Wellington Square United Church

We're a group of people trying to figure out what it means to be followers of Jesus.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Paul on Prayer

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. — Colossians 1:9-10 (NRSV)

Orville Explains & Defends the United Church

Rev. Dr. Orville James is on sabbatical until Sept. 4, 2012

“Who’s the New Guy?”

The new guy is Guy (rhymes with me, not my).
The thing is, I don’t feel “new” here. Orv’s had me preach at Wellington Square a half dozen times, and over the years, your acceptance has made me feel like a visiting uncle. (Just so you know, this time uncle isn’t just visiting. I’ll be in the pulpit through to the end of August.)
Some of you may want to know a bit of my history. I was raised in North York, did a BA in philosophy at York, and a Masters of Divinity at Acadia. I served Kentville Baptist Church in Nova Scotia as an associate for two years, and was then called to Rockland Drive United Baptist in McAdam, New Brunswick. Orv and I were rookies together in McAdam. We led a village youth group together and in the process became fast friends.

In 1985 I left NB for the University of Toronto where I completed a Doctor of Theology degree, and then served First Baptist Church Niagara Falls for seven years. From there I planted a church in North Oakville.

In 1994 the Lord gave me a simple mandate, “To serve, to bless, to build,” and over the next 15 years He sent me to 37 nations and over 250 different churches, across the denominational spectrum. It was a tremendous privilege to teach, preach and mentor leaders during that season.
The last four years have been very different. I cut greens at a private member’s golf club, spent a winter framing a custom mansion in Collingwood, a year renovating a 200 year-old log cabin, and this last year, gutting and renovating my house north-west of Alliston. I’m still learning to cook.
I’ve published 7 books, and I’m just completing my first novel, “Risk and Reward – a Re-invented Life”.
I’m ever-grateful for my two adult children, Graham, 26, and Caitlin, 24. They live in west Toronto and Oakville respectively.

I’m thrilled to be back in the pulpit and look forward to serving the good folks of Wellington Square.
— Guy Chevreau
gchevreau@wsquare.ca Contact