Small Church, Big Impact!
Presbytery of Seaway-Glengarry Connectional Event – May 2, 2026
On May 2, the Presbytery of Seaway-Glengarry welcomed 40 participants, including people from the Presbyteries of Lanark-Renfrew, Ottawa, and Quebec for a day of learning, reflection, and encouragement at the Connectional Event, “Small Church, Big Impact!”
The Moderator of the 150th General Assembly, Rev. Jeff Murray, was the guest speaker. Drawing on his experience in small church ministry, Rev. Murray offered thoughtful insights, practical wisdom, and stories that resonated deeply with those gathered. His presentation sparked meaningful conversation, and a lively question-and-answer session gave participants the opportunity to explore both challenges and possibilities facing small congregations today.
Following a time of fellowship over lunch, attendees took part in a SOAR workshop (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results). This interactive session invited congregations to reflect on their unique gifts and to consider how those strengths might be faithfully lived out within their own communities. The energy in the room was tangible, as groups engaged in hopeful, forward-looking conversations grounded in faith and purpose.
Throughout the day, there was a genuine sense of connection and shared calling. The hall was filled with conversation, laughter, and a spirit of collaboration. Participants left encouraged, inspired, and equipped with fresh ideas to carry back to their congregations.
Even in smaller settings, God continues to do big things—and this gathering was a powerful reminder of the impact that faithful, connected communities can have. Many thanks to St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church in Ingleside for hosting the Connectional Event, and to the Presbytery Mission Committee for planning and organizing the day’s activities!

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The Caintown Chorus sang to the residents of the Chartwell Wedgewood Retirement Home on Wednesday, April 29. Everyone enjoyed it!
BIAFRA
St. Paul’s congregant Louie Gyarmathy was recently honoured by local MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark for his service as part of Canairrelief, a group led primarily by members of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, which ultimately contributed to saving over one million Biafran lives during the 1967 Nigerian civil war. Louie was featured in the movie Operation LightsOut: The Story of Canairrelief. The link to the movie itself is here: https://operationlightsoutmovie.com/
Angie Cowan, Louis Gyarmathy and Rev. Marianne at the Presentation