St. Andrew's Arnprior

Notes from St. Andrew’s Session

standrews-arnprior — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:50:38 +0000

The Session held their meeting on Thursday May 3, 2012.

Communion will be celebrated on May 6, and June 24.

Membership – Anyone wishing to become a member of St. Andrew’s, either by transfer of membership, or by Profession of Faith, please speak to Rev. Fraser.

Election of Elders – Ballots have been counted, and the four members, who received the greatest amounts of votes, will be contacted. When four members have affirmed their willingness to serve as elders, the congregation will be informed, and a Service of Ordination will be planned.

Anniversary Sunday – The congregation will celebrate Anniversary Sunday on Sunday June 3^rd, with a Fiddler’s Service. A number of guest fiddlers will be with us for the celebration. .

150^th Anniversary of the Town – A Ecumenical Worship Service in celebration of the town’s anniversary will be held on Sunday June 10 at the Arnprior District High School at 10:30 a.m. There will be no service at St. Andrew’s that day.

Stewardship - The Session is appreciative of the Congregation’s willingness to step up to the challenge of meeting the budget this year. At this point in the year, we are a bit ahead of our budget projections in terms of envelope giving to St Andrew’s and to Presbyterians Sharing. An Information Sharing Night is being planned for the congregation by the Session and Board.

Pastoral Care – Pastoral Care is the responsibility of Session. A discussion was held on how Pastoral Care is offered in the congregation, and how it might be enhanced. The Session appreciates those who visit, phone, share food, and send cards as their form of ministry. The Session is desiring to improve communication in regards to Pastoral Care, and ask for the congregation’s help, to inform the Session of those who might be in need of pastoral care.

This Week at St. Andrew’s – March 23, 2012

standrews-arnprior — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:03:12 +0000

Dear Friends,

We have been enjoying some beautiful days!

This Saturday, will be the Welcome to Spring Dinner from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Dinners are an opportunity to welcome the community to St. Andrew’s, and serve a meal, and offer some hospitality.

On Sunday, we will continue our Lenten Adventure in Prayer sermon series.

It is Food Bank Sunday, if you can bring food for the Arnprior Food Bank, that would be wonderful!

It is also Birthday Sunday, where we will celebrate March Birthdays, and will pass the HAT for the Hands Across the Seas Orphanage.

This week, one Tuesday March 27 will be the Community Luncheon from 12 noon – 1 p.m.

In the evening, on the same date, A Workshop on Bullying will be held. It is a workshop open to everyone, but hoping that Session, Board and Staff will attend March 27 at 7 p.m..

On Saturday March 31st, we will have A Lenten Adventure of Prayer Morning from 9:30 a.m. till 12 noon at the home of Bill and Diane Murray’s. It will be a morning of pray and sharing.

Holy Week and Easter Services

Palm Sunday April 1st 10:30 a.m. A Service of Hymns and Readings

Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. A Service of Reflection and Communion

An Ecumenical Good Friday Service will be held at the Nick Smith Center on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

The Choir has been working on special music for a Good Friday Contemporary Tenebrae Service, on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Blessings

Rev Milton Fraser

February 23, 2012

standrews-arnprior — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:45:21 +0000

Dear Friends

The Season of Lent began yesterday, with Ash Wednesday. I made my way to St. John Chrysostom for an Ash Wednesday Service in the morning. St John’s Church was filled, mainly with students from the Roman Catholic Schools in town. There was a choir from one of the school’s, which sounded wonderful, and their accompanist was Cheryl Mielke. It was amazing to see so many young people in church. I know that they had to be there, but still, what potential, for so many disciples to make a difference in our community.

The priest reminded the congregation, that the season of Lent makes sense, only as we consider Good Friday and Easter Sunday,and what those days mean to us. As we reflect on the cross and the empty tomb, the 40 days of Lent take on greater meaning. I was glad to be able to attend the service, and mark symbolically the beginning of the season Lent in my life. Yes, I was marked on my forehead with ashes.

Then in the afternoon, I visited with a family with whom I had walked through a time of sadness and loss this winter. It was good to hear how this family had seen God at work. I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great if during this season of Lent we could have a conversation each day with someone to hear what God is doing in each other’s lives.

This coming Sunday, we welcome Rev. Grace Vaters to St. Andrew’s. I will be away on a short holiday to visit family in Nova Scotia.

On Tuesday, the monthly community lunch will be held in de Renzy Hall.

On Wednesday the Choir meets, and they have begun their practices for Good Friday and Easter. The Choir is working on a canata, called The Shadow of the Cross, to be presented on Good Friday in evening. The Choir is welcoming folks to join them for this season.

The World Day of Prayer Service will be held at Emmanuel Anglican Church on March 2 at 1:30 p.m. The service is prepared by Women of Malaysia, the theme is Let Justice Prevail.

On Sunday March 4, a Lenten Series entitled A Lenten Adventure in Prayer will begin in our worship. Also coin boxes were handed out last Sunday to support the work of Presbyterian World Service and Development during the Season of Lent. We ask for them to be returned on April 1st.

Blessings

Rev Milton Fraser

The Week of Feb 11 – Feb 18

standrews-arnprior — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:01:45 +0000

Just a reminder that tomorrow Sunday Feb 12, we will be trying something new. We are combining our Worship and the Annual General Meeting, just like the song says, “worship and work must be one”. A Congregational Pot Luck will follow in de Renzy.

The Sunday School will meet as normal, with some special valentine projects.

This week at St Andrew’s includes, the Board of Managers meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Pastors from town gather for Prayer on Wednesday morning. The Grove Service is Wednesday at 11 a.m. Choir Practice – Wednesday at 7 p.m. Thursday Prayer Time at 9 am.

St Andrew’s Youth will meet on Saturday Feb 18 for a Spaghetti Dinner, and Board Games, and Discussion at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday Feb 19, is Communion. Youth interested in Canada Youth 2012 will meet following worship to hear the details.

Sunday Evening at 6:30 p.m. we will be showing the movie Courageous.

Blessings on your week.

Rev. Milton Fraser

This Week at St. Andrew’s Feb 4- Feb 11‏

standrews-arnprior — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:22:37 +0000

Saturday Feb 4, 2012

It is a beautiful day in the Ottawa Valley, the blue skies, the sunshine, the white snow. Wonderful!

This Sunday at St. Andrew’s we welcome Dave McFarlane to our worship. Dave is a student for ministry. He is member of Renfrew Presbyterian Church. Rev. Milton Fraser will be at St. Andrew’s Carleton Place, as part of a Presbytery visitation. Join us for worship and our children’s programming Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

On Monday, the Helping Hands group meet at 12 noon. Helping Hands is a group of women, who share lunch, and work on crafts for various community projects.

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to the family and friends of Henny Bosch, who passed away on Friday, Feb 3. Her funeral will be held on Monday at 3 p.m.

Choir Practice will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. They are a fun group of folks who enjoy praising God together in song.

Prayer Time is held Thursdays at 9 a.m.

There is a Euchre gathering each Thursday at 1 p.m.

On Sunday Feb 12, the congregation will hold their Annual General Meeting as part of Worship. This is a new approach, which we trust will be a blessing. The congregation will be needing to elect new Board members, if you have nominations, please contact Harold MacMillan or Dave Harmer.

May the Lord bless you this week!

Rev Milton Fraser

Week of January 22- January 29

standrews-arnprior — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:13:10 +0000

This Sunday, we will mark the Week of Prayer as Pastor Julie-Ann Morton and Rev Milton Fraser exchange pulpits. Both pastors will preach on the text Mark 1:14-20.

On Wednesday past, the local l’Arche Community organized an ecumenical service. It was a well attended service by folks from the churches of Arnprior. The l’Arche Community did a drama presentation on the theme, we will be changed. Rev. Jack Lau, from Galilee Centre, gave a reflection. All in all it was a wonderful evening.

The Helping Hands group meets on Monday at St. Andrew’s. The group meet at lunch time in de Renzy Hall, and spend some time doing crafts.

On Tuesday, the Community Lunch for January will be held at 12 noon. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and share a meal.

On Wednesday, the Choir meets for practice at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, January 29th, the Sunday School will be hosting a Hot Dog Luncheon following the service, in support of The Fountain. We will be marking January birthdays in support of the mission, Hands Across the Seas.

This Week at St. Andrew’s, Arnprior (January 15-22, 2012)

standrews-arnprior — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:04:40 +0000

It has been a great start to 2012 at St. Andrew’s. At our worship on New Year’s Day, we shared communion today, as we made a circle around the church, remembering that Christ makes us One.

Last Sunday, January 8th, the Sunday School was buzzing with lots of children and young people. The focus of the worship was on new beginnings, as we considered the Baptism of Jesus.

It was a busy week at St. Andrew’s, with various groups meeting, including the Helping Hands, WMS, Board of Managers, Sunday School Teachers, the Choir.

The Youth Group, for young people Grade 4 and up are meeting on Saturday, Jan 14, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Kendall and Billie Jane Leckie’s, in White Lake.

On Sunday, January 15, we will be focusing on the 1 Samuel chapter 3 passage of scripture, on the theme, Listening to God.

This coming week, meetings continue, with the Session, Choir, and Euchre resumes.

A Robbie Burns Dinner is being planned for Saturday January 21st, with tickets available at the church for $25. The Arnprior McNab Pipes and Drums will be in attendance, as will entertainer, soloist David Galbraith.

This week, is also the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. An ecumenical service will be held on Emmanuel Anglican Church, on Jan 18th, at 7 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and Elgin Street Baptist Churches will have a pulpit exchange on Sunday Jan 22nd, in honor of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Looking Ahead,

Community Lunch - Jan 24th from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday School Hot Dog Lunch – January 29th following worship.

Third Sunday in Advent

standrews-arnprior — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:07:42 +0000

Dear Friends

I had some interesting conversations, about perfect Christmases, following worship yesterday. Some folks were reflecting on what is important, as we mark the birthday of the One, who came to earth to be God with us. I have been enjoying working my way through Mike Slaughter’s book, Christmas is Not Your Birthday.

Last weekend, the Board coordinated the Annual Christmas Bake Sale, with lots of support from the community.

On Wednesday of this week at 1:30, there will be an afternoon, of Scones and Carols. Cheryl Mielke will play the music for those who gather to sing. There will be scones and hot and cold drinks, following the singing. If you are able to come, why not invite a friend, and join in the carol singing.

On Thursday, there is Prayer Group at 9 a.m., and the final Euchre before Christmas at 1 p.m., and the Bible Study in the evening on Philippians.

The St Andrew’s Youth will gather for a Wii Night, and Christmas Activities on Friday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

On Saturday at Grace St Andrew’s United Church, a carol service, in support of The Fountain. It will be held at 7 p.m.

On Sunday December 11th, at our worship, the candle of joy will be lit. There will be an opportunity to share with the local food bank. Gifts for the Christmas Family are to be brought in, wrapped and ready. A Pot Luck Lunch will follow the service. Hoping you can stay and enjoy the fellowship.

Hoping that as you prepare for Christmas, you are experiencing the hope, peace, joy and love, of this season of waiting and preparation.

Blessings

Rev. Milton Fraser

Second Sunday in Advent

standrews-arnprior — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:23:48 +0000

November 30, 2011

Just had a Mom and her daughter drop off a gift for “St. Andrew’s Christmas Family”. It was a special moment.

The Mom wanted her daughter to do the delivery to the church, office with the parcel, to follow through from the initial decision to make a difference in someone’s life this Christmas, to the shopping, and to the delivery. Valuable life lessons beings taught.

While they were here, we were also remembering together when we gave out words written on Stars for the children on Epiphany Sunday. The idea was a tradition we had read about, to have a word to focus on throughout the year. This young girl’s word was ‘caring’. So today she was continuing her theme of the year, caring.

Their visit made me think of the Chinese Proverb, “Tell me, and I’ll forget, Show me, and I may remember, Involve Me, and I will understand.”

This week at St. Andrew’s holds lots in store, Saturday is the Christmas Bake Sale from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in de Renzy Hall. Food can be dropped off on Friday. Sunday is the Second Sunday in Advent. We will light the Candle of Peace. We will celebrate Communion.

On Wednesday, “Carols and Scones”, will be held at 1:30 p.m. in de Renzy Hall. It will be an afternoon of carol singing and friendship.

On Thursday, Prayer Time is held at 9 a.m. The final Euchre before Christmas is at 1 p.m.

On Friday, December 9, St Andrew’s Youth will meet at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for Wii and Christmas Celebrations.

Christmas with Neighbours will be held on Saturday at Grace St. Andrew’s United Church, as a Fundraiser for The Fountain.

Sunday December 11 is the third Sunday of Advent. We will bring White Gifts to share with the Food Bank. A Pot Luck Lunch for the Congregation will follow the service. Bring food to share.

Blessings!

Rev. Milton Fraser

Helping Hands

standrews-arnprior — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:59:18 +0000

The Helping Hands – A group of women from St. Andrew’s share the following.

Since the formation of the Helping Hands group on March 28th, 2011, we have met every second week, and so far have contributed, 17 afghans, 21 catheter bags, 11 pairs of slippers, 11 pairs of socks, 57 baby toques, 1 bed jacket, and 1 shawl. These items have been gratefully received by CHEO, Queensway Carleton Hospital, The Grove, and the Palliative Care Unit of the Arnprior Hospital.

Thanks to the 14 women, who have regularly assisted and a warm welcome is extended to anyone who would like to join us.

The next gathering is November 28th at 12 noon in de Renzy Hall. The December gathering will be lunch out at PJ’s Restaurant, on December 12th, 2011.