Friday, January 29, 2010

1)  Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D) Sunday - January 31st

On Sunday, January 31, we will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Art Van Seters and Ms. Barbara Summers from Presbyterian World Service and Development during our worship service and at the Sunday forum.  Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.  Please plan to be here to learn more about this important of our denomination's life and work. 

2)  Sunday Forum:  "The Rest of the Story" presented by Barb Summers, PWS&D - January 31st

The problems of today's world can seem incredibly overwhelming.  Natural disasters, war, violence, human rights abuses and poverty....What can we do in the face of so much need?  The amazing reality is that amazing things are happening every day to alleviate the suffering in our world through the love and generosity of Canadian Presbyterians.  Through Presbyterian World Service and Development, our church will not sit back and let cries for help go unheard.  Working with Canadians here at home and partners overseas, farmers are learning how to grow more food, children are going to school, parents are learning new skills, and families are accessing clean water.  While we see one reality on the news and in our newspapers, the fact is that there is another story to be told.

Learn about the rest of the story.  Learn how our church is actively bringing new futures of hope and opportunity to vulnerable people around the world.  The Forum will be held in the Board Room at noon.  Everyone is welcome!

3) Receive the Catalyst Online

In the interest of environmental stewardship and postage costs, we are trying to compile a list of people who would be interested in receiving our congregational newsletter "The Catalyst" and other seasonal flyers (e.g. notices about Spring and Fall Supper Seminar series) by email. 

As well as saving on the costs of postage and the amount of paper, this would ensure that people would be able to enjoy the photos in colour. 

To 'sign up' for this online Catalyst distribution list, please send an email to catalyst@standrewstoronto.org and be sure to include your name in the email in case your email address does not include your name! 

4) New Members' Orientation and Reception

We will be holding an orientation meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room for those who are interested in becoming members of the St. Andrew's congregation.  The group will discuss what it means to be a Christian, a Presbyterian, and a member of St. Andrew's Church.  

New members will be received on Sunday, February 21st.  If you are interested in becoming a member, or in learning more about life at St. Andrew's, please contact Rev. Ingram, one of the Elders or Judy Neal in the church office.

5)  Jazz Concert at St. Andrew's:  The Music of Mardi Gras - Sunday February 14, 2010

Please join us on Sunday, February 14th for a Pancake Dinner and Jazz Concert celebrating the music of Mardi Gras.  Tickets for the dinner and concert are $20 per person or $50 per family.   For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.standrewstoronto.org/jazz

6)  News from Out of the Cold

This note is from Lorraine, who filled in at the door.  Hope your cold improves Jo-Anne!

We had a fine salute to Robbie Burns on Monday night with a beautiful menu of:

Corn Chowder

Sweet and Sour Chicken Rice Casserole

Carrots and peas

Salad with buttered buns

Spinach quiche, and

Brownies, ice cream and molasses cookies!

Not really all that Scottish but I don't think that haggis would have elicited the same comments as did this dinner.   There were lots of "thank you" and "wonderful dinner" last night.  One guest said the soup was so good that he had 5 bowls.  Another thought that the spinach in the quiche was so much better than what he used to get at the restaurant he used to work in!  He even asked us for the supplier's name.  The Boutique was heavily used last night, lots of demand for warm clothing (we are short of winter coats if anyone has any to spare).  And we made one fellow's night when we were able to find a set of suspenders so that his pants could stay up.  We also had a display of harmonica playing by the door - really good quality playing by a very distinctive guest.

On the not-so-positive side - our numbers continue to climb.  We served 263 guests and one of our guests required medical assistance from the fire dept and the paramedics.  They were called and responded in a few minutes and were able to provide relief for our guest.

On the plus side - the evening seemed to go very smoothly - several of the guests commented that "the place was running like a well-oiled machine".

Thanks to everyone who helped on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and who provide other supports to the programme.  We can't do it without you!

 See you next week,

 Lorraine

Financial donations to support the program are always welcome, and can be sent to the church office.  Please make cheques payable to "St. Andrew's Church" and show "Out of the Cold" in the notation line.   St. Andrew’s covers all administration costs and all financial donations go directly toward the purchase of food and supplies for the program.  

For information about corporate participation please speak to the "Out of the Cold" Coordinator Lorraine Irvine.  Please feel free to share information about the "Out of the Cold" programme in your workplaces if there are requests for suggestions about corporate charity donations.

If you would like to donate new or used warm winter clothing, books (not romance novels, please) or magazines, please bring the items to the church or contact Judy Neal in the church office.

7) St. Andrew's 180th Anniversary Dinner - Saturday March 6, 2010

Tickets for our 180th Anniversary Dinner, which is being held on Saturday, March 6th at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, will go on sale during Coffee Hour after worship until February 28th.   You may also reserve tickets ($50 each) at Coffee Hour this Sunday.  Our guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Cameron Brett.  Be sure to get your tickets early for this very popular event! 

8)  Compassionate Hearts Gala - February 6, 2010

The Compassionate Hearts Gala, supporting the Heath and Dental Clinic at Evangel Hall Mission, is being held in the Imperial Ballroom, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front Street West. The evening begins at 6 PM; dinner at 7 PM with a live band and dancing to follow.  Tickets are $150 per person, all proceeds will go towards the operating costs of our clinic.

For guests who prefer to stay overnight, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel has generously offered a special room rate of $149 for those attending the Compassionate Hearts Gala.  To take advantage of this rate please call 1-800-441-1414 and mention that you will be attending the Compassionate Hearts Gala in support of Evangel Hall Mission, or give the operator our group code EVAN0210. Please note that our group code can also be used for bookings made online.

For more information, please contact Kristen Stout at ehm:  416-503-3563 ext 223;  Kristen.Stout@evangelhall.ca

9)  Presbyterians Sharing... - CANADA: Presbytery of Kamloops

Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing... support the Rev. Charles McNeil as he ministers with Cariboo Presbyterian Church in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region of British Columbia. This house church ministry serves those in rural and remote areas who are out of reach of the traditional church. Charles spends much of his time teaching and instructing elders and others through Bible study and short courses. He also provides pastoral care and attention to those who want

nothing to do with the church. He says, “Being as Christ to a range of people is a calling, a challenge and a privilege.” Let us pray for Charles, the house church elders, and all those who are part of Cariboo Presbyterian Church, as they continue to be faithful, obedient and present – as Christ to the Cariboo.

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!