Amberlea Church

Christian Worship, Contemporary Music, Groups for Kids, Youth, Adults

Member of the Presbyterian Church in Canada
1820 Whites Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1R8
905-839-1383
Church Office: Tue & Thu 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Worship: SUN 11:00 a.m.

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It’s Postseason Time: Faith, Hope, and the Toronto Blue Jays

October 08, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

If you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, you know what October means — it’s heart-in-your-throat, rally-towel-waving, seventh-inning-stretch kind of baseball! The postseason is here. The crowds are loud, the bats are ready, and every pitch feels like it could change the season.

There’s something beautiful about playoff baseball — the hope, the waiting, the tension, the sheer joy when your team pulls through in the clutch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come after the longest seasons.

That sounds a lot like faith, doesn’t it?

In Hebrews 12:1–2, we’re told:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Or, in Blue Jays terms: keep your eye on the ball.

Just like the Jays have had to stay focused through the highs and lows of a long season — the slumps, the injuries, the comeback wins — our spiritual lives are full of innings where we’re called to persevere. Some days we’re hitting home runs, and other days… well, we’re striking out and wondering if we’ll ever get another chance at the plate.

But here’s the good news: in God’s game plan, no inning is ever wasted.

Even when it feels like the season is long or the score is against us, God is still coaching from the dugout — guiding, teaching, and preparing us for what’s next. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” That means even the losses can turn into lessons, and the setbacks can set us up for something greater.

So whether the Jays go all the way or bow out early, we can still cheer with hope — because hope isn’t about the outcome, it’s about the journey. It’s about staying faithful through every inning, trusting that God’s timing is perfect, and celebrating the moments that remind us we’re part of something bigger.

And who knows? Maybe this is the year the Blue Jays fly high again. But even if it isn’t, our faith reminds us that victory isn’t just found on the scoreboard — it’s found in the steadfastness of our hearts.

So grab your glove, your rally cap, and maybe a hotdog or two — and let’s play ball, trusting the One who never calls us out but always calls us forward.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Because whether we win or lose, we’re playing for something eternal.

**********

Note: At the time of posting the Blue Jays are about to face the NY Yankees in game 4 of the ADLS. Go Jays Go!

October 08, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens

A seed with a promise

October 01, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

Think about that for a moment. A seed doesn’t look like much. It’s small, fragile, and easily overlooked. But within that tiny shell is the power to grow, multiply, and bear fruit far beyond what we could imagine.

Galatians 3:29 tells us: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

If you belong to Christ, that’s who you are—a seed of Abraham. You are part of a story that began thousands of years ago when God promised Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to the nations. And now, through Christ, you carry that same promise.

Here’s the truth: you may not always see the fruit right away. Seeds take time. They need planting, watering, and waiting. But never underestimate what God can grow from one life surrendered to Christ. Your faith, your obedience, your love—it can ripple out in ways you may never know, blessing generations to come.

So today, remember: you are not insignificant. You are not forgotten. You are a seed of Abraham, rooted in the promises of God, and God specializes in bringing abundance out of what looks small. Who knows what He will grow through you?

Plant your faith. Trust the promise. And watch God bring forth a harvest!

October 01, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens

The joy of gathering

September 24, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

Last week Brian and I had the honour of hosting our Amberlea silent auction winners at the cottage. Three couples joined us, and let me tell you—it was so much fun to hang out together! There was laughter, food, stories, and of course the occasional splash of lake water. Did I mention the laughter?? I know my friends were concerned when they heard I would be blogging about our time. No fear friends, “what happens at the cottage, stays at the cottage. ;)”

As I reflected on our time together, I was reminded of how important gathering really is. Jesus himself loved to gather with people—at tables, on hillsides, even by the seashore. He knew that something holy happens when people come together.

In Hebrews 10:24–25 we are encouraged:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together … but encouraging one another.”

Community is God’s design for us. It’s where friendships deepen, faith grows, and encouragement is shared. And sometimes, it’s simply where the best laughter happens. Whether it’s around a cottage table, in a church pew, or over coffee in someone’s kitchen, God delights when we gather.

So let’s keep showing up for each other. Let’s keep making space for connection. And let’s keep remembering that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, He promises to be right there with us (Matthew 18:20).

After all, faith isn’t meant to be lived solo—it’s meant to be shared, celebrated, and multiplied in community.

September 24, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens
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