September 22, 2022
Hello everyone
Today marks the first day of fall and my puppy is happy. We went for our walk this morning. He does not like the heat and humidity at all. For the first time in a long time he was out front leading the way, enjoying the cooler weather, frolicking and having fun. It put a smile on my face.
My hope is the change in the weather does the same for you – the changing seasons are sometimes surprisingly refreshing.
There is some wonderful and refreshing news to share with you today – the Roy Street task force, set up under the property committee has been working for a few years already to look at possible uses for Solo House – 11 Roy Street. The building has been recognized as unusable at present. An idea of a new ministry for St. Andrew’s is forming and the session heard from the task force about it this past Monday. A congregational meeting has been scheduled for October 30 to present the ideas to the congregation for consideration. It involves the possible launching of a ministry to adults with disabilities here at St. Andrew’s. There may be a possibility for day time programs and activities that would support this segment of our population. Presently when a person with disabilities turns 18 much of the government support disappears leaving families in a lurch. It may also involve a housing component using the church property while still maintaining the integrity of the church – the sanctuary would be untouched and we would not sell the land. The task force has identified great needs within this population that we may be able to meet in a variety of different ways. Exploratory conversations with organizations like KW Extend and Family and Elmira Community Living revealed that a church like St. Andrew’s could really make a difference. The session needs to know whether this initiative excites the imagination of the congregation. Community partners would be needed of course. Funding from government and other sources would be needed. St. Andrew’s could not and would not fund this, other than to allow use of portions of our property for this purpose. Please plan to attend the congregational meeting on September 30 either in person or via zoom. It is both the task force’s and the session’s hope that this might excite the interest the congregation.
The Governance Task Force will also be reporting at the October 30 meeting. Long and useful conversations by some very hardworking people have resulted in a number of recommendations that will first go to the session on October 12 and then to the congregation. Governance is “the art of getting things done in such a way that a congregation is faithful to its calling and vision”. These are not easy discussions, but the congregation should be proud of those who are having them. I know I am. And I look forward to the input and consideration of the congregation.
A warm thank you to those who volunteered at the Honorary Crosswalk last Friday (mostly for ensuring the safety of children in and on the surrounding streets). Those who attended found it meaningful and informative. The session affirmed at its meeting that the work of reconciliation with First People’s is part of the mission and ministry of St. Andrew’s. Our contribution to the event in addition to volunteering was to pay for the hotel costs and car rental costs for members of the Orange Shirt Society who came from B.C. to be part of the event. Contributions from congregational members, family foundations and another Presbyterian church (St. Andrew’s in Guelph) made all of that possible. Just a reminder as well that Orange Shirt Day is coming up on September 30. This is a national day set aside for healing and reconciliation.
Confirmation class begins on October 2 – this will be a little different this year. It is open to anyone who may ask the question “why in today’s society would I choose to be a person of faith? Why would I choose to be part of a church?” it is our hope that people of all ages will attend. There will be a combination of in person and online events as well as podcasts, readings, reflections and community projects. More and more people in our society are choosing not to be involved in church or in religion. Why would we? It is a great question and I look forward to the conversations we will have. Both Barb and Marty Molengraaf will lead this event.
A new welcome desk will soon be operational both before and after the church services. Check in to see what is happening, how you can get involved and how you can get more information about the life and work of our congregation.
And finally, the session agreed that Anniversary Sunday would be held this year on Sunday October 30.
Take good care everyone – from the church in Malawi these words to close:
God is Good all the time
All the time God is good.
Marty