Hi! My name is Sheri Phillips and I am pleased to be a member of Amberlea for about twenty years attending the church with my husband, John, and children Collin and Nicole. I am also an elder of Amberlea Presbyterian Church’s Session and was the past Clerk of Session for five years.

Amberlea has always been a welcoming and nurturing congregation that helps others in their faithful journey and has definitely been there for us as family!

I grew up attending a Presbyterian church in Listowel, Ontario, going to church, singing in the choir and attending Sunday School when I was younger. However, making the commitment when I was older as a wife and mother, was a defining moment in the ownership of faith for me and my family.

My main area of responsibility at Amberlea is overseeing the church funding and events together with my fellow elders and our Reverend Dr. Mona Scrivens.

My name is Peggy Edwards.

I have attended Amberlea Church since 1989 and have been a member for 15 years.

I am honoured to be an Elder and the Team Leader for Missions and the Women’s ministry in our Church in service to our community.

I am the person who keeps track of the Pew Cards for Visitors and keep the Church Members and Adherents Lists up to date.

I also schedule the volunteers who welcome attendees at the door for Worship on Sunday.

My faith gives my life purpose and guides me every day.

I know that the Spirit of God lives in me and that His eyes are on me always.

My life has been filled with blessings because of the goodness of God, in his provision and protection.

I believe I am blessed to be a blessing. His Word and promises strengthen and encourage me to show love, build others up and share hope in our community and elsewhere, far and wide.

Property Committee

• Responsible for the maintenance of the physical property and building, repairs and upkeep.
• Also some administration of the use of church facilities by groups from the congregation and the community.

Amberlea attendee since 2000.

I am also a member of the worship team band.

We are here to bring God's love to the community. Without faith, there can be no hope. Without hope there can only be depair.

Hi, I'm Greg Watson. I am an elder here at Amberlea. I have been coming to Amberlea since back in the last century.

So... Elders are old people in the church...

No... Elders don't have to be old. Elders are the leaders of the church who meet as "Session."

"Session" is the group of volunteers who manage Sunday worship, the ministries of the church, and keep the building operating.

What would I call you for?

You would call me if you needed something posted to the website and/or included in our weekly email newsletter, "Dateline Amberlea." In particular, you would call me if you need and announcement or a registration form created... or (horrors!) you find something that is incorrect or not working.

In particular, I am the person at the email address, "info@amberleachurch.ca"

If I ask around, what would people say you are best known for?

I am best known for fussy technical back-office stuff. In addition to the website, I also manage the office computer and software like Quickbooks, our accounting application.

So... If you have an event you would like posted on our website and/or sent out in our weekly email, you can contact me at info@amberleachurch.ca

Similarly... if you are working on an event, and the church computer or webapp is not working right... you can also contact me.

All sounds very functional... How have you seen God in your life?

I have always felt the presence of God in my life, but particularly in 2015.

In 2015, I took early retirement from HP as part of a massive downsizing. HP retired or laid off 80,000 people who had been part of EDS... the data centre management company EDS had acquired... of whom I was one.

In the midst of this turmoil, I prayed every day for two years, "God, grant me the wisdom to see your path, and the courage to follow it."

Today, I am working in church administration for two churches... in addition to being an elder at Amberlea. I have found that the best way through any challenge in life really is to focus on God's path.

I have been attending Amberlea Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. I cherish my church family, and I am committed to faithfully serve God, as He leads. I am focused on doing all that I can to contribute to the well-being and growth of the congregation.

I am passionate about uplifting the homeless, the marginalized, the lonely and children who are less fortunate. The Bible clearly states Jesus' command to us re Matthew 25:40, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

I strive to trust in the Lord with all my heart and I know He will direct my path. As such, in obedience, I answered the call to be an elder in service to him.

...Maxene

My name is Gail Young, and I have been a member of the Amberlea community for 40 years. When we first moved to Pickering, we came with our two young daughters, a three-year-old and a newborn. Amberlea has been a significant part of our lives ever since.

A Journey of Participation and Commitment

Throughout the years, I have been actively involved in various aspects of the church. I cherished my time in the choir, and served on the board of managers, leveraging my voice and skills to help nurture our community. Currently, I am part of the sewing group at the church. We crafted a remarkable quilt to commemorate Amberlea’s 40th anniversary, and we have also created quilts for our indigenous friends, weaving threads of history and unity.

Family and Faith: A Growing Legacy

Amberlea has been the nurturing ground for our daughters. Our oldest daughter, Meghan, grew up within its welcoming walls and has now followed a path into ministry. Her journey has been a source of pride and reflection for us.

In 1994, we faced an unimaginable loss when our youngest, Sara, passed away in a tragic accident. The Amberlea community surrounded us with a sea of support and love, offering a comforting presence during such a devastating time. Their compassion exemplified the true spirit of this community.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the past 40 years, I am grateful for the many memories and bonds we have formed at Amberlea. This spiritual home has been a cornerstone for our family, providing strength, comfort, and companionship through all of life's seasons.

...Gail