Thursday March 26, 2009

1) Memorial Service for Dr. W. J. "Jack" Reynolds - Saturday March 28, 2009

A celebration of the life of Jack Reynolds will take place at St. Andrew's on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 1:30 pm, with a reception to follow in the Great Hall.  Please plan to join us as we remember, celebrate and give thanks for the wonderful life and witness of Jack.  All are welcome.

2) "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. 

Next week's speaker will be the Rev. Candice Bist.  Her topic will be "I Thirst". 

Copies of the book "Seven Last Words", by Timothy Radcliffe, are available for purchase at the church.  The cost is $16.00.

3) Online Journal from Bangkok, Thailand -- the Global Ecumenical Conference on Justice for Dalits

This week, Rev. Ingram is in Bangkok, Thailand, in order to participate in a global ecumenical conference concerning the churches' response to the Dalit issue (often known as the 'untouchables') in India and Southeast Asia.  Churches in that region have invited representatives from the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches to meet together to raise the profile of this troubling and historic issue.   An online journal from previous World Council of Churches meetings, as well as daily updates from next week's conference, can be found at www.standrewstoronto.org/wcc/thailand

4) Another Troubling Record at 'Out of the Cold'

Last week, we reported that the Monday night 'Out of the Cold' programme had marked an impressive -- though troubling -- record, as it had served dinner to 243 guests, which was the largest number of guests this year, and one of the largest numbers in the history of the programme.   This week, the hosts served dinner to 256 guests.  It is a shame that so many people face such desperate times in the midst of our society's affluence. 

In your prayers today, please give thanks for the diligence, hospitality and dedication of the OOTC hosts as they approach the final few weeks in this year's Monday dinner programme -- and pray that our society will find a more sustainable and compassionate way to address the needs that surround us. 

If you would like to donate towards this important ministry in our congregation, please see the link below (under 'Online Donations').  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Joan Matheson.

5) "John Calvin: A Giant from Geneva" -- Spring Supper Seminar Series

The year 2009 marks the 500th Anniversary of the birth of John Calvin.  This anniversary offers us an interesting opportunity to ponder the relevance of Calvin's theology on the modern church. 

We are pleased that the Rev. Dr. Victor Shepherd, who is a Presbyterian minister, the Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, and a recent guest during the 2008 Advent series at St. Andrew's, will be leading us in these reflections. 

Online registrations are available at www.standrewstoronto.org/special_events.htm

6) Lenten Offerings for Presbyterian World Service and Development

During the Sundays of Lent, the Mission Committee is inviting us to make donations towards the work of Presbyterian World Service and Development.  PSW&D is the official development and relief agency of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.  PSW&D responds to emergency situations and a variety of long term community development needs in many countries.

Special envelopes are included in the Sunday bulletins, but if you would like to learn more about PWS&D, please visit www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

7) SAGA Meeting - Friday March 27, 2009

The SAGA fellowship group will meet on Friday, March 27^th.  The evening’s program will start with a pot luck dinner at 6:30 p.m., and will continue with a showing of “Magnificence at the Met:  Happy 125^th Anniversary, Metropolitan Opera House, New York.”  Come and learn about all the intricacies of the greatest opera house in the world. 

All are welcome!

8) Junior Choir Rehearsals 

The junior choir plans to participate in our worship service on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10^th.  Rehearsals will be held this Sunday (March 8), and on March 22, 29, April 19, 26 and May 3.  The choir meets at approximately 12 noon in the sanctuary for about 20 min.  The choir welcomes new members.  For more information, please contact Ruth Darling.

9) Nursery Help 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!

10) 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!