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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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

Get out of the boat!

September 18, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

Matthew 14:22–33 tells the famous story of Jesus walking on the water. You know, the one where the disciples are in the middle of the lake, the wind is howling, and suddenly—here comes Jesus, casually strolling across the waves like it’s no big deal.

Now, I don’t know about you, but if I see someone walking on water at 3 a.m., my first thought isn’t “Oh, how holy!” It’s more like, “Yup, this is how I die. Sharknado.”

But Peter—good old impulsive Peter—calls out, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus says the one word that changes everything: “Come.”

So Peter gets out of the boat. Can we pause here? Everyone else is still clinging to their seats, white-knuckled. But Peter actually swings a leg overboard. For a brief, glorious moment, he too is walking on water! Until he looks around at the waves, realizes how impossible it all is, panics, and promptly sinks like a rock.

Of course, Jesus reaches out, pulls him up, and together they climb back into the boat. Lesson learned.

Here’s what I love about this story: Peter failed—but he also experienced something none of the other disciples did. He walked on water, even if only for a few steps. Why? Because he was willing to risk, to trust, to get out of the boat.

Sometimes faith looks a little reckless. It might even look foolish to others. But that one step out of your comfort zone is the very place you discover the power of God.

So here’s the challenge: What’s your boat? Where are you clinging on tight because it feels safer than stepping out into the waves?

Jesus is still saying “Come.” Don’t be afraid of sinking—He’ll be there to catch you. Be afraid of never stepping out at all.

September 18, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens
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