Friday, May 21, 2010

1) Pentecost Sunday and the Sacrament of Baptism - Sunday May 23

Please plan to join us this Sunday as we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism for Jean-Jacob Guerard, son of Ritu and Philippe Guerard during our Pentecost service.

2)  Orientation Meeting for 'Doors Open Toronto' Volunteers - Sunday, May 23rd

On Saturday, May 29th, St. Andrew's will participate for the third year in this annual City of Toronto cultural event.  In 2009 approximately 1,300 visitors enjoyed and photographed our beautiful sanctuary.  Some of them had the opportunity to listen to our accomplished Dan Bickle, Director of Music, playing our treasured Karl Wilhelm organ.

To all those who have arranged to be volunteers:  a hearty "thank you!"  If you would like to help at Doors Open, but haven't submitted your sign-up form, there's still time!  Just contact the organizer, Sue Goodwin, at susangoodwin@earthlink.net. 

There will be an orientation and information meeting for volunteers (and those who would like to be volunteers) on Sunday, May 23rd at 12 noon in the board room.  We will review the materials that will be handed out at Doors Open and will also distribute background information sheets for the volunteers.

3) Sunday Forum - May 30th - "Stitched Glass" with Kirk Dunn

"Stitched Glass" is a textile art installation exploring the commonalities and conflicts between the three Abrahamic faiths:  Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 

Consisting of three hand-knitted panels in the style of stained glass, each approximately 6 ft wide by 9 ft high, the project uses iconic imagery to encourage dialogue around the successes and challenges of the three religions, in the hops of knitting them together for a brighter future.  Kirk Dunn will take us through the history of the project to date--from inception to design to the work in progress.

In addition to the presentation in the Board Room, a number of artists from our congregation will display their works in the Great Hall.  The art displays will be set up for viewing prior to worship, during the coffee hour and following the Forum.

Kirk Dunn's presentation at the Convention Centre this past winter was well received.  Be sure to attend this special event and invite others to join you.

4)  Reception of New Members - May 30th

We will be receiving new members on Sunday, May 30th.  If you wish to be received into the congregation on that date, please contact either Rev. Ingram or Judy Neal in the church office (416-593-5600 ext. 220).

5)  Catalyst

Printed copies of the Catalyst will be available in the Narthex before worship service, and in the Great Hall following the service, on Sunday.  They will also be available the following week, after which they will be mailed.  If you have not signed up for the electronic version, which will be emailed to subscribers this week (in full colour), please help us reduce our postage costs by picking up your printed copy.  If you would like to receive future issues electronically, please send an email to catalyst@standrewstoronto.org.  Please include your name in the body of your email if it is not part of your email address.  Thank you!

6)  The Word on the Street

From time to time, we have been including weekly reflections from John Singh, who sells newspapers on the corner of King and University.  This week's reflection is:

As adults, we think we know so much.  We try to be so mature, so correct, so religious.  I wonder if we would even recognize the Saviour if He walked among us, working the kind of miracles He performed long ago.

Lord, give us the faith of little children.

      A child is blind to prejudice

      But quick to see what's good and true;

      Oh, how we need that childlike faith

      In all we say and all we do!

Big lessons can be learned from little children.

7)  Church School End-of-Year Activities

On Sunday, June 13th we will recognize the contributions of the children, teachers and nursery helpers to our Church School program.  The annual Church School picnic will be held on the same date at the home of Bev. Reynolds.  All children, parents, grandparents, teachers and nursery helpers are welcome.  Please contact Irene Faiz at irene.faiz@sympatico.ca for more information.

8)  Summer Volunteers for Nursery

The church school will break for the summer in mid to late June.  However, to allow parents with young children to attend the morning worship service, the nursery will continue to operate during the summer months.  If you would like to help out in the nursery any Sunday from mid-June until September 5th, please contact either Barbara Sargent (bigsam2003@rogers.com) or, in Barbara's absence, Betsy Nieuwland (betsy@lawrye.ca).

9)  Volunteer Interest Survey

Be sure to look for the Volunteer Interest Survey form in the May issue of Catalyst.  You'll have an opportunity to tell us which skills, talents and activities you'd like to contribute to which volunteer programs at St. Andrew's.  The information in your completed survey will become part of a central inventory that organizers can tap when help is needed.  This newly created database will also enrich the experience of volunteering by better matching your preferences with meaningful activities and projects of interest to you.

10)  Presbyterians Sharing:  CANADA: Presbytery of Winnipeg

Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support Winnipeg Inner City Missions (WICM). WICM is located in what is said to be one of the toughest neighbourhoods in Canada, where crime and violence in the streets is escalating. Within this environment, WICM operates a weekly food bank and thrift store, provides employment training and transitional housing and distributes emergency food, personal hygiene supplies, bedding and towels to those who need them. Executive Director Rev. Margaret Mullin writes, “Providing for people’s basic survival needs puts us in contact with many people in need. As we get to know them and they learn to trust us, we get invited into their lives.”  Let us pray for WICM as it provides light and hope to people in inner-city Winnipeg.

11)  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!