November 21, 2025 Newsletter
FROM THE MINISTER’S STUDY
If you have truly given it to God, then leave it with God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
You are anxious or worried about something that has kept you up at night, and so you kneel at your bedside, or fold your hands at the kitchen table and pray. But once we have prayed, somehow some of us still feel anxious and worried. Maybe we do not have enough faith, or our prayer was not full of enough weeping and angst. I think the problem with prayer is that we often treat it as if it is some kind of magic incantation that, when said right or performed under the right circumstance with enough oomph, will solve all our problems.
If we read and understand the words of advice from Philippians 4:6-7, we should notice several things. For one, even the most faith filled believer gets anxious. No judgement there, because we are all afraid of the unknown and of things that are not in our control. But notice that even the most urgent petition includes thanksgiving! Did I read and understand that right? When you are at your most vulnerable, and troubled, you should start by thanking God. It is fundamental to prayer and to a connection with God to acknowledge all the good things God has done, even when you are literally freaking out about something. Simply put: thanksgiving reminds us of the great things God has done for us in the past and present. This act reduces our anxiety and fear, because we recognize that in all times and places God has answered and helped us before, and will do so again. The purpose of prayer is actually remembrance of the good things God has done, and projecting forward the good things He will do. The situation becomes less stressful because, still not knowing what comes next, we are reminded that God is in it. But that is not all prayer does. It actually tunes our heart and mind to God’s heart and mind. The peace of God is transcending the moment, and we know the kind of protection that we have with God. Prayer actually changes our doom and gloom perspective to one of hope, peace and acceptance of God’s will. The actual problem awaits to be solved, but the bigger problems of fear, anxiety and worry can be put to rest when you know and spend time with the God to whom you pray.
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
Outreach and Missions are making available the Gifts of Change program that is offered by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. This Advent, we will create a Giving Tree. Starting on November 30 until the end of Advent, we will have the capability to change lives for people around the world! More information will be made available before Nov. 30th.
Once again, we are offering the Boots for Kids Outreach program for local school children that need a pair of boots. Monetary donations may be dropped off at the church office. Hopefully we can deliver the boots before Christmas. Thank you!
