Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Hello,

Today I want to talk about the beautiful partnership with St. Peter’s Lutheran.  They are the church just down Queen Street on the other side of the road.  We have partnered with them for years in terms of the TV ministry – every Sunday between September and June worship is aired live on CTV, one Sunday from St. Andrew’s the next Sunday from St. Peter’s.  It continues to be an important shared ministry.  We are invited into the homes of many seniors in particular across the province and even beyond.  Letters of deep appreciation and support come in talking about how important this ministry is.   Did you know that over 40% of Canadians now live alone?  Into the loneliness, our TV and internet ministries serve an important mission of connectivity.

St. Peter’s is also on another adventure.  They are renovating their property to allow for over 40 low income housing units to be made available to the community.  It is a beautiful step forward in faith and love – love for those most vulnerable among us.  In the spring, they asked if we could support them by hosting them as a congregation within our building, both on Sunday mornings and during the week.  The session voted unanimously in favour.  A small team of people was tasked with working out all the details.  Warm thanks to that group, who worked hard and effectively.

Beginning in October, St. Peter’s is moving into our building for approximately one year.  On Sundays, they will be using Covenant Chapel for their worship services.  Their children’s program will be down in the Temple room directly below the chapel and they will be using the Heather Room for coffee and refreshments.  They have generously offered a monthly fee to help St. Andrew’s financially.  This is a beautiful partnership that has the potential to strengthen our relationship and do things together thst will benefit the community.  Additionslly, there are thoughts about having a joint service and having coffee together from time to time.

I am excited about this partnership!  And I invite each and everyone of you to help make St Peter’s feel welcome, included and at home.  It is what we do as the people of Jesus the Christ.

Take good care everyone and enjoy your week

Marty