Wednesday, June 6, 2009

1) Pamela Bolton

We are sad to announce that on Wednesday June 10, 2009, Pamela Bolton passed from this life into the presence of God.  For the last few weeks of her life, Pamela was in the palliative care ward of St. Michael's Hospital after a prolonged struggle with cancer.  Pamela was a faithful member of our church community and a good friend to many. 

In your prayers today, please give thanks for Pamela's life, and pray that God's Spirit of comfort and peace will be with her husband Don; with their four children Grace, Angela, Rose and Samara; and with her many friends and family members.

Details about the funeral arrangements will be announced as they are available.

2) Church School Sunday  - Sunday June 14, 2009

Recognition Sunday:  On Sunday, June 14th children, teachers and nursery helpers will be recognized for their contributions to our Church School.

The Church School Picnic will be held on June 14 at the home of Bev Reynolds.  All children, parents, grandparents, teachers and nursery helpers are welcome.  Please contact Mary Maiden 416-425-0861 for details.

3) Please Note re: Bulletin Announcements

Judy Neal, our church secretary, will be out of the office in the later part of next week.  Please have all bulletin announcements for Sunday June 21 in to the office by Monday, June 15.

4) "Rediscovering Calvin" Conference: Resources for Renewal Today -- June 18 - 20, 2009

From Thursday June 18 - Saturday June 20, a special conference will be held at Emmanuel and Knox Colleges, on the University of Toronto campus. The conference will include three internationally recognized keynote speakers, as well as 30 workshops and two concerts.   Keynote speakers will include Serene Jones, Alister McGrath and Marilynne Robinson.

On Friday afternoon, Rev. Ingram will be presenting a paper and leading a workshop on "Old First Church and the Multi-Ethnic City". 

For more information and to register (there are still spaces available as of today), please visit

http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/Assets/Emmanuel/Con+Ed/Rediscovering+Calvin+Brochure+4.pdf

5) Special Concert - July 13, 2009 - The St. Giles Cathedral Choir

On Monday July 13, the Choir of St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, will be performing a choral concert at St. Andrew's.  More information to follow.  All are welcome.

6) Nursery and Church School:  Summer Help Needed 

As in previous years, the nursery will be open for children between the ages of 0-3 years during the summer months.   Likewise, we will provide Church School activities for children over age 3.  Generally, the nursery and Church School are not very busy during the summer months but, whatever the number of children, you can be assured of an entertaining and rewarding hour!  If you enjoy the company of little ones and would like to help out on any Sunday during the period June 21st to September 6th, inclusive please e-mail Barbara Sargent at basarge@rogers.com or telephone Barbara at 905-420-3100. 

7) St. Andrew's Book Club - Thursday June 25 at 7:00 pm

We are looking forward to the next gathering of the St. Andrew's Book Club, which will take place on Thursday, June 25, at 7:00 pm.  The book that we will be discussing will be The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. 

All are welcome.

8) Upcoming Sunday Forum - "Understanding Alzheimer's Disease" -- June 28, 2009

On June 28^th, Mercedes Hughes from the Alzheimer's Society will offer a presentation on Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Sunday Forum gatherings are a monthly opportunity to learn more about a topic that engages our faith or deepens our understanding of the call of faith in our engagements with the world.  The Forum gatherings begin at 12:00 pm in the Board Room, and are finished by 1:00 pm.  All are welcome.

9) Presbyterians Sharing…Update

HUNGARY :  Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support Mary Gorombey as she works with the Reformed Church in Hungary’s School Integration Program, helping refugee students integrate into life in Hungary. Mary helps lead a Bible study at the school and teaches Hungarian-as-a-second-language. She also tutors many children in mathematics, geography, physics and biology. Having fled from war-torn countries, some of the students suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and meeting their needs can be a challenge. Too often, children are sent to work by their parents, which means that school attendance and performance suffer as a result. Mary says that when things get difficult, God remains faithful and provides her with hope, acting as a light to guide her out of the darkness. Let us pray for Mary as she loves God’s people in Hungary.

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!