A warm welcome to all who come to worship this Sunday. Please join us after worship for refreshments and conversation.
Today we celebrate the Lord’s Supper and Epiphany. Epiphany (which is on January 6) marks the end of the season of Christmas which falls exactly 12 days after Christmas day. Its observance points to the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles represented by the Magi.
At the front of our sanctuary stands a mural of the nativity by Mary Cromarty. Today is the last Sunday this mural will be displayed. We will not be using the screen and instead be referring to the bulletin and the blue Book of Praise. The A/V system and screen will be back in use next Sunday January 14th.
The ballots for new elders have been received. The session has reviewed the ballots and an update will be forthcoming.
The session will meet for a retreat on Saturday January 13th from 9:30am – 2:30pm at L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill.
Thank you to all who continue to serve God and neighbour by volunteering at Martha’s Table on Thursdays. Martha’s is in its 12th year and offers soups, sandwiches, refreshments and Christian hospitality to people who are in need of a meal or companionship.
The church building is an incredible asset that allows the church not only to worship on Sundays but to live out its purpose seven-days a week. The people who use our facilities include AA groups (3 in total), CHATS (teaching English as a second language to new immigrants), feeding programs like Martha’s Table and aurora community café, Scottish dancers, Cubs and Guides. The church has been able to develop growing relationships with some of the people who use our space. This space is a gift passed down from previous generations, but it, like any facility or home, requires care and continuous upkeep. For the past year, we are indebted to a few people who work quietly in the background to ensure that the heat is on in the winter and that the plumbing is working. However, to maintain a well-used facility like ours requires more than one or two people, it requires a team of volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about possibly getting involved with the maintenance of the church property or have any ideas about how we can be faithful stewards of our property, please speak to one of the elders or to Paul.
The aurora community café will reopen this Wednesday January 10th. The café is a partnership involving local churches and non-profit groups providing job-training to adults with disabilities and creating a space to bring people together in a supportive environment.
Welcoming Arms is in need of donations.
- Disposable razors (mens and womens)
- Small containers of shaving cream
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Large containers of Laundry
- Small containers of dish detergent
- Paper towels & toilet paper
- But please no hand soap.
The St. Andrew’s Prayer Chain offers daily prayers for those in need of God’s help. If you would like to request our prayers for yourself or for a loved one, please call Cheryl Daddis, 905-841- 3674 or email [email protected]. Your prayer requests are a sacred trust and will be kept entirely confidential.