February 23, 2022
Did you miss it? Yesterday’s date was a numerical palindrome (a word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backward as forward) – it was the second month the 22nd day (02 22) of the year 2022. This happens once every 400 years or so. And on top of that it was a Tuesday – or as some radio personalities were saying – Twosday. Quite remarkable.
Last Sunday’s service was quite remarkable as well and if you haven’t had a chance to listen to it, please do so. The music and prayers were wonderful and the sermon was outstanding. It was delivered by John Neufeld from the House of Friendship. It was a simple and profound reflection on the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. John encouraged us to see people around, to see the challenges and difficulties of those in our community who are hungry and homeless; to start to do something about it – just as Jesus did beginning with five loaves and two fishes and then to send messages to all far and wide to become engaged in the work of the gospel. It was wonderful and very affirming for us here at St. Andrew’s and the partnership we have with the Region and the Working Centre for the Emergency Warming Centre. Many thanks to John Neufeld and all involved in the service.
This past week has been a busy one, but a rewarding one as well. Here are a few highlights
Last Thursday Andrew Hight and I led the youth group. It was a great experience. Due to the snow storm it was on zoom as opposed to in person but we had a good turnout and a nice conversation. One of the goals I had was to get to know the youth within St. Andrew’s and so this is a beautiful opportunity to do so.
Yesterday we had preliminary interviews of people for the position of Office Co-ordinator. I was encouraged by both of the interviews. Two more interviews on Thursday. I feel very confident we will find someone who is able to undertake this important role.
We are working towards a higher degree of hybrid worship and hybrid ministry. A team has been gathered who will learn the new software called ProPresenter 7. It will enable people to engage in the worship service wherever they are. Can you imagine hearing someone read the scriptures from their own home during the live worship service and having that live service broadcast out at the same time. It sounds amazing but it is coming. Great thanks to Lauren Wasyluk who is working with the congregation in this regard. You can see some of Lauren’s work on the updated web page for the church! As Lauren would say it is a start in the right direction.
Preparations are being made for the annual congregational meeting this coming Sunday. I look forward to it. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are as a church and how we strive to be an outpost of the kin-dom of God. I would encourage as many of you as possible to join in on that day. We have increased the capacity to 300 people in the Zoom meeting so no-one will be turned away.
A small group of people are also working on evaluating ‘system’s here in the office including the database. Currently we use a program called Churchwatch, which is excellent but not the easiest to use. We are trying to determine if we need more training for Churchwatch or whether another program will be more helpful.
Please note as well that next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. We will create a short pre-recorded service marking Ash Wednesday and it will be streamed out on Arithmecode which is accessible through the web page under Live Streaming.
Rev. Barb Molengraaf is offering a Bible Study for Lent beginning Wednesday March 9th @ 1:00p.m. for 6 weeks with Adam Hamilton’s Book, "The Way” Come and join us as we explore the places Jesus went in that last week. Please respond to this email if you want to register for that study.
On Sunday, we announced that our Coldest Night of the Year walk was that evening. It might have been a cold night (windchill anyone?), but it wasn’t the Coldest Night of the Year walk! That is coming up this Saturday, so there is still time to dig out the thermal undies and join us and/or support our fundraising for Ray of Hope. Our goal is set as $5,000.00 and we’re currently about 2/3 of the way! Help us bust through the icy ceiling and go over the top. The Ray of Hope is such a wonderful community agency helping the homeless and hurting in our neighbourhoods. You can donate through the website linked below, or through the church office - remember the secured mailbox on the Queen St. ramp door - or by etransfer, marked CNOY.
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=973210&langPref=en-CA
Our team welcomes your support, prayers, and very warm thoughts.
And finally, just an advance notice – the obituary for Reta Kimmel will not be in the paper until Saturday. So here is the information about her funeral which will be led by Rev. Wendy Paterson:
“Long-time member, Reta Kimmel died peacefully on February 21. Her service will be at Henry Walser Funeral Home on Monday, February 28 at 11 a.m. It will also be live-streamed. Please keep her family in your prayers. Reta was 105 years old.”
Take care everyone, God bless and have a remarkable day!
Marty