye to her.

Vacation Bible Camp starts at Briarwood on June 26.  Please remember the children and leaders in prayer.

With best wishes,

Greg

Sunday’s Coming 90

Sunday June 17th is coming and Briarwood will be the place to be!  We’ll celebrate the children who’ve been part of our morning faith program this year.  Each one will get a gift.  We’ll hear from Mike Poettcker about what being a Christian and being father has meant to him.  We’ll have a once-every-50-years furnance meeting.

Finally, we’ll induct Margaret Bryson as an elder, and ordain and induct Jennifer Vissers as an elder.  All this over two services, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with a staffed nursery and Sunday school summer celebration for the kids.

The sermon on Sunday is about, “What we seek”.  I’ll be preaching on Jesus’ famous teaching, “Seek first God’s kingdom and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6: 25-33.

With best wishes,

Greg

 

Sunday’s Coming 89

Greetings!

This week I attended the 138th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada with 263 other ministers and elder commissioners from across Canada. I took several photos and have posted the ones that might be of interest to those at Briarwood. You can also go directly to the G.A. page on presbyterian.ca.

This Sunday we welcome the new executive director of Tyndale St. Georges, Jen de Combe, who has been visiting all Tyndale’s partner churches since her arrival. Jen holds a Masters in Theological Studies and will give the sermon at the 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services.

Between services there will be a cake for all graduates in the year past.

Wishing everyone the very best,

Greg

Sunday’s Coming 88

Friends!

Thank you to everyone for last week’s blended service.  A lot of work and planning went into it, and into the event following.  So thank you!  This week check out Briarwood’s June newsletter, almost hot off the press.

At both services Sunday we look at the famous vision of Isaiah (6: 1-8).  On Sunday at 11:30 a.m. we rejoice in Holy Communion and lunch for all afterwards.

Some music this coming Sunday:

• Thou whose almighty word
• Jesus, friend of sinners
• No chains on me

More great news:  Briarwood is now sending 5 youth (including Tisha M.) to Canada Youth 2012 the first week in July.  Please remember this group in your prayers, that it might be a wonderful and meaningful experience for all of them (Matthew B., Katie P., Hannah W., Kimberly C., and Tisha).

Please also remember Heidi F., who has had to go into the hospital this week for a very serious condition.

With prayers and best wishes,

Greg

P.S.  I will be at The General Assembly June 3rd (p.m.) to June 8th.

www.briarwoodpresbyterianchurch.ca