From the Minister

September has arrived and fall is coming. This is one of my favourite times of the year. Summer has brought rest and renewal and there is a new energy in the air as I look forward to reconnecting and catching up with those of you returning from time away.

After a wonderful vacation in July, it was good to return to the church in August and find the renovation work completed and unpacking well underway. Many thanks to the Temporal Committee whose leadership and guidance through the disruptions of the past year made all the difference.

As the renovations began so shortly after my arrival, I am just now getting to learn what normal looks like at St Andrews! One constant I have discovered is how supportive and encouraging you, the congregation, are, of each other and the ministry here. The extensive work being done on the heating and ventilation system often meant changes in plans already made and disruptions in our usual habits and practices. Thank you for your gracious accommodation, patience and good humour last winter and spring.

With our building back and feeling like our own again, the new church year is more than ready to begin. Vacation Bible School was like its baptism, with the Holy Spirit bringing laughter and energy, the sharing of hope and joy. Now the congregational retreat is just around the corner, with Rally Sunday coming hard on its heels. My desk is covered with plans for Worship, Wednesday communion and Bible and Discussion Groups. So much to look forward to!

Looking out my study window as I work, I see the Supreme Court, the traffic that fills our nation’s capital and the coming and going of many people. The beautiful view and the life it captures, remind me daily of the time and place God has called us to. I will soon begin my second year at St Andrew’s and giving thanks for that, look forward to the time ahead, sharing together as we seek to love God and neighbour, to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our Lord.

You can click here to read the Days of September. This monthly newsletter is written as an invitation, welcoming you and all who you share it with, into the worship and life we have together in Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,
Karen

Truth & Reconcilliation Commission of Canada

The TRC is holding its closing events in Ottawa,
May 31-June 3, 2015.

This is an important moment in the history of our nation and denomination.

For more than 120 years, tens of thousands of Aboriginal children were sent to Indian Residential Schools funded by the federal government and run by the churches. They were taken from their families and communities in order to be stripped of language, cultural identity and traditions. Canada’s attempt to wipe out Aboriginal cultures failed. But it left an urgent need for reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

All gatherings are held at the Delta Ottawa, unless otherwise indicated. Open to the public and admission is free.

If you would like more information on the TRC or the events scheduled please click here or check out the website www.trc.ca

10th Anniversary of St. Andrew's Church Bell

When our present church was erected in 1873 on the site of the first stone church, the steeple was built to accommodate a bell.  However for the next 127 years the steeple stood strong but silent as money raised by the church (especially the Ladies' Aid Society) went to the urgent needs of the poor in the city. It was not until 2005, that two families in the church donated for the purchase of the bell, as well as to cover the substantial installation costs.

More details on the history of the St. Andrew's Church Bell are available in the June 2010 St. Andrew's in Action.

Pause Table

We had a very busy day at the Pause Table at Carleton University yesterday.  We would like to express my thanks to all who helped at the table and who supplied food.  We had 1600 students fed this exam time.  That is a record for us.

CTV news did a spot on those that are helping the students during this stressful time.  Click here for the CTV link, recognize anyone you know at about 26 minutes into the broadcast?

Letter to the Prime Minister

The Canadian Council of Churches have sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper regarding Canada’s military mission to Iraq and Syria. The letter was signed by all 25 denominations that are members of the Canadian Council of Churches.  There is a brief letter as well to the Prime Minister from Jim Champ (Salvation Army) the President of the Canadian Council of Churches. Please take a moment to view our Christian voice to the government of Canada about this important matter.

Read the letter here.

Ottawa Christian Softball League

Starting in May, come play softball with other Christians in Ottawa!
Fridays 6:30pm, May 8th-August 21st
Co-Ed, Adults age 18+ (Women especially needed!)

Contact Michael Morris at Parkwoodyouth@yahoo.ca.

Celebrating "Jesus Week" with your family

Some interesting thoughts from the Worshiping with Children blog, as we look towards Easter Sunday. From the blog:

Lent is impossibly long for children – almost six weeks and no real story to go with it.  That is forever!  But, Holy Week lasts only eight days and is filled with action stories.  Children are ready to focus for that time on the key stories of the Christian faith.  For them it is Jesus Week. 

http://www.worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/2013/03/celebrating-jesus-week-lent-is.html

Take some time this week with your family. And if you're able, join us for Maundy Thursday's agape meal together, or the Good Friday choral meditations. See you for celebrations Easter Sunday!