St. Andrew's Church – St Lambert

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    Christmas Eve 2024

    Dear friends, 

    THIS CHRISTMAS EVE, our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will be leading us in worship.  The service will be a service of lessons and carols, with familiar scripture texts, familiar carols, and a simple reflective meditation.  We are grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ—to celebrate the gift of God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus two thousand years ago.  Join us for this special service, and invite your family and friends to join us. After the service, everyone is invited downstairs to enjoy some mulled apple cider and home baked treats as we continue the celebration. 

    OUR CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING this year (the yellow envelope in your envelope box marked December 25) has been designated to Action Réfugiés Montréal.  This charitable organization, founded in 1994 with the support of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Anglican Diocese of Montreal, assists with the sponsorship of refugees, offers support to people detained for immigration reasons, helps break the isolation of refugees through friendship and twinning – pairing refugee women with women volunteers to create bonds of friendship and exchange, and also engages in education and advocacy for refugees.

    Order of Service

    Welcome
    Lighting of the Christ Candle
    Hymn: “O come, all ye faithful”
    Call to Worship
    Prayer of Adoration
    Choir Anthem: “What Child is This?”
    Prayer of Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
    Hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
    Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
    Hymn: “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”
    Reading: John 1:1-14
    Hymn: “Once in Royal David’s City”
    Reading: Luke 2:1-7
    Meditation: “Simple Christmas”
    Choir Anthem: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
    Christmas Offering Gathered
    Pastoral Prayer
    Reading: Luke 2:8-20
    Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
    Hymn: Silent Night
    Benediction

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    December 22nd 2024 -“What God doesn’t know”

    Dear friends,

    THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.  Sunday marks the fourth week of Advent, where we’ll light the Candle of Love, please think about the kind of love Jesus brings us for today and for the future. 

    OUR SCRIPTURE READING continues in the gospel of Luke 1: 39-45, “Mary Visits Elizabeth”.  In this passage, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.  When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps for joy in his mother’s womb.  Even though John was still in his mother’s womb, he recognized the presence of Jesus, the Son of God.  The Austrian poet, Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg writes about this joy and excitement:  “The presence of Jesus always kindles joy, even when it is hidden and is with hidden things.  Jesus, hidden in his mother’s womb, gladdens John, who is likewise lying beneath his mother’s heart.  This shows that no darkness or seclusion, no invisibility or concealment, neither flesh nor blood, nor corporeal or natural thing —nothing— can impede joy in Jesus.”

    OUR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be led by our Interim Moderator Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries on Tuesday, December 24 at 7:30 PM.  After the service, everyone is invited downstairs to enjoy some mulled apple cider and some home baked treats as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.  Please consider signing-up for the setup and serving for this very special reception.

    Order of Service

    Prelude
    Welcome
    Lighting of the Advent candle & Hymn – He come down (vs 4)
    Call to Worship
    Hymn: “Tell out my soul” (tune Woodland)
    Prayer of Adoration and Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Children’s Pageant
    Hymn 156: “The angel Gabriel from heaven”
    Micah 5:2-5a (en français BFC – English on the screen)
    Responsive Reading: Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificat (The Song of Mary)
    Luke 1:39-45
    Sermon: “What God doesn’t know”
    Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
    Hymn 123: “My soul gives glory to my God”
    Offering and Offertory
    Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
    Hymn 122: “O come, oh come, Emmanuel” (vs 2 & 3 en français)
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude

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    December 15th 2024 -“Why would God want to sing over me?”

    Dear friends,

    THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.  Sunday marks the third week of Advent, where we’ll light the Candle of Joy, also known as the Shepherd Candle, that reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ incarnation and his redeeming grace. 

    OUR SCRIPTURE READING is taken from the gospel according to Luke 3: 7-18, “John the Baptist Prepares the Way”.  In Advent, as we await the Messiah’s coming, this passage reminds us to ready our hearts for his triumphant Second Coming and his birth.  “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” – 1 Timothy 3: 16. 

    OUR CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING this year (the yellow envelope in your envelope box marked December 25)has been designated to Action Réfugiés Montréal.  This charitable organization, founded in 1994 with the support of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Anglican Diocese of Montreal, assists with the sponsorship of refugees, offers support to people detained for immigration reasons, helps break the isolation of refugees through friendship and twinning – pairing refugee women with women volunteers to create bonds of friendship and exchange, and also engages in education and advocacy for refugees.

    IT IS THE 45TH YEAR that Ecumenical Community Services (ECS) is completing its Christmas Basket Campaign in Saint-Lambert and Lemoyne.  Thus far more than 197 households will be able to enjoy a Christmas supper.   Throughout 2024 the Foodbank saw an increase in food aid compared to 2023.  It is not likely that food aid demand will decrease in 2025.

    For information about ECS’s first Newsletter, go to  https://scosaintlambertecs.ca/news  

    Your support is important to help cover the costs of the Christmas Basket Vouchers and the Foodbank.  In 2025, the hope is to collect sufficient funds to assist in supporting the homeless.  Please consider donating to the cause of helping the needy in our community.  To donate, you can send (drop off at the church, if the Postal strike continues) a check payable to Ecumenical Community Services or by e-transfer at   https://scosaintlambertecs.ca/donate

    Your donation will be received and used with gratitude!  An income tax receipt will be issued by mail, or email – if you supply your email address.  If you have any questions about the Christmas Basket Campaign or ECS in general, please speak with Betty or Linda at coffee hour.  On behalf of all ECS volunteers we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year.

    Order of Service

    Prelude
    Welcome
    Lighting of the Advent candle & Hymn – He came down (vs 3)
    Call to Worship
    Hymn: Sing Out, All God’s People! (Tune 159)
    Prayer of Adoration
    Prayer of Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Children’s Time
    Hymn 117: Herald! Sound the note of judgement
    Zephaniah 3:14-20 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
    Responsive Scripture Isaiah 12:2-6
    Philippians 4:4-7
    Luke 3:7-18
    Sermon: “Why would God want to sing over me?”
    Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
    Hymn 787: The Kingdom of God
    Offering and Offertory
    Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
    Hymn 115: Hail to the Lord’s anointed (vs 3 en français)
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude

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    December 8th 2024 -“Have you ever been the message?”

    Dear friends,

    THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship. Sunday marks the second week of Advent, a season when Christians around the world wait and prepare to celebrate the birth and incarnation of Jesus, the promised Messiah. Advent, however, is not just a time to reflect and look back into history and past prophecies fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, it is also a season of preparation for Christ’s Second Coming, when he will return to establish his eternal Kingdom on earth.

    OUR NEW TESTAMENT READING is taken from the gospel according to Luke 3: 1-6, “John the Baptist Prepares the Way”. The final book of the Old Testament, Malachi, ends with the prophet declaring to the Israelites: “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3: 1.

    This prophecy was fulfilled about 400 years later in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ, our Immanuel: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us), Matthew 1: 23.

    Order of Service

    Prelude
    Welcome
    Lighting of the Advent candle followed by Hymn: “He comes down” (vs 2)
    Call to Worship
    Hymn 129: “Prepare the way O Zion”
    Prayer of Adoration
    Prayer of Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Children’s Time
    Hymn 128: “There’s a voice in the wilderness crying”
    Malachi 3: 1-4 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
    Sung Scripture; Hymn: 752 “Blest be the God of Israel”; paraphrase of Luke 1: 68–79
    Philippians 1: 3-11
    Luke 3: 1-6
    Sermon: “Have you ever been the message?”
    Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
    Hymn 126: “On Jordan’s bank” (vs 3 & 4 en français)
    Offering and Offertory
    Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
    Hymn 118: “Hark the glad sound”
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude

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    December 1st 2024 -“Ain’t gonna study war”

    Dear friends,

    THIS SUNDAY, which is the First Sunday in Advent, our Interim Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries will once again be leading us in worship.  We will also share together in the Lord’s Supper.

    OUR SCRIPTURE LESSON this week is from the book of Isaiah.  With some help from a very old choir in the United States, and an even older piece of music sung by that choir, we will explore the text of Isaiah 2:1-5. The questions of hope and peace are as pressing as ever in our world, and the question for us is how we respond to what we see around us.  How do we respond to this text from the prophet:

    He will judge between the nations
        and will settle disputes for many peoples.
    They will beat their swords into plowshares
        and their spears into pruning hooks.
    Nation will not take up sword against nation,
        nor will they train for war anymore.

    Order of Service

    Welcome
    Lighting of the Advent candle & Hymn #119: Hope is a star (vs 1)
    Call to Worship
    Hymn 122: “Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel” (vs 2 & 3 en français)
    Prayers of Adoration & Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    Anthem: “God is here”
    Children’s time
    Hymn 293: “Come, thou almighty King”
    Responsive reading: Psalm 25: 1-10
    Gloria Patri #594
    Luke 21:25-36 (en français – English on the screen)
    Isaiah 2:1-5
    Sermon: “Ain’t gonna study war”
    Offering and Offertory
    Invitation to the table
    Hymn 542: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence”
    The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving #564
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Sacrament of Communion
    Prayer after Communion
    Hymn 474: “The love of God comes close”
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude

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    November 24th 2024 -“What is truth?”

    Dear friends,

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

    OUR NEW TESTAMENT READING is taken from the gospel according to John 18: 33-38, “My Kingdom is Not of This World”.  This Sunday we will be reflecting on Jesus as he is tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.  When Pilate asks if he is the King of the Jews, Jesus speaks of a kingdom not of this world and reveals his mission to testify to the truth.  Pilate poses his famous question, “What is truth?” – the focus of our sermon this week, titled “What is truth?”

    BAKE SALE FAVOURITES are still available, but supplies are limited!  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!

    Order Of Service

    Prelude
    Welcome
    Call to Worship
    Hymn 275: Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
    Prayer of Adoration
    Prayer of Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Children’s Time
    Hymn 356: Lord you are both lamb and shepherd
    Responsive Reading: Psalm 93
    Gloria Patri
    Revelation 1: 4-8 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
    John 18: 33-38
    Sermon: “What is truth?”
    Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
    Hymn 379: From heaven you came helpless babe
    Offering and Offertory
    Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
    Hymn 274: Crown him with many crowns (vs 3 et 4 en français)
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude

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    November 17th 2024 -“Setting the temple aside!”

    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.

    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

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    November 10th 2024 -“Do you live a balanced life?”

    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!

    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

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    Sunday November 3rd 2024 -“Celebrating God’s promises”

    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.

    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

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    October 27th 2024 -“It was a day like any other day!”

    Dear friends, 

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

    WE WILL BE HOLDING OUR FALL LUNCHEON, BAKE SALE AND NEARLY NEW TABLE next week, on Saturday, 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.  The food you have prepared for the luncheon and/or the bake sale may be dropped-off at the church between 4 and 7 pm on Friday November 1 which is also the setup time for the event.  Please come and help-out if you are able.

    OUR SCRIPTURE LESSON this week continues from the book of Mark 10: 46-52, “Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus”.  Jesus and his disciples arrive in Jericho, where a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, is sitting by the roadside.  When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he calls out to him, asking for mercy.  Despite being told to be quiet by the crowd, Bartimaeus continues to call out.  Jesus stops, asks for him to be brought over, and inquires what he wants.  Bartimaeus requests that he recovers his sight, and Jesus heals him, saying, “Your faith has made you well”.  Immediately, Bartimaeus regains his sight and follows Jesus on the way. 

    The 19th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon, comments: “That is prayer, when the poor soul in some weighty trouble, fainting and athirst, lifts up its streaming eyes, and wrings its hands, and beats its bosom, and then cries, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me’.” 

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

    Order of Service

    Prelude
    Welcome
    Call to Worship
    Hymn 678: I greet thee, who my sure Redeemer art
    Prayer of Adoration
    Prayer of Confession
    Declaration of Grace
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Children’s Time
    Hymn 500: Open my eyes, that I may see
    Responsive Reading: Psalm 34: 1-8, 19-22
    Gloria Patri
    Hebrews 7: 23-28 (en français BFC– English on the screen)
    Mark 10: 46-52
    Sermon: “It was a day just like any other day!”
    Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
    Hymn 203: When Jesus the healer passed through Galilee
    Offering and Offertory
    Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
    Hymn 497: Word of God, across the ages
    Benediction
    Go now in peace
    Postlude