St.Andrew's Presbyterian Church Fenelon Falls

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will look at the second stage of God’s Six Phases of Faith, called Decision, in our service. We will also explore two examples of making the big decisions to follow God’s dream/vision regardless of fear, uncertainty, and imperfection. The first one is designed for kids and deals with Queen Esther’s courageous decision before the Lord. The other story is for adults and shows someone’s decision to trust God and His goodness despite her ongoing challenges.

The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. The worship program and the sermon are attached. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A Zoom fellowship will take place for those who want to join after the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached.

Lent Bible Study through Zoom – Wednesday, March 30 at 10:00 am “Everything is Possible with God” with Rick Warren Session Four: “Delayed by Design.” Everyone is welcome to join us for fellowship, bible study and prayer time! An electronic copy of each study unit’s guide is usually sent to participants on Mondays. (Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode for this study are the same as the ones for Sunday services.)

Upcoming Sunday Services: March 13 to April 17: God’s Dream for Your Life Sermon Series

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will look at the first stage of God’s Six Phases of Faith, called God’s Dream/Vision, in our service. We will also explore two dream/vision stories related to this sermon topic. The first one is designed for kids and deals with God’s call for little Samuel in his dream. The other talk is purposed for adults and shows someone’s near-death experience. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. The worship program and the sermon are attached.

Lent Bible Study through Zoom – Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 am “Everything is Possible with God” with Rick Warren Session Three: How to Make Wise Decisions. Everyone is welcome to join us for fellowship, bible study and prayer time! An electronic copy of each study unit’s guide is usually sent to participants on Mondays. (Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode for this study are the same as the ones for Sunday services.)

Upcoming Sunday Services: March 13 to April 17: God’s Dream for Your Life Sermon Series

“My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:27 NLT).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

Before I introduce the service of the first Sunday in Lent, I want to share a couple of my thoughts on the season of Lent.

Firstly, during the 40-day Lenten journey, I want us, as Christ-followers, to have more spiritual developments in our faith journey. In the last few months, we have learned the nine divine fruits of the spirit. Can we challenge ourselves to bear those holy attributes in the exciting coming walk with the Lord? Many things can be done in our inner beings. What about proclaiming the Word of Resurrection instead of the words of death? In other words, I want us as Resurrected-disciples to use the words of hope, encouragement, compassion, love, and so on over the terms of despair, discouragement, condemnation, anger, and so on to ourselves and the people around us. I am aware that it would be very challenging for us to do it with our own determination. Remember: the godly traits can be produced only with the help of the Lord. When we ask our Mighty God for His guidance and strength over the decision we have made in our speeches, the Holy Spirit will provide His strength for us to keep not just our words but also our thoughts and deeds in control in Christ. Would bearing the fruit of the spirit, particularly the tempered words within us for the Lord, be excellent on the Day of Easter Celebration?

Secondly, during Lent, I want us to have a more intimate relationship with God. This deeper fellowship with the Lord can be done in various methods. I can recommend using our Daily Bread guide either on paper or online. Suppose you are looking for some other Lent resources. In that case, as Donna put the valuable info on the Announcement Slide, you can visit www.cnob.org and check them out. Besides the daily devotion, you may want to join the upcoming Zoom Bible Study called “Everything Is Possible with God by Rick Warren” starting this coming Wednesday. Don’t worry if you are unavailable since this topic will also be presented in the new sermon series launching next Sunday. Our unholy minds need to be replaced continuously with God’s supernatural thoughts to say godly words to ourselves and our loved ones.

Thirdly, during the forty-day spiritual race, I want us as the Body of Christ or a church to continue becoming the church God wants us to build together as a team and keep moving forward into His bright directions. Remember once again: God is the founder of our spiritual house, and the Word of God is the founding stone upon our sacred gatherings. Let us ask God continuously for His guidance and direction when to resume hybrid services (online and in-person) safely and surely and what to do in the Post/With Covid-19 era. Despite ongoing challenges in our faith journey and our God-given mission as a church, God is the One providing blessings faithfully for His people and His church. Keep believing in God and continue being renewed by the Holy Spirit is the best way we can do for Christ at this juncture.

With these thoughts in mind, I want to invite you to the First Communion Service in 2022. With a grateful and repentant heart, we will all take the sacred elements at the Lord’s Table, remember what Jesus has done for us and accept God’s forgiveness and His eternal life anew. Please bring your communion elements. In our service, Laura Sutton from St. Aloysius Catholic Church will read God’s Word under the venue of the Reader Exchange in Fenelon Falls. On our church’s behalf, Margaret Mark has prepared scripture recording on video for the people of the Salvation Army Fenelon Falls. Laura and Margaret, thank you both for your heart toward this united Christian ministry! We will also have time to pray for Ukraine.

As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon titled “God’s Grace & A Second Chance,” is attached.

Finally, Lent Bible Study through Zoom: “Everything is Possible with God” with Rick Warren will be held via Zoom on Wed. March 9 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. More detailed information about this study is also attached.

Upcoming Sunday Services:
March 13 to April 17: God’s Dream for Your Life Sermon Series

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened” (Jonah 3:10).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

I want to begin with a Mountain-Moving Faith Presentation. This Sunday, Michael Nicholson, Director of the Accessibility Services [AS] at the University of Toronto, will talk about “student mental health, and some of the work” he and his colleagues do, “how the pandemic has created new or greater challenges,” what they are seeing and so on. I am sure that the AS has provided excellent support and services for students with various mental and physical concerns to achieve academic success, especially in the last two unprecedented years. Thank you in advance, Michael, for your talk and the AS’s vital work under your leadership for young people on campus!

In addition, on Transfiguration Sunday, we will be continuously transformed to become more and more like Christ by learning the fruit of the Spirit, in particular, “Self-Control.” As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 27, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A-Zoom fellowship will take place for those who want to join after the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached.

Finally, I am so excited to introduce the coming Bible Study through Zoom (starting on Wed. March 9, 2022). This divine workout program will help us have spiritual growth and development through the Lenten Season. Please feel free to attend whenever possible. An electronic copy of each session note will be shared with participants (no cost). Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode for this study are the same as Sunday services.

Spring Bible Study “Everything is Possible with God by Rick Warren” via Zoom
Date & Time: Six Wednesday Mornings 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (March 9 – April 13, 2022)

[How’s your faith? Is it strong or weak? Is it steady or stretched? That’s an important question because Jesus said, “Everything is possible for the person who has faith” (Mark 9:23 TEV). Jesus also said, “According to your faith, will it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29 NIV). In other words, you get to choose how much God blesses your life. So there’s a lot riding on your faith. Would you like your faith to be stronger?

Well, that’s what this six-session video study is all about. You see, faith is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised and developed. And God uses a predictable pattern and process to build your faith. It’s what Pastor Rick Warren calls the Six Phases of Faith. Once you understand these six phases, you can cooperate with God in the process of strengthening your faith and building your character. Our God is a God of miracles. He has a plan and a purpose for your life, and he always keeps his promises.] (Excerpt from Rick Warren’s Study Kit)

March 9: Session One – How God Builds Your Faith
March 16: Session Two – God’s Dream for Your Life
March 23: Session Three – How to Make Wise Decisions
March 30: Session Four – Delayed by Design
April 6: Session Five – How to Deal with Difficulty
April 13: Session Six – From Dead End to Deliverance.

Upcoming Sunday Services
March 6: First Sunday of Lent – Communion & Reader Exchange
March 13 to April 17: God’s Dream for Your Life Sermon Series

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

I want to begin with the series of the following questions: “How much have I produced the fruit of the spirit? If I asked myself, how could I evaluate myself to bear these divine characteristics in my faith journey? Am I meek? What would the people around me, particularly my loved ones, say?”

This Sunday, we will continue to explore the eighth spiritual fruit called “Gentleness” and learn how to become humble servants of God. As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 20th, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached.

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
February 27 (Tentative): Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Michael Nicholson
March 6: First Sunday of Lent & Communion

“The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these’” (Mark 12:29-31).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

I want to begin with the “Moving Mountain Faith” presentation Sherry Henderson will make in our Zoom service this Sunday. As I mentioned before, whether we have accomplished something significant or small, all of the attempts we have made are “extraordinary” before the Lord. Whether dramatic or straightforward, any stories would also be an excellent testimony to the Lord if they contain God as the leading actor and His power as the primary source. I am sure we will all be delighted to listen to God’s Story of what He has done for Sherry and/or through her.

With this introduction of the Faith presentation, I want to invite you to the Feb. 13th Zoom service. We will continue to explore the seventh spiritual fruit called “Faithfulness” and learn how to become trustworthy servants of God. As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached.

Update on Prayer Shawl Ministry: Last week, four dedicated shawls were delivered to the following recipients. Please pray for Bill Hoyle to continuously receive God’s healing power and Catherine Graham, Faye Nicholson, and Wilma Wray to have Christ’s ongoing comfort. Below is the link to the Prayer Shawls Dedication video Dan did on behalf of our church last Sunday. Those who missed joining that prayer gathering may want to participate in the blessing upon the prayer shawls while watching the video. Our appreciation goes to Donna Schley for this vital ministry’s coordination and continuous efforts. Also, our thanks go to the knitters for the loving hearts, uncountable time and countless stitches they put upon the shawls.

Prayer Shawls Blessing & Dedication on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
February 13: & Knox Annual Meeting (right after the service)
February 27 (Tentative): Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Michael Nicholson
March 6: First Sunday of Lent & Communion

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:20, 23).

Blessings,

Caleb

Dear Friends,

Before I present this Sunday’s info, I want to have your attention upon fraud phone calls and emails. A couple of weeks ago, some people asked me whether I would have requested them, via email, to do something for me in a momentary manner. Remember – that kind of email is always a SCAM! Please never reply to it and delete it. Mark Mitchell, Chief of the Kawartha Lakes Police Department, has kindly shared some of his thoughts on fraud prevention. I found that it is very beneficial, so I put it below in the P.S. 1 section. You will be surprised to see how many types of scams are out there. Mark, thanks for your expertise!

I want to invite you to the Feb. 5th Zoom worship service with a somewhat unusual introduction. We will continue to look at the fifth and sixth spiritual fruits called “Kindness and Goodness” and learn how we can have these divine attributes and show these sacred influences on the people around us. We will have a special presentation with Dan Schley on St. Andrew’s Prayer Shawl Ministry (Coordinator: Donna Schley) during the service. We will also pray together about God’s supernatural blessings upon the prepared shawls and some of our friends who will receive shawls in the coming days.

As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. The Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m., and the announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached.

FYI: I place the link below to the World Day of Prayer Service in 2022 that Lynne Hill from Bolsover has recently shared with us. “This years’ service was written by England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is presented by women all across Canada.” Thanks, Lynne, for this info!

How to Participate

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
February 6: St. Andrew’s Annual meeting (right after the service)
February 13: Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Sherry Henderson
& Knox Annual Meeting (right after the service)
February 27 (Tentative): Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Michael Nicholson
March 6: Communion

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40).

Blessings,

Caleb

P.S.1 – Fraud Prevention (Modified Version)

Here are a few additional resources on fraud prevention:

https://www.creditcanada.com/blog/dont-let-these-6-scams-fool-you?utm_source=adwords&utm_term=&utm_campaign=DSA&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_src=g&hsa_ver=3&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ad=352985752715&hsa_acc=8770489077&hsa_cam=1988900602&hsa_mt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_grp=66469075090&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosmPBhCPARIsAHOen-PnZj0olPB2cKj-xnBX8vXM5w2ZwIv7l1R1FErpb3yDqLBlh7iYkDQaAvNIEALw_wcB

https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/protect-protegez-eng.htm

The websites above cover some of the more common scams and tactics used. Some quick reference points:

• Never give out personal information to someone who calls you
• Never open attachments or click on links unless you are 100% certain of the source.
• If you feel pressured to act quickly, are threatened with arrest or other consequences, or are discouraged from contacting anyone else, then it’s a scam.
• Avoid any financial transactions until you verify the source. Be especially cautious of requests to pay via gift cards, bitcoin or other difficult to track methods.

Don’t feel guilty, they can be quite clever and are very persuasive.

Dear Friends,

I want to begin with the following note the St. Andrew’s Elders have recently prepared: “The church sanctuary is closed to in-person services at this time. The Session of St. Andrew’s is closely monitoring the latest health guidance to gauge when and how to re-open for in-person attendance. As always, the health and safety of our parishioners is our primary concern. As the COVID-19 environment remains uncertain, we are unable to predict when it will be safe to resume in-person worship services. We will provide further updates as soon as they become available.”

This Sunday, we will continue to explore the fourth sacred fruit called “patience” in our service. As usual, the worship will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, January 30, 2022, via Zoom. The Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m., and the announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon, is attached. A Zoom fellowship will take place for those who want to join after the service.

Upcoming Sunday Service Info:
February 6: Presentation on the St. Andrew’s Prayer Shawl Ministry and Blessing upon the prepared shawls
& St. Andrew’s Annual meeting (right after the service)
February 13: Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Sherry Henderson
& Knox Annual Meeting (right after the service)
February 27 (Tentative): Presentation on “Moving Mountain Faith” with Michael Nicholson

If any of you have prayer requests, please let a church elder or me know. We, as a church, want to pray for you and your loved ones together. Also, please let us know if you know anyone who wants to join our Zoom services and be added to our church emailing list. We want to share God’s love and grace with everyone in our community and even beyond.

“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33).

Blessings,

Caleb