Westminster Loving God & Neighbour

Modern life can be frazzling. On Sunday, February 16th we centre ourselves in Christ and fix our eyes on the eternal God. “Here I am to worship…” “Our God is an awesome God…” Our main text will be 9:14-32 where Jesus rescues a boy experiencing extreme demonization (after the disciples couldn’t). Why do some people to have greater spiritual strength than others? What do we do about that? We will sing, be blessed with youth ministry in Sunday school, benefit from loving nursery care and enjoy fellowship. Your presence enriches everything we do. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” -Psalm 136

It is cold outside. As we stay warm we think of those who don’t have a safe place to stay warm and we are grateful for our local youth shelter Youth Haven. On February 22nd we can do more than think about them. We can show up, we can walk, we can raise money and awareness for this necessary program during The Coldest Night of the Year. Click here to donate or to join our team! This is a fundraising walk to support our local youth shelter, Youth Haven, and people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.  

Well, it’s quite a winter. Let’s warm our hearts in a sanctuary of grace on February 23rd as we invite God to work good things in our lives. “The same love…” “Brother, sister, let me serve you…” Our main text will be Mark 9:33-50. The disciples had been arguing about who was “greatest.” Really? That’s when Jesus said: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” What does that actually mean for us in a practical sense? He also spoke about being “salted with fire” (!) and being at peace with one another. We will praise God and pray. Our youth will be encouraged and equipped in Sunday School, and our wee ones in the nursery.  We will enjoy 'soup and a bun' after the service! Your presence enriches everything we do.

Sunday is special. Well, every Sunday is special, but when people declare their faith it is a special blessing. Several of our youth have gone through a confirmation process – of making ‘the’ faith ‘my’ faith. They will give statements of faith, some will be baptized, others anointed with oil, and we will pray over them! We will worship God and pray. “Yet not I but through Christ in me…” “How great thou art…” Our youngest class (grade 4 and below) will be taught and encouraged in Sunday School (the older youth will remain in the sanctuary), and the youngest from our midst cared for in the nursery. We will enjoy cake after the service! Your presence enriches everything we do.

This year Westminster is hosting the annual World Day of Prayer service. Local churches host this ecumenical service on a rotational basis and share in leadership. Last year there were 1.5 million participants in 150 countries. This year there are 12 local churches participating. The theme for 2025 is “I made you wonderful” (based on Psalm 139) and highlights life in Cook Islands. There will be songs, prayers and readings. The service will be held on March 7, from approximately 1:30pm to 2:30pm, followed by lunch. A free will offering will be received. Please contact the church office for additional information. Our address is 170 Steel Street, Barrie, ON. There is parking in the front and back lots.

Sunday, March 9th is the first Sunday in Lent – a 40 day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. We gather to praise God as a people who give thanks, focus, bless, and serve.  Remember to change your clocks! They “spring ahead” 1 hour the night before. Matthew and William will lead the service together with William sharing the sermon on Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness) and Hebrews 4:14-16. We are blessed and supported by Sunday School, nursery care and fellowship time. We are also blessed to have Jenn Harris leading the service while Music Director Nena LaMarre is away. “How great is our God…” “King of heaven come down…”

Sunday, March 16th is the second Sunday in Lent – a 40 day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. We will gather and lift our voices to the living God – in prayer, song, teaching and mutual encouragement. Pastor Ruttan will return to our series on Mark. The main text is Mark 10: 1-52. Something we’ll ponder: Jesus said: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” We are nourished and helped by Sunday School teachers and classes, caring nursery care and fellowship time.