News

“ No matter how oppressive the world may be, we always have the potential to reach for the light.”  Maria Shriver

Hello Everybody,

As we stand on the threshold of both promise and uncertainty, if you’re like me, we are feeling both hopeful and a bit weary all at once.  I have been busily tidying up after our Christmas visitors, doing laundry, baking for New Year’s dinner at my sister’s in Barrie tomorrow and decluttering. I have high hopes of ringing in the new year with organization and a sense of calm and renewed intention and purpose… as CBC brings me snapshots of celebrations across the country. Marc and I are not big revellers on New Year’s Eve. We usually celebrate New Year’s Newfoundland time- 10: 30 pm in Ontario is midnight in Newfoundland.  Feel free to take a page out of our celebratory book lol! Let me know if you do!

The beginning of a new year often comes with pressure. Pressure to be the ” new” you- to become a better version of ourselves.  Pressure to improve in all areas of our lives.  Pressure to fix what’s broken.  It’s exhausting.  Maybe you are thinking of those new year resolutions or the new “word” you are going to live into this year. How about I tell you that you are enough right now at this very moment in our quickly passing year?  How about I tell you that you are God’s beloved daughter or son and God’s light is within you- within each and everyone of us. Maria Shriver tells us to reach for the light. But, we don’t have to ” reach”  because long ago Jesus of Nazareth realized that each of us has a light within- a portion of God’s holy light. Thus divine nature and our human nature are beautifully intertwined creating an unbreakable bond. God is not just “out there” but also within as an integral part of who we are. To Jesus, it was undeniable that God comes to Earth every time a baby is born, in each individual, affirming our human worth and potential- just as we are in all our glorious imperfections, complications, and beauty. You are loved- just as you are. This is Good News as we soon step into a brand new  year!

This coming Sunday- our first Sunday in 2026 we are celebrating Epiphany. We will speak about God’s light. A light that is not overcome by fear, grief, or uncertainty. And the light does not just shine on us- it shines in us and through us. So, maybe this year we don’t need to try and reinvent ourselves.  Maybe we are being called to trust the holy light within us and then become bearers of Christ’s light in a world that so desperately needs it.

Epiphany is not the closing chapter of Christmas but the continuation of the story.

The light that appeared in Bethlehem now moves into the world- through people like us.

May we begin this new year not asking “ what must I fix or make better or improve”. 

But instead, “where is the light leading me now?” and may we have the courage to follow.

In our Pastoral Care Corner this week:  I was to visit Wanda Tizzard and Rev. John McTavish at Huntsville hospital this week. Wanda had a fall and badly banged up her knee and Rev. John has been diagnosed with a brain bleed. Surprisingly, at the time of my visit, both were doing much better than I was expecting. Please keep them in your healing thoughts and prayers this week. Lloyd Henry also ended up at the RVH in Barrie. He was hoping to be home by New Year’s. And Dece, Kanue’s fiance, is healing nicely after her major surgery just before Christmas. Mina Sterling is no longer in the hospital.  Jane Booker and Joan Behm both came down with the nasty virus over Christmas but are slowly making their way back to normal just in time to ring in a healthy new year!

Bruce Morgan is also recovering from his surgery too. Geraldine is going to get a gold star for her nursing duties! To any others who may have fallen ill over the holidays, may you also be on the mend and ready to welcome in the new year with vim and vigour.

Please note that the Celebration of life for John Litchfield is January 11th between 1-4 pm at Deerhurst Resort. His wife Laura and his mother Diane will be on hand to greet guests from 1-2 and Words of Remembrance by friends and family from 2-3 and more stories and mingling between 3 and 4 pm. From all accounts, although John died too soon, his positive influence and impact was felt by not only his friends and family but also the wider community.

When I visited with Laura and Diane yesterday Laura said “John was a genuinely good person- he always did nice things for people.” John died on December 4th with a rare form of liver cancer.

Happy New Year wishes to all our Snowbirds enjoying a much different climate than we are here in Muskoka!  We know how much you miss being out in frost biting temperatures shovelling the snow and waving to your neighbour as they blow out their driveways too!

Well, maybe not so much!  We look forward to your return in the springtime. We trust you are all wintering well. Don’t be a stranger- reach out with any messages you may have for us and your faith community.  If you are feeling homesick, you can also join us for weekly services thanks to Alastair and his team on Youtube.

A huge sleighful of heartfelt thank yous for all your Christmas wishes, Christmas cards, Christmas texts and emails, Christmas baking and treats.  Your thoughtfulness is a gift to me this busy Christmas season. Thanks to Kyung-A  too for leading our Taize- prayers and quiet- service last Sunday. It was a lovely way to slow down and reflect upon the year that was and the year that is to come.

As I said at the beginning of this letter, whenever we walk into a new year, we are invited into the unknown. We have no idea what will jump out and surprise us along the way. But, we can risk the road because our faith tells us we do not journey this road alone. “ Be confident. For wherever you go, God is with you.” ( Joshua 1: 9)  When we wish somebody “Happy New Year” we do so knowing that the happy will inevitably be mixed with the sad too. Because that’s life- happy and sad, joy and sorrow- trials and triumphs. However, I am confident we will make our way down the road- hand in hand, anchored in our faith, with enough beauty and strength to uphold us and lead us forward. May we all feel this invisible cloak of love wrapped around us.

Mr. FundScrip is reminding us all of our orders that are due no later than this Sunday!

First Mug up of the Year- Thursday January 8th, 2026 at 10 am

Don’t forget to register for Alexander’s new course on Christian Meditation also starting in January. Call Suzy at the office on Monday.  Cost for this five week course is 150.00 dollars.  Assistance is available if required.

Let me conclude with the New Year’s Blessing by Jean Wise: ( revised)

May cherished memories of last year yield healing, joy and wisdom.

May dark times sprinkle your tears watering growth in the new year.

May the light of friends, present and from beyond, guide your next steps.

May you find some silliness, a few surprises and significant strength and resilience. 

May you walk with kindness in your heart towards yourself and for others. 

May your experience God’s lavish love in your soul, knowing how precious you are-

just as you are! 

In a world that feels heavy and shaken may we hold fast to our light and move into 2026 with courage, love and grace for one another.

Yours on this journey we call life,

See you next year!

Affectionately, Rev. D