Author: ballyduff

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow marks the final day and Sunday of 2023. It might seem as if 2023 began just a few days ago. As we reflect upon these past seasons, how do we respond? At times we feel proud of ourselves; at other times, we may feel unsatisfied. When God created the heavens and the earth, He declared each act of creation as good! After completing each day’s work , the Creator God assessed His labour as excellent. Through God’s eyes, He encourages us to reflect upon our contributions to our loved ones, our church, and our community, prompting us to be grateful to Him for His continual presence, protection and provision for us as His church.

On that note, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. This Sunday, our focus will be on the “Triple Standing Command” as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Following our service, we will gather for a coffee fellowship. This moment will serve as a cherished opportunity for us to reflect on God’s guidance and blessings upon us as His people.

This divine gathering will be accessible for both in person and online live-streaming. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

Church News:

As Interim Moderator, Rev. Kim will be leading worship at Ballyduff Presbyterian Church on Sunday January 14th. In his absence Dan Schley will lead the worship service here at St. Andrew’s.

The 2023 Christmas Special Music Performance featured by Barbara Dunn Prosser has been posted on our church website as well as our YouTube channel as unlisted. Below is the link for “The Angels’ Carol” and “The Star of Bethlehem”:

Please note that Shopping Card order forms will be collected on January 14th, 2024.

I wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy New Year.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

Before I share the information for our Christmas Eve services, on behalf of the St. Andrew’s Session, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our church members and friends. Your unwavering support and consistent prayers for God’s ministry in this community and beyond mean so much to us. I thank each of you for dedicating your God-given resources to the Lord whether they are visible or invisible, recognized or hidden, small or significant, and so forth. The Lord our Christ delights in us, as a church and a heavenly team, “communicating faith, hope and love by supporting and serving our congregation and the local community” (Excerpted from St. Andrew’s Mission Statement). He is also pleased with our commitment to “welcoming into our church everyone who seeks to love God and participate in an open and supportive congregation grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ (Excerpted from St. Andrew’s Inclusive Statement). Like many of you, I am personally and deeply grateful to Immanuel God for His continuous provision and guidance over our community, church, family, and ourselves during this Christmas season.

With this note of gratitude, I warmly extend an invitation to you and your loved ones for our two services on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

At the 10 am hybrid Christmas Eve service, we will delve deeper into the names of Jesus Christ, specifically highlighting the titles “Mighty God and Everlasting Father.” Our Family Time segment titled “Jesse Tree” will continue, and we’ll be treated to special recorded music by Barbara Dunn-Prosser.

The 7 pm hybrid Christmas Eve service offers us a profound opportunity to re-embrace the greatest gift from our Heavenly Father: His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Join us in singing cherished Christmas hymns, concluding our “Jesse Tree” journey, briefly reflecting on another title of Christ: “Prince of Peace,” and enjoying special recorded music by both Barbara Dunn-Prosser and Caleb Kim Jr. Additionally, we will observe the Lord’s Supper and symbolically share the Light of Christ.

Both of these sacred gatherings will be accessible both in person at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls and via online live-streaming.

Lastly, mark your calendars for a special coffee fellowship featuring sandwiches and muffins after our hybrid service on Sunday, December 31, 2023. This gathering promises not only worship but also cherished moments of fellowship in God’s presence.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Blessings,

Caleb

 

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will continue to explore the names of Jesus Christ, specifically focusing on the title “Wonderful Counsellor.” We will also participate in the ongoing Family Time titled “Jesse Tree.” With this note, I invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid Advent service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

This divine gathering will be accessible for both in-person and online live-streaming. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

Upcoming Church Events:
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service 7:00 p.m.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will have a guest speaker, Pastor Martin Chipp-Smith, who will share the Word of God titled “Wrestling for Change,” along with an update on the Kawartha Lakes Youth Unlimited ministry. We will also continue the Advent program called “Family Time – Jesse Tree” by Dan and Donna Schley.

With this note, I extend a warm Advent invitation to you and your loved ones to join our hybrid service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. This divine gathering will be accessible for both in person and online live-streaming.

The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

In addition to the service information, I would like to share my thoughts on the previous community and church events.

I want to express our congregation’s gratitude to Barbara Dunn-Prosser and her friend Lynne Davis for presenting the lovely Christmas music on behalf of our church at the Community Carol Singing event. Barbara’s special music, along with that of other churches, certainly provided the entire audience with divine peace and comfort in this season of Advent. Her beautiful presentation on video will be shared during our services on Christmas Eve Sunday.

A Christmas potluck was joyfully held in the church basement this past Wednesday, hosted by St. Andrew’s Women of the Church. Many Christmas stories and thoughts, along with expressions of appreciation to the Lord, were shared in person as well as via Zoom during this wonderful fellowship. Everybody attending the gathering had a meaningful time and was nourished both spiritually and physically. The box of personal care items for the Salvation Army was filled with participants’ generosity, in addition to collected donations from the ladies’ gatherings. The Army was very pleased with these loving contributions when Lizz Hoyle delivered them on Thursday. Additionally, a few photos from the Christmas potluck event will be shown during this Sunday’s announcement slides.

Upcoming Church Events:
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service 7:00 p.m.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

Now, the season of advent is upon each of us and our loved ones. The word “advent” means “arrival,” and it signifies the coming of Baby Jesus Immanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Since the Creator God made human beings and walked and talked with them every day in the Garden, He has been with us. When we reflect on the presence of Immanuel God during the course of our faith journey, we cannot express our gratitude enough to the Lord. God desires to be in the company of each of us, His people, when we assemble to worship Him during the Advent season.

With this note, I extend a warm invitation to you and your loved ones to join our hybrid communion service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. We will explore one of God’s names, “Immanuel,” and praise the Lord, our Immanuel, with all our hearts. We will observe Advent Communion and appreciate a new Advent program called “Family Time – Jesse Tree” during the service.

This divine gathering will be accessible both in person and online via live-stream. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

In addition to this information on Advent communion service, I would like to mention a couple of things.

Firstly, on behalf of the congregation, I want to express our sincere thanks to Elaine Bailey, Directory of the Reunion Choir, and the singing members for their lovely and joyful Christmas music. It was s meaningful and pleasant time for us as the audience, not only to listen to the beautiful songs but also to sing along many divine lyrics with the choir as a heavenly chorus and have friendly fellowship in the basement afterward. Our thanks also go to Stan Wray, the coordinator of the first public community event our church has organized since the era of Covid-19.

Secondly, as announced, this Sunday, the Community Christmas Carol Singing will be held at Fenelon Falls United Church, at 3:00 p.m. Each church’s choir or singers in our community will present sacred music, and all participants will have an opportunity to praise the Lord together and have fellowship following the event. We, as a congregation, give thanks to Barbara Dunn-Prosser for performing special music on our church’s behalf. We also appreciate Lynne Davis’s piano accompaniment for Barbara. Everybody is welcome to this event.

Thirdly, as mentioned before, St. Andrew’s Women of the Church will host a Christmas pot luncheon in the church basement on Wednesday, December 6th, at 12:30 p.m. I have been told that this fellowship is also open to anyone, including men! Around 1:30 p.m. a Christmas program, such as a reading, a favorite Christmas memory, music, and so on, prepared by participants will be presented not only in person but also via Zoom. The Zoom ID and its passcode are the same as the ones for every Sunday. You are more than welcome to join this Advent gathering. Bringing personal care items, which will be donated to the Salvation Army, will be appreciated.

Upcoming Church Events:

December 6: St. Andrew’s Women of the Church Potluck Luncheon
Time & Location: 12:30 p.m. in the Church Basement
Everybody is welcome to join in and celebrate the Christmas season together at this gathering!

December 10: Guest Speaker – Pastor Martin Chipp-Smith, Youth Unlimited Kawartha Lakes

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming Community Events:

December 5: “Tinsel and Tears” a quiet Christmas service
Time & Location: 2 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church

December 9: Salvation Army Toy Drive – new toys can be dropped off at The Red Apple from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information about the community events, please reach out to Lizz Hoyle.

Blessings,

Caleb

Mark delivered an informative and inspirational presentation during the 2023 Remembrance Sunday worship.

 

Dear Friends,

The Birth of Christ is soon approaching for each of us and our loved ones! To celebrate this upcoming Advent season, our church has invited the Reunion Choir to perform Christmas music for our community. This joyful event will take place in our church sanctuary this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. All of us and our friends are welcome to enjoy this sacred Christmas music, as well as friendly fellowship afterward! Please note that, in addition to our church’s parking lot, we have access to parking at Trentside Baptist and Fenelon Falls United Church from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Those who plan to attend a service in person this Sunday will appreciate the beautiful Christmas decorations in the sanctuary and in the basement of our church. Our sincere thanks go to those who have contributed their time for this preparation under the leadership of Wilma Wray. Gratitude is also extended to Dan Schley and St. Andrew’s session members for the well-organized and meaningful Presbyterians Sharing Sunday worship service, along with his lovely sermon.

With these notes, I extend a warm invitation to you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. We will conclude the sermon series, “The Keys to a Blessed Life,” with the sixth beatitude, “A Heart of Integrity.” In addition, we are excited to launch a special program called “Family Time,” starting this Sunday and continuing until the Christmas Eve service. The first session is titled “Preparing For Advent.” During the service, healing and comforting prayers will be also offered, along with a wonderful healing story presented on video.

This divine gathering will be accessible both in person and online via live-stream. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

For your information, you can find the 2023 Advent and Christmas resources in the following links:

Sing a New Song: Advent Devotional (Five-week Advent Journey):

Sing a New Song: 2023 Advent Devotional

Reflections at Advent on Bonhoeffer’s Meditations & Presbyterians Read:

Presbyterians Read Book Study 2023

Mark Mitchell’s 2023 Remembrance Sunday Presentation has been posted on our church website as well as our YouTube channel as unlisted. To view his talks, please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/hWNOcWUPUn8

A shopping card order needs to be placed through Donna Schley, the Coordinator of this fundraising ministry, by Monday, November 27. Please note that this order will be the last one for this year, and the next order will be made around the last week of January 2024.

Upcoming Church Events:

December 3: First Sunday in Advent (Hope) & Communion

December 3: Community Christmas Carol Singing
Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church
Barbara Dunn Prosser accompanied by Lynne Davis will provide music on behalf of our church. Everybody is welcome to join this event.

December 6: St. Andrew’s Women of the Church Potluck Luncheon
Time & Location: 12:30 p.m. in the Church Basement
Everybody is welcome to join in and celebrate the Christmas season together at this gathering!

December 10: Guest Speaker – Pastor Martin Chipp-Smith, Youth Unlimited
Kawartha Lakes (As Interim Moderator, Caleb will lead the membership and baptism service at St. Andrew’s Norwood that Sunday.)

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming Community Events:

December 2: “Fill a Fire Truck” Salvation Army Food Drive
Time & Location: 10 am to 4 pm at Sobey’s

December 2: Northern Spirit Concert
Time & Location: 7 p.m. at Shiloh Christian Centre

December 3: A Service of Repentance, Healing and Hope
Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Timothy Presbyterian Church and via Zoom

December 5: “Tinsel and Tears” a quiet Christmas service
Time & Location: 2 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church

December 9: Salvation Army Toy Drive – new toys can be dropped off at The Red Apple from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information about the community events, please reach out to Lizz Hoyle, our church representative to the Association of Churches.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, St. Andrew’s Session members, under the spiritual leadership of Dan Schley, will lead the congregation in a Presbyterians Sharing Sunday worship. This will be an opportunity for us, as an essential part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, to “celebrate the generosity of Presbyterians across Canada using gifts given by God to carry out Christ’s ministry in our communities and around the world.” Your ongoing prayers and support for Presbyterians Sharing have been instrumental in proclaiming Good News and God’s love for all in His created world.

Thanks to those who participated in the Operation Christmas Child project. These gift and love-filled shoe boxes are making their way.

For your information, sermons and/or presentations in our services are recorded. Most of the videos are posted on our website: https://www.pccweb.ca/standrewsff and our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SaintAndrewsFF. Please note that some videos (mostly presentations) are uploaded on YouTube as unlisted. You can only view them by using the links, which are usually shared with you through Sunday service information emails.

With these notes, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. This divine gathering will be accessible both in person and online via live-stream. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. Announcement slides will be shared before the service with both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

Upcoming Church Events:

November 26: Christmas Music performed by the Reunion Choir
Time & Location: 2:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
Alongside our church’s parking lot, we have access to parking at Trentside Baptist and Fenelon Falls United Church from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy this seasonal sacred music!

December 3: First Sunday in Advent & Communion

December 3: Community Christmas Carol Singing
Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church
Barbara Dunn Prosser accompanied by Lynne Davis will provide music on behalf of our church. Everybody is welcome to join this event.

December 6: St. Andrew’s Women of the Church Potluck Luncheon
Time & Location: 12:30 p.m. in the Church Basement
Everybody is welcome to join in and celebrate the Christmas season together at this gathering!

Upcoming Community Events:

December 2: “Fill a Fire Truck” Salvation Army Food Drive
Time & Location: 10 am to 4 pm at Sobey’s

December 2: Northern Spirit Concert
Time & Location: 7 p.m. at Shiloh Christian Centre

December 3: A Service of Repentance, Healing and Hope
Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Timothy Presbyterian Church and via Zoom

December 5: “Tinsel and Tears” a quiet Christmas service
Time & Location: 2 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church

December 9: Salvation Army Toy Drive – new toys can be dropped off at The Red Apple from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, please get in touch with Lizz Hoyle, Representative to the Association of Churches, or me.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

Whether we realize it or not, more than two million and three hundred thousand Canadians have fought for peace in various wars and conflicts, and more than one hundred thousand have sacrificed their precious lives in these battles. During this Remembrance weekend, as Canadians, we solemnly remember and honour those who have served and continue to serve our nation during challenging times of peace.

As Christians, we also take a moment to reflect on another powerful symbol of sacrifice – the Cross. Two thousand years ago, on the Cross, Jesus shed His blood for us, granting us freedom in Christ. It is the sacrifice we remember not only once a year but every day, recognizing Jesus, who laid down His life for us as His friends on the spiritual battlefield called Calvary (John 15:13).

With this note, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. During this divine assembly, Mark Mitchell will deliver a remembrance presentation, and we will be blessed with a sermon titled “Christ’s Greater Agape Love.” This sacred gathering will be accessible both in person and online via live-stream. The Zoom link below will be active from 9:45 a.m. We will also share announcement slides before the service, enhancing the experience for both the congregation in the sanctuary and those joining us on Zoom.

Upcoming Church & Community Events:

November 13-19: Caleb’s Study Leave

November 19: Presbyterians Sharing Sunday led by the Session Members

November 26: Christmas Music performed by the Reunion Choir

Time & Location: 2:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary

Everyone is invited to enjoy this seasonal sacred music!

December 3: First Sunday in Advent & Communion

December 3: Community Christmas Carol Singing

Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Fenelon Falls United Church

Everybody is welcome to join this community event. Barb Dunn-Prosser will provide special music on behalf of our church.

December 6: St. Andrew’s Women of the Church Potluck Luncheon

Time & Location: 12:30 p.m. in the Church Basement

Everyone is invited to contribute something to the program – whether it’s a reading, a favourite Christmas memory, music, etc. Please also bring a personal care item(s) for the Care basket, which will be donated to the Salvation Army. Everybody is welcome to join in and celebrate the Christmas season together at this gathering!

Upcoming Denominational Events:

November 15: Women’s Missionary Society Come Together with PWS&D

Time & Location: 12:45 p.m. via Zoom

Guest Speaker: Mr. Guy Smagghe, Director of Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D)

For more information, please speak to Lizz Hoyle.

December 3: A Service of Repentance, Healing and Hope

Time & Location: 3:00 p.m. at Timothy Presbyterian Church, 106 Ravenscrest Dr.

Etobicoke, Ontario and via Zoom

For more information, please get in touch with me.

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

I want to remind you to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday since Daylight Saving Time will end, and we will gain one extra hour on Sunday.

With this note, I would like to invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. This Sunday, we will continue exploring the fourth Beatitude, which focuses on “Hungering and Thirsting for God’s righteousness” in the series “The Keys to a Blessed Life.” This sacred gathering will also be live-streamed online. The Zoom link below will open at 9:45 a.m. Before the service, announcement slides will be presented to the congregation in the sanctuary and on Zoom.

I have included two reminders below:

1) Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes need to be returned to the church by November 12th.
2) I (Caleb) will be on study leave from November 13-19 for self-directed study in preparation for Advent and the Christian Year in worship.

I have also listed upcoming events below:

The Induction of The Rev. Ian Marnoch to Knox Presbyterian Church, Bobcaygeon
Date & Time: Sunday, November 5, at 2:30 p.m.
Everybody is welcome to join this service!

November 12: Remembrance Sunday – Special Presentation by Mark Mitchell

November 19: Presbyterians Sharing Sunday, led by the Session Members

Christmas Music performed by the Reunion Choir
Date & Time: Sunday, November 26, at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Church Sanctuary
Everyone is invited to enjoy this seasonal sacred music!

Blessings,

Caleb