Sunday November 16

This year, November seems to be a month full of anticipation for St. Andrew’s.  And a time to give thanks to each of the ministers who has led us in worship once a month during our time of searching for a new principal minister. 

After Rev. Milton Fraser had been thanked early in our worship service, he used the Parable of the Talents from Matthew as a basis for a review of the past year for us.  And his description of the emotions, faith, and service (much service by so many!) encapsulated perfectly for me the journey we have been on over the last year and half.  With confidence and assurance in St. Andrew’s path with our new minister, Rev. Fraser charged us to continue to fully contribute to our Christian community when we welcome the Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock.

Our closing hymn, “We are God’s People”, reminded us of the source of all confidence and comfort.

Sunday Lunch - The Power of Words

This Sunday, I found myself reflecting on the power of words.

First, I was struck by the words of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, as it was sung by the children's choir. This is a song that I know well – attending Catholic school as a child, I sang this song almost every time my school gathered for worship together. It still has the power to transport me back to the little gymnasium of my elementary school, where we often held our services – I can still see all of us in my mind's eye, arranged by class, sitting on floor and singing the words projected on the concrete wall. Those of us who could not yet read somehow already knew the words by heart. I still know those words by heart, and I was comforted to hear them this Sunday.

The second set of words that spoke to me in a powerful way were the words of Psalm 46:5 – "God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns." After the unsettling and surreal events that occurred in Ottawa this week – just blocks away from the doors of our church – these words gave me a deep reassurance, reminding me of God's presence at all times, and also his grace that gives us the strength and courage to keep loving our neighbour despite tragedy, despite fear.

Finally, and most importantly, on this Reformation Sunday, we were reminded of Martin Luther's radical belief that all people should be able to read the Word of God in a language they understand. His translation of the Bible from Latin into German was the spark of a new Christianity, one that wanted to experience God's Word for itself. Today, we still cherish this Word for its power, placing it at the centre of our faith experience, where it instructs, guides and comforts us.

Jessica C.

Sunday Lunch - October 19

I am so thankful for the Rev. Bill MacLellan and his words this morning.  I'm thankful that Bill knows us from his months leading the congregation, and that he cares for us.  This morning, he gave us the "Charge!" as we prepare for another step in the journey of our congregation. 

We talked first about Transitions and how difficult and uncomfortable they can be.  He reminded us of Moses in the desert (Exodus 33:12-23) and how we all wonder, "But God, what is your plan here??"  And then Bill reminded us of who we are as a congregation, and of our core values of justice and equality.   He said that our wholehearted approval of Rev. Karen Dimock coming as the new minister showed that we are a congregation that does not disregard people based on their gender.  (And I must confess, I was a bit uncomfortable at the thought of our hiring a woman minister being something we should be congratulating ourselves on - shouldn't we be celebrating this next stage of the journey without regard for the gender of the person shepherding us into it?  Nevertheless, I expect it will not be long as we get to know Karen as a person, for the gifts she has and is willing to share with us, rather than just as a Symbol of St. Andrew's Core Values.) 

And then just like Paul to the Thessalonians, Bill exhorted us to become more of what we are as a congregation: warm, open, loving and accepting.  Which reminded me of what I need to be when I leave the comfort of the Sanctuary - accepting of those different from me and loving to those around me.

Maureen.

Sunday Lunch - Thanksgiving Sunday

At today's service, on Thanksgiving weekend, I was reminded, unsurprisingly, of how much we have to be thankful for.  It was a fine morning, with just the right autumnal crispness in the air, and the maple trees verdant in their lavish red colours. The handbell choir performance was lovely today. And, I was of course very proud of our psalm reader, our little daughter, and, in listening to her reminded that this is our fifth thanksgiving as a family at St. Andrew's. 

Looking around the pews, and at the pulpit, I see that much has changed since we arrived: new faces have arrived and longtime attendees and members are missed. Yet, much remains the same. I am grateful for the stability we enjoy in this great country.  Two things in particular were nourishing food for thought for me today.  First, I liked the notion Huda suggested in her children's story that we should take seriously the "giving" part of Thanksgiving.  My husband and I folded this into our grace at dinner, when we went around the table and said the usual statement of what we are thankful for but this year added to it a commitment of what we were each prepared to give.  Second, I particularly appreciated the reference in the Minister's prayer to the notion that even where war is a necessary evil it is still an evil. 

Lots to think about; lots of work to be done and much to be thankful for.

Rebecca B.

Sunday Lunch - Table Talk

Today was World Communion day which means that Christians all over the world celebrate the Lord's Supper. The Reverend Milton Fraser delivered an exceptionally touching Sermon today that resonated a lot to my own household, much like most individuals elsewhere.

The title of the Sermon today was conveniently, "Table Talk". As he brilliantly put it, a table, whether in the dining room or as in most households, mine included, in the kitchen, is a place where a lot more than nourishment occurs. A table is a place where celebrations, for example birthday parties, take place, you can have family related events planned, home work completed, advice given to children, if someone dies, the family will normally gather around that same table and remember that person.

In short, a table plays a much bigger role than what we can normally think of. When Jesus taught us to break Bread and drink from the Cup in his remembrance, it was at the table that he sat around with His Disciples. In Luke 14: 1 - 14, Jesus teaches us that we should invite the disadvantaged to sit with us at the table for a meal. What he means here is that we should not only invite those whom we expect to invite us back. At Jesus' table, we are all equal. No one person is more important than the other.

It was wonderful as usual, to have the young children join us for the Lord's Supper.

Paul M.

Sunday Lunch - Sept 28

What a joyful Sunday in the life of St. Andrew's! We are one step closer to calling a minister - not quite there yet, but one step closer. Thanks be to God.

In her sermon, the minister this morning described the ways in which our communities have become fractured, and how Jesus identifies with those who have, for the most part, been cast out by society. He then shows the disciples a different, holy community - one based on welcome, on meeting the needs of others.

She urged us to think about the transformative effect that responding to someone in need can have on a community. I think this is a good message for us as we move forward in this new chapter of our life as a congregation. It is something so central to our faith. We are more than just a group of people that gathers on Sunday mornings. How are we hearing the word of Jesus by reaching out to those in need? What could we be doing to be more inclusive?

The Search Committee spent a lot of time over the past year thinking about St. Andrew's and our ministry. I think the minister we have found will help us as we continue this ministry, including striving to meet the needs of those outside of our congregation and to be inclusive.

I am so very thankful for where we are today, and I am excited to see where God is leading us.

Laura S.