Page 17 - Presbyterian Connection Fall 2025

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ConnectionP R E S B Y T E R I A N
A praise dance.
By the Rev. Reine Boghos,
St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church
in Ottawa, Ont.
When people think of church, they
may envision solemn hymns, qui-
et prayers and reflective sermons.
While reverence is indeed part of
worship, so is joy, laughter and
the warmth of community. At St.
Timothy’s Presbyterian Church
in Ottawa, Ont., we believe that
being part of God’s family is not
only meaningful, but also joyful.
Scripture is rich with examples
of celebration. The people of Isra-
el gathered for festivals filled with
music, dancing and feasting. The
psalmist proclaims, “I rejoiced
with those who said to me, ‘Let
us go to the house of the Lord’”
(Psalm 122:1 NIV). Jesus himself
joined wedding feasts, shared
meals with friends, and taught us-
ing stories full of wit and creativ-
ity. In John 10:10b, he promises,
“I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full.” That
full life includes joy, laughter and
community—which we experi-
ence vibrantly at St. Timothy’s.
Hope and Joy in Ottawa
As a multicultural congrega-
tion, we delight in the richness of
our diversity. During the Christ-
mas season, families gather for
our gingerbread house and pizza
event, sharing laughter and crea-
tivity. In July, we hold a beloved
outdoor worship service beneath
our spreading maple tree, fol-
lowed by a joyful picnic filled with
music, fellowship and good food.
Our monthly Café Connections
and Agape gatherings offer warm
hospitality, where coffee and tea
spark meaningful conversations
and genuine friendships. Festive
moments during Christmas, Val-
entine’s Day and Easter fill our
church with energy and celebra-
tion.
Every Sunday, our hall buzzes
with families sharing not only
worship but life together—cel-
ebrating baptisms, birthdays and
weddings, or walking together
through life’s more difficult mo-
ments.
In February, we mark Black His-
tory Month with a special service
of music, reflection and thanks-
giving, planned and led by the
African Chorus at St. Timothy’s.
This dedicated group brings their
joyful, uplifting music to this an-
nual celebration, as well as bless-
ing us with their vibrant songs
every month. The joy of worship
continues after the service with a
feast of international cuisine from
Africa, the Caribbean and the Mid-
dle East, celebrating the rich gifts
of culture and heritage within our
community.
Our Sunday School is growing
The African Chorus at St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, Ont.
and lively, and the happy noise of
children brings energy and life to
our sanctuary.
Throughout the year, barbecue
gatherings, youth events and
church celebrations continue
to draw us together in Christ’s
name.
We are especially thankful
for the new members God has
brought into our church family.
Over the past six years (including
the challenging pandemic years),
60 individuals have joined our
church through baptism or pro-
fession of faith. What a blessing!
Our joy extends beyond
events—it lives in our ministry.
Volunteers, committee members
and leaders offer their gifts with
passion and love. We rejoice in
answered prayers and in mis-
sion work that allows us to share
Christ’s love far beyond our walls.
One of the highlights of this
year was our multicultural cele-
bration—a vivid tapestry of who
we are. As one church family,
we came together to honour the
richness of our diverse commu-
nity through music, dance and a
colourful fashion show. Cultures
from Scotland, Syria, Lebanon,
Africa, Indonesia and Nepal were
proudly and beautifully repre-
sented, each bringing its own
story, colour and spirit to life. The
praise dance by two of our Sun-
day School girls was a moving
expression of faith and joy that
touched many hearts. We were
also blessed to enjoy a wonder-
ful array of international dishes,
lovingly prepared and shared. The
laughter, connection and warm
fellowship reminded us once
again of the strength and beauty
found in our unity.
At St. Timothy’s, we believe
church should be a place where
children laugh, families grow and
friendships flourish. Whether dur-
ing worship, over coffee, at youth
events, or in the quiet moments
of prayer, our community re-
flects the heart of God. Worship,
Laughter and Love: The Heart of
St. Timothy’s.
So come to church with a
smile. Bring your heart, your
hopes, your burdens and your joy.
Because in God’s house, we are
not only renewed and restored—
we are delighted. “The joy of the
Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah
8:10b).
Preparing a pizza meal for families.
Welcoming new members.
The Children’s Choir.
Children’s stuffies visiting the church.
A gingerbread house event.