Melville Presbyterian Church Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Rather than simply being a pessimistic rant, this scripture serves as a necessary reality check. The illusion that we can find ultimate self-fulfillment, joy, or purpose in material achievements, natural cycles, or intellectual pursuits on our own is stripped away. By exposing the emptiness of life apart from the Creator, the passage challenges readers to look "above the sun" and anchor their purpose in God.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-12, Revelation 21:107, 22:1-2

Ezekiel depicts a miraculous river flowing from the temple, symbolizing God's life-giving presence and blessings that bring healing, transformation, and abundance to the land and its people. The water starts as a trickle and gradually becomes a deep river, representing the abundant life and blessings that flow from God's presence, especially in times of need. This vision signifies God's faithfulness and provision, as the river brings new life and vitality to everything it touches, highlighting the spiritual life that comes from God's dwelling among His people.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2 opens with the disciples gathered together on the Day of Pentecost, a Jewish feast celebrated fifty days after Passover, commemorating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and, in later tradition, the giving of the Law at Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-22). Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and divided tongues of fire appeared, resting on each disciple. This event symbolizes the purifying and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus’ promise to baptize His followers with the Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). The disciples were then able to speak in other languages, demonstrating the Spirit’s power and foreshadowing the universal reach of the gospel. This reversal of the confusion of languages at Babel illustrates that the gospel is meant for all nations, not just Israel.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13, Exodus 31:1-11

In the book of Exodus, God calls and supernaturally empowers Bezalel and Oholiab (two construction workers) to construct the Tabernacle. It reveals that God equips individuals with specific talents and skills for His purposes, emphasizing that all creative abilities originate from the Holy Spirit and should be dedicated to His service.

Guest Speaker: Bruce Compton

Scripture: Genesis 19:17-26, Luke 17:28-33

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a profound biblical warning against extreme wickedness, inhospitality, and arrogance, illustrating the certainty of divine judgment on corrupt societies. God warns us to look forward and to not hold on to our old lives by looking back.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Amos 8:4-8, Matthew 6:25-30

The biblical response to worry is to actively replace anxiety with prayer, trust in God’s sovereignty, and to be thankful. Instead of worrying, scripture encourages casting cares on God, recognizing His care for you, and focusing on today's priorities rather than tomorrow's problems.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Genesis 2:4-15

Genesis 2 describes God creating man from the dust, breathing life into him, and placing him in the Garden of Eden to "work and keep" it. This passage emphasizes God’s personal provision, creating a lush environment (Eden) containing the trees of life and knowledge, and establishing humanity's purpose to manage creation responsibly.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35

Peter's letter was written as an encouragement to Gentile Christians facing persecution. Peter assures these faithful believers that they are chosen by God and that their persecution is actually a gift, offering them a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus. Believing Christians are not to live depressed, deprived lives as we are born again and saved by the grace of God.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31

What does it cost to follow Christ and forgive as He taught us? Learn how forgiveness is not escaping the world, but being part of God's redeeming work in the world.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Resurrection Sunday, also known as Easter, is the central Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, as recounted in the New Testament. It signifies the ultimate triumph over sin and death, offering believers hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Mark 14:53-72, Mark 15:1-47

Good Friday is a somber Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Observed the Friday before Easter, it is considered "good" because it represents Christ's ultimate sacrifice to forgive humanity's sins and the prelude to his resurrection.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41

John 9 tells of Jesus healing a man born blind to demonstrate God's power, rejecting the notion that disabilities are punishment for sin. It symbolizes Jesus as the "Light of the World," transitioning the man from physical and spiritual darkness to sight, while highlighting the spiritual blindness of religious leaders who refuse to believe.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Teena Brown, St. Dunstan of Canterbury, Scarborough, ON

Scripture: John 11:1-45

In this scripture, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. However, it was 4 days after his death and it was not as fast as Lazarus' family expected. God made them wait so they, and us, would learn that God's timing is perfect, and that He is never late.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42

The Samaritan woman at the well is a pivotal New Testament narrative where Jesus breaks social, racial, and gender barriers by speaking to a despised Samaritan woman at Jacob's well at noon. He reveals himself as the Messiah and offers "living water"—spiritual, eternal life—to her despite her complex past. She becomes an instant witness, leading her village to believe. This message signifies that salvation is available to all, regardless of past sins or social status.

Speaker:  Reverend Bethany McCaffrey
Scripture:  Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-21
Learn how Nicodemus didn't understand how or why we have to be born again to be saved.

Speaker:  Reverend Bethany McCaffrey
Scripture: Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11
The disciples didn't understand that denying themselves was a form of holiness.  This is true for us when we say no as a form of discipline. It teaches us to hunger for what is really necessary and meaninful in our search for God.

Guest Speaker:  Reverend Jim Biggs
Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46, 22:1-14
These gospels of Matthew explain how we are to search for God and to answer His call when He knocks.  God's plan for us can be found as we live out our faith.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:1-12

Micah 6 is a chapter from the Old Testament where God brings Israel to trial for their injustice, hypocrisy, and failure to live out their covenant, famously concluding with the core requirements: to act justly, to love mercy (kindness), and to walk humbly with God, emphasizing true worship over empty ritual.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42

A testimony is a solemn promise to tell the truth. Learn how to share your Christian testimony to help others find answers to these questions:

1. Who is Jesus?

2. What are we looking for in life?

3. Where is Jesus at work?

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 10: 34-43, Matthew 3:13-17

Why did John baptise believers before Jesus started baptising? Learn the meaning of baptism, and how important it is to our walk with God.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Isaiah 1:1-3, 10-11, 18-20 2:1-8 7:10-14 9:2-7 11:1-10 40:1-11 55:6-13

Lessons from Isaiah on the first Sunday of Christmas. He speaks of the good news of the coming Messiah and the peace that He will bring to the world.

Speaker:  Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture:  Isaiah 41:17-20, Luke 1:46-55

The color of the Third Sunday of Advent is rose. This color symbolizes joy and represents the happiness we will experience when Jesus comes again. The Third Sunday is a day of anticipatory celebration. It is formerly called "Gaudete" Sunday; gaudete means "rejoice" in Latin.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Isaiah 27:1-6, Matthew 3:1-12

Heavenly Father, You are the God who gives peace. This second week of Advent causes us to remember that because of Jesus we can experience a Christmas free from turmoil and chaos. Regardless of our circumstances or our situations, you offer us peace that passes understanding. The second candle of Advent reminds us that the angels declared "peace on earth" at the birth of Jesus.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:26-38

The first week and Sunday of the Christian season of Advent is centered on the theme of hope. This first candle on our Advent wreath symbolizes the hope of the Israelites for the coming Messiah and the hope Christians have for Christ's return.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Jim Biggs

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8, Luke 18:9-14

The world's standards for what is true, right and good change over time. Hear how God's truths never change and how to find His will for your life in our transient society.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Amos 1:1-2, 5:14-15, 21-24, John 7:37-38

The message of Amos is about God's impartial justice, which extends to all nations, not just Israel. The chapter is a series of pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations for their specific sins, like inhumane treatment and breaking treaties. The core message is that everyone is accountable to God for their actions, and His judgment is a certainty for all who commit injustice. Lest we forget.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18, John 12:27-28

The main message of 1 Kings 19 is that God provides for and restores His followers, even in moments of deep discouragement and despair, often with compassion and a gentle, yet firm, voice. The chapter shows that even powerful prophets like Elijah can experience fear, depression, and a feeling of isolation after great spiritual victories, and it emphasizes God's continued presence, provision, and direction in those moments. It also highlights the importance of honest dialogue with God and the beginning of a new calling for others.

Speaker:  Reverend Bethany McCaffrey
Scripture:  1 Kings 5:1-5, 8:1-13
Church buildings are magnificent structures, designed to bring glory to God.  But is it the building or faith that God wants?

Guest Speaker: Reverend Dr. Sarah Travis, Knox College Toronto

Scripture: Mark 1:16-20

The message in Mark is about the urgent call to discipleship and what it demands: an immediate, obedient response that requires leaving behind your former life to follow Jesus. The passage shows Jesus calling fishermen Simon, Andrew, James, and John to abandon their livelihoods and become "fishers of men," and they immediately do so, highlighting the absolute trust and radical commitment required of disciples. Find out how we can discern God's call on our life.

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Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-18, John 6:51

Following Jesus is a life changing decision. From Exodus, learn how to trust God even in difficult times.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Exodus 2:23-25, 3:1-15, 4:10-17

Scripture explains that we should do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. All truths as the nation works towards truth & reconciliation.

Guest Speaker: Phil Cook

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11, Acts 20:32-35

Last week's sermon explained how God grants us grace. Today, Phil explains how grace makes us grow, how it transforms us, how we should use it to study and for fellowship, and how we are to pray, love and serve to honour God. Be blessed by this sermon.

Guest Speaker: Phil Cook

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

God's grace to all is demonstrated by explaining the history of the Amazing Grace hymn as written by John Newton in 1772. God's love, mercy and grace is available to all who seek Him. Be blessed by this sermon.

Guest Speaker: Ishbel D.

Scripture: Psalm 103

Psalm 23 is a psalm of praise for the wonderful goodness of God that is directed toward His people. David demands that his whole being blesses the Lord. David describes six personal blessings from the Lord: forgiveness, healing, redemption, loving kindness, satisfaction and renewal. God is truly greater than our understanding from the east to the west.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Ian Morrison

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-14, Luke 4:14-21

In 1 Kings 19, we learn that Elijah tried to find God in the power of strong winds, earthquakes and scorching fire on earth. However, God teaches Elijah to look for His still, small voice in the silence of life. We are to follow this teaching to find life in God's silence.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Helen Smith

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-9, Ephesians 6:1-4

In these scriptures we learn how Godly parents should raise children by following scripture. Children must honour their father and mother by respecting, loving and caring for them especially as they age. Parents are to lead children in the ways of God and they will not depart from it when they are old.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Dr. Ian Morrison

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1 Thessalonians is a letter of thanksgiving and encouragement from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church in Thessalonica. They praise the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and hope, evident in their lives despite persecution. The passage highlights the Thessalonians' conversion from idolatry to serving the true God and eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus. This message radiates today as the Christian church remains true to scripture in a changing world.

Guest Speaker: Ishbel D.

Scripture: Matthew 17:14-21, 21:18-22

In the Old Testament, fig trees are often used to symbolize Israel. This sermon explains how Israel's spiritual barrenness in Christ's time, led to judgement on their nation. The message in current times is the same as we will not bear eternal fruit without seeking Christ for faith and salvation.

Guest Speaker:  Reverend Nick Renaud, Associate Minister Knox Presbyterian Church
Scripture:  John 21:1-14
In this sermon, Christ's post-resurrection appearance to his disciples in the Sea of Tiberias is documented. Jesus, though unrecognized at first, directs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. After the disciples recognize Jesus, they share a meal of bread and fish, and Jesus reinstates Peter, prompting him to "feed my sheep".

Guest Speaker: Phil Cook

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

In this sermon, Phil uses C.S. Lewis' 1941 book the Screwtape Letters to reval past and current untruths about Christianity. The lies the devil uses to discourage and corrupt Christians are revealed. Tactics such as promoting pride, encouraging Christians to church shop, seeing Jesus as not divine and not sticking to Biblical truths are exposed.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 5:1-11, 17-18

Understanding debt in a new way is presented. From a Christian perspective it is what we owe to others and to God for His grace towards us.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Luke 16:1-8

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, found in Luke 16 tells the story of a manager who, upon learning he's about to be fired for mismanaging his wealthy master's assets, reduces the debts of his master's debtors. While the manager's actions are initially presented as dishonest, the master commends him for his shrewdness. The parable emphasizes the importance of using earthly resources wisely, even to the point of being "shrewd" in preparing for the future, whether earthly or eternal.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostles on the day of Pentecost and the subsequent establishment of the early church in Jerusalem. This chapter portrays the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to preach the gospel in various languages, leading to the conversion of approximately 3,000 people that day. It marks the beginning of the church's mission and emphasizes the importance of community, teaching, and fellowship.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: John 20:19-30

John 20 tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after the resurrection, offering peace and empowering them to forgive sins. The passage emphasizes Jesus' victory over death, his presence among His followers, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the disciples' initial fear and doubt, ultimately leading to a moment of rejoicing and understanding.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 3:1-12a, 4:1-3

The Holy Spirit gushes power in Acts 3 and 4. It describe the miracle of healing and it highlights the power of Jesus and the apostles' unwavering faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 16:5-15

Paul and Silas travel through Galatia and are prevented by the Holy Spirit from going to Asia, but they are guided to Macedonia. They thought they were to help a man, but God had them preach the gospel and set up a new Christian community. Sometimes our plans are quite different from God's plan for us.

Speaker: Reverend Bethany McCaffrey

Scripture: Acts 17:1-9

For three Sabbaths, Paul interprets the scriptures, demonstrating that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophecies. Some Jews and Gentiles believe Paul's message, but others become jealous and incited a riot, attacking the converts and searching for Paul and Silas to put them in jail. The Christian message will divide light from darkness.

Guest Speaker: Reverend Helen Smith

Scripture: Acts 1:1-18

This passage highlights the conflict between the growing movement to include Gentiles in the church and the traditional Jewish beliefs. Peter emphasizes that God is the one who initiates the work of salvation and that He has granted repentance, the Holy Spirit and eternal salvation to all who believe.

Guest Speaker:   Karen Plater
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-11, Matthew 5:14-16
Part of the Sermon on the Mount is presented in this section of Matthew.  It teaches that believers should be like a city on a hill, a lamp on a stand, visible and shining brightly. The message emphasizes that Christians are not meant to be hidden, but to be visible, allowing their good deeds to shine, so others will see God's glory.   Even in times of deep tragedy, Christians should look to God to live in a way that reflects His love and saving grace.