why we’re here

Keswick Presbyterian Church wants to lead the christian community into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We also realize that the vast majority of people in our community don’t attend church, so we’re committed to being a church that helps you where you are at in life right now, and will journey alongside you.

“Everyone has a story to tell.” And we would to love to hear yours. Even our community of Georgina has a story. And like many communities its not entirely a positive story. Despite the fact that Georgina has long been the brunt of many jokes, we see the beauty and potential of lakeside town where we live. As a church community we are seeking to find ways to re-write the story of our community, our church, our families and our lives as we get to know Jesus better. We continue to seek better ways to serve those around us and help participate in re-writing the story of our community.

So, God has invited us to join Him to “rewrite the story of our community.” In other words, to see how your story connects with God’s story and how together we can can display Jesus where we live.

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Vision

“Without vision the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18

Our vision is to see Georgina renewed spiritually, and culturally and made into a great town in every way. We long for Georgina to become a place where grace and mercy reign, where peace is practiced and lived out, and where racial, ethnic, and socio-economic differences are removed by the power of the good news of Jesus Christ.

THE GOSPEL CHANGES EVERYTHING

We believe the gospel completely transforms not only our lives, but also how we view all of life. It changes how we view ourselves: we learn to admit that we are more sinful and selfish than we could have imagined. It changes how we view God: we learn to marvel that we are more loved and forgiven than we could ever dare hope. It transforms how we view others: as divine image-bearers of incredible value and dignity. From this core value flows all other values.

The gospel creates what philosopher Augustine called a new city within the existing city: “the City of God.” In this city, mercy triumphs over judgment; collaboration replaces competition; equality replaces elitism; and people have intrinsic dignity, regardless of their station or standing in life. Love for God and others is the primary motivation for all that we do– in work, play, and rest. We hope to become a sanctuary for those tired of or bruised by the brokenness of the old town. The new town inspires the old town by demonstrating that there is, indeed, a better way to live. The new town becomes a magnet for those who are seeking the peace of God in the midst of the tumult of the streets. The new town becomes a light where the glory of God, in the face of Christ, shines into our lives.

Meet the Ministers

KIRK MACLEOD

Lead Pastor

Kirk is a preacher’s kid (PK) who was born in P.E.I, raised in Quebec and grew up in Nova Scotia. His plan was not to go into the ministry but God’s call was greater. When not playing guitar, golfing or watching Seinfeld, Kirk loves spending time with Allyson, Lily, Toffee and Finnegan.

ALLYSON MACLEOD

Pastor of Community Engagement and Teaching

Allyson has a passion for telling stories. Whether around a campfire, on a scrapbook page, or behind a pulpit at KesPres, Allyson connects the Biblical story with our everyday stories. When not at KesPres, Allyson can be found in local schools and finding ways for meaningful engagement with the community around us, or taking walks with Toffee and Finnegan.

who we are

We are a reasonably
new church

Keswick Presbyterian Church began in September of 1997. With help of friends and a door to door campaign, Keswick Presbyterian began with a handful of people gathering in the Georgina Ice Palace. Since that time God has blessed us with many new faces and a growing children’s church. Although we are growing, Keswick Presbyterian strives to keep that "family” feeling of community in all that we do.

We are a small church

If you join us on a typical Sunday morning you would see between 90-120 people. Being a growing church means that we might not necessarily have all the “program” options of a large church, but we do have many ways for you to connect; through activities, in sharing your gifts and talents, and ways to help you grow in your faith.

We are a
presbyterian church

Keswick Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our doctrinal beliefs are expressed in the documents, of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Living Faith. We are part of the Protestant in practice and Reformed in theology who originated in Scotland but now have Presbyterian Churches throughout the world.

Being Presbyterian means that we have a rich heritage and if you were to enter another Presbyterian Church you may find that our worship service and our governance have a very similar structure. When you enter the church, we invite you to pick up a program (bulletin) which outlines our order of service, and a Bible. You can follow along with the songs on the screen in front of you. Come a few times and you will find that the service differs a little week to week.

We are an imperfect church

We thought we should tell you right up front: we make mistakes. Sometimes we say and do things that we shouldn’t. Sometimes we think we are better than we are. Let us just say in advance: we’re sorry. But this is one reason we come to church. We want to grow to be more like Jesus. In fact, we want you to be able to see Jesus in us. Let’s give each other a chance. We’d love to be meet you.

Say Hello!