Grace Toronto Church - (October 25, 2026)

Service Overview

Grace Toronto’s October 25 service opened with songs of praise and a call to worship. The congregation confessed how easily daily worries—from world events to Toronto traffic—can distract from the joy of the gospel, then heard an assurance of forgiveness through Jesus.

Sermon: “Gospel Leadership”

Pastor Char George preached on Philippians 2:19–30. He began with a survey contrasting Canadians’ positive views of Jesus with their more negative views of Christianity, then asked what it looks like when Jesus’ selflessness is reflected in his people.

Paul’s examples are Timothy, who puts Christ’s interests ahead of his own, and Epaphroditus, who risked his life in service of the gospel. Together, they illustrate two marks of Christian leadership:

• Commitment to Christ’s work
• Genuine concern for Christ’s people

The sermon challenged listeners to consider whether ambition, career, money, or comfort had taken priority over serving Jesus. It also urged the church to care for one another beyond polite Sunday greetings by investing in people through small groups, volunteer teams, homes, and friendships.

Pastor Char highlighted practical examples of care in the congregation, including providing meals, housing, groceries, job support, and help with medical and mental-health needs. He connected Timothy and Epaphroditus’s service to Jesus, who gave himself for others, and called the church to pursue Christlike service and honor those who quietly embody it.

Lighter Moments

In the announcements, Charles apologized for mentioning Christmas before October was over, then invited people to share their Christmas plans with their neighbors.

During Q&A, Char was asked whether he could bring someone back to life if they fell asleep and fell over like Eutychus in Acts. His answer was “No,” though the church has railings to help prevent a fall.

Char also shared that church staff sometimes clean up unpleasant messes—including human waste—on Sunday mornings, prompting a reminder to appreciate the less glamorous work of serving.

Prayer and Closing

The service included prayer for Toronto and its municipal election, local ministries and missionaries, and the city’s spiritual well-being. Announcements previewed the upcoming Missions Month. After the sermon and Q&A, the congregation shared Communion, heard a benediction, and closed with more singing.

Personalities

• Charles — Pastoral intern who welcomed the congregation and led parts of the service.
• Char George — Pastor who preached and answered questions.
• Shto — Read the Scripture passage.
• Elder Tarun — Mentioned in connection with the congregational prayer.
• Worship team and congregation — Led and joined in the service’s singing.