table of contents this month - st. andrew's...
TRANSCRIPT
A community loving God by loving our neighbours.
Summer 2017
Summer Schedule/VBS Inside Front Cover
Geoff’s Journal 1–2
News from the Pews 3–5
Announcements 5
GRACE Notes 6
Better Together 6
Food… for Thought 7
Junior Music Makers 7
Stewardship Corner 8
Hour of Corporate Prayer 8
WMS Report 9
Birthdays 10
Passages/On the Way 11
Moment for Mission/Prayer Circle 11
Financial Report 12
Summary of the Session Meeting 13
Committee Happenings 13
Berry Good Time 14
Rebekah’s Retrospective 15-17
faith in ACT!ON Photo Moments Back Cover
Table of Contents This month…
I will bless you with a future
filled with hope — a future of success, not of suffering.
Jeremiah 29:11 Wet fun and games at the downtown churches’
picnic at Gage Park… page 6
At St. Andrew’s, Brampton, we: learn together to know God’s love through worship and study; put our faith into action by loving and caring for each other; use God’s gifts to go forth to bring others to Christ.
St. Andrew′s Presbyterian Church 44 Church St. E, Brampton ON, L6V 1G3
905-451-1723 www.standrewsbrampton.ca
Saying farewell to the Rev. Rebekah Mitchell…
page 4
Summer Preaching Schedule
July 2 – The Rev. Geoff Ross
11:45 am Communion
July 9 – The Rev. Rosemary Doran
July 16 – The Rev. Rosemary Doran
July 23 – The Rev. Rosemary Doran
July 30 – The Rev. Geoff Ross
August 6 – The Rev. Geoff Ross
11:45 am Communion
August 13 – The Rev. Geoff Ross
August 20 – The Rev. Geoff Ross
August 27 – VBS Sunday
The Rev. Rosemary Doran
September 3 – The Rev. Wayne Baswick
11:45 am Communion
Summer services are casual dress followed by iced
tea fellowship on the lawn (weather permitting).
One-Room Sunday School will be held for younger
children up to eight years old. Nursery care is
available for children under three years old.
Urdu service will be held every Sunday at 2:00 pm.
**************
Minister on Vacation
The Rev. Geoff Ross will be on vacation July 3-24
and August 21-September 5. While he is away, the
Rev. Rosemary Doran and the Rev. Wayne Baswick
will be providing pastoral care.
Office: 905-451-1723, ext. 0
Rosemary: [email protected]
Wayne: [email protected]
Congregational Care: [email protected]
Vacation Bible School where kids learn that they were
Created by God and Built for a Purpose.
Monday, August 21 – Friday, August 25
9:00 am – 12 noon
We will: learn Bible points and stories; sing incredible songs; play creative
games; make arts & crafts; enjoy lip-smacking snacks; and make new friends.
Ages 5-11
$10 per child, $20 for a family (3 or more children)
To register call the office: 905-451-1723, ext. 0
Sunday, August 27, 10:30 am VBS Worship The children of this year’s VBS will share what they have learned with the congregation.
1
Church Office
905-451-1723 Ext. 0
Open: Tuesday afternoons 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Service Times and Location Ext. 50
Lead Minister Ext. 22 The Rev. Geoff Ross Cell: 647-524-1870
Minister Emeritus Ext. 0 The Rev. Rosemary Doran
Minister in Association Ext. 0 The Rev. Wayne Baswick
Music Director/Organist Ext. 0 Shelagh Tyreman [email protected] Senior Choir, Leap of Faith Band, Junior Music Makers
Office Administrator Ext. 0 Valerie Barrett
Church Officer Ext. 0 Henry Ettinger
Church Ministries
Congregational Care Ext. 0 [email protected]
Food Bank Ext. 55
Food Bank Committee Chair Gord Warren [email protected]
Membership Ext. 0 welcome @standrewsbrampton.ca
Sunday School Ext. 0 Superintendent [email protected]
Colleen Peyer Cell: 905-601-4868
Urdu Ministry [email protected]
Minister The Rev. Babar Allahditta Cell: 647-779-8281
“Do Not Be Afraid...”
By now the news of Rebekah’s
departure is out – and starting to
sink in. While I knew about her
leaving before she made it public,
her news came as a surprise. I
know that we will miss Rebekah
and the many things she has done over her time at St.
Andrew’s, but I’m sure I speak for you when I say that
we also wish her well as she moves on in her ministry
at Graceview Presbyterian Church, Etobicoke.
Personally, I will miss Rebekah both as a colleague and
as a friend. I came to St. Andrew’s to be a part of a
team – and in many ways it was to work with her (a
decision I never regretted). Over our five years serving
together, I have valued her opinion, creativity,
generosity, and her passion for ministry and her faith. I
always enjoyed hearing her
preach and always trusted her
instincts. Working with her
made ministry easy – and fun.
I have two favorite pictures of
the two of us – I will
remember the laughter, joy,
and ease of sharing our co-
joined ministry together. I will
miss working with Rebekah
but I know that teams change
and players get traded; it’s all
part of God’s plan.
Rob Bell, in his book Drops Like Stars, wrote about the
“art of disruption” in which he highlighted our human
tendency to make plans, and assume that things are
either always going to stay the same or go the way we
plan them to go. The problem is they don’t. Surprise!
And we’re blindsided, finding ourselves suddenly in a
new place, a place we haven’t planned on being in, or
had not have imagined. He goes on to say that this is the
way life is – it’s the way the world is. We cannot control,
or coerce, the events around us – the disruptions that
occur – to fit our plans; but what we can do is choose
how we react to them.
Many of the most significant moments in our lives –
or throughout history – come not because they
happened according to “plan” – or all went right – but
because they didn’t. Think about the course of your
life – or the history of St. Andrew’s, Brampton; often
it was the difficult or unexpected, maybe even tragic,
moments that resulted in the most significant change.
Geoff’s Journal
Rev. Geoff Ross
(continued on page 2)
2
Church Contacts
Clerk of Session
Pam Loree
Christian Education Committee
Stan Loree
Congregational Care Team
Felicity Alexander
Envelope Secretary
Bea Embling
Food Bank Committee
Gord Warren
Helping Hands
Valerie Martin
Jo-ann Urquhart
Missions Committee
Ray Scanlan
Newsletter Editor
Elizabeth Giesbrecht
Prayer Circle
Sandra Jackson
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Florence Martin
Property Committee
Robert Wightman
SALSA Women’s Group
Pam Loree
Stewardship Committee
Doreen Scott-Dunne
Treasurer
May Maltby
Usher Co-ordinator
Robert Hakim
Visiting Committee
Mary McLean
Web Team
Women’s Missionary Society
Kim Shepherd
Worship Committee
Colin Young
Sadly, in some cases, the change resulted in an inevitable, undesirable
outcome but even in those cases, Bell says, we have a choice as to
how to respond. These moments open us up and free us to see things
in new ways. Yes shocks, surprises, setbacks – even suffering – upset
us (and our carefully constructed plans) but they also create new
opportunities. While not part of our plans, they’re part of God’s. And,
as such, it’s up to us to respond to them faithfully.
Jesus spoke often of how we should not count on our plans – that we
should put our trust in God alone to provide, and this is what I said to
the Session at a meeting we held after Rebekah made her
announcement that she has been Called to be Graceview’s new
Minister. As we expressed our sadness at her leaving, we
acknowledged that to be “Called” is to follow God’s will and that we
are to put our trust in God’s plan for Rebekah, for Graceview, and for
us at St. Andrew’s. We gave thanks for Rebekah’s ministry – for the
relationships that have been made and the experiences we have shared
together – and then we asked God to open our hearts, minds, and eyes,
to ‘see’ His evolving plan for us as we move forward. I can report that
by the end of the meeting, rather than reacting negatively, seeing her
news as a setback, the Session choose to see this disruption as God’s
opening up for us new opportunities for St. Andrew’s growth. While
this was an informal discussion, the meeting ended with a strong sense
of hope: Friends, God still has plans for St. Andrew’s, Brampton. “Do
not be afraid.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)
INSIDE ST. ANDREW’S
PUBLISHED MONTHLY (except August) to inform our church community about activities within this congregation and the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and to provide inspiration to our readers.
Submissions can be made by email to [email protected], left in the newsletter slot on the office door or may be given to any newsletter committee member listed below.
Newsletter Committee:
Felicity Alexander, Elizabeth Giesbrecht, Khalid Gill, Ken Jackson, Rebekah Mitchell, Wayne Tedder, June Young
Additional Contributors This Month:
Pam Loree, May Maltby, Ray Scanlan,Doreen Scott-Dunne, Kim Shepherd,
Michelle Tedder, Shelagh Tyreman, Gord Warren, Ivie Wightman
Deadline for submissions for the September issue is
Friday, August 25, 2017
This newsletter and St. Andrew’s
office printing are done by:
30 Gillingham Dr. Suite 502
Geoff’s Journal continued
3
Congratulations to Mary Louise Duncan and James
Stratton on the birth of their daughter Alice
Margaret Suzanne Stratton at 8:30 pm on
Thursday, June 15. Baby Alice weighed 7 lb 6 oz.
Mary Louise grew up in the St. Andrew’s manse
when her father, the Rev. Dr. Graeme Duncan was
our minister.
James and Mary Louise would like to thank their St.
Andrew’s church family for their prayers, cards and
other forms of support (including meals), all much
appreciated.
We celebrated George Burrows’ 99th birthday with
a hockey-themed cake on Father’s Day.
The Knox College newsletter must be popular
reading around St. Andrew’s because several people
have inquired about a recent article about Elizabeth
Giesbrecht and her family’s charitable foundation.
Elizabeth elaborates: My grandfather started the
foundation in 1967 using proceeds from the sale of
his business upon his retirement. Every year since its
creation, the foundation has donated to the
Presbyterian Church in Canada. Originally, the
donation was entirely directed to Presbyterians
Sharing, but when the Rev. Dr. Harrold Morris (my
grandfather’s former minister) was at St. Andrew’s in
1999, we discussed my grandfather’s philanthropy
and he suggested that we give some designated gifts.
Since then, we have supported Crieff Hills, Cairn
Camp, Winnipeg Inner City Missions, Boarding
Homes Ministry, and various International Ministries
projects. Most recently, we have begun donating to
Knox College’s Futures Fund for internship
scholarships for their new Masters of Pastoral Care
degree. Our foundation’s primary mandate is making
awards to medical research PhD students at the
University of Toronto, but we also donate to
international development organizations (like Change
Her World), and to indigenous projects here in
Canada. Locally, we support the Peel Environmental
Youth Alliance, which former St. Andrew’s youth
member Elizabeth Kreitner was involved in starting,
and the William Osler Health System Foundation.
(continued on page 4)
News
from
the
Pews
4
News from the Pews (continued from page 3)
The mid-year Lunch with the Minister took place at
the Mandarin Restaurant on Thursday, June 15. This
was the Rev. Rebekah Mitchell’s last lunch with the
group, so it was a bitter-sweet event.
Lunch with the Minister
provided the group with
the opportunity to wish
the Rev. Geoff Ross a
Happy Birthday (a day
early), and the Mandarin
staff provided the hat,
performed their birthday
song, and presented him
with a slice of birthday
cake.
“Farewell, Not Goodbye”, was the title of the Rev.
Rebekah Mitchell’s final sermon at St. Andrew’s on
June 25. Although she said we should not be sad,
there were a few teary moments, when she made good
use of her gift from office administrator Valerie
Barrett (a box of Kleenex). The choir and Leap of
Faith band performed the anthem “Pray for the
People”, which Rebekah noted had been the anthem
for her induction; they also sang a choral benediction
“May Sunshine Light Your Way”.
After the service, there was a reception in the Great
Hall when Rebekah was given a gigantic card from
Congregational Care Co-
ordinator Felicity Alexander,
a prayer shawl, delivered by
the Rev. Rosemary Doran,
and contributions from the
congregation presented by
Envelope Secretary Bea
Embling. A slideshow of
photos from Rebekah’s time
at St. Andrew’s ran
throughout the reception; and
of course, there was cake!
To cap off Rebekah’s last day at St. Andrew’s, the
serving elders, supporting elders, their spouses, and
the clergy (Rosemary, Rebekah, Geoff and the Rev.
Wayne Baswick), met for the Council of Elders’
annual barbeque (photos at right). This year,
however, the venue was the back patio of the church,
as the recent rainstorms had resulted in a soggy lawn
at the Rosses’ home, and made it impossible for them
to host the event.
During the evening, there were two presentations
to Rebekah. The first was a gift from Session,
presented by Clerk of Session, Pam Loree. Felicity
Alexander presented Rebekah with a card and
watercolour sketch of the manse (shown on front
cover) – a farewell gift from Molly Harvey who was
out of the province and unable to attend the barbeque.
(continued on page 5)
5
News from the Pews (continued from page 4)
Victoria Dewar danced in her very last Mayfield
Secondary School dance show on May 31. She
choreographed a solo Irish Dance piece that made her
dad (Bill Dewar) cry. It was wonderful to see her
Irish Dance again. On June 7, Victoria won the R.C.
Honey Leadership Award at Mayfield’s Athletic
Banquet. The R.C. Honey Leadership Award is
awarded to a graduating member of the Mayfield
Athletics Association who is greatly involved in
athletics, demonstrates good sportsmanship, has a
strong commitment to academics, and is respected by
peers and teachers. At the Athletic Banquet, she was
also a recipient of the Junior Athletic letter for her
two years of commitment to the Athletics
Association. On June 19, Victoria graduated from
the Regional Arts Program (RAP) from the dance
program at Mayfield SS where she received her
Regional Arts letter for surpassing the required
number of points, which are awarded for extra-
curriculars within the dance program. Victoria is
graduating from Mayfield Secondary School with
honours. In September, she will be attending Brock
University to study Sport Management.
Congratulations to Nathan Woods who has made it
into the central hub team for under 17 aged boys for
Rugby Ontario. He will be competing in July to be
chosen for the final team that will play in Calgary
later in the summer. He is also playing locally for the
Brampton Beavers.
In other news, Nathan received the MVP award
for wrestling at the athletic banquet at Mayfield
Secondary School.
On Saturday, June 17, Simpson Ross was asked to
sing at the Long & McQuade Customer Appreciation
Day. She performed Volksliedchen by Robert
Schumann. Later that same day, Simpson danced in
the final recital for the Alda Ligita Heniss School of
Classical Ballet. Afterwards, she received the
Suzanna Levendofsky Award, which is presented to
the student who embodies the love of dance.
Please share your news with our church family.
You can e-mail your information to
contact any member of the newsletter team whose
names are listed on page 2.
The photo directories have arrived. If you had your
photo taken, you are entitled to a free copy. If you
were not photographed but would like a copy, you
can purchase one for $15.
Thanks to all who worked so hard for many months
on this new directory – it looks great!
If, for whatever reason, your name didn’t make it into
the directory, we apologize. We will be producing an
addendum page, so if you would like your name and
address to be included on that, please contact the office:
905-451-1723, ext.0
Coming Up in the Fall…
The church golf tournament is being
planned for Saturday, September 9
at Derrydale Golf Course. Watch for
more information in bulletins later in
the summer.
***************
Rally Sunday – September 24
COME AND SEE - see a slide show of Israel
- enjoy some cake
Find out what’s happening
in St. Andrew’s.
6
GRACE Notes
On Saturday June 24, seven pairs of pants, three shorts and a capri enjoyed a wind up L6V GRACE Group BBQ at the manse. Everyone supplied a salad or a dessert to accompany barbequed chicken kabobs. The selection, quantity and flavours made the meal appealing and delicious. Bea Embling reminisced about all the events and good times we experienced as an L6V GRACE Group. The Rev. Rebekah Mitchell’s youthful energy, smile personality and leadership will be truly missed. Great friends, great conversation, great fun; our loss, Graceview’s gain.
Ivie Wightman
***************
On June 17, Grace and Ken Yates hosted the
L6T/L6P GRACE Group potluck meeting. Chef Ken
served up a delicious barbeque of steak and shrimp.
Salads and other dishes and liquid refreshments were
provided by members of the group, which is co-led
by Robert Hakim and Felicity Alexander.
***************
The L6Y GRACE Group also enjoyed coming
together for a wonderful BBQ, seasoned with much
conversation and laughter, on June 20 at the home
of Ray Scanlan and Doreen Scott-Dunne. It was a
great way to celebrate the arrival of summer and the
bonds of faith and friendship that we experience at
St. Andrew’s.
Better Together by Wayne Tedder
With summer at the doorstep, there are no shortage
of magazines and TV cooking shows offering tips
and recipes for the ‘perfect’ summer BBQ. Though
in planning this year’s St. Andrew’s BBQ, our Rev.
Geoff Ross came up with a recipe that just may have
topped them all.
☼ Take one big BBQ grill.
☼ Cover it from side to side, top to bottom, with
burgers and hot dogs.
☼ Host the event in a park so you can invite friends.
Lots of them! Friends who bring salads, desserts,
and other goodies. Friends who help fill the air
with song and laughter.
☼ All of the above to be enjoyed under the bright,
warm sunshine of a June afternoon.
What made the day even more special was that the
friends invited were from Christ Church, St. Paul’s
United Church and Grace United Church.
It was a morning
of sermons and
hymn singing in
the park followed
by a BBQ lunch
and games for the
young and the
young at heart.
7
by Gord Warren
Summer is now officially here. It may not feel like it
yet, as it’s still a little too cool for being on a beach
and running into the water, but that time will soon be
here. I hope that everyone will enjoy the summer
with friends, family and loved ones. The long, sunny
days, with a cool drink enjoyed on the deck or patio,
are what we waited for all winter and spring,.
The gardens have been
planted and we wait for
the flowers to bloom
and the vegetables to
mature so that they
might be enjoyed.
As you attend your
summer parties and
BBQs, don’t forget the
clients of your Food
Bank. The Food Bank
remains open all summer
and it’s your generosity that allows this to happen.
The volunteers also take time off during the summer
season to be with their families and relax. We are
thankful for the students who assist during the summer
months as it helps the clients, allows the students to
learn about the missions of our church and gives the
high school students volunteer hours. If you have a
student in mind, please contact one of the Food Bank
Committee members to learn of any vacancies. There
are other opportunities to assist the Food Bank during
the summer, such as tending the gardens; they need to
be watered and weeded during the week in order to
produce the required crop in the fall.
Your Food Bank is planning for the next season as we
change to help the clients. We are planning a large
food drive, in conjunction with local hockey teams,
for late November, working closer with other agencies
in the area, and evolving to better help the clients.
The Food Bank Committee wishes everyone a safe,
enjoyable summer.
The Junior Music Makers finished their year with a
wrap up party in the Great Hall, Wednesday, June 14.
As the children arrived, they were most happily
surprised to learn that the “Blues Band” (Michelle
Tedder, guitar, and Dean Dunlop, bass guitar) were
in attendance, and would be accompanying their
performance at the Strawberry Social the following
week. After rehearsing their song, riotous fun
ensued, as the Blues Band accompanied several
rollicking games of Musical Chairs. Then, after
playing Giant Jenga and Yogourt, the evening
wrapped up with a huge Dairy Queen cake.
Thank you for all your hard work this year, Junior
Music Makers – see you in the fall!
Junior Music Makers classes start up Wednesday,
September 13, 7:00 pm, in the sanctuary – all are
welcome!
Shelagh Tyreman
Food…
for Thought
8
Stewardship Corner by Doreen Scott-Dunne
Summer Evenings
A favourite activity in long, summer evenings is to
tell stories around a campfire. Eyes light up,
imaginations are sparked and memories are made.
Some stories are never forgotten.
Jesus was an amazing storyteller. He told stories that
people would understand. He picked common
objects to tell stories about – a lost coin and a lost
sheep. He told stories of exceptional kindness about
the Good Samaritan, and always He cared and
nurtured others, including those who were sick and
needed healing.
Sometimes we need spiritual as well as physical
healing and this is illustrated by Pastor Brian Kluth’s
illustration of the story of the world’s first billionaire,
John D. Rockefeller. Kluth tells us that:
“the very first person to reach the status of
billionaire was a man who knew how to set goals and
follow through. At the age of 23, he had become a
millionaire, by the age of 50 a billionaire. Every
decision, attitude, and relationship was tailored to
create his personal power and wealth.
But three years later at the age of 53 he became
ill. His entire body became racked with pain and he
lost all the hair on his head. In complete agony, the
world’s only billionaire could buy anything he
wanted, but he could only digest milk and crackers.
An associate wrote, "He could not sleep, would not
smile and nothing in life meant anything to him." His
personal, highly skilled physicians predicted he
would die within a year.
That year passed agonizingly slowly. As he
approached death, he awoke one morning with the
vague remembrances of a dream. He could barely
recall the dream but knew it had something to do with
not being able to take any of his successes with him
into the next world. The man who could control the
business world suddenly realized he was not in in
control of his own life. He was left with a choice.
He called his attorneys, accountants, and managers
and announced that he wanted to channel his assets
to hospitals, research, and mission work. On that day
John D. Rockefeller established his foundation. This
new direction eventually led to the discovery of
penicillin, cures for current strains of malaria,
tuberculosis and diphtheria. The list of discoveries
resulting from his choice is enormous.
But perhaps the most amazing part of
Rockefeller’s story is that the moment he began to
give back a portion of all that he had earned, his
body’s chemistry was altered so significantly that he
got better. It looked as if he would die at 53 but he
lived to be 98 years old. Rockefeller learned
gratitude and gave back from his wealth. Doing so
made him whole. It is one thing to be healed; it is
another to be made whole.”
As we enjoy the long summer days, and add to our
personal stories, it is worth remembering that we
have so much to be thankful for, and that we have an
abundant and generous God, whose purpose is that
we will always be made whole!
Hour of Corporate Prayer
On the third Friday in June, a group met in the
parlour to pray for a variety of issues that we are
unable to resolve by our own efforts. Although God
has answered many requests over the past few years,
the list of issues around the world keeps growing
every month and we faithfully come before our
Creator with petitions of adoration, confession,
thanksgiving and supplication.
We are reminded that Jesus instructed us to pray for
any and all things and to pray with persistence. Jesus
tell us a story of a woman who wanted justice and
who badgered the magistrate on a daily basis with her
petitions until the judge finally capitulated and gave
her justice. This, Jesus said, is how we should pray.
So too, we are moved to call out to the Lord for the
many issues facing us in the world today that just
seem too overwhelming to contemplate. The group
will not be meeting face to face over the summer,
however, you are invited to pray from home for the
many issues which arise each day and to join the
group in the parlour at 3:00 pm on the third Friday in
September to pray for our world, our country, our
leaders and our church. All are welcome.
9
St. Andrew’s-Pringle Women’s
Missionary Society
June 2017
Kim Shepherd welcomed everyone to this year’s
summer pot luck dinner, especially our guests, the
Rev. Gerry Doran, Pam Loree and Wayne Tedder.
The Rev. Rosemary Doran said grace and we all
enjoyed a delicious array of hot foods, salads and
desserts. Special thanks to Wayne Tedder for his
help in the kitchen.
Our roll call for the month was “a book or movie
for summer enjoyment” and the suggestions are
provided (at right) for everyone to enjoy.
Kim spoke briefly on the 2017 Women’s
Gathering – Rooted in Love, with Anna Eitner
reading the scripture Ephesians 3:16-21. Kim shared
with the group how Truth and Reconciliation is now
being renamed Healing and Reconciliation. A few
stories were shared from the Gathering’s guest
speaker, Cindy Blackstock. Although it was hard to
hear, Kim shared that it had a special meaning to her
as she discovered that her grandfather was Micmac
(from New Brunswick) and in the residential school
system here in Toronto.
Doreen Scott-Dunne also shared a wonderful
story of her time in the education system.
The evening was closed with the Mizpah
Benediction.
***************
Prayer for Summertime
Loving God, Creator of all times and places, we thank you for the gift of summertime,
the days of light, warmth and leisure. Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us
everywhere we look: the multi-colored flowers, the deep blue of the sky,
the tranquil surface of lakes, the laughter of children at play,
people strolling in park, families gathered around picnic tables, and the
increased time to spend with family and friends.
Suggested for Summer Reading or Watching
BOOKS:
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Mrs. Hudson and the Spirits’ Curse by Martin Davies
The Family that Conquered Everest by Alan Mallory
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
A Woman’s Place by Katelyn Beaty
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
As Time Goes By, by Mary Higgins Clark
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristoff
Agents of the Apocalypse by Dr. David Jeremiah
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Attwood
The Other Face of God by Dr. Mary Jo Leddy
Lion by Saroo Brierley (also a movie)
MOVIES/TV SHOWS:
Hidden Figures
A Case for Christ
Maudie
Escape to the Country
(TV show on Gusto)
***************
It is summer….are you crafty? Do you
make cards, soap, Christmas ornaments?
The 2017 Christmas High Tea & Bake
Sale is on November 4 and we would
love to have your talents at the sale.
10
B I RTHD AYS
July 2 Victoria Goodman 3 Perveen Kousar 5 Rukhsana Chand, Denise Sannella 6 Christine Moczkodan, Muriel Taylor 7 Bryen Hallim 10 Doreen Barrington, Herbert Eitner,
Lauren Kennedy, Ewen MacDonald 11 Dan Hardat, Geraldine Watt 12 John Crilly 15 Claudio Cabral, Shawna Urquhart-Van Vliet 16 David Linton 17 Jholene Massy 18 Mary Ramsay 19 Elio Jarjour, Cora McAteer 20 Doreen Scott-Dunne 21 Colin Gow, Jonathan Wooder
22 Shahid Emanuel, Cecil Pervez, Juliana Tegzes, Jo-ann Urquhart 23 Amanda Wattier 25 Kevin Jarjour 27 Marion Crawford, David McClure, Urmilla Nawaz, Robert Wightman 28 Kyle McDonald, Samuel Odzenma, Sr. 29 Natalie Hylands. Laura Roberts 30 James Jarjour, Emma Leggett, Mark Nicol, Reginald, Odzenma, Steve Whidden 31 Liam Leggett, Ken Yates
B I RTHD AYS
August 1 Beatrice Amoah 2 Amelia Gow, Nicholas Lachhman 3 Lisa Beck, Sally McCoy, Lynn McKittrick, Nathan Woods 4 Mya Hamid, Kannan Massey-Mubushar, Mason Whidden 5 Adesina Barrington, Elizabeth Corbett- Nicholson, Ethel Fenton, Anthony Halm 6 Regan Ross, Debbie Warwick 7 Alexander Koloko 8 Andrew Artymko, Christopher Hylands 9 Loghan Marshall 10 Rudolph Sooklall 12 Cameron McKnight 14 Cheryl Kerfoot, Wendy Wilson 16 Robyn Jarjour 17 Lisa Gilroy, Kenneth Johnston 18 Colleen Peyer, Jack Urquhart 19 Roger Jarjour, Annisha Massy 22 Carly Wilson 23 Andrew Emon, Patti Tegzes-Hearn 24 Koreen Ewald, Bill Russell 26 Katelyn Brusso, Aibek John, Sarah Ann Orrom, Michael Rodine 27 Aksa Basharat 28 Vanessa Hutchinson, Sarah Matheson, Jacqueline Wooder 29 Sarah Dean 30 Rohail Massy, Olivia Matheson 31 Leticia Acheampong
September 1 Isabel Kennedy, Heather Prechner, Marilyn Tyreman 2 Alyssa Decicco 4 Darren Ramoutar 5 Yasmeen Abbas, Yarousha Iftikhar, Liam Nicol, Alverna Peacock 6 Anne Russell 7 Derek Allen 8 Kent Armstrong, Steve Bagoly
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PASSAG ES
Doreen Scott-Dunne wrote the following poem after
attending the Day Away at Crieff Hills last month.
On the Way
A solitary pilgrim Tracing ancient footsteps
Of the Master. Searching to find meaning Seeking to grow stronger
On the journey. Finding that emotion In each new location
Overwhelms. Encountering a feeling
That grows into a yearning For connection.
Hears the Spirit whisper: “Listen to your heart,
Be still and rest. Try to sense the promise
That you are surrounded by A great cloud of witnesses.
Connect to their courage And seek inspiration
From the Master. Follow in His footsteps and
Walk with strength and purpose On the Way.”
(Hebrews 12:1) (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Moment for Mission by Ray Scanlan
June was a very busy month for mission at St.
Andrew’s with a plethora of events and projects – so
many opportunities for us to put our faith into action,
by way of a host of inside and outside ways to serve
our church and in our community. In many ways, the
members of St. Andrew’s were living the vision by
being “a community loving God by loving our
neighbours”. Just like in the mission field, there were
teams who took on some very practical tasks, such as
cleaning the sanctuary and the kitchen, painting, and
cultivating the garden and patio areas. Maintaining
God’s house in various teams draws us closer
together both as a church and as a family. Similarly,
reaching out to our community, through the
collection and provision of fifty bags of used clothing
for our community and the preparing of thirty
backpacks and hygiene kits for men leaving the local
prison, in addition to our weekly food bank,
demonstrates that we care enough for our community
to put our faith into action. A team also reached out
during “Celebrate Brampton” and provided a
complimentary pancake breakfast to those attending
this major event and extended invitations to attend
the services at St. Andrew’s. (photos of these
activities are on back cover)
Over the summer, the Missions Team will be
preparing new signs for the St. Andrew’s float for
entry into the November Santa Claus Parade where
our theme will be “Christmas Around the World” as
we share the float with our Urdu ministry members
and their children. The message will be delivered in
several languages, proclaiming our diversity.
We hope to see you at our Missions Booth on Rally
Sunday.
Congratulations
to those celebrating
special anniversaries this summer
66 years Ellen & Robert Stevenson
64 years Audrey & George McCracken
63 years Dolores & Norman Young
57 years Verna & Cecil Kester
52 years Fida & John Jarjour
52 years Mae & Farquhar MacDonald
52 years Mary & Lionel Nichol
51 years Susan & Kenny McGoogan
51 years Shirley & Ken Johnston
45 years Cynthia & John Prechner
30 years Nova Saliba & Robert Hakim
25 years Jemma & Wayne Jhingoorie
25 years Regan & Geoff Ross
St. Andrew’s Prayer Circle members offer prayers for those who are experiencing an illness or loss, or going through difficult times.
To submit a prayer request call: the church office, 905-451-1723 ext. 0
or email [email protected]
Shortfall Pie Chart
Jan 1 - Jun 20, 2017 Jan 1 - Jun 20, 2016
Contributions
Offerings 127,209.78 128,119.23
Other Revenue 12,352.86 10,496.42
Total Contributions 139,562.64 138,615.65
Expense
Congregational Care 77.95 64.96
Education 1,473.29 2,513.34
Mission 1,353.71 608.18
Property 29,492.03 38,685.75
Stewardship 140,456.67 148,408.05
Worship 4,421.81 3,911.47
Total Expense 177,275.46 194,191.75
Net General Surplus (Deficit) (37,712.82) (55,576.10)
14,413.96 15,158.96
PWS&D donations* 3,619.96 6,202.91 25,957.77 25,269.09
Presbyterian Sharing donations*
Food Bank donations*
* NOTE: Presbyterian Sharing, PWS&D and Food Bank are not included in the comparative statement.
Church Finances
Contributions & Expenses ComparativeJune 20, 2017
We currently do not receive enough contributions to
meet the expenses of the operations of the church.
Currently our line of credit is at $97,000 and bills to be
paid are $665.19.
Your contributions to the Weekly Offerings line on your
envelope fund the various ministries of the church such
as the monthly newsletter, music, building
maintenance, utilities, minister stipends and staff
salaries.
Please remember while you are on vacation this
summer, the church expenses still continue. PAR is a
great way to contribute monthly.
Thank you for your consideration and all that you
contribute.
Purpose of this chart is to show in a graphic form the shortfall of contributions to expenses as of June 20, 2017
When we think of stewardship we start with the point that everything - even the air that we breathe -
is not ours, it's given to us
139,563
-37,713
Contributions
Deficit
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13
Summary of the Session Meeting on Monday, June 5, 2017
Photo Directory: GOOD NEWS!!! The Photo
Directory is HERE!!! Please drop by the table in the
Great Hall to pick up your copy (if you had your
pictures taken). If you did not have your photo
taken but wish to purchase a directory, extra copies
will be available at cost – $15.
faith in ACT!ON: Check out the media screen in
the Church St. foyer to see pictures from our
grace@WORK weekend projects! Thanks to all
who participated! Next year promises to be even
better – with more projects designed to interact with
and serve our community!
Looking Forward: While summer has yet to begin,
make sure that you mark Rally Day, Sunday
September 24, on your calendars! Invite a friend or
two and join us to kick off a dynamic fall season here
at St. Andrew’s, Brampton!! There will be cake!
170th Anniversary Plans: Also this fall – the
Anniversary Celebration for our 170th year of
mission and ministry here in Brampton. Join us on
the weekend of October 21-22 as we give thanks and
celebrate the works of those who have come before
us, and think of new ways to be present in our
community for many years to come! We are forming
a team to work on 170th Anniversary Celebration
ideas, including commemorative swag and a Gala
Dinner! If you’d like to help, please speak to the
Rev. Geoff Ross or any of the Session members.
Council of Elder’s Annual BBQ: Attention all
Elders of St. Andrew’s – Serving and Supporting
Elders – the annual Council of Elders BBQ will
be happening at the home of Geoff & Regan Ross
on Sunday, June 25, at 5:00 pm for any of the
Session members. Hamburgers, hotdogs and
sausages will be provided. Please bring a lawn
chair, and salad or dessert to share.
Email Communication: To be added to our
distribution list for periodic emails Fill in the form
in the bulletin and put it in the offering plate, or
email: [email protected]
Committee Happenings
All Committee Nights
Commencing October 10 at 7:00 pm
Starting this fall, all committees will be meeting on
the same night every month – the second Tuesday
of each month, to be precise. As well, the first 20
minutes of each night will begin with a group
meeting of all committee members, to discuss
upcoming events, share ideas, and ensure the flow
of communication. Then, the various committees
will break out to complete their meetings separately,
with a clear picture of what the other groups in the
church are up to. The Session is excited about this
change, as we feel it will improve the coordination
of events and activities if all committee members
have a chance to talk and plan together!
Committee Photos: Want to know who’s on first?
Check out the bulletin board to the right of the
sanctuary door in the Great Hall for photos of and a
list of names for each committee. If you are
interested in helping out, seek out any of the
committee members shown there, or come see the
displays that will be set up by all committees on
Rally Day, September 24.
Stewardship: Visitation for “Share the Vision-
Planting Hope” continues. If you haven’t had a visit
yet, please contact the church office to ensure you
are put in priority! Also, Blessings Jars (for your
loose change when you feel blessed) are available in
the church office. Count your blessings and
remember how much God loves you!
Missions: The Missions Committee is grateful to all
who participated in our faith in ACT!ON initiative
June 3-4. Your support truly shows what a loving
community of faith we are blessed with at St.
Andrew’s. The local prison chaplain was very
appreciative of the backpacks we provided. They
have one left from last year as many men are
released to a local shelter and the articles included
are basic necessities in the first few weeks
Congregational Care: We at St. Andrew’s want to
know about those in our community who are
experiencing ill health or other challenges and
would like prayers or a pastoral visit. Please call
the office at 905-451-1723, or email
[email protected] so that we can
provide appropriate care.
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Berry Good Time by Wayne Tedder
The Strawberry Social. It’s the annual event at St. Andrew’s that is both a tradition and a celebration. It’s the tradition that offers a wonderful evening’s entertainment by celebrating the talents of many members of our congregation. And it’s thanks to the talents of local strawberry farmers, those who attend the event are able to enjoy a bowl of strawberry shortcake.
Following the consumption of those strawberries, on the evening of June 21, this year’s strawberry social talent show was underway. What followed over the next couple of hours was more than a raucous ride that featured humor, song, and dance. It was a celebration of friends, parents and children, and congregation performing together. Creating wonderful memories that they, and the audience, will remember for years to come.
This year’s strawberry social followed the tradition of celebrating the arrival of summer. It also, as is tradition, was a celebration of Christian fellowship, of the fun and fulfillment that can be derived simply from gathering together over something as simple as strawberry shortcake.
2017 Strawberry Social Program
Master of Ceremonies – Geoff Ross
Junior Music Makers The Beach Story
Terry Russell Funny Stories
Pam Loree If We’re Honest
King of the World
Bruce Cornish Groaners – Act 1
& Ian Jess
Jessica Rhind Fan Bellydance
Simpson Ross Volksliedchen
by Schumman
Intermission
Bruce Cornish Groaners – Act 2
& Ian Jess
Rebekah & Morley Mitchell This Land is Our Land
In Christ Alone
Above All
Nbila Shahid Dance
Andy Bunkis, Archie Bax, Heavy Brass
Karen Dunlop, Thomas Dewar
Senior Choir Pass Me Not
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Let me begin by saying – again – how much of a
pleasure and a privilege it has been to serve St.
Andrew’s for the past six and a half years. It’s hard
for me to comprehend that my time here is actually
coming to an end. There are so many people I
treasure in this congregation, so many moments that
have made a difference in my life and the lives of
others. To paraphrase one of my favourite movies
(Field of Dreams): The memories are so thick I have
to brush them away from my face.
Looking through six and a half years of photos has
brought back so many memories and so many joys. I
would like to take a moment to share the highlights
with you.
Fellowship – St. Andrew’s has been a place that
embraced me warmly in Christian Fellowship from
the moment I arrived. From picnics and barbecues to
golf tournaments to choir parties and Lunch with the
Minister, I have never wanted for a friendly face, a
warm hug and a good chat. For an introvert like me,
this is especially precious. You have helped me get
out of my shy shell, and I thank you.
Worship – I have been so blessed to journey with
you in faith. There have been so many Sundays on
which I’ve walked out of the building after the
morning’s worship and thought, “I love my church.”
Each of you are a part of that. You have encouraged
my preaching from day one, you have helped me find
myself as a worship leader, you have been there week
after week, you have prayed with me and for me. We
have sung the songs of our faith together, shared
laughter and (more than once!) wept together. And I
thank you.
Adventures – During my time here, I’ve embarked on
some pretty big adventures. Although I hate flying,
I’ve travelled to Israel three times (once on a pastor’s
tour, and twice with members of St. Andrew’s), and
last year, I travelled to Scotland in July with our Music
Director, Shelagh Tyreman, and members of our
choir. Singing in St. Giles cathedral rates high on my
list of powerful moments. Walking in the footsteps of
Jesus in the Holy Land has bolstered my faith and
forever changed the way I read scripture and the way
I preach. Your prayers have made the terrifying (to
me) flights something I could bear. And I thank you.
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New Ministries – In my time here, you have
encouraged me to spread my wings by creating new
ministries in your midst. Top on my list are GRACE
Groups and Pre-Advent/Pre-Lent All Ages Events.
The GRACE Groups have provided a smaller family
group within the family of St. Andrew’s for many.
The Pre-Advent and Pre-Lent Events have given
resources to our
members to help them
experience these
special times within
the church calendar
and have allowed me
to flex my creative
muscles in putting
together the banners,
videos and teachings
for these evenings.
And I thank you.
The Manse – Since early
February 2011, I have
called the manse home. It
has been my place of rest, a
place where my family and
friends have gathered to
celebrate, and the only
home my darling dog,
Koski, has ever known.
Through my use of the
manse you have provided
me with a warm and safe place to be and the greatest
commute EVER! And I thank you.
There is so much more I could say, but I think this
gives you a taste of the broad range of your influence
on my life over the past six and a half years. I will
forever be thankful for all that we have experienced
together. My prayers and my blessings are with you
as you go into the future.
Right:
Rebekah does
the Ice Bucket
Challenge
baptism in the Jordan River
Left: Rebekah
and her parents
on the Temple
Steps
GRACE Group plants trees
Below:
Cinderella
and Stitch
attend the
Disney
Mystery
Dinner
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faith in ACT!ON
Above: This industrious crew cleaned the
sanctuary, the kitchen and the food bank room.
Left:
painting the
stairwell is not
for the faint of
heart
Below:
the painters also
tackled some of
the classrooms
Gardening is an all ages event!
Above: taking part in the Celebrate
Brampton Festival on June 10
Above: preparing hygiene kits
for the Ontario Correctional Institute