Sunday July 31

I have to say, I've been finding the summer of '16 to be a bit unnerving. A series of scary and tragic current events punctuated by some of our neighbour's election year bombast has made me reluctant to even check the news these days. What is the world coming to?  Where can we see ourselves in such an atmosphere?

Sunday's service, in which we welcomed back Reverend Bill MacLellan, seemed to speak directly to my concerns.

The words of the hymns and psalm chosen - to be guided by courage and wisdom and to avoid placing all our faith in human leaders - set the tone.  We were reminded through a reading of the Parable of the Rich Fool that the Christian ideal is to view abundance as an opportunity for increased service and not to line coffers. And in her time with the kids Christine echoed this idea as they reflected on that absorbing question - how much candy is enough?

In his sermon, entitled "Again, What Makes the Church Great?", Reverend Bill pointed out that contemporary values are not necessarily God's values, that they may, in fact, be complete opposites. By referring to current events such as campaign trails and Mohammed Ali's funeral, he reminded us of the Christian touchstones of service and generosity and the importance, especially these days, of opening our hearts and truly living our faith.

Joan R.

A very important funeral

This morning we welcomed Reverend Bob Hill back to pulpit.  It is always a pleasure to listen to his sermons, as he delivers a clear message infused with humour.  The title of the sermon, “A very important funeral”, was aptly named as he challenged us to “bury” the notion of living in the past and being focused on“what might have been”.  He suggested that we go forward in faith, be open to new ideas, and take risks both individually and as a congregation.  Otherwise, we fail to grow in our relationship with God.   In my own life, taking risks is not something that comes naturally to me, but I have been shown that I need to take these risks in order to respond to God’s call.  As we go forward as a congregation, I pray that his message may be an inspiration to us all.

Reverend Hill has urged us to “bury ‘no’ and resurrect ‘yes’” .  He even offered to conduct the “funeral” free of charge, and as good Presbyterians, that is an offer too good to refuse!

Heather F.

The promise of laughter

We were welcomed with the beautiful picture of Sarah’s laughter on the bulletin which at first glance, could be seen as depicting Sarah’s sorrow: Sarah and Abraham have been desiring for a child as promised by God. They both waited a long time and Sarah was having doubts.

Karen reminded us that God kept on indicating to Abraham, that Sarah will have a son, even after they had one with Sarah's maid.

It would take a long time for the promise to come to pass: twenty years.

What happens when God make us a promise?  Its fulfillment is not always immediate. Just like Abraham and Sarah, we all have experienced the wait upon God’s promise.

I learned from the sermon that his promises never fade.

I also learned that I should always have faith in him. We may feel that God is not listening our prayers, but He will never dismiss us.

Just like Sarah I had my doubts few times and have even tought in my heart of giving up on some of my dreams. I am comforted when He says: Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Gen. 18:14)

At the end of the sermon, I took a second look at the picture on the bulletin, and I saw Sarah’s incredulity: the Lord has kept his word and did for her exactly what He had promised.

There is Good News with God, and by taking an extra step in faith, we too can say, like Sarah: God has brought me laughter.

Stay Blessed,
Taji E.
 

The view from the ditch

We welcomed back the Rev. Dr. Sandy Scott to the pulpit and he helped us see things ‘from the ditch’.  Somehow he managed to balance Brexit, terror attacks and violence across the world with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  Laws can tell us what to do and where our responsibilities lie as the lawyer discovered in Luke 10: 25-37:  ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.  But where do these responsibilities end?   

We learn that anyone who is suffering is our neighbour.  They may not look like us, sound like us or worship as we do but our love of God is reflected in how we treat them.  We can have rules and laws but if there is no compassion or mercy then we turn on ourselves. 

Compassion can come from unexpected places.  Have you felt that compassion or mercy lately?  Have you offered the same?

Jeanie H.

Sunday, July 3

This morning's scripture was Luke 10 1-20 in which Jesus sends out seventy people to preach the Gospel in various towns, giving them instructions about how to travel, what to say, and how to accept rejection.  It was a rich passage with many things to teach us.

An especially important element was the idea that the people going forward were very vulnerable, "lambs among the wolves" as Rev. Dimock put it.  She spoke of vulnerability as including exposing our emotions, sharing unpopular views, asking for help, accepting accountability, and asking for forgiveness.  

The sermon awoke in me thoughts of my personal distaste for asking for things, whether it's money or participation or support or forgiveness.  And yet, as Christians, Christ sends us forward to seek each of these things from others.  And sometimes we don't like it when others, including those with whom we disagree, knock on our door or otherwise ask us to consider their views.  We also resist requests for financial support or for pitching in to help.  But in considering today's scripture, and human nature, we should recognize that doing the asking is not easy and that a fair hearing and a friendly response, regardless of whether it is yes or no, is appropriate, for those asking are trying to do God's will.

Christ told his followers to pay attention to how they are received.  At St. Andrew's, let's commit ourselves to making anyone who asks for something feel they have been received with welcome openness, because in asking they have overcome the vulnerability that so many of us feel when we are sent out in Christ's name.

Rob R.

Sunday, June 26

As we head into the week and listen for God’s call, we reflect on today’s service and our charge.  The three things I am taking with me:

• God’s promise
• God’s calling
• Following God. 

God promises to be with us throughout our life journey.  He is there with us when we are baptized and when we partake in activities that fulfill God’s mission.  Indeed, He is there with us every moment of every day.

Strengthened by His promise, we commit to listening to His call and being faithful disciples.   Although we may not always heed the calling, as Rev. Davis reminded us, it is never too late to answer. 

Sometimes I feel nervous when I hear the call (or when I am ready to answer), however, I know that He would not lead me astray.  Knowing that I am in God’s loving embrace, I follow Him with courage and humility.

Colleen G.

BBQ season!

Summertime...and the livin' is easy!  Not sure about you but I love me some BBQ and I'm inviting you to join me in the courtyard each Wednesday evening in July to enjoy the weather, enjoy the company of your friends and to explore the Midsomer Miracles at St. Andrew's.

It promises to be a time of fun and discussion so bring yourselves, bring a salad and come and join us for supper each Wednesday in July at 6:00.  Discussion begins at 7:00 but we can't get your point of view if you're not there.  And feel free to bring a friend too.

Laura M.