Festive Fun at GTC
Celebrate with us all the joyous things happening at GTC this Christmas season! You can pick up a paper version at the main entrances or download a copy here.
Services
Christmas Comfort Service – Monday, December 2, 7pm
A comfort service for those experiencing grief and loss during the holiday season. Together we’ll sing a few Christmas carols, hear some thoughts from Scripture, and have the opportunity to place the name of your loved one on the Christmas Comfort Tree which will be placed in the foyer throughout the season. Following this special service, there will be a light reception with food and refreshments. Please RSVP on Church Center.
Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 6pm
6pm – Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is always a special evening of the year. We’ll sing some carols by candlelight, hear our Joyful Noise Kids Choir sing and listen to a special Christmas message.
*Services can also be watched online at live.gtsudbury.ca. Please note due to privacy concerns, Children’s Choir performances will not be broadcast.
Give Joy
Children’s Aid Society Kinship Program
The Kinship Services team is a very special part of child welfare. When children are no longer able to safely remain in the care of their parents, we look within their circle of supports including extended family or personal connections to plan for children to stay with someone that they are familiar with and can provide a safe and nurturing environment. Many of the children have been exposed to significant trauma and require a lot of support to cope with all that they have been through. Currently we have 90 Kin family homes, caring for over 100 children. We have a number of grandparents (many of whom are on pensions), adult siblings, aunts, uncles, family friends and adult cousins caring for their loved ones. There is not a great deal of financial support provided to these caregivers. Many Kin service teams across the province partner with community agencies to assist our Kin families in having extra supports to provide for the children in their care. We have quite a few grandparents who already have custody of some of their grandchildren (in situations where the parents are not able to overcome their struggles over an extended period) and are now caring for even more grandchildren. Your support will allow Kin caregivers the ability to purchase much needed items for the children.
The Infant Food Bank Fill-a-Crib
Our mission is to meet the health, material and spiritual needs of expectant families or their children by providing information, education, supplies and support with compassion, dignity and respect. The Infant Food Bank provides relief to families who need access to food and formula, diapers and wipes.
Better Beginnings Better Futures
To reduce the impacts of negative factors affecting children, families and individuals. To increase positive connections and resources for children, families and individuals, for a healthier community. To strengthen the ability of our neighbourhoods to respond effectively to the social, emotional and economic needs of children and their families.
Events
KIDS
Toy Swap – Saturday, December 7, 10am-12pm
Our very own Courtney Peregrine is putting on the 2nd annual Sudbury Toy Swap at GTC on Saturday, December 7 at 10am. Please save the date for this amazing initiative. Courtney will be collecting used toys for the swap. Families will get the opportunity to “shop at the swap” (all free, no need to donate to shop). Items remaining from the swap will be available to GTC families on Sunday, December 8 in the gym. Now is a great time to get a jump start sorting through and setting aside your used toys. Join the Facebook group below for more information!
Drop-Off Locations:
- 292 St. Onge in Chelmsford
- 46 Renee Crescent in Garson
- There will also be a toy pick-up on November 23, 24, 30 & December 1
Please contact Courtney (c [dot] peregrine [at] hotmail [dot] com) to arrange for drop-off/pick-up times. Join the Sudbury Toy Swap Facebook group.
Gingerbread Bash – Sunday, December 15, 10am
A Christmas party for kids where we’ll build a gingerbread nativity, play games, sing songs, and learn about the first Christmas ever. If anyone can help make gingerbread cookies please contact Pastor Sherri (sherri [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca)!
Joyful Noise Kids Choir
Our kids have been busy practicing songs for the upcoming Christmas season! Our choir will perform during the 10am service on December 8 and during our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24 at 6pm. *Please note due to privacy concerns, only the audio will stream for our online audience. Special thank you to Amanda Ostrander for leading the Choir! The choir will re-open to new members in January, to perform during the Easter season!
PJ Day and Christmas Movie – Sunday, December 22, 10am
Kids are invited to wear their Christmas pjs this morning!
STUDENTS
Jr. High (Gr. 6-8) – Tuesday, December 17, 6pm
A Christmas party filled with festive activities. Please contact Pastor Andrew (andrew [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca) with any questions!
Sr. High (Gr. 9-12) – Friday, December 22, 7pm
A formal Christmas gala for our high school students. Please contact Pastor Andrew (andrew [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca) with any questions!
Young Adults (18-25ish) – Join us after the service for food, fellowship and Bible study! The last YA for 2024 will be Dec. 8 and will resume Jan. 5.
ADULTS
Men’s Ministries – Saturday, November 30, 6:30pm
Men, plan to join us for our next event on Saturday, November 30 at 6:30pm for our special Christmas event! We will be decorating a Christmas Tree with handcrafted ornaments that every man present will create to represent their family. We will also be praying over the families represented. Join us for a pizza dinner and a time of fellowship before the holidays! Join Men’s Ministry here.
Women’s Ministries – Friday, December 6, 7pm
Join us monthly on the first Friday of every month as women of all ages gather and grow together! Please note our January event will be on the second Friday, January 10. Join Women’s Ministries here.
Cookies & Coffee – Sunday, December 8, 11:30am
As we say farewell to 2024, we’d like to invite anyone new to GTC this year to stop by the Upper Chapel on December 8 at 11:30am for an informal Christmas dessert social! Guests will receive a small Christmas gift (while supplies last). So come grab a cookie and a coffee, and have some great conversation with other new friends and staff members at GTC! Feel free to contact Jean Bielaski (jean [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca) if you have any questions! Please RSVP on Church Center.
OLDER ADULTS
JOYful (50+) Christmas Formal – Friday, December 13, 5-7pm
A formal dinner catered by Helvi’s in the GTC gym. Tickets are $30/person. Please RSVP by December 6. Feel free to contact Pastor Josh (josh [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca) with any questions! Join the JOY group here. RSVP here.
Office Information
Tithes + Offerings
To receive a 2024 tax receipt: The last date to give for 2024 will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
- Cash/Cheque + Debit/Credit: Available on Sunday, December 29 before and after service.
- Online and Bill Pay: Donations made up until the end of Tuesday, December 31 will be included on the 2024 tax receipts. Find more info at gtsudbury.ca/give.
- PAD: December 29 will be processed on the next banking day and be included on the 2024 tax receipts.
Tax receipts will be available digitally via email (new) or traditional paper copy (available in the foyer on Sundays in February after church and mailed out after that). Thank you for your 2024 giving!
For more information about giving, please contact Jessica Manuel (jessica [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca). Thank you for your continued faithfulness, GTC!
Our office will be closed for holidays from noon on Tuesday, December 24 – Wednesday, January 1. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Staff Contact
All staff can be reached by their firstname [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca. If you have an urgent need outside of our holiday schedule, please call our office (705-522-4523) and leave a voicemail message for the pastor you are trying to reach and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Questions?
Do you need more information or have questions about any of these events? Please contact Jean Bielaski (jean [at] gtsudbury [dot] ca) and we’d be happy to help you! Thank you for a wonderful year, GTC! See you in 2025!
