Church News and Service Information for February 23rd, 2025

Dear Friends,

I want to begin this Sunday’s service email by echoing what Mark Mitchell, Clerk of the St. Andrew’s Session, briefly mentioned during the annual meeting this past Sunday. As he said, on behalf of the Session, we would like to express our deep appreciation to you, the congregation, for taking the time and effort to participate in the Annual Meeting, both in person and via Zoom, despite the severe winter storm. We also extend our gratitude to those who have stepped into various volunteer roles within the church.

As Mark emphasized, I believe God is the One who continuously provides the resources we need to keep our church doors open, as these doors belong to Him. Through God’s doors, His life and light are shared with His people–both inside the church and beyond. In other words, all individuals are welcome to come and be loved by God at any time, just as they are.

Mark, thank you not only for presiding over the meeting but also for encouraging us with your insights and for clearing the snow with multiple shovels that Sunday.

With this note, I am delighted to extend an invitation to you to join us for our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Aaron Miller, who will share the Word of God via a pre-recorded ‘Together We Worship’ video. Some of us remember Aaron and his wife, Kate, along with their two sons, Levi and Jude, who have visited our church on several occasions. Aaron also delivered a message for us during my holiday.

His bio follows: Rev. Aaron Miller is the Congregational Minster of University Hill Congregation, in Vancouver BC. He began serving there July 2016. Prior to that, he was the minister at Faith Centennial United Church, in Selkirk, ON, for nearly 7 years. Aaron is a graduate of Emmanuel College, in Toronto. He lives in Vancouver with his wife and two young sons. He enjoys the peculiar location of University Hill, on the UBC campus, knowing that the particularities of campus life pose interesting challenges for preaching and living the gospel. Aaron also enjoys the opportunity to interact and work with the students and faculty at the Vancouver School of Theology.

Below are the church news and announcements for this Sunday:

The first communion service for 2025 will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Please mark your calendars and be prepared to observe the steadfast and amazing love of Christ shown on the cross.

Church Cleaning–Volunteer Needed: We are searching for a volunteer to clean the church on a regular basis. Please speak to an elder if you can help.

A Spring Bible study via Zoom, The Invisible War taught by Rick Warren, will take place on Wednesdays from March 12 to April 16, 2025. A more detailed information sheet about this study is attached again. Please note that a hard copy of the study guide, priced at $15, will be available for purchase in the sanctuary after the service on February 23, 2025.

Service Information, Church Announcements and videos of weekly Sunday’s message are posted on our church website for those who wish to watch at their convenience.

Looking forward to worshipping with you all!

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for February 16th, 2025

Dear Friends,

I would like to begin by emphasizing the 2025 Annual Meeting scheduled for this Sunday. The meeting will be held immediately following the service and will be presided over by Mark Mitchell, Clerk of the Session. We are grateful in advance for his spiritual leadership during this important congregational gathering. Your presence, whether in person or via Zoom, as well as your prayers for this assembly, will be greatly appreciated. During this time, we will reflect on what God has done over the past year and beyond, and look forward to what He will continue to do in our church in the days ahead.

With this note, I am delighted to extend an invitation to you and your loved ones to join us for our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. During this service, we will continue to explore our New Year’s sermon series, “Time to Dream,” with Part 5: “From Dead End to Deliverance.” We will also participate in a prayer shawl dedication. Together, we will pray over the shawls knitted throughout the past year and celebrate this vital pastoral ministry. A copy of this Sunday’s service information and sermon is attached for your reference.

Church News and Announcements:

Due to an unforeseen situation with our guest speaker, a Together We Worship video sermon will be presented during our worship service next Sunday, February 23, 2025, as Caleb will be leading the service in Ballyduff as the interim moderator.

The first communion service for the year will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Please mark your calendars and be prepared to observe the steadfast and amazing love of Christ shown on the cross.

A spring Bible study via Zoom, The Invisible War taught by Rick Warren, will take place on Wednesdays from March 12 to April 16, 2025. A more detailed information sheet about this study is attached. Please note that a hard copy of the study guide, priced at $15, will be available for purchase in the sanctuary after the service on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’” – John 11:25-27

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for February 9th, 2025

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, Lizz Hoyle will share the Word of God with us. From the brief preview I’ve heard, she will focus on the theme of God’s gifts–specifically, all the talents He has given us. I believe she will invite us to reflect on the work we, as a church, have been doing for His glory. This will be wonderful guidance for us to pray, prepare, and engage as we approach our church’s annual meeting next Sunday. We are grateful to Lizz in advance for her sermon.

With this note, I warmly invite you to join us for our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Church News and Announcements:

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the church and via Zoom right after the service on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Your prayers for this congregational meeting and your participation in this critical gathering, whether in person or online, are greatly appreciated.

A prayer shawl dedication will take place during the service on Sunday, February 16, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, 74 prayer shawls have been distributed to members and friends of our church and community over the last 13 years. Please join us in celebrating this important pastoral ministry and in praying together over the shawls that were knitted in the past year.

Rev. Jonathan Baird will be our guest speaker on Sunday, February 23, 2025, while Caleb will be leading a service in Ballyduff as the interim moderator.

The first communion service for 2025 will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Please mark it on your calendars and be prepared to observe the steadfast and amazing love of Christ shown on the cross.

Service information, church announcements, and videos of weekly Sunday messages are posted on our church website for those who wish to watch at their convenience.

Looking forward to worshipping with you!

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for February 2nd, 2025

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will continue our study of the fourth phase of faith, “Difficulty,” in our new sermon series, “Time to Dream.” Based on Acts 27 and the courageous, confident words shared by the Apostle Paul with the people on the ship heading to Rome, this message will teach us how to respond to difficulty and how to apply these lessons in our own spiritual journeys.

In addition to hearing the Word of God, praising Him, praying to Him, and presenting offerings to Him, a video clip will be shown during the service. This video will introduce the first topic in a 10-part series created by BibleProject, which explores approximately 2,000 of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount.

I warmly invite you to join us for our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Church News and Announcements:

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the church and via Zoom after the service on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Your prayers for this congregational meeting and your participation, whether in person or online, are greatly appreciated.

The pulpit supply schedule is as follows: February 9: Lizz Hoyle & February 23: Rev. Jonathan Baird

Service information, church announcements, and videos of weekly Sunday messages are posted on our church website for those who wish to watch at their convenience.

Looking forward to worshipping with you,
Happy GroundHog Day
Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for January 26th, 2025

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will continue studying the third part, titled “Delay by God’s Good Design,” in our new sermon series, “Time to Dream.” With this note, I warmly invite you to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Church News and Announcements:

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the church and via Zoom after the service on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Your prayers for this congregational meeting and your participation, whether in person or online, are greatly appreciated.

The pulpit supply schedule is as follows: February 9: Lizz Hoyle & February 23: Rev. Jonathan Baird

Service information, church announcements, and videos of weekly Sunday messages are posted on our church website for those who wish to watch at their convenience. To visit the website, please click on the following link: www.pccweb.ca/standrewsff

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for January 19th, 2025

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by expressing our congregation’s appreciation to Arlene Ten Hove for offering her leadership at Shiloh Christian Centre today as part of the Reader Exchange for the Day of Prayer for Christian Unity. “This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 AD. This commemoration provides a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common faith of Christians, as expressed in the Creed formulated during this Council. This faith remains alive and fruitful in our days” (Excerpted from the 2025 Christian Unity resources)

With this note, I warmly invite you to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. We will continue studying the topic of “Decision” in our sermon series “Time to Dream” during the service. A copy of this Sunday’s service information and sermon is attached for your reference.

Church News and Announcements:

Shopping Card orders will be collected this Sunday, January 19, 2025.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the church and via Zoom after the service on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Your prayers for this congregational meeting and your participation, whether in person or online, are greatly appreciated.

The pulpit supply schedule is as follows: February 9: Lizz Hoyle & February 23: Rev. Jonathan Baird

Service information, church announcements, and videos of weekly Sunday messages are posted on our church website for those who wish to watch at their convenience. To visit the website, please click on the following link: www.pccweb.ca/standrewsff

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for January 12th, 2025

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by expressing our appreciation to Dan Schley, who will be sharing the Word of God with us this coming Sunday. We look forward to being inspired by his message, “Time For a Change,” and learning about the meaning of Epiphany.

With this note, I warmly invite you to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Church News and Announcements:

As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the exchange of Scripture Readers will take place during services at all churches in Fenelon Falls on Sunday, January 19, 2025. We are seeking a volunteer from our congregation to read at Immanuel Baptist Church on that day. Please contact Caleb or Lizz if you are willing to help.

Shopping Card orders will be collected next Sunday, January 19, 2025. Please note that this is a week earlier than the usual date. Thank you to everyone who uses the cards.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the church and via Zoom after the service on an upcoming Sunday (date to be confirmed), 2025. Your prayers for this congregational meeting and your participation, whether in person or online, are greatly appreciated.

The pulpit supply schedule is as follows: February 9th-Lizz Hoyle and on February 23rd-Rev. Jonathan Baird. (On these Sundays, Caleb, as Interim Moderator, will lead the Campbellford and Ballyduff congregations in worship.)

The Holy Communion observences for 2025 are as follows: March 2, June 1, October 5, December 7, and December 24. Please mark these dates in your calendar and prepare to partake in the Lord’s Supper.

Caleb, along with the church Elders, are available for pastoral visits for those in need. If you or someone you know would like to receive a visit, please contact Caleb or one of the Elders.

Please be sure to follow the links on our site for current and past Sermons, along with announcements.

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for January 5th, 2025

Dear Friends,

Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your loved ones!

As we welcome the bright year of 2025, I am excited to announce the launch of a new sermon series, “Time to Dream,” starting this Sunday. This study is designed to help us discover our God-given dreams and fulfill them for His glory in the days ahead.

I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Together, we will explore the first subtheme “Forward,” focusing on the biblical character Caleb from the book of Joshua. A copy of this Sunday’s service information is attached for your reference.
Order of Service Jan 5-24

Please note:
Videos of each Sunday’s message are posted on our church website after the service for those who wish to watch at their convenience.

Church News and Announcements:
1) Donations to the Local Salvation Army Food Bank: Donations will be collected this Sunday. Your generous contributions are greatly appreciated.
2) Chapel Service at Extendicare Fenelon Court & Visitations: Caleb will lead a chapel service at Fenelon Court on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Before or after the service, as well as on designated future dates, he would like to visit with residents. If you know someone who would appreciate a visit, please let him know so he can arrange these friendly visits.
3) Pastoral Visits: Caleb, along with the church elders, are available for pastoral visits for those in need. If you or someone you know would like to receive a visit, please contact Caleb or one of the elders.
4) Pulpit Supply Schedule: January 12: Dan Schley, February 9: Lizz Hoyle, February 23: Rev. Jonathan Baird (On these Sundays, Caleb, as Interim Moderator, will lead the Ballyduff and Campbellford congregations in worship.)

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Acts 2:37-38).

Blessings,

Caleb

Church News and Service Information for December 29th, 2024

Dear Friends,

This Sunday marks the final Sunday of 2024. As we reflect on the past year’s cheerful and challenging seasons, how do we evaluate our journey? There may be moments we feel proud of and others we feel less satisfied. One of Satan’s common strategies as our spiritual adversary is to condemn our hearts by repeatedly reminding us of past weaknesses and failures.

We must remember that God understands our shortcomings and forgives our wrongdoings when we humbly and sincerely repent through Christ with the Holy Spirit’s help. When the Triune Lord created the heavens and the earth, He declared it good. After each day of creation, God evaluated His work as excellent. With God’s perspective, we are encouraged to look at what we have accomplished for our loved ones, our church, and our community. This enables us to be grateful for how has used us as His instruments for His people and His church, regardless of whether our contributions seem small or significant.

We can also thank God for His constant presence, protection, and provision for us, our loved ones, our church, and our community, throughout the year and beyond.

With this reflection in mind, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our hybrid worship service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls, on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This Sunday, we will focus on God’s blessing upon the prophet Anna, as one of the first Christmas disciples, as outlined in Luke 2:36-39.

Please find attached the service information, including the sermon for December 29 as well as a copy of the sermon for December 24.

Church News and Announcements:

Farm/Family Story Link
For those interested in stories about a farm or land that has been in the family for over 100 years, please click the following link:
https://lindsayadvocate.ca/torrey-family-has-a-long-rich-history-in-agriculture. You’ll enjoy an engaging article titled “Torrey Family Has a Long, Rich History in Agriculture” written by Laura Love. This story is featured in the December 2024 edition of The Lindsay Advocate magazine. Reid and Helen Torrey, mentioned in the article are dear friends of the former Glenarm Church as well as our own church.

Donations to the Local Salvation Army Food Bank
Donations will be collected on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

Chapel Service at Extendicare Fenelon Court & Visitations:
Caleb will lead a chapel service at Fenelon Court on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Before or after the service, as well as on designated future dates, he would like to visit with residents. If you know someone who would appreciate a visit, please let him know so he can arrange these friendly visits.

Pulpit Supply Schedule
January 12: Dan Schley
February 9: Lizz Hoyle
February 23: Rev. Jonathan Baird
Please note that Caleb, as Interim Moderator, will lead the Ballyduff and Campbellford congregations in worship on these Sundays.

“Coming up to them at that very moment, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

On behalf of the St. Andrew’s session, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy New Year.

Blessings,

Caleb

St. Andrew’s, Fenelon Falls: www.pccweb.ca/standrewsff

Service Information for December 22 and 24, 2024

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the St. Andrew’s Session, I extend warm Christmas and happy holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. As we approach this sacred season, we are invited to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Although it is His birthday, He offers us the extraordinary gift of Himself. During our upcoming services, we are encouraged to reflect on and gratefully receive our Heavenly Father’s greatest gift–His one and only Son, Jesus–for each of us.

I also want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our church members and friends. Your unwavering support and faithful prayers for God’s ministry within our faith community and beyond have been invaluable this year and always. We deeply appreciate your contributions to the Lord’s work–whether seen or behind the scenes, recognized or unnoticed, great or small.

Jesus, our Immanuel, Jesus, delights in us as a church family, working together to fulfill our mission: “To communicate faith, hope, and love by supporting and serving our congregation and the local community.” The Lord also rejoices in our commitment to “welcome everyone to our church who seeks to love God and participate in an open and supportive congregation grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

With these messages of Christmas blessings and appreciation, I warmly invite you and your loved ones to join us for our upcoming worship services:
The Fourth Advent Hybrid Worship Service will take place at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls and via Zoom on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
The Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight Service will be held on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

As we celebrate, let us remember the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

Blessings,

Caleb