THIS SUNDAY (celebrated as Ascension Sunday) our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will once again be leading us in worship. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNION in person, the Communion wafers are gluten free and the inner ring of glasses on the Communion trays contain white grape juice, the outer ring is red wine. For those joining us through our livestream service on YouTube (see link below), please remember to prepare your own communion elements.
OUR SERMON FOR THIS SUNDAY will focus on the theme of Ascension. We’ll explore what may seem like a strange idea, that Jesus has ascended somewhere to be with his Heavenly Father. And we will look at the response/reaction of the disciples to this departure of Jesus.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 267: “Rejoice the Lord is King” (vs 1-3 English, 4&5 en français) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace Choir Anthem: “Morning has broken” Children’s Time Hymn 201: “We come to ask your forgiveness” Responsive Reading: Psalm 47 Gloria Patri Luke 24:44-53 (en français BFC, English on the screen) Exodus 24:12-18 Sermon: “With Great Joy” Hymn 358: “There is a Redeemer” Offering and Offertory Apostles’ Creed Invitation to the Table Hymn 534: “All who hunger, gather gladly” Lord’s Supper with Great Prayer of Thanksgiving Hymn 274: “Crown him with many crowns” (vs 3&4 en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
The sermon title asks a question – Can we really know or be at peace? If we read the newspapers or watch the news we think of our world in crisis, it doesn’t matter which part of the globe, fires, floods, catastrophes, wars, bombings, starvation and violent death. Fear grips the average individual and they feel helpless and don’t know where to turn. In the passage from John, Jesus speaks to his disciples, he simply says: 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.” In a sense he wants them to know that they have a future and he wants to introduce this idea that it is God who has and holds the future. Revelation paints a final picture of a city where God is the light and a river which is flowing with living water, where the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. It is a scene where there will be no more night. A scene of completion with God rightly on the throne. As Christians we are called to have faith, our thoughts and prayers are to be centered on the Word, not only Scripture but the Word made flesh in Jesus our Lord. Let’s pull up to the table with the disciples and listen as Jesus shares his heart.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join us downstairs after the service this Sunday to enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 299: “Holy, holy, holy” (vs 2&4 en français) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn: “In Christ Alone” (vs 2&3 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 67 Gloria Patri Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 (en français BFC, English on the screen) John 14:23-29 Sermon: “Can we really know or be at peace?” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 750: “How deep the silence of the soul” (sung to tune 671) Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 746: “What a friend we have in Jesus” (vs 2 en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
OUR LESSONS lead us through sight and sound. Psalm 148 enjoins the whole earth and everything created to Praise the Lord. All of creation is caught up in praising their Maker and then as we look to Revelation 21 there is a different kind of praise happening. That which was intended in the heart of Father God at creation is brought together, the coming together of heaven and earth in completion. As Jesus sits with his disciples at their last supper together, Judas has left the scene, for those left at the table, Jesus commands his disciples to “love one another” following his example. Through his miracles and teaching he has been showing his love and compassion. At that last supper he shares with them something that they are not yet aware of … the depth of his love will take him to the cross. He is giving them a command and example they have yet to see. As followers of our Lord, we are to be: United in praise – united by love!
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join us downstairs after the service this Sunday to enjoy cookies and conversation.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 258: Thine be the glory (vs 2 en français) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn: “O God our Creator, you work every day” (Hymn tune 290) Responsive Reading: Psalm 148 Gloria Patri Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Sermon: “United in praise – united by love” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 225: “A new commandment” (vs 2 en français) Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 413: “Come let us join our cheerful songs” Benediction Go now in peace Benediction
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
THIS SUNDAY IS MOTHER’S DAY, a day when we celebrate our mothers. The Presbyterian church designates this Sunday as Christian Family Sunday. The sermon title is “Plain Speech.” The Jewish elders gathered around Jesus in the temple precinct. They put questions to Him. “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” In Jesus we have the word made flesh… he has told them plainly but they have not heard. In our lessons for today, one is most familiar, Psalm 23, the words flow over us with comfort and familiarity. On the other side of Easter we hear verse 4. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” There is a point as Jesus hung on the cross where he could not feel the Father’s presence because a Holy God could not look on his son on the cross bearing the sin of the world. Jesus did not fear evil, on the cross he destroyed its power for time and for eternity. In Revelation, John treats us to another scene of worship in heaven where a multitude that no one can count is before the throne of God and worship with intensity… at the end of this passage John points to the Lamb, in the midst of the throne, that will be their shepherd who will lead them to living waters. Challenged to speak plainly, Jesus identifies his sheep as those who hear him and follow him, no tricks just listening to the plain speech that he offers as he teaches about his Father and then listening to where it will take us in our faith.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 321: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (vs 2&4 en français) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 356: “You, Lord are both lamb and shepherd” Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 Gloria Patri Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 Sermon: “Plain Speech!” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 691: “My shepherd is the king of love” Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 485: “Saviour, like a shepherd lead us” (vs 2 en frnçais) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
“WHAT IS WORSHIP?”; perhaps as you read the sermon title you might wonder about the question. Where are we going here… well, we’re definitely going to the Word of God. In our worship we are centred on him and in him. He enlarges our understanding and our vision. Worship is not merely giving assent to doctrine or creeds. It is much larger than that. In the book of Revelation, the curtain is pulled back and we are permitted a glimpse of worship in heaven: saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” The assembled saints worshipped the Lord Jesus. In the Psalms the writer, David speaks of the healing that God had given to him in the midst of his difficulties, in the midst of his pleading there is praise: that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! As Jesus waits on the shore of the sea of Tiberias, he has prepared breakfast for his disciples who had spent the night in their fishing boats and caught nothing. He calls them to shore and gives them directions and their catch is quite large. He encourages them to eat the meal that he has prepared and he takes Peter aside because they have unfinished business. Jesus speaks at a heart level to Peter and he questions him three times… do you love me? Peter says yes and for each betrayal that was his, the healing words of Christ are to ask again…do you love me? The conversation is finished as Jesus commands Peter: Follow Me! Worship begins and continues in the presence of God, as we receive his word, as we offer ourselves, the work of our hands and the desire of our hearts, our very all.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 788: “Come know my joy, the Maker says” (sung to tune 671) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 252: “He is Lord” (vs 2 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 30 Gloria Patri Revelation 5:11-14 (en français BFC – English on the screen) John 21:1-19 Sermon: “What is worship?” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 248: “At the dawning of salvation” Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 634: “Will you come and follow me?” Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
30 NOW JESUS DID MANY OTHER SIGNS in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:30-31). The sermon title asks a question – What is belief? We all believe something, either we have faith that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and we take Scripture at its word or we hear from time to time some half-formulated approach to the universe, someone saying: “I believe in the universe” as a quasi-substitute for the living God. John’s gospel is different. It is a gospel of signs. John lays out a picture of Jesus and his ministry which differs from the other three Gospels in our New Testament. John comes at the question of “who is Jesus” from a different angle. He is deep in his thinking and his questions are searching, his words revealing. On this second Sunday of Easter, it would be inviting to get caught up with Thomas, who has been given the nickname “doubting Thomas”, whereas the gospels paint a fuller picture of Thomas. Do you believe? Not in the sense of embracing a creed, but rather in the sense of letting the “shalom” peace of God fill you to overflowing as the Holy Spirit continues to lead you in your ever widening realization of the depth of God’s love for you and his grace, mercy and peace.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Hymn 255: “Now let the vault of heaven resound” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 260: “Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord” Responsive Reading: Psalm 118:14-29 Gloria Patri Acts 5:27-32 John 10:19-31 Sermon: “What is belief?” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 243: “Jesus Christ is risen today” (vs 2&3 en français) Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn: “I Believe” (Tune 483) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY (Easter Sunday!!) our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will once again be leading us in worship. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism as Cinthia and Andrés bring their son, Emmanuel, to be baptized. It will be a joyful day of worship and blessing as we join together as one family in worship, through the risen Jesus.
OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, Henry Cobb Howes will be leading the music throughout the service, including leading the choir for two anthems. The first anthem will be the fourth and final verse of last Sunday’s anthem “Were you there?”. The second musical piece, later in the service, is the Easter anthem “My redeemer’s love”, words by Philip P. Bliss, 1876 and music by Lloyd Larson. There will be a trumpeter accompanying some of the piano music during the service, including the second anthem. The trumpeter is Chris Howells. We thank Henry and Chris, along with our choir, for their gifts of music this Easter Sunday.
OUR SERMON FOR THIS SUNDAY will be on the theme of recognizing Jesus. We’ll remember that many who saw the risen Jesus didn’t initially recognize him. Why not? And what does it mean that they didn’t recognize him at first. It is a mystery to be acknowledged and explored this Easter.
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
THERE WILL BE PALM BRANCHES available to everyone upon entering the sanctuary. Please be sure to receive yours from one of the ushers. Everyone is invited to process around the sanctuary, waving their palms, at the time of The Procession, right after the reading from Luke’s gospel.
TOMORROW IN OUR WORSHIP we begin with the celebration of Palm Sunday. We hear of the cheering crowds, of the palm branches, the angry religious leaders and their rebuke to Jesus that he should rebuke his disciples. Jesus’ response brings to mind words of Paul when he says: all creation has been groaning together until this moment in God’s story. As Jesus answers them, he simply affirms: “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” This in response to the Blessed King who comes in the name of the Lord! As we move through our worship we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, and the words of the Psalmist as he affirms in verse 14 “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’”. This same God who fashioned the heavens and the earth, who knows the thoughts of all and the obedience of his blessed Son… Philippians reminds us that it is the obedience of the Son that has brought him to this place in time for eternity. As the passion is read, we hear of the machinations of various individuals who don’t quite seem to realize the role that is theirs as the drama unfolds. The accusations, the trial, the repudiation of responsibility and finally the verdict of crucifixion… and as we watch these scenes play out, we recognize that the very one who made the heavens and the earth hangs on the cross shrouded in darkness until he cries out: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” A cry which echoes for time and for eternity.
OUR CLOSING HYMN THIS SUNDAY will be sung after the benediction, and we ask that everyone leave from the sanctuary in silence….
GOOD FRIDAY: We will be holding a solemn service of prayer and song in the sanctuary, to which all are invited, at 11 am on Good Friday, April 18. Please join us for this special service, led by our Interim Moderator Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries. This service will not appear on our YouTube channel.
EASTER FLOWERS: Anyone wishing to contribute to the purchase of Easter flowers for our sanctuary may place their name and donation on the offering plate – or send an e-transfer. Should you wish these to be memorial flowers, please include the name(s) of the person(s) you would like to remember. The last day for contributing is Wednesday April 16.
OUR SPECIAL EASTER OFFERING (the yellow envelope in your boxed set of offering envelopes) has been designated toward the work of Camp d’action biblique (CAB), our Presbyterian summer camp in Richmond, QC – a roughly 90-minute drive from the South Shore. It is a camp where children and youth can spend a week in the summer and live in Christian community while having a great time. For more information, visit: www.cabqc.ca
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace Praying together, followed by The Lord’s Prayer The Gospel according to Luke 19:28-40 The Procession – Hymn 214: “All glory, laud and honor” Children’s Time Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 50: 4-9a Responsive Psalm 31: 9-16 Gloria Patri New Testament Lesson: Philippians 2: 5-11 (en français BFC) Hymn 379: “From heaven you came, helpless babe” (vs 2&3 en français) The Passion according to Luke 23:1-49 – Dramatic reading Choir Anthem – Response to the Gospel – “Were you there?” Sermon: “Eyes that See” Confession of Faith – Living Faith 3.4.3 Hymn 231: “When I survey the wonderous cross Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Benediction Hymn: “How deep the Father’s love for us” (vs 2 en français) The Congregation shall leave the sanctuary in silence
THIS SUNDAY, our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will be leading us in worship.
PIANO CONCERT;Dances For 4 Hands features pianists Tatiana Dvorianskaya and Alejandra Cifuentes Diaz. Right here at St. Andrew’s next Saturday, April 12, 7:30 – 9:00 pm. These two pianists will take you on a journey to the four corners of the world with dances from Spain, Jamaica, Russia, and Hungary. Their extensive repertoire also features popular ballads by Sinatra, Cohen, Elton John, and even pieces from Japanese anime.
The evening will be distinguished as much by its captivating energy as by its musical variety. You’ll discover new styles and feel the familiarity of popular pieces, all in the unique (and little-known) form of one piano and four hands. General Admission $35; FADOQ members $25; Students $15. Tickets will be available at the door. The programme for the evening is shown below in this email. More information is available on their website www.pacd.ca
GOOD FRIDAY: We will be holding a solemn service of prayer and song in the sanctuary, to which all are invited, at 11 am on Good Friday, April 18. Please join us for this special service. This service will not appear on our YouTube channel.
EASTER FLOWERS: Anyone wishing to contribute to the purchase of Easter flowers for our sanctuary may place their name and donation on the offering plate – or send an e-transfer. Should you wish these to be memorial flowers, please include the name(s) of the person(s) you would like to remember. The last day for contributing is Wednesday April 16.
OUR SERMON FOR THIS SUNDAY will focus on the two main texts that will be read—from Ezekiel and from the Gospel of John. We will explore the amazing imagery of the prophet, with water flowing from the throne room of God, and the wonderful words of Jesus: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” We will explore the living water that God sends to us as a source of healing for ourselves, and as a healing we may extend to others…
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 313: “Oh worship the King” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 202: “We lay our broken world” Responsive Reading: Psalm 126 Gloria Patri John 7:33-44 (en français BFC; English on the screen) Ezekiel 47:1-12 Sermon: “Rushing Water” Confession of Faith: Living Faith 3.2.1 – 3.2.2 Hymn 648: “I’m gonna live so God can use me” Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 299: “Holy, holy, holy” (vs 2&4 en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
WE ALWAYS NEED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at that which we think we know so well. The parable of the Prodigal Son, as it is called, is one of those texts. We’ve heard the story and often, there are times that we could recite some of the words but in her commentary on this passage Chesley Harmon writes: The details of this story matter. There are all of the ways that the younger son has lost himself: the way he cuts himself off from his family, the way he lives “according to the flesh,” the way he is forced to a life where he isn’t even able to live out his Jewish identity with any semblance of integrity. There’s the way the older son reveals his heart and what’s been festering by what he says: his opinion of what his brother deserves, what he himself deserves, he fails to note what he himself has not done with his younger brother, who he feels most connected to, what he implies about how his father should feel… The father’s character is also revealed in the details: he proves his love for both his sons by what he says, but also by what he does. He has always been a companion to the older son, and he threw dignity to the wind by running out to the younger son even while the son was still on his way to repent; the father showed compassion and forgiveness even while the younger son was still a sinner. Even in its familiarity as we take a closer look it is possible that we see ourselves as either the younger or the older brother. Are we comfortable with that realization for wherever we find ourselves the love of our Heavenly Father does not change, but it can and will change us, if we are open to him.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 371: “Love divine all loves excelling” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 324: “Great is thy faithfulness” (vs 2 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 32 Gloria Patri 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21 Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 Sermon: “Where is the far country for you?” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn: “We’re part of the blessing” Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 665: “Lord Jesus, you shall be my song” (vs 2&3 en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
