Slideshow image
nav image

This week we joined with other churches in the community for an ecumenical service at the Ukrainian Festival, with prayers from Rev. Joe Hopkins at Windermere United Church, a scripture reading from Dorothy of Humbercrest United Church, and a benediction by Pastor Darrel Battle of Bloor West Village Baptist Church. Our own Catherine Groulx offered prayers for Bloor West Village, and Pastor Carl and his team led us all in a time of worship.

Looking at Psalm 73, Pastor John-Mark reflected on the injustices in our world and specifically the aggression against Ukraine:

We are all tempted to despair when we see injustice happening around the world. The Psalmist says he was tempted to give up walking in God’s ways (v.13-14 "Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain."). But in knowing God and contemplating God’s goodness, the writer is assured of ultimate Justice (v.27 "Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.").

Christians are sent out with the prayer, "Your will be done on earth…". We are neither to take revenge to give up on justice in this life. Rather, we need to stay connected to God and His ways, expanding the message of His love and shalom to those around us. As verses 25-26 say, "Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."

Ministries
Worship