Wednesday, October 14, 2009

THIS SUNDAY -- LEAVE EARLY!!

The Toronto Marathon will be held this Sunday, which will necessitate a few extra minutes to get to church -- but it can be done!  And those who make it to church early will be treated to a special musical prelude, played on the grand piano, by Joan Barrett.

1)  Supper Seminars

Although we're all sold out for tonight's supper, there are plenty of seats still available for those who wish to attend only the lecture.   If you'd like to attend the last two of the seminars, please  visit www.standrewstoronto.org/islam.htm to register.

2) "Seasons of Change" -- Jazz Vespers at St. Andrew's - Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 4:30 pm

We are looking forward to the first "Jazz Vespers" service at St. Andrew's which will explore the "Seasons of Change" and the human longing for peace through all of the changing experiences of life.

Please visit the webpage at www.standrewstoronto.org/jazz and bring your friends and family members to this remarkable event.

Make sure to read the bios of the musicians as well -- it is a really impressive line-up -- www.standrewstoronto.org/jazz/musicians.htm 

3) This Sunday - New Members

This Sunday, we look forward to welcoming a number of new members to the congregation at St. Andrew's -- please be here to join us in welcoming them.

4)  "All is Well" -- Chris Vais Event - Saturday, October 17th

The annual Chris Vais Memorial Lectureship Event will be held on Saturday, October 17th at Knox College.  This year's paper, "All is Well", will be given by Dr. Stan Walters, a former professor at Knox College.  Refreshments at 9:00 a.m.  The lecture starts at 10:00 a.m.  Please call Judy Neal in the church office if you would like to attend.

5) Book Launch for "Finn the Half- Great" by Theo Caldwell

Theo Caldwell, who is a member of St. Andrew's and a regular participant in the Thursday Chancel Communion services, celebrated the launch of his first book, "Finn the Half-Great", this week.  The book is written for young people, and is the #1 Canadian teen literature book on Amazon.  For more information, please visit www.halfgreat.com

6) Organizational Meeting for Out of the Cold Volunteers--Thursday, October 22

On Thursday October 22, all volunteers in the "Out of the Cold" programme are invited to join together for an evening of discussion about plans for the upcoming season.  All feedback and suggestions are welcome.

As well, the evening will provide some helpful introductory information for those who are new to the programme or who are interested in finding about more about what is involved in volunteering during the year.

Please join us!  Please RSVP to info@standrewstoronto.org if you will be attending.

7) SAGA Meeting - Friday, October 23

Richard Isaac, M.D., and Sally Martin, R.N., both members of the Health Cabinet at St. Andrew's, will be the speakers at the October SAGA meeting.  They will provide information about facilities and services available to the aging population in Toronto.  One of the concerns is that gay people might have to hide their sexual orientation once they move into seniors' homes or long term care facilities.  Sally will give discuss the latest developments in that area.  SAGA members gather at 5:45 p.m. in the Great Hall.  The pot luck dinner starts at 6:30 and the program begins at 7:30.  Everyone is welcome.  Bring a friend.

8) "I'm Still Here" - a special play about Alzheimer's Disease

On Sunday, October 25, the Christian Education Committee will be presenting, as its October Sunday Forum, the play "I'm Still Here!"

The play is an innovative and powerful drama about loss and the quality of life experienced by people with Alzheimer's Disease and their families. Performed by the actors of Act II Studios, the play is designed to help others understand the experience living with and caring for those with dementia, and by so doing, diminish unnecessary suffering, especially suffering arising from misunderstanding and stigma.

The play is based on research into Alzheimer's Disease and dementia done at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, and at the School of Nursing at York University.  The play includes the actual words from research participants as they describe their own experiences.

Please plan to join us for this very special Sunday Forum.

9) Congregational Retreat - November 7, 2009

The eleventh Annual Congregational Retreat will be held at The Old Mill Inn on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be available at 9:00 a.m.

Our leader will be the Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine from Central Presbyterian Church, Hamilton.  Dr. Ervine will lead us as we explore “The Presbyterian Tradition”.  It will be a day to discover the rich heritage that stretches from Calvin to Canada.

10) Church School Superintendent Needed

The Church School requires a superintendent to lead the school at this exciting time of growth.  The superintendent is responsible for overseeing the scheduling and recruitment of teachers, the Christmas pageant( already delegated for 2009) and the end of year celebrations. If you have an interest in helping with the success of our church school, please contact Mary Maiden at 416-425-0861 or Rev. Will Ingram.

11) Catalyst deadline is approaching

The deadline for the Advent issue of Catalyst is November 1st.  Be sure to let the editors know about special milestones such as special birthdays, anniversaries, birth of children & grandchildren, notable achievements, etc., so we can share this news with the congregation.  Please submit articles and milestones information to both editors:  Kristen Stout (kwmathewson@rogers.com) and Jane Martin (janemartin@pagemartin.com). 

12) Portland Place

Portland Place is a Presbyterian Church residence for hard to house people with disabilities. A fund raising party is being held at the Edward Day Gallery on Wednesday, November 18. There will be wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and a silent auction – all proceeds to Portland Place.  Speak to David Wishart or Stevie Cameron for more details.

13)  St. Andrew's Church 175th Anniversary Bursary

The St. Andrew’s Church 175^th Anniversary Bursary is available in each year to a student or students enrolled in or embarking on a full-time or part-time course of post-secondary education at a recognized college, community college, university or trade school. The total amount of the bursary is $1,000 which may be allocated to one student or divided equally among two or more. The Bursary may my not be awarded in any year, at the discretion of the committee. Please refer to the Bursary Terms of Reference for a complete list of the criteria that will be considered and a description of the selection procedure.

If you would are interested in applying for the bursary, please contact Judy Neal in the church office for the application and terms of reference.  The deadline for applications is November 23, 2009.

14) Group Discount Rates for the ROM Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit

Please remember that we have arranged for group discounts for tickets to the ROM's Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit.  This very special exhibit runs until January 3, 2010.  You may obtain the discount price for 1-10 tickets by purchasing online with your credit card.  For details click here, please see the following:

1) Go to: http://www.rom.on.ca/visit/group/index.php

2) Click on the button for "Buy your tickets online"

3) In the "Corporate Clients" box, click "Buy Now"

4) Select "Dead Sea Scrolls + General Admission"

5) Choose your date and time

6) For the "promo code", enter STANDREWS and hit submit

7) At the next screen (which should display the discount prices), select your tickets

8) Submit your credit card information, and print your tickets

Enjoy the show!

15) 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!