February 22, 2026 Newsletter
FROM THE MINISTER’S STUDY
Truth does not always match reality, but it does speak to it.
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me”. “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.
~ John 18:37-38
The existential and critical question of this age of alternate facts and conspiracy theories is summed up in the question: what is truth? Truth, subjective or purely objective, can be mired and obscured to the point where only our feelings or our version of reality determines what is true. To the Roman governor, truth is the world as it is, and Rome is the ultimate expression of truth in terms of how the world operates and is kept in order, and how the world should be. Rome, power, wealth, violence and exerting full control over others is truth, and for the good of Rome. To ask “what is truth” is also to ask “what is good”? For Pilate, truth and good are driven by what benefits the Roman empire. The truth spoken that condemns it is evil and untruth. We now live in the age of pluralism, and multiple truths, and the propagation of disinformation. Make no mistake; the one who claims to know the truth also claims a position of power or authority. Why else would the battles that ensue over fact and truth consume so many to the point of destroying human relationships or lead to outright attempts to destroy and demoralize someone else’s sense of well-being? Social media is full of rhetoric and drug pushers of false reality, half-truths, and outright fabrication to support and fortify their own preference of the world as they think it should be. The rhetorical retort of Pilate was not one of a philosopher or prophet, but one of disgust for something that contradicts his very own understanding of existence. Jesus is the embodiment of the truth, and the standard by which all truth must be measured. And while Pilate declares Jesus innocent, his concern for public order overrode any sense of justice. If we are confused by alternate facts, persuasive arguments, conspiracies, warping of ideas to suit a destructive narrative, we should understand that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and the veracity of any claim of truth must pass the test of Jesus. Failure to know the spiritual reality and truth that Christ represents is tantamount to failing to have the ability to recognize a lie, a falsehood, a deception, or even recognize right from wrong. However, knowing Jesus as the way, the truth and the life should also upend your own preconceptions on what the church in this world truly is.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY SCHOOL - ON THE MOVE
Our Sunday school has grown to the point that the little room that we were using was too small. We have moved down the hall to the bigger office. This allows us more space to learn and play. It also allows us to once again use the technical equipment that we used in the basement classroom, pre-pandemic. Please feel free to look at our bright expanded space. You can do this by simply looking through the window in the great hall. Thank you very much to those who helped with the heavy lifting and to the Avery’s who spent many hours hooking up the electronics. Wonderful programs like Sunday school can only take place if we have volunteers to help. We are currently in need of teachers and safety monitors. If you have the gifts and abilities to take on this opportunity, please see Jane Avery. We would be happy to assist you with the application process.
WE LOVE CAKE!
Thank you to everyone for making our first (annual) Birthday Cake Sunday such a huge success.
We had 12 cakes donated. Seventy-nine people were able to stay and enjoy the delicious cakes and a great time of fellowship.
Most popular birthday months are January and October, tied at 11 people at each table.
November only had 2 people. So next year, let’s see if we can increase that number.
Many hands make light work, and that was easy to see as everyone chipped in to clean up afterwards.
It was enjoyable to be part of the Congregational Life and Growth Committee bringing Birthday Cake Sunday to you.
Stay tuned for the next event!!!
Your Congregational Life and Growth Committee.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Thank you for your continuing generous donations to the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. Ron Hay has been kindly taking all of the food bank donations over to them for many years, and he is hoping that someone would be interested in helping out. All that is required is loading the food into bags/boxes and delivering it to 164 Needham Street. The staff there check and weigh it and take it in. Please speak to Mary in the office if you are interested.
As part of our shared care for the church and one another, we’d like to offer a friendly reminder that our parking lot is reserved for church-related activities.
Keeping the lot available helps ensure that there is space for everyone attending worship services, events, and ministry gatherings. We truly appreciate your cooperation and thoughtfulness in helping us create a welcoming experience for all.
Thank you for being such a supportive part of our church community.
