Wednesday February 4, 2009

1) New Members' Orientation Evening - Thursday February 5, 2009 

The congregation will be receiving new members on Sunday, February 22nd.  Introductory meetings for those interested in pursuing church membership will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 pm.  To indicate your interest, or for more information, please speak to Rev. Ingram, one of the elders, or Judy Neal in the church office.

2) Joint Board and Session Meeting this Sunday - 12:15 pm

Members of the Board and Session are reminded that there will be a brief meeting following the service on Sunday morning in order to finalize the budget that will be distributed to the congregation in preparation for the Annual Meeting.   Please meet in the Board Room at 12:15 pm.

3) Worship at the Belmont Residence - Sunday February 8 at 7:00 pm

Every two months, St. Andrew's is responsible for leading the evening worship service at the Belmont Residence.  If you would like to participate in this service, and spend some time visiting with the residents, please speak to the minister.

4) St. Andrew’s 175^th Anniversary Bursary

Each year, members of the St. Andrew's community who are enrolled in post-secondary education are eligible to receive financial support through the St. Andrew's Anniversary Bursary programme.  The bursary is open to members, adherents and others who are associated with St. Andrew’s Church.  You are eligible if you are enrolled in or embarking on a full-time / part-time course of post-secondary education at a recognized college, community college, university or trade school.  Information about the Terms of Reference and application forms are available on our website at www.standrewstoronto.org/bursary.pdf and from Judy Neal in the church office or any member of the Christian Education Committee.

Deadline for application: Feb 22, 2009.  Please submit completed application forms and all required supporting documents to Judy Neal in the church office.

5) Evangel Hall Fundraising Gala - February 13, 2009

On Friday, February 13, there will be a special fundraising dinner and dance in support of Evangel Hall.  For more details, please visit www.evangelhall.ca/comphearth.php

This event is almost sold out, and tickets need to be purchased before Monday February 9, 2009.

6) "Love Etc." - Valentine's Day Concert - Saturday February 14, 2009 

On the evening of Valentine's Day - Saturday February 14 -- everyone is welcome and encouraged to join together for a special concert in support of the St. Andrew's "Out of the Cold" programme.  For more information, and to register by credit card online, please visit www.standrewstoronto.org/love

Bring your loved ones, families and friends (hopefully those are the same) -- it promises to be a great evening in support of a great cause.

7) IODE Founders' Day Service - Sunday February 15, 2009

On Sunday February 15, members of the IODE will be joining us during the morning worship service as a part of their annual celebration with our church community.

8) Pancake Brunch - Sunday February 22, 2009

Please plan to stay after worship on Sunday February 22 to welcome the new members of our congregation, and to join together in a pancake brunch.  All are welcome.

9) Ash Wednesday Service - Wednesday February 25, 2009

Please join us on Wednesday February 25 for our annual Ash Wednesday service to mark the beginning of the season of Lent.  The service will begin at 12:00 pm.  All are welcome.

10) "The Seven Last Words" - 2009 Lenten Midweek Meditation Series

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon, during the season of Lent, for our annual Lenten meditation series.  The series will involve a series of guest speakers, each of whom will focus on one of the seven last words or phrases uttered by Christ on the cross.  Each week -- from February 25 - April 1 -- the noontime meditations will begin with a short organ recital at 12:00 pm, the speakers will lead us in their reflections from 12:15 - 12:45 pm, and a light sandwich lunch will follow. 

11) Books for 'Out of the Cold'

Stephanie Schappert, who is a member of our congregation and a volunteer in the 'Out of the Cold' programme, would like to encourage everyone to bring in their used books (preferably paperback novels in good condition) for the use of our OOTC guests.  If you have books that you would like to donate, please bring them to the church and they can be sorted and distributed for the Monday night and Tuesday morning guests.

12) Nursery Caregivers Urgently Needed!

Our nursery is growing.  St. Andrew's now has between 4 and 7 beautiful babies and wonderful toddlers on any given Sunday and, following "Leading with Care" rules, requires 2 caregivers every week.  If you enjoy the company of babies and toddlers and would be interested in spending an hour or so (on a rotational basis) reading stories, playing games, etc, please contact Barbara Sargent at barbara.a.sargent@ca.ey.com or telephone Barbara at 905.420-3100.

Your help is appreciated!

13) Online Donations

We are pleased to announce that donations to the Church, and to ministries such as the 'Out of the Cold' programme, can be made online.  To learn more, please click on the button below!

14) Faces of Faith - Karen Baptista

Although she has been working with the St. Andrew's 'Out of the Cold' programme for many years, Karen is a relatively new member of our congregation.  She has already distinguished herself in a number of the ministries of this community, and it is a great honour to have her among us.   Please click here to read Karen's contribution to "Faces of Faith".