NEWS FROM THE PEWS NEWS AND INSPIRATION FROM ST. ANDREW S UNITED CHURCH, GEORGETOWN, ON

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1 Page 1 January 15, 2015 NEWS FROM THE PEWS NEWS AND INSPIRATION FROM ST. ANDREW S UNITED CHURCH, GEORGETOWN, ON Sunday, January 18 Reader: Dianne Grundy Greeters: Nolle and Adam Ohashi Ushers: June Longstreet and Pat Moore Counter: Joe Oatman AV operators: Rob Ogger and Graeme Thompson Announcements: Board Chair Next week, January 25 Reader: Brian Heinmiller Greeters: Lillian Rosie and Leslie Moore Ushers: Lorne and Susan Campbell Counters: Mike Sprague and Ross Yahiro AV operators: Howard Beitz and Bryan Scott Announcements: Board Chair WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND January 11, 2015 Winter Worship Series: Imagine...A God Who Is Able To Do All Things Part 2: Imagine...All That God IS Doing! This Sunday we continue with our Imagine worship series. Last week we began thinking about all the things that God has done in our lives. We looked at the creation story from Genesis and the Baptism of Jesus as he began his ministry. God was behind it all. We also celebrated the ministry that God has been doing here at St. Andrew s over the last 57 years. Over the years God has blessed us with abundance and grace. On Sunday we focus in on the work that God is doing in our lives today. We will look at how we are blessed as a church family, how God touches our lives daily and how we may live out God s mission in our current place and time. In the scriptures, we look at the passage about the call of Samuel in the home of Eli. We will also look at the story of Jesus with Phillip and Nathaniel. God called Samuel out of a deep sleep and encouraged him to be a leader for the people of Israel. In the gospel passage from John, Jesus calls Phillip to come and follow him. Then Phillip calls Nathaniel to come and see Jesus. Each day God calls people to do remarkable things. He calls people to take risks of faith and speak out in their faith. God calls us to live with an attitude of love and acceptance for others. God calls us to go boldly forward with new vision to see the world. Over the next few weeks we will continue to imagine what God has in store for us as a congregation. Following each service we will be holding our coffee time in the gym to allow for people to talk with one another and write on the wall what their hopes and dreams are for St. Andrew s. You are encouraged to be a part of the new vision plan for the next few years. Come and See what God can do! The Readings this week are: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 John 1: Sermon: Imagine All That God IS Doing! is the electronic newsletter of St. Andrew's United Church, Georgetown, Ontario, produced every Thursday. If you would like to publicize an event, please send it in the body of an (not as an attachment) to: standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca by Wednesday NOON. For further information, contact our secretary, Margaret Yahiro, or our Minister, Rev. Grant Williams, at

2 Page 2 THANK YOU The Family of the late Bruce Allworth would like to thank everyone at St. Andrew s for their support, cards, kind words and prayers during this difficult time. A special thank you to everyone involved in creating such a special memorial service in honour of Bruce. Thank you to Rev. Grant Williams for arranging such a personal and caring tribute to Bruce. Thank you also to Anne Cillis, for co-ordinating the day; Sue Whaley for the lovely music and to everyone else who contributed to the beautiful service. Thank you to the Catering Ministry for organizing and serving the wonderful luncheon after the service and to everyone who made the delicious sandwiches, squares and cookies. You are all a warm and caring church family that I am grateful to be a member of. Sincerely, Doris Allworth and Family Doris mentioned that the following lines from a poem have been repeating in her mind when she thinks about Bruce: Extracted from A PSALM OF LIFE By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ( ) Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of Time YOUTH CONFIRMATION Each year St. Andrew s holds a Confirmation Class for youth age 13 or older. If you are interested in being confirmed as a member of the church and seek to find out more about the Christian faith, please speak to Rev. Grant Williams. MEN'S BREAKFAST CLUB - THIS SATURDAY The next Men's Breakfast will be on Saturday, January 17th, at 8:00 a.m. in the gym. Tickets are $5.00. All men are welcome! ATTENTION: SENIOR YOUTH CLASS The Senior Youth Class will be starting a 6 week study this weekend that will require the entire hour of church for class. Please go directly to the classroom when you arrive and we will begin right at 10. I am really excited about this study and I hope to see you all there for the next few weeks. Stephanie

3 Page 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (CE) TEAM MEETING There will be a CE Team Meeting on Monday, January 19th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Room. FINANCE MINISTRY MEETING There will be a Finance Meeting on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Room. GUITAR GROUP - CHANGES - MOVED TO WEDNESDAYS AT THE RESIDENCE The Guitar Group is moving from Friday mornings at St. Andrew s Church to Wednesday Mornings at St. Andrew s Residence Common Room from 9:30 a.m to 11:00.a.m. Starting January 14, Open to anyone interested, please come and join us. For more information, please contact Gordon Robinson. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUP The weekly Thursday morning Bible Study has started again at 10:00 am. It is led by Rev. Grant Williams. All are welcome. REMINDER: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th This year s Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 8th after worship. Please reserve this date! You are invited to join us for a light lunch and the meeting in the gym following the service. CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE MAILBOX AT ST. ANDREW'S IS NOW JUST A MAIL EXCHANGE The mail slots will be used to distribute notes, tax receipts, regular mail, etc. If used, please make sure you inform the recipient to check for mail. Thanks again to Dorothy and Gord for making the mail slots. CHURCH ENVELOPES FOR 2015 ARE READY TO BE PICKED UP Church envelopes are on a table outside of the Fellowship Room. They are in alphabetical order by last name. If you would like to change to PAR (i.e. Pre-Authorized Remittance) givings, please ask for a form from the Church Office or from Nancy Thompson. Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) is a direct debit program that allows people to support their church through an automatic monthly withdrawal from their bank account. PAR ensures St. Andrew's continues to receive financial support even when you are unable to donate in person. A donation can be designated to current expenses and/or other special funds, just like it is on an offering envelope. Thank you!

4 Page 4 URGENT - CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY NEEDS In preparation for the Annual General Meeting to be held on February 8th, the following positions on the Board of Directors still need to be filled: Treasurer (Recording) Secretary M&P Chair Additional team members are being requested for the following Ministries/Committees: Building and Maintenance (1 or more) CE members (3) Communications (1) Mission and Outreach (3) Presbytery Rep (have 1 already, should have 2) Worship (3) Worship Planning (1) District Leaders (3) If you are willing to fill any one of these positions or would like to join a ministry/committee not mentioned on the list above or would like to suggest names to fill these positions, please speak to the Nominating Committee (Alan Grundy or Grant Williams) or fill out a nomination form found at the table by the Church entrance or the church office by January 27th, Thank you, Alan Grundy and Rev. Grant Williams WEEK OF CHRISTIAN UNITY SERVICE - SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 The Georgetown and District Ministerial Association is holding a special service to celebrate our Christian Unity. This year we have 8 different congregations participating. We will be reading the entire Gospel of Mark by candlelight with music offered. It will be held at St. Alban s Anglican Church, Glen Williams at 7:30 PM. All are Welcome. VISION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DAY SATURDAY JANUARY 31 FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM You are invited to join us for a day with Consultant Duane Whittey to continue exploring our new Vision at St. Andrew s. This will be an opportunity to learn about Transformational Leadership and help to cast the new vision for our church. This will be an exciting day to be a part of and have your input in the future of the congregation. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Grant Williams or Alan Grundy.

5 Page 5 IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT GOD CAN DO AT ST. ANDREW S This Sunday and for the next 3 Sundays you are invited to join us in the church Gym for Coffee Hour. We will have Flip Charts set up so you will have a chance to give input into our new vision planning in There will be a chance to talk with people about the process and talk to people about your ideas. This is your chance to engage in the process and help to imagine what our church could be like in the future. COMMUNION SERVERS WANTED We are currently looking for volunteers to help serve communion. Please the church office or sign up on the Volunteer sheet outside of the sanctuary if you would like to help serve Communion. Thank you. YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT EVENTS AND PROGRAMS IN 2015 There are some great opportunities for Youth and Young Adults in the United Church this year. Please check these out and share with others who may be interested.. MISSIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY WEEKEND AT FIVE OAKS IN PARIS, ONTARIO - February 6th to 8th, Missional Youth Ministry weekend at Five Oaks in Paris Ontario Lead is Andrew Root, Associate Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. February 6th - 8th, Cost is $ each. This event is part of the Neos Program and is for Paid Accountable ministry, Youth Leaders, and Volunteers. SOUTH WEST PRESBYTERY ENCOUNTER YOUTH RETREAT at Teen Ranch, Orangeville. For all youth in grades 7-12 on May 1-3, 2015 HOW DO WE ENCOUNTER GOD? OUR WORLD? EACH OTHER? This retreat promises to explore the ways we encounter (and maybe avoid) the things that really matter. There will be times of learning and reflection, as well as loads of fun and relaxing. Youth from all across SW Presbytery will be there, as well as leaders from some really amazing churches. Cost is $100. Per person. Registration deadline is March 27 For more information please check out the poster

6 Page 6 Held at North Bramalea United Church, Brampton. YOUTH AT CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING June 4-7, 2015 This will be a program for Youth ages and Young Adults who are active in the local congregation. Come and explore your faith in God, participate in the Youth and Young adult community in Toronto Conference and participate in the Toronto Conference Annual meeting. To attend this you will need to submit an application before March 16, Check out the website at for more information and see Rev. Grant Williams if you are interested. YOUTH GO PROJECTS The GO Project is a unique mission for youth from across Canada in Grade 9 to age 19. The Go Project allows participants to explore their faith and mission by serving in outreach ministries during one of the 11-day sessions held in Toronto, Halifax, Paris, St. John s, Stratford, and Vancouver! There are also GO Projects for children and adults! For more information please contact Michael Shewburg at Ext. 31 or Michael at thegoproject@islingtonunited.org. You can also find out more by visiting The Go Project website at YOUNG ADULT GO PROJECTS The GO Project is a unique mission for Young Adults from across Canada age 19 to 35. The Go Project allows participants to explore their faith and mission by serving in outreach ministries during a 11-day session. For more information please contact Michael Shewburg at Ext. 31 or at thegoproject@islingtonunited.org. You can also check out The GO Project website at COMMUNITY SUPPORT & HOUSING HALTON S THE COFFEE HOUSE SOCIAL GROUP A FUN AFTERNOON OF GAMES & ACTIVITIES Light refreshments will be provided. Every TUESDAY, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church. This space is wheelchair accessible if you need arrangements for accessibility, please contact Jennifer beforehand to make arrangements. For more information, contact Jennifer at (905) ex. 380 or jbarclay@shhalton.org Support & Housing Halton providing excellence in supportive housing, peer support & recovery since COFFEE HOUSE Social Group

7 Page 7 A NOTE FROM BILL ELGIE AND LESLIE HOYLE - KILIMANJARO TRIP - Dear friends, Many of you have heard that we are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with an Outward Bound expedition in January. This a fund-raising expedition for Outward Bound Canada. We worked for the Outward Bound schools in Australia and Canada at the beginning of our careers in outdoor education would like to "pay it forward" to help people experience this wonderful program. All funds raised will be used to support programs for youth at risk, Aboriginal youth, veterans and women from abusive situations. If you would like to contribute please copy this link to our fundraising page: All contributions go directly to Outward Bound and tax receipts are issued from OB as well. This is the link to the blog for our expedition: Thanks! Bill and Leslie This is the website for Outward Bound Canada which has information about the programs that we are supporting: Outward Bound Canada has links to recent articles: Videos on the Outward Bound youtube channel: A good "overview" of the OB story and impact is this video: FRENCH CONNECTIONS GRANDPAL PROGRAM SEEKS FRENCH SPEAKING VOLUNTEERS French Connections is an intergenerational program partnering with the Hillsview Active Living Centre in Georgetown and the Trillium Lakeland District School Board. Grade 4 French Immersion students will have the unique opportunity to practice their French language oral skills by conversing with older adults who are French speaking. With the aid of computer technology the students and older adults will be able to engage in meaningful conversations, learn from each other, and enhance a variety of skills while having fun at the same time. When: The 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month beginning January 14, 2015 (10 sessions) Time: 11:30-12:30 Lunch will be provided after the sessions Where: Hillsview Active Living Centre (Georgetown) 318 Guelph Street Unit CASHH 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CAShh) will be celebrating their 15th Anniversary on February 14, 2015 at the Acton Legion with a dinner, dance and silent auction! Tickets are $50.00 per person and are available December 1, 2014 at the CAShh office at 222 Mountainview Road North, Georgetown, ON. Come on out and help us CELEBRATE!

8 Page 8 JANUARY 2015 NEWSLETTER - Now Available In This Issue: Faith in Nature Blog; GSS Challenge: Simplfy!;What's New in GSS; Other News; Interfaith, environmental, and event calendars GREEN SACRED SPACES FAITH COMMUNITY RESILIENCE HUBS WORKSHOP Extreme Weather Impacts for Toronto & Building Community Engagement Mon. Feb. 2, 8:30-10:30 am, Toronto City Hall at 100 Queen St. W. David MacLeod, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environment and Energy Division, City of Toronto will talk about what impacts Toronto can expect during the next extreme weather event and the role that faith communities might play. Jeff Noel, Divisional Director, Emergency Disaster Services, Salvation Army (Ontario Central East), will talk about community partners and how we can work together to deal with an emergency. Register at Feb 2 Faith Community Resilience Hubs Workshop For information, contact Donna Lang dlang@faith-commongood.net LIBERTAS MALE CHOIR SPRING CONCERTS : Instrumental concert - March 11at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, 70 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster Choir concerts: March 12 at St. Clements Church, 745 Duke St., Cambridge Ont. March 13 at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church, Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown Ont. March 14 at Talbot St. Christian Reformed Church, 513 Talbot St. London Ont. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: order online at info@libertasvoices.com, , or at the door. Adults $18, Youth $10. Under 10, free.

9 Page 9 OUR CHURCH VISION With God s Help we will: develop Spiritual and personal growth through Christian faith and fellowship welcome and encourage new ideas encourage outreach programs offer programs for all ages and stages in life foster personal growth and friendship through Small Groups ministries be more visible in our community Week-at-a-Glance Thursday, January 15 10:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Choir Friday, January 16 7:00 pm Youth Group Sunday, January 18 10:00 am Worship Monday, January 19 7:00 pm Christian Education (CE) Team Meeting Tuesday, January 20 1:00 pm Coffee House Wednesday, January 21 7:00 pm Youth Group Thursday, January 22 10:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Choir Friday, January 23 9:30 am Circle of Friends 7:00 pm Youth Group Sunday, January 25 10:00 am Worship WINTER WORSHIP SERIES Imagine. A God who is Able to do All Things January 11: Imagine All that God HAS Done! January 18: Imagine All that God IS Doing! January 25: Imagine All that God CAN Do! February 1: Imagine Discerning God s Will Together Church Secretary/Office: standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca Secretary - Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9 am - 1 pm Thursdays: 9 am - 3 pm Minister Hours: Monday - Thursday Grant Williams: standrewsminister@cogeco.ca

10 Page 10 GRANT S WORLD WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK Humour Corner - Thanks, Val Angels explained by Children It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -Matthew, age 9 Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. -Mitchell, age 7 Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it -Olive, age 9 Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. Daniel, age 9 Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his Son, who's a very good carpenter. -Jared, age 8 My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -Ashley ~ age 9 Have a nice day!