The Latest News and Announcements
As of Wednesday, May 15th
Life at St. Andrew’s
Pulpit Guests 2024
May 19th Rev. Mark Gaskin
May 26th Rev. Angus Sutherland
June 2nd Dr. Herb Gale (Communion)
June 9th Rev. Barb Molengraaf
June 16th Rev. Mark Gaskin
June 23rd Rev. Angus Sutherland
A Note From Rev. Barb Molengraff Co-interim Moderator
Great news!!!!!!!!!!! We have an interim minister as long as Presbytery approves our session motion at their May 14th, 2024 The Rev. Kirk Summers ( currently minister at Trinity York Mills) will become our full-time minister.
Kirk is a seasoned minister with a passion for the gospel and outreach into the community. He is kind of heart, funny, gentle but strong when needed. He lives in Stratford with his beautiful wife Nancy. They became first time grandparents last Wednesday and welcomed Ethan into the world.
Kirk met with a search committee on March 14th and they unanimously voted to welcome him. Kirk then came to the Session meeting on April 24th and was introduced to the elders. A motion was made to ask the Presbytery to allow us to install Rev. Kirk Summers as our minister for 1 year (Aug 16th) with an opportunity to renew if both parties agree.
One of the lovely moments was Rev. Kirk asked if his title could be Ministers in Residence ( allowing Rev. Mark Gaskin ) to be included in that title. He has been given a key and will be bringing in his books over his travel back and forth from Toronto to Stratford. His official date to begin will be Aug. 16th, 2024. This is such a blessing for St. Andrew’s. Rev Kirk has many years of experience in building up churches and his passion and gifts bring hope!
Hallelujah!
Barb
Pickleball - A note from Charles Toth
Hello St Andrews and Knox congregations,
Anyone who may be interested in playing pickleball in the Westminster Memorial Hall at St Andrews can contact one of 3 sources:
Charles Toth 519 822-5829
Steve Dodge 519 836-1462
St Andrews Church 519 822-4772
The hall is open most days 9 to 4, Saturday a.m.
Please indicate preferred date along with your name and a contact number or email.
Hiring Part-Time Custodian
St. Andrew’s is looking to hire a part-time custodian for approximately 10-12 hours per week. The position involves light maintenance, cleaning and setting up/taking down for events held at the Church, as well as opening the building on alternate Sundays. This would be an ideal position for someone who is semi- or fully retired and looking for a few hours of work per week, and who is “handy” enough to manage some light maintenance and physical labour around our building. This position will complement the work done by Darlene, and allow her to ease back into the less demanding housekeeping-type role which she has held at St. Andrew’s for many years. If you or someone you know might be interested, please speak to a member of the HR Committee - Mark Garlough (519-362-7334), Pauline Sanderson or Janet Dalgleish.
Missions
Saturday Community Dinner June 1
On June 1st St. Andrew’s wil be providing the main dish for the Saturday Community Dinner at the Royal City Mission. Due to budget cuts, the RCM has had to reduce its hours, close two days a week, and reduce the meals it provides from fourteen a week to five a week. As a result, each meal is more needed than ever before. Along with our partners at Kortright Presbyterian Church, we will serve a hearty, healthy supper to our neighbours in need. Your monetary contributions to this mission are very much appreciated.
Mission and Outreach Coordinating Committee
A Note of Thanks from Chalmers
Dear friends at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for your generous donations last month of 48.7lbs of goods to our Food Pantry at Chalmers, along with your help for our diaper program, which saw 239 packets of diapers shared with our guests in March.
We are so grateful for your ongoing support. Your generosity directly helps Chalmers to continue our mission of creating a more equitable, food secure community.
Rebuilding our Refugee Fund Updated January 20
In October of 2023, the MOCC made an announcement concerning our 2024 goal of $40,000.00 for the refugee fund - in conjunction with our partners at Knox and Two Rivers. (see announcement below). The response from Knox and St. Andrew’s was immediate but,Two Rivers has decided not to participate this time. Donations from St. Andrew’s and Knox totaled $22,243.00 by the end of December and the account stood at $20,000.00 at that time. So, at the beginning of 2024, we have about 50% of our goal. If we continue support at current levels with no more donations or pledges, we will have to stop supporting our Ukrainian friends in June.
Without adequate support, they will have to leave Canada. Please prayerfully consider again whether you can make a donation and/or a pledge that will help to avoid this outcome.
It should be noted that the partnership of churches and individuals has been able to support (in one way or another) up to 13 Ukrainians in total and even if the financial support ends in June, it will have lasted over 2 years!
Thanks be to God.
GuelphToday Article: Guelph church needs financial help to keep supporting Ukrainian refugees
St. Andrew's Church, along with Knox Church and Two Rivers Church, has been supporting Ukrainians who fled the war since 2022
A local church is looking to the community for financial help as they continue supporting Ukrainian refugees. St. Andrew’s Church on Norfolk Street, alongside Knox Church and Two Rivers Church, has been supporting Ukrainian individuals and families since the war broke out in 2022.
But now, their funds are drying up, and some of the families are still in need of assistance.
St. Andrew’s has been sponsoring refugees since 1980, from places like Laos, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Serbia, Ghana, Syria, South Sudan and more.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, they wanted to extend their support to Ukranians fleeing the war.
Read the full article from GuelphToday with Rick McRonald
Rebuilding our Refugee Fund (updated October 2023)
In early 2022, we took action to help those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With support from 3 congregations and private individuals, we have helped as many as 13 Ukrainians in various ways. We are currently providing financial support for 3 families - none of whom are living with hosts as the housing needs of the third family have been resolved but, earlier than anticipated.
We had set a goal of $40,000.00 for 2024 but, we need to start working on that goal now due to the fact that the third family now has to pay rent.
As previously noted, the St. Andrew’s Session approved this campaign and we have formally asked Knox and Two Rivers if they will partner with us again. As in the past, we are seeking pledges and/or donations from congregants. Please share this need with others outside our congregation as this has helped us achieve our past goals.
Both St. Andrew’s and Knox have undertaken initiatives (performances, sales, etc.) to raise money for the fund. These efforts will continue and we welcome any other suggestions to help us raise the needed amount. The St. Andrew’s MOCC and Knox Mission and Outreach Committee are meeting together on October 29 and this is on the agenda.
If you wish to make a donation and/or a pledge, please contact Rick McRonald, any member of the MOCC or Denyse in the church office.
What to do with used clothing? For folks seeking to donate clothing, check out this map
Clothing Room at Three Willows
Three Willows will be collecting clean, used clothes to distribute on Thursday mornings at the Chalmers West Cafe. Clothing can be dropped off Tuesday - Friday mornings outside the church office. For more information, contact Sue Couillard at couillards78@gmail.com.
Way to go, Sue and Doreen, for setting this up!
Food Justice Charter
The Food System Resiliency Table has revamped Guelph's Food Justice Charter!
You can find the pdf version by clicking here