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

Dear friends, 

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

WHILE WE CONTINUED our summer worship services this year throughout August, we are now transitioning back to our regular format with livestreaming of worship services on YouTube and the use of the screen in the sanctuary.  We would like to extend much gratitude and thanks to the volunteers who helped open and close the sanctuary, and those who assisted with setup and cleanup during Lemonade and Fellowship Hour.  Whether you had time to rest and recharge or continued with work, we pray that everyone found moments to connect with loved ones and grow in Christ – who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14: 6).

SUNDAY SCHOOL has also returned!  Beginning this week, we invite children to gather for a new season of learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

OUR GOSPEL READING is taken from Mark 7: 24-37.  Jesus travels to the region of Tyre, where a Gentile woman approaches him, begging for her daughter to be freed from an unclean spirit.  Initially, Jesus responds by stating that his mission is for the children of Israel, but the woman humbly persists, and her faith leads Jesus to heal her daughter.  Later, in the Decapolis region, people bring a deaf and mute man to Jesus.  He heals the man by touching his ears and tongue, restoring his hearing and speech.  Both events highlight Jesus’ compassion and power, extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles.

COFFEE HOUR IS BACK!  Everyone is invitedto join us downstairs after the service on Sunday to enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation.  We thank Jonathan Martin for hosting coffee hour this week.  There is a sign-up sheet for hosting coffee hour at the entrance to the kitchen.  Please consider hosting for a Sunday if you are able.  Everything you need to host is supplied, although homemade treats are always welcome! 

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Responsive 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 642: “O Master let me walk with thee”
Responsive Psalm 146; Put not your trust in princes
Gloria Patri
New Testament: James 2: 1-17 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
The Gospel of Mark 7: 24-37
Sermon: “Are you needy? What do you need?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn: “She came to Jesus” (sung to tune 461)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn: “O Lord, may all we say and do” (sung to tune 822)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends, 

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

SUMMER SERVICES IN AUGUST at St. Andrew’s will continue.  The theme for August is simplicity.  What does a simple service look like?  It looks a lot like our pre-COVID services!  There won’t be any livestreaming on YouTube or a projector screen.  Instead, we’ll sing from the hymnbooks, just like we used to and we can follow along with the scripture readings using the pew bibles.  Sunday School will be taking a break, and coffee hour will be replaced with refreshing lemonade – perfect for those hot summer days.  Let’s embrace simplicity, relax and enjoy the summer season!  We still need some people to sign-up for serving the lemonade so please consider taking a turn in August, if you are able.

PLEASE NOTE there is ongoing construction on Green Street keeping Green from Oak to Notre Dame closed, Birch is now a two-way street accessible from Desaulniers.

OUR NEW TESTAMENT LESSON is Ephesians 1: 3-14, “Spiritual Blessings in Christ”.  The Apostle Paul praises God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers through Christ.  He explains that God chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.  Through Christ’s sacrificial love, we are redeemed and forgiven.  John Calvin, the 16^th century Reformer adds, “The full certainty of future happiness rests on the revelation of God’s love to us in Christ, which God makes in the gospel.”

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Responsive Call to Worship
Hymn 438: “When morning guilds the skys” (vs 2&4 en français)
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 648: “I’m gonna live so God can use me”
2 Samuel 6: 1-5, 12b-19 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 1: 3-14
Sung Psalm 24 Hymn 13
Gloria Patri
The Gospel: Mark 6: 14-29
Sermon: “It’s all about who is the true king?”
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 746: “What a friend we have in Jesus” (vs 2 en français)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends,

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

SUMMER SERVICES IN AUGUST at St. Andrew’s will continue.  The theme for August is simplicity.  What does a simple service look like?  It looks a lot like our pre-COVID services!  There won’t be any livestreaming on YouTube or a projector screen.  Instead, we’ll sing from the hymnbooks, just like we used to, and we can follow along with the scripture readings using the pew bibles.  Sunday School will be taking a break, and coffee hour will be replaced with refreshing lemonade – perfect for those hot summer days.  Let’s embrace simplicity, relax and enjoy the summer season!

PLEASE NOTE there is ongoing construction on Green Street keeping Green from Oak to Notre Dame closed, Birch is now a two-way street accessible from Desaulniers. 

OUR GOSPEL LESSON is Mark 6: 1-13, “Jesus Rejected at Nazareth” and “Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles”.  Our readings this Sunday include two significant events in the life of our Lord.  The first is Jesus returning to Nazareth, where the locals doubt his authority because they know him only as a carpenter, and due to their lack of faith, he performs few miracles there.  Jesus then sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, instructing them to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others, trusting in God’s providence as they go.  They go out preaching repentance, casting out demons, and healing the sick.  The sermon title this week is, “Travelling light”. 

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Responsive Call to Worship
Hymn 483: “Glorious things of thee are spoken”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 485: “Saviour Like a Shepherd lead us”
Psalm 123
Gloria Patri
Old Testament Lesson: Ezekiel 2: 1-5 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
New Testament Lesson: 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10
The Gospel – Mark 6: 1-13
Sermon: “Travelling light”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 486: “The Church of Christ in every age”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 670: “Amazing Grace” (vs 3&4 en français)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude

Dear friends, 

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

SUMMER SERVICES IN AUGUST at St. Andrew’s will continue, led by Rev. Linda Faith Chalk.  The theme for August is simplicity.  What does a simple service look like?  It looks a lot like our pre-COVID services!  There won’t be any livestreaming on YouTube or a projector screen.  Instead, we’ll sing from the hymnbooks, just like we used to.  Rev. Linda Faith will guide us throughout the service in worship and prayer.  Sunday School will also be taking a break, and coffee hour will be replaced with refreshing lemonade – perfect for those hot summer days.  Let’s embrace simplicity, relax and enjoy the summer season!

PLEASE NOTE there is ongoing construction on Green Street keeping Green from Oak to Notre Dame closed, Birch is now a two-way street accessible from Desaulniers. 

OUR NEW TESTAMENT LESSON continues in Mark 5: 21-43, “Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’ Daughter”.  In our Scripture reading this week, Jesus performs two miracles.  One involves raising a little girl from the dead.  Jairus, a synagogue leader, seeks Jesus’ help for his dying daughter, and despite hearing that she has passed away, Jesus urges Jairus to have faith.  Upon arriving at Jairus’s home, Jesus reassures the mourners that the girl is asleep, not dead.  Taking her hand, he says, ‘Little girl, get up!’  Instantly, she rises and walks, leaving everyone amazed.  Such is the power of God!  The sermon title this week is, “A story within a story”. 

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Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 815: “New every morning is the love”
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 130
Gloria Patri
Lamentations 3: 22-23 (en français – English on the screen)
2 Corinthians 8: 7-15
Mark 5: 21-43
Sermon: “A story within a story”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 579: “Oh I know the Lord’s laid a hand on me”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 474: “The love of God comes close”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude