Dear Friends in Christ,
While biking along the trail on Thursday, a question came to mind: “Do I need to change my sermon title for our fourth church anniversary?”
It occurred to me that “How to Become a Loving Church” might be better phrased as “How to Become a More Loving Church.” The reason for this small tweak is simple yet meaningful: God has already blessed our amalgamated body–formed through the union of Glenarm and Fenelon Falls–as a truly loving church. Over the past four years, God has guided us, as an inclusive, Christ-minded congregation, to live out our shared mission: “To communicate faith, hope and love by supporting and serving our congregation and the local community and communicating our excitement in praising and worshiping God with our friends and neighbours.”
We see God’s blessing every week through our active caring ministries–our Prayer Shawls, Prayer Cards, Prayer Chain, and Pastoral Care. Our knitters are busy preparing warm prayer shawls, prayer requests are faithfully shared via email, more than a dozen encouragement cards were sent out this past month alone, and hospital and home visits remain ongoing.
In addition to these ministries, our congregation collects food for the local food bank. Just this past month, we contributed 132 pounds of items–our largest collection on record!
The vital point here is not simply the numbers or frequency, but our ongoing, dedicated heart for God, His church, and His people.
Like many of you, I believe God is deeply pleased with our consistent spirit of love and care since our united ministry began in August 2022. We are profoundly grateful to the Lord for His ongoing provision, protection, and presence over these past four years and throughout our history. While the world might view us as a small church, in God’s eyes, we are a vibrant, faithful assembly!
On a personal note, Soon Hwa and I want to express our sincere gratitude to the church ladies for organizing the lovely baby shower for our daughter-in-law, Allison, and our son, Caleb Jr., and for providing such beautiful gifts and thoughtful cards. This is yet another wonderful example of our congregation’s love–not only for one another, but also for your pastor. Serving a church with such a generous, caring heart is a profound blessing, and my wife and I are so grateful to serve alongside you!
With these reflections in mind, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join us for our 4th Anniversary Service at St. Andrew’s, Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Together, we will mark four years as an amalgamated church–and honour over 300 years of combined, rich history between our two heritage congregations. During this service, we will also have the joy of ordaining two new elders, Sherry Henderson and Lizz Hoyle. Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for a mini Glenarm salad lunch!
Your presence—whether in person or online–and your prayers as we strive to become an even more loving congregation mean so much.
Blessings,
Caleb
Church News and Announcements
Anniversary Fellowship Lunch
St. Andrew’s Women of the Church will be serving lunch in the church basement following the service. We appreciate the preparation and support our church ladies provide for this gathering. Please plan to stay afterward for a friendly and enjoyable time of fellowship.
Sacrament of Baptism
Hayveland Clayton (Daughter of Tessla Hicks and Mark Clayton)
Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
An Evening with Glen Soderholm
Canadian Christian Musician & Storyteller Concert
Join us for this special music concert at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $10.00 per person.
Shopping Card Orders
Orders will be collected on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Please place your order with Donna Schley. Thank you to everyone who supports us by using the cards.
Fall Bible Study via Zoom: “The Miracle of Mercy” by Rick Warren
Join us on Wednesdays, Sept 30 – Nov 4 (10:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.) as we explore Matthew 5:7: “Did you know that mercy is God’s number-one characteristic in the Bible?….. It must be the most important character trait that God wants to develop in us.” More details can be found in the service email for September 6, 2026.
World Communion Service
Join us for Communion on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as we reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross. Please mark your calendars and prepare your hearts for this sacred observance.
Salvation Army Food Bank Donations
Donations will be collected on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Your continued support of our community is greatly appreciated. Last month we donated 132lbs. of food due to your generosity!
St. Andrew’s Women of the Church
The next St. Andrew’s Women’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the church basement. Everyone is welcome to join in this time of fellowship!
Session Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Revised Mission Statement from the recent Session meeting:
“The mission of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Fenelon Falls is to communicate faith, hope and love by supporting and serving our congregation and the local community and communicating our excitement in praising and worshiping God with our friends and neighbours.”