Dear friends,

THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.

OUR NEW TESTAMENT READING continues in the gospel according to Mark 13: 1-8, “Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple” and “Signs of the End of the Age”.  We often reflect on the prophecy Christ gave about the terrible destruction of the temple, which was fulfilled in 70 A.D. by Titus, the Roman general (later emperor).  It was unimaginable that the Jewish place of worship – such a grand structure built with massive white stones and adorned with marble and gold – would come crashing down, marking the end of an age.  Yet Jesus says these are only “the beginning of birth pains”, inviting us to strengthen our faith and put our trust in God’s eternal, sovereign plan, not in the temporary things of this world.  Our Lord reminds us, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” – Matthew 5: 17.  Who are we putting our trust in?  May we with the Psalmist say confidently together, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” – Psalm 121: 2.

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 776: Holy God we praise your name (vs 3 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 787: The kingdom of God is justice and joy
Responsive Reading: Psalm 16
Gloria Patri
Hebrews 10: 11-14, 19-25 (en français BPC – English on the screen)
Mark 13: 1-8
Sermon: “Setting the temple aside!”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 773: Jesus bids us shine
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 376: Lord, the light of your love is shining
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends,

THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.

THIS SUNDAY HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS as we come together to observe Remembrance Sunday.  On this solemn occasion, we remember and honour the brave women and men who sacrificed so much for our freedom.  Join us in a spirit of reverence and gratitude as we pay our respects and offer prayers for peace.  

As is our custom on remembrance Sunday, prior to the service of worship, the Honour Role of men and women who went forward from the congregation of St. Andrew’s during the Second World War will be read out.  This will be followed by the playing of the Last Post, a period of silence, and then the Rouse.

OUR NEW TESTAMENT READING is Mark 12: 38-44, “Beware of the Scribes”, and “The Widow’s Offering”.  In the latter portion of our reading, Jesus observes people giving offerings at the temple and highlights the actions of a poor widow who, despite her poverty, contributes two small coins.  He points out to his disciples that her offering is more valuable than the larger amounts given by others because she gave all she had to live on, while the others gave from their abundance.  In his commentary on the book of Mark, Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “God is not so much concerned with what we give as how we give”.  The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 7).

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS would like to thank all the volunteers who generously gave their time, effort, and baking skills to make the Fall Luncheon, Bake Sale and Nearly New Table a resounding success.  Your contributions are truly appreciated, and we couldn’t have done it without your invaluable support and commitment.  

BAKE SALE FAVOURITES are still available downstairs – perfect for sharing or saving for later!  We have frozen apple pies, cakes, Irish Brack, homemade cookies, soups, sausage rolls, and more.  All proceeds will go towards our Operating Fund.  Stop by downstairs after the service to pick up these delicious treats!

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Order of Service

Prelude
Reading of the Honour Roll.
“The Last Post”
Minute of Silence
“The Rouse”
“O Canada”
Video: “In Flanders Fields”
Call to Worship
Hymn 330: “O God our help in ages past” (vs 2&6 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Choir Anthem: “I Vow to Thee my country”
Children’s Time
Hymn 736: “For the healing of the nations”
Responsive reading: Psalm 146
Gloria Patri
Hebrews 9: 24-28 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
Gospel Lesson Mark 12: 38-44
Sermon: “Do you live a balanced life?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 325: “Eternal Father, strong to save”
Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 727: “Let there be light”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends, 

THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.

DON’T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK one hour when you go to bed tonight!  Daylight saving time is coming to an end, which means we’ll all be enjoying one hour of extra sleep.

Hello darkness my old friend…

OUR OLD TESTAMENT READING is Isaiah 25: 1-6, “God Will Swallow Up Death Forever”.  This passage is a song of praise in which Isaiah honours God for his covenant faithfulness and power.  He celebrates God’s fulfillment of promises and praises him for bringing justice by humbling powerful, oppressive cities, leading even distant nations to respect him.  The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians; “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.  That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory” (2 Corinthians 1: 20).  Albert Barnes comments on verse 6, “And in this mountain – In mount Zion, that is, in Jerusalem.  The following verses undoubtedly refer to the times of the Messiah.  Several of the expressions used here are quoted in the New Testament, showing that the reference is to the Messiah, and to the fact that his kingdom would commence in Jerusalem, and then extend to all people”.  The sermon this week is “Celebrating God’s Promises”.  Let us celebrate together this Sunday! 

EVERYONE IS INVITED to join us downstairs after the service on Sunday to enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation.  We thank Jonathan for hosting coffee hour this week.

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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 769: Lord of light
Responsive Reading: Psalm 24
Gloria Patri
Isaiah 25: 6-9 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
Revelation 21: 1-6
John 11: 32-44
Sermon: “Celebrating God’s promises”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 611: For all the saints (vs 2&5 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 606: Ye holy angels bright
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends,

OUR SCRIPTURE LESSON this week is from the book of Mark 10: 32-45, “The Request of James and John”.  James and John ask Jesus for positions of honour in his glory, seeking status and power.  Jesus responds by teaching them that true greatness comes not from authority or high positions, but from serving others.  He emphasizes that his own mission is to serve, not to be served, and ultimately to give his life as a ransom for many.  The early church father, John Chrysostom (c. 347 – 407 AD) writes, “You see how Christ’s humbling of himself did not make him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made his glory shine forth with a greater brightness.  God wants for nothing and has need of nothing.  Yet, when he humbled himself, he produced such great good, increased his household, and extended his kingdom.  Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?”  

WE WILL BE HOLDING OUR FALL LUNCHEON, BAKE SALE AND NEARLY NEW TABLE on November 2, 2024.  You are all encouraged to participate in this congregational fundraiser.   Please get your apron on and start baking up a storm for this community event.  Cake, cookies, bread, lemon loaves, scones, short bread, pies, fudge etc. will all sell well at our bake table.  Frozen foods such as meat pies, quiche, shepherd’s pie, sausage rolls, hamburger soup, spaghetti sauce, mac & cheese and of course the all-time favorite, apple pie will also sell very well.  The funds raised at this event will go towards our Operating Fund.  Be sure to tell all your friends to come and join you for a delicious homemade lunch and to bring along their shopping bags so they can fill them up with all the homemade food and trinkets that will be on sale.  Lunch will be served from 11am to 2pm.  Tickets for the soup and sandwich lunch, including coffee, tea and dessert are $12.  We encourage everyone in the congregation to come out for lunch on the 2nd, looking forward to seeing you all there!  Please sign-up during coffee hour to indicate the times you will be available to help with setup, selling, serving, and clean-up.  We’ll give you news about food drop-off times next week.

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 374: Oh for a thousand tongues to sing (vs 3&4 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 375: Fairest Lord Jesus (vs 4 en français)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 91: 9-16
Gloria Patri
Hebrews 5: 1-10 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
Mark 10: 32-45
Sermon: “What are they missing?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 704: Teach me, God, to wonder (vs 3 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 635: Brother, sister, let me serve you
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends, 

THIS SUNDAY, our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will be leading us in worship and we will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper on this World Communion Sunday. 

Living Faith, a statement of faith (a Confession) of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (the green booklet in our church pews) says: 

In breaking bread and drinking wine Jesus told us to remember Him.  In this action called Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist, Christ offers Himself to us and we present ourselves to Him in worship and adoration.  In Holy Communion Christ places his table in this world to feed and bless his people.  The Holy Spirit so unites us in Christ that in receiving the bread and wine in faith we share in his body and blood.  (7.7.1 – 7.7.2) Those who belong to Christ come gladly to his table!

Let us, as the Apostle Paul instructs the church in 1 Corinthians 11: 17-33, prepare and examine ourselves before we partake in this blessed sacrament that the Lord has appointed for us. 

For those joining us through livestream on YouTube, a reminder to provide your own communion elements for this Sunday’s service.  For those participating 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.

OCTOBER 16 IS WORLD FOOD DAY and ECS – Ecumenical Community Services  scosaintlambertecs.cais kindly asking congregants to help stock its Foodbank on Sundays October 13 & 20.  The demand is higher than ever due to increased food prices.  Therefore, please consider donating 3-5 unexpired food items selected from the list below:                                                         

Canned Food:  Fruit, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Soup.

Breakfast Food:  Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter, Jam.

General Food: Coffee, Cookies, Cake or Cookie Mixes, Flour, Sugar, Pasta and Sauce, Kraft Dinner, Mustard, Ketchup, Salad Dressings, Side-Kicks, Jello or Pudding, Granola Bars.

Household Items: Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Tooth Paste, Soap Bars, Dishwashing or Laundry Soap.

Your contributions will be received with gratitude.  On behalf of all ECS volunteers, best wishes and Thanksgiving blessings.                               

OUR SCRIPTURE LESSON this week is from Ecclesiastes—this is a book that is part of the “wisdom literature” of the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible.  It offers an often very honest look at the realities and challenges of our lives.  In the opening verses of the book, which we will look at, the writer points out how meaningless life can be; the rivers just keep on running into the sea and nothing ever changes.  The question is whether there is anything meaningful.  There are hints of a good and great answer to the question in the book itself, and to be found through our faith in Christ.

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 313 “Oh worship the King”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
Choir Anthem – “The Prayer”
Children’s Time
Hymn 202 “We lay our broken world”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 26
Gloria Patri
1 Corinthians 15: 12-22
Ecclesiastes 1: 1-11
Sermon: “Is there anything new?”
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory
Dedication of the Offering
Invitation to the Table
Hymn 648: “I’m gonna live so God can use me”
Lord’s Supper with Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Hymn 299: “Holy, holy, holy” (vs 2&4 en français)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends,

A COMMUNION SERVICE AND OUR ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held next week on Sunday, October 6.  After the Communion service, we will gather in the lower hall of the CEC for the annual meeting, then enjoy sandwiches, coffee and tea, together, provided by the Session.  We encourage folks to bring along their favorite dessert to share with everyone.  Copies of the Annual Report are available at the back of the sanctuary.  Please review the Annual Report beforehand, and don’t forget to bring your copy to the meeting on October 6!

OUR GOSPEL READING continues in Mark 9: 38-50, “Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us”, and “Temptations to Sin.”  In the first portion of our reading, Jesus teaches important lessons on discipleship and humility.  The passage begins with John reporting to Jesus about someone casting out demons in his name, but Jesus tells them not to stop him, emphasizing that anyone not against them is for them.  One commentator notes, “This phrase (“he was not following us”) does not deny that the man was a follower of Jesus; he was casting out demons in Jesus’ name.  Probably what is meant is that he is not an adherent of the Twelve.  Without taking away the prerogatives of the Twelve, but sensing their pride and exclusivism, Jesus refuses to denounce the one they are talking about.  Instead, he teaches that the support and fellowship of all who support his cause should be gratefully acknowledged.” 

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” (vs 2&3 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 750: “How deep the silence of the soul” (Sung to 671)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 124
Gloria Patri
James 5: 13-20 (en français BFC– English on the screen)
Mark 9: 38-50
Sermon: “Tempted to sin?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 399: “Spirit, spirit of gentleness” (vs 2&3 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 727: “Let there be light”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear Friends, 

THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.

CHOIR IS BACK!  Choir practice takes place every Wednesday in the CEC (Christian Education Centre) across the street from the church at 7:30 p.m.  All choir members are asked to mark their agendas.  Anyone who has ever wanted to sing in the choir is welcome!  For more information, please speak with Henry our Director of Music, either before the service or during coffee hour, or just show-up on Wednesday.  All are welcome!

OUR GOSPEL READING continues in Mark 9: 30-37, “Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection” and “Who Is the Greatest?”  These readings recounts Jesus’ journey with his disciples through Galilee.  He teaches them about his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection, though they don’t fully understand.  Later, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest.  Jesus, aware of their debate, teaches them that true greatness comes from humility and serving others.  

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Order of Service

Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 490: “God of Grace and God of glory”
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 434: “For the beauty of the earth” (vs 3&4 en français)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 54
Gloria Patri
James 3: 13 – 4: 3; 7, 8 (en français – English on the screen)
Mark 9: 30-37
Sermon: “Challenging our focus”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 356: “You Lord are both lamb and shepherd”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 332: “How Great Thou art” (vs 3 en français)
Benediction

Dear Friends, 

THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL is back!  To celebrate, join us for ice cream sundaes with sprinkles after service during coffee hour.  We are also seeking volunteers to help in the nursery with the little ones.  If you are interested in helping with his ministry, please speak to Beth Chittim or Jonathan Martin.  Thank you!

CHOIR is also back.  Choir practices will be starting this Wednesday, in the sanctuary, at 7:30.  All choir members are asked to mark their agendas.  Anyone who has ever wanted to sing in the choir is also welcome.  For more information please speak with Henry, our Director of Music, either before the service or during coffee hour, or just show-up on Wednesday, please use the side door for entry to the church.  All are welcome!

OUR GOSPEL READING is taken from Mark 8: 27-38, “Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ” and “Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection.”  Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, and they respond with various answers like John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets.  Then Jesus asks, “But who do you say I am?” and Peter responds, “You are the Messiah.”  But Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone about him.  John Calvin writes about Peters confession, “The confession is short, but it embraces all that is contained in our salvation, for the designation “Christ,” or “Anointed,” includes both an everlasting kingdom and an everlasting priesthood, to reconcile us to God; and, by expiating (taking away) our sins through his sacrifice, to obtain for us a perfect righteousness; and, having received us under his protection, to uphold and supply and enrich us with every description of blessings.”

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 461: “Be Thou my Vision” (vs 2&4 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn: “Tell Out my soul”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 19
Gloria Patri
James 3: 1-12 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
Mark 8: 27-38
Sermon: “Putting our Dreams to Death”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 211: “Take up your cross, the Saviour said”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 634: “Will you come and follow me”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude