Wednesday February 11, 2009

1) "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.

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

On Sunday February 15, we will be welcoming members of the Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE to mark 109 years since its founding.  The IODE is a Canadian women’s volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for children, youth and those in need, through education, social service and citizenship programmes.  The chapter supports therapeutic horseback riding programmes for disabled persons; donates equipment, money and volunteers to the Children’s Centre at North York General Hospital, and also provides clothing and personal care items to women and children in crisis centres.  IODE and St. Andrew’s have had a long association.  In 1913 the Elizabeth Chapter IODE of Toronto donated two stained glass windows directly behind the Communion Table to commemorate the loving work of Elizabeth Logie and her husband the Rev. D. J. Macdonnell. 

3) An Important Update from the Stewardship Committee

On Sunday, February 1, 2009, we celebrated our annual 'Consecration Sunday' during which we were invited to present our intentions for the financial support of the congregation in the coming year.  Although we are expecting another good year, in light of the economic situation, the pledges and commitments that were received on 'Consecration Sunday' were slightly less than the commitments that were made for 2008.  Please click here to read a brief summary offered by Blair Agnew, who is the convener of the Stewardship and Finance Ministry in the congregation.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to respond to this Stewardship campaign, please be in contact with Blair Agnew so that the budgeting committee can accomplish its work in a responsible, faithful and confident manner in preparation for this year's Annual Meeting in March.

4) Wine, Cheeses & Jesus -- Thursday February 19 @ 7 p.m.

The next meeting of the "Wine, Cheeses and Jesus" group will take place on Thursday February 19 at 7 pm.  This group offers an opportunity for members and friends of our congregation to gather together in a relaxed atmosphere to discuss current topics, share thoughts, and get to know one another in a friendly and engaged setting.

The discussion this month will focus around the issue of spiritual growth during the season of Lent.  Lent is almost upon us and we would like to know what does it mean for you? Giving up chocolate? Giving up tea or coffee? Resisting desserts for a few weeks or a glass of wine? Why do we give something up or take something new on?  Most importantly, what will you do for Lent this year?   

All are welcome.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) St. Andrew's Annual Meeting - Sunday March 1, 2009

The Annual Meeting for St. Andrew's Church will take place following the worship service on Sunday March 1, 2009.  This is an important meeting in the life and ministry of our congregation, and will be preceded by a light lunch.  Please make a special effort to be here and contribute to this important decision-making process in the life of our community of faith. 

The Annual Reports will be distributed in advance of this meeting.

8) 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., and a light lunch will follow.  All are welcome.

9) "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. 

10) 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.

11) 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!

12) 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!

13) Faces of Faith - Jordan Klapman

Even in the midst of planning for this weekend's concert, Jordan agreed to offer this week's contribution to the 'Faces of Faith'.  Please click here to read his wonderful reflections.