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
We are blessed in our lessons for this Sunday. Isaiah reminds us in huge terms of the goodness and greatness of God and his invitation to come… we bring only ourselves. He spreads before us his goodness but he equally reminds us that his ways are not our ways… his thoughts are not our thoughts. He only desires our good… it is his heart, for us, that shines through in these verses. The Psalmist again reminds us of the goodness of God. It seems fairly clear that the first 8 verses that lift up the poet’s confidence in God, his delight in the presence of God in his sanctuary, his taking cover under the shadow of God’s wings (lovely image) is a prelude to the final verses that detail why all of this is such a good and comforting thing. As we turn to the New Testament, Paul reminds us that Jesus suffered temptation but he did not give in, he did not sin and although we are sinners saved by grace he provides, by his death and resurrection, the way through. The gospel leaves us asking the question as to “why bad things happen to good people?” Jesus uses this as a teaching moment to cause one to look at the way God is at work in our lives, he never gives up on us. The season of Lent gives us the occasion to examine ourselves as we draw near to him. He invites us, we receive that invitation.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 671: “I heard the voice of Jesus say” (vs 1 & 3 en français) Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 190: “You thirsty ones” Responsive Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 Gloria Patri Isaiah 55:1-13 (en français BFC – English on the screen) 1 Corinthians 10 – selected verses Luke 13:1-9 Sermon: “It’s not always going to be like this” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn: “God, you call us to the waters“ Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 670: “Amazing Grace” (vs 3, 4 & 5 en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY Edythe Arnott will be leading us in worship.
IN THIS SUNDAY’S GOSPEL READING, Jesus longs to care for his people as a hen cares for her chicks. Join us as we worship and reflect on Jesus’ mission and words as he journeys to Jerusalem.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship (Lenten Liturgy) Hymn 194: “Come, let us to the Lord our God” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 746: “What a friend we have in Jesus” (vs 1 & 3 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 27 Gloria Patri Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18 (en français BFC – English on the screen) Luke 13: 31-35 Sermon: “A mother hen” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 202: “We lay our broken world in sorrow at your feet” Offering and offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 379: “From heaven you came, helpless babe” Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: Be sure to turn your clocks forward one hour before heading to bed tonight otherwise you are liable to miss the service. Daylight savings time begins at 2 AM on Sunday.
HOW FIRM IS YOUR FAITH? On this first Sunday in Lent our gospel Luke’s account of Jesus being “led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” He entered the wilderness Luke tells us, full of the Holy Spirit. From the Mount of Transfiguration of last Sunday, we find our Lord in the desert. Satan comes to tempt him… how? First of all, to use his power for the wrong reasons. Satan does not question who Jesus is but he does use the occasion to try to get Jesus to question who He is… to misuse his power. The second temptation is to gain popularity by performance and then the third temptation comes when Satan tries to tempt him to idolatry. Satan has misunderstood humankind and therefore misunderstood Jesus’ need. To be sure, Satan sees that Jesus is hungry. What he does not understand is that there is another type of hunger. It is the hunger for righteousness. Jesus is feeding himself on the Word of God. Satan also turns to the word of God quoting Scripture but Jesus responds again with the word of God. The Psalmist reminds us of the power of God’s word and that we, as Jesus’ followers, as we call on him… “11 … he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” After these temptations we are told that Satan departs for “an opportune time.” The sermon title makes an acclamation: This is an opportune time! Why would we even want to consider this… because we have all of the resources of heaven at our disposal, because that is what God has done and is doing for us… how firm is your faith? May this Lenten season provide you with an even deeper realization of God’s great love and mercy for all of us.
THE FOODBANK urgently requires bags for deliveries. If you have any spare shopping bags, plastic or reusable, would you consider donating them to the Foodbank? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Linda Smith – for the ECS Foodbank.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 497: “Forty days and forty nights” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 625: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (vs 1 & 3 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Gloria Patri Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 Sermon: “This is an opportune time!” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 57: “On Eagle’s Wings” Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 647: “Lead us, heavenly Father lead us” Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
SUNDAY MARKS THE END OF THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY and the Feast of the Transfiguration. In her commentary on this passage Meg Jenista writes: “It’s instructive that the season of Epiphany, which begins with a bright star in the East, leading the Magi to worship the Christ-child concludes with Transfiguration Sunday, in which glory and shining, brilliance and light are, again, prominent themes.” In our Old Testament lessons Moses comes down from the mountain. Having been in the presence of God, Moses’ face reflects God’s glory and those who see him are frightened. He veils his face so that others are comfortable in his presence. When we have been in the presence of God and learn to continue in his presence, we too are changed. We become reflectors of his glory, in our words, our conduct, our thoughts, and our thoughts continually turn to him. St. Augustine said: “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement”. For Moses and Peter, James and John this was being worked out in their lives. Jesus brought them with him to the Mount of Transfiguration. He came to pray and as Jesus prayed, he was changed: his glory revealed to them… a very real promise that when we, as followers of our Lord and Saviour pray, irrespective of times that our efforts are weak and perhaps weary and maybe questioning as we pray, as we stay in his presence, we are changed.
THE FOODBANK urgently requires bags for deliveries. If you have any spare shopping bags, plastic or reusable, would you consider donating them to the Foodbank? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Linda Smith – for the ECS Foodbank.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join us downstairs after the service this Sunday to enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation. We thank Betty and Linda for hosting coffee hour this week.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 461: “Be Thou my vision” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace The Lord’s Prayer Children’s Time Hymn 638: “Take time to be holy” Responsive Reading: Psalm 99 Gloria Patri Exodus 34:29-35 Luke 9:28-36 Sermon: “Prayer changes us” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn for the Transfiguration of our Lord Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 490: “God of grace and God of glory” Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
HOW FITTING that on the weekend when we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day our readings turn to the state of the heart. Jeremiah with prophetic thundering states: 9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Who can know it? Good question! … then answered by our Lord as he says: 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” It is a matter of the heart and yet we have a loving heavenly Father who knows and searches our hearts and loves us… in his love he makes provision for us that we will learn his ways… the Psalmist in Psalm 1 makes a contrast between the godly and the wicked. He states: 3 He (the godly one) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, and Jeremiah uses this same imagery. As we turn to the Gospel. Jesus in his Sermon on the Plain (a shorter version of The Sermon on the Mount) draws the crowd to himself both because of the healing that he offers and his teaching about the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches in terms of blessings and woes… blessed are we when our hearts and eyes turn to the things of God… woe to us when we turn aside to the things that this world offers. As Christians we are to be in the world, yet not of the world. We are to be light and salt to those around us that they may learn the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Luke simply says this about Jesus: “19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him, for power went out from him and healed them all.” Power went out from him and still does and when we receive his grace, we in turn touch others. Who can know it?
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 267: “Rejoice the Lord is king” (vs 2, 4 en français) Responsive Reading: Psalm 1 Gloria Patri Jeremiah 17: 5-10 Luke 6: 17-26 Sermon: “It’s all about the heart” Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Hymn 420: “Je louerai l’Eternal” (vs 1 en français) Offering and Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 634: “Will you come and follow me?” Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
THIS WEEK the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries our Interim Moderator will be with us to lead worship and preach. He will also lead us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The sermon this week will be based on the lectionary text of 1 Corinthians 15, and is a reflection on the reality of resurrection. Paul certainly thought resurrection mattered a great deal—for Jesus and for us. We’ll try to understand what he meant.
Order of Service
Prelude Welcome Call to Worship Hymn 249 “The day of resurrection” Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Declaration of Grace Choir Anthem: Bye ‘n bye Children’s Time Hymn 412 “Come, let us sing to the Lord our song” Responsive Reading: Psalm 138 Gloria Patri 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Isaiah 6:1-8 Sermon: “Most to be pitied” Offering and Offertory Invitation to the Table Hymn 542: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence” Communion with Great Prayer of Thanksgiving Prayer after Communion Hymn 665: “Lord Jesus, you shall be my song.” (en français) Benediction Go now in peace Postlude
