Advent Awareness 2011
From the Minister
For a little over a week during the month of October, as Karen and I were overseas on the “Moderator's Tour” to Israel and Palestine, we were residents of a Franciscan hotel that is attached to the historic “Church of the Nativity.” In other words, we went to Bethlehem, and there was room for us in the Inn! Knowing that you are staying literally within metres of where Christ is believed to have been born is a feeling which is hard to describe. At night, along with the six other tour participants, we would sit outside (the weather was amazing!) at a neighbouring cafe and reflect on what a unique privilege it was to spend time in such a special place; a place so full of meaning and emotion. The people from Bethlehem whom we met were warm and kind-hearted, and we felt unbelievably welcomed and appreciated for our care and interest in their lives. But as I shared at worship on my first Sunday back from the tour, things are not at all as they appear in the holy land.
The city of Bethlehem is contained within the boundaries of Palestine's Westbank, which means that if you are travelling from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, you must submit yourself to crossing through a heavily-guarded checkpoint and into territory which is behind the “separation wall” which divides Palestine from Israel. Once you are there, you discover the blessing of the people of Palestine, but you can never quite forget the harsh division which exists between Israelis and Palestinians.
These days all of these realities speak louder to me than ever of the context into which our Saviour was born some two-thousand years ago. Forced to meet the census expectations of the occupying Roman government of the day, Joseph and Mary made their way from Nazareth in the north, to Joseph's hometown of Bethlehem, in order to be registered. I recall how difficult that terrain and landscape was to traverse in a small bus, let alone imagine making the trek with a pregnant wife on a donkey. Yet make it they did, only to have to hastily flee to Egypt not long afterward to avoid the killing sword of a jealous King named Herod.
The coming of a Saviour into the world is God's profound sign to us that God understands the painful realities which often beset us in this life. Never entirely sure of what our future circumstances might be, God's remarkable love as seen in this child is a means to strengthening us in every moment of our life's journey. In Jesus, God has come among us, holding our hands through the struggles of simple existence; embracing our lives as we face the hardships and joys of sharing our futures with one another. Into a world full of walls and barriers, both literal and figurative, Christ comes to break them down. In Palestine today it is hard to imagine how that might ever happen, but our God is a god of hope and grace, and “nothing is impossible with God.” I am also all the more certain that God intends all of us to be a part of the solution!
As we look forward to the coming days of love and fellowship that the Christmas season offers us, may we be very mindful that God's purposes are to bring about reunion, fellowship and reconciliation, all of which requires understanding and a longing for peace. And may each of us in our own significant and important ways create the opportunities to respond in faith, in order to break down the walls of division which separate human from human.
May the blessing of Christ be with you all!
Your minister and friend,
Rick
Rev. Dr. Rick Horst
Focus on: Glad Tidings
Gladys McKillican, Secretary, St. Andrew’s W.M.S.
Glad Tidings is the title of the magazine published by the Women’s Missionary Society. There are six issues published throughout the year. It tells you of the wonderful work done by the Society. There are inspirational articles, letters from missionaries working in the mission fields and news of the society throughout Canada. If this is of interest to you, we are pleased to inform you that a copy of Glad Tidings is available in the church library. It is the large print version that makes for easy reading. Through Glad Tidings we are able to reach out to all people, spreading God’s Word to everyone. We encourage you to take the opportunity of reading this magazine and learning more about the mission work of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Kirk Session
Cheryl Anderson, Clerk of Session
We are happy to say that, with a slower demand for his Moderatorial duties, our Rev. Dr. Horst will be with us during the month of December, though he will be busy preparing for our upcoming Advent and Christmas programs.
As winter arrives and the Barrie Out of the Cold program starts again, we look toward helping the less fortunate throughout the winter months.
This year, along with your generous donations to the Food Bank, Children's Aid, Cheer boxes, etc., please consider also purchasing one of our Zehrs, Sobeys or Bon Appetit Cards so that we can help out the occasional person who comes to our office for assistance. The cards will enable them to purchase some perishables like milk, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, or even give them an opportunity to eat out at a restaurant over Christmas. Ask our volunteers to set the card aside for Rev. Dr. Horst, who will hand it out, at his discretion, during the winter.
Many thanks for all of your generous "Givings" and we wish you a Joyous Advent and Christmas Season.
Givings
The Stewardship Team presents the Givings received to October 31st. The monthly goals are calculated based on the total amounts for 2011, distributed over the year based on the past three years’ monthly average. This is more reflective of how funds are actually received during the year, and it is a better indicator than simply dividing the annual amount by 12.
Only 5 Sundays left until the end of the 2011 Tax Year
General Operations Goal
January – October $187,326 Given $179,578
Annual Goal $230,000 78.0% achieved
Presbyterians Sharing Goal
January – October $24,279 Given $23,300
Annual Goal $30,000 77.6% achieved
Board of Managers
Vic Hood, Chair
On Saturday, October 22nd, a group met to do the exterior fall cleanup; we extend our thanks to them. The contractor who was replacing the plaster over the stained glass windows in the sanctuary unfortunately created considerable dust and so, in addition to the outside work, the same group cleaned and dusted all of the pews and vacuumed the rugs. A job well done.
As previously noted, there are a number of areas in the church which need repainting. If sufficient volunteers come forward to participate we can do much of it ourselves, leaving the higher areas to be done professionally. The Board also needs the skills of anyone who is experienced in finish carpentry, brick pointing, painting, and any similar work; please speak with any Board member to offer your voluntary services.
Upcoming Events
November 27: First Sunday of Advent
Holy Communion
December 4: Second Sunday of Advent Mitten Tree and White Gifts
December 11: Third Sunday of Advent
Church School Presentation
December 18: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Chris Bohdanowicz and the choir offer
Special Music of the Season
December 24: Christmas Eve
6:30 p.m. “Family Service”
* Refreshments between Services
8:00 p.m. “Traditional Ser-
vice” and Holy Communion
by intinction.
December 25: Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. Service
February 5: Presbyterian Record Sunday
Membership
Friendship Sunday
What a great time we had sharing our 8th annual Friendship Sunday. We would like to thank Keith Boyer for leading us in worship and for the wonderful service.
Thank you to those who brought their friends and relations to St. Andrew’s. We enjoyed excellent refreshments and warm fellowship. Thanks to all who made it a memorable day. We are definitely looking forward to next year!!
Services - Meetings and Events
November 14: Barrie Out of the Cold begins at St. Andrew’s
November 27: Book Group
November 30: Packing Christmas Cheer Bags
1st Monday of each Month:
W.M.S. meets -1:15 p.m.
Reminders
¯ Donations of home-made cookies, Christmas cake and candy will be gratefully received for the Christmas Cheer bags
¯ Donations for the Barrie Food Bank are accepted the first Sunday of each month
¯ Mitten Tree Sunday is December 4th. Please remember to bring mittens, hats, scarves, socks, etc. For those who have never attended the decking of St. Andrew’s Mitten Tree, prepare yourselves for a joy in giving that is rarely seen… or heard! Following the service the “decorations” will be donated to local organizations.
¯
The 3rd Annual Advent Event
When: Sunday, December 11th
Stay after worship for a Pot-Luck Lunch
Followed by variety of Activities and Carol Singing
Hosted by the Education Team
Gun Wad Bibles in the American Revolutionary War
A small squad of Minutemen broke into the clearing, rushing for a hedge just below Church Ridge. The forest to the west of the ridge belched clouds of smoke from a barrage of musket fire of a full Regiment of the British Army. The smell of gunpowder hung in the air that balmy fall morning. The Minutemen trembled as the thunder of guns pounded the positions of the ragtag American army. The fear was less for the fierceness of the Redcoats than that they were nearly out of gun wads for their muskets.
Gunpowder was plentiful, but the lack of wads rendered their weapons useless. As they huddled beneath the hedge, bracing for a charge from the fully-armed Redcoats, one of the enlisted men sent word to the officer in charge that there was a church just over the ridge where they could take cover. The self-appointed leader of the group motioned for three of the men to head for the church. Shedding their backpacks, with muskets in hand and powder horns flapping, the men ran weaving and darting amidst a hail of gunfire. Bursting into the sanctuary, they saw a few German Bibles and some hymnbooks on a rough oak table. The young private saw immediately that the paper from the Bibles and hymnbooks could be used for making gun wads.
With Bibles and hymnbooks under their arms, they bolted back toward the hedge as bullets whistled past. Their comrades’ eyes were fixed on the brave soldiers. They had a deep admiration for their courage but couldn’t help wondering, “Why in the world are they toting Bibles and hymnbooks?” Even in this life-threatening situation, this was not the time for a church service! As the men cleared the hedge with a single bound, they hurriedly began passing the Bibles along the line. Each soldier ripped out a page and began tearing the pages into small pieces for gun wads. Reloading their well-worn flintlock muskets and with a renewed sense of empowerment, the revived Americans returned fire on the surprised British unit. (From: Donald L. Brake, A Visual History of the English Bible, Baker Books, 2008)
While this story is apocryphal, it has long been handed down as Revolutionary war lore that the leaves of Bibles and hymnals provided gun wads for the soldiers’ muskets. The Bible is a book that saves men’s lives spiritually; on this day, it may have saved men’s lives literally. The German Bible that was so sweet to one army’s taste and yet bitter to the other’s was a 1776 Christopher Sauer German Bible, today called the “Gun Wad Bible.”
World’s Best-Selling Book by Donald L. Brake, Sr.
Edited for Awareness by Dr. McKillican.
Gladys McKillican, Secretary, St. Andrew’s W.M.S.
The Women’s Missionary Society’s Christmas pot-luck luncheon will be held on December 5th, and our regular meetings will resume on January 9, 2012 at 1:15 p.m. We are currently studying the mission work of our church in the Cariboo District of British Columbia. Join us for this meeting – a warm welcome awaits.
Church School and Beyond
Tobey Boyer, Christian Education Coordinator
Advent and Christmas Unit
Sunday, December 11th – The church school children will put on their annual Christmas presentation during worship.
Please Note: There will be a final practice for the church school children on Saturday, December 10th at 10am in preparation for the presentation on Sunday the 11th.
Youth News
The youth group has been meeting regularly on alternate Fridays. This fall they have had a games night, an evening of bowling, and created a beautiful wreath for Remembrance Day. The next two meetings will be on December 2nd and 16th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Recycling Fundraiser
Do you have any old VCRs, DVD players or Cell phones? Bring them to the Blue Bin located next to the elevator in the Gathering Hall. See the poster there for more info. All monies raised will be put towards our youth going to Canada Youth 2012 next summer.
Congregational Advent Event
Don’t rush home from church on Sunday, December 11th. It is time for our annual Advent Event, this year it will be held after worship. There will be pot-luck lunch, a variety of activities and a carol sing. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Hall.
New Members
A warm welcome to St. Andrew’s newest members. Joan Boyd, Andrew and Kelly Douglas, Betty Grant and David Roe joined the church the 13th of November.
The Presbyterian Record
Our window on the Presbyterian world
St. Andrew’s participates in the “Every Home Plan,” and you can help to cover the cost of your 2012 subscription by giving $19.50. Special Record envelopes are available, or you can use the 5th line of your offering envelope.
Mission & Outreach
Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch Christmas Gift Campaign
On Sunday November 20th and Sunday November 27th donations of new hats, gloves, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand lotions, shampoo, and sweet treats will be received in marked boxes in the Gathering Hall. These gifts are for adults who have mental health difficulties and would otherwise be forgotten at Christmas.
Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society
St. Andrew’s will be providing food, necessary items and gifts for two families. Christmas trees decorated with tags will be set up December 4th and on December 11th and 18th boxes will be set up to receive the items.
St. Andrew’s Promiss Kajawo Memorial Scholarship Fund
St. Andrew’s has committed to providing support for three Malawian students to attend a Presbyterian boarding school during the 2011-2012 school year. The annual cost of books, uniforms, tuition and board is approximately $1,000 CAD per student. Fees for the next term will soon be due, and your support will be greatly appreciated. Christmas cards, bookmarks, and calendars will be sold in the Gathering Hall following worship, and the proceeds will be directed to the Scholarship Fund.
Grocery Cards
As of November 6, 2011, St. Andrew's share of the $146,400 gift cards sold is $6,787.50! This is a 14% increase over the same time last year. If you have not used these cards yet for your weekly shopping, we hope that you will soon.
Remember, too, that most of the grocery stores offer a variety of gift cards for other stores and restaurants. Use your Zehrs or Sobeys card to buy gift cards for those outlets and further support St. Andrew’s as you enjoy new sports equipment, dine out, or stay at a hotel out of town!
The ever-popular Bon Appétit cards for use at Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Montana's, Kelsey's and the recently-opened Milestones are available while supplies last. They are available in $25 and $50 denominations.
Any of these cards make great gifts for everyone on your list - family members, friends, out of town students, your service providers, not to mention yourself! Thanks to everyone who participates in this fundraiser.
Ushering and Hosting
Would you like to help with this important welcoming ministry? Can you help at our Christmas services?
To become part of this ministry, call or speak with Marg Thompson.
W.M.S.
Christmas Cheer Bags
On Wednesday, November 30th, the W.M.S. and Pastoral Care Committee will be packing Christmas Cheer Bags for the adherents and members of St. Andrew’s who are experiencing health problems and/or unable to attend worship services. Home-made cookies, Christmas Cake, and candy will be gratefully accepted for the bags. Donations—clearly labelled “Christmas Cheer” — should be brought to the church by 10:00 a.m. on the 30th. If you would like to help with the packing you will be very welcome. Everyone’s assistance is greatly appreciated.
Book Group
St. Andrew’s book club will meet after worship on Sunday, November 27th. Following a new format, there will be no need to read a book in advance in order to fully participate. Instead, the meeting will feature presentations of book reviews on a common theme followed by questions and conversation.
For more information about the meeting on November 27th
The theme for the 27th is Stories of Christmas. Did you know there are two different “Christmas stories” in the Bible? Matthew tells one and Luke the other. To learn more, come to the library where, after Stewardship Soup available in the Gathering Hall, we will review:
The Day Christ was Born, a 1950’s bestseller by Jim Bishop combines the two gospel stories as
historical fiction.
A Coming Christ in Advent and An Adult Christ at Christmas by Raymond Brown, a late 20th century Roman Catholic scholar, highlight ten years of research into the biblical stories about Jesus’ birth.
The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’ Birth by two contemporary scholars, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, explores the historical context and political implications of the biblical stories of the birth of Jesus.
We hope the new format will encourage you to attend as well as increase awareness of what our church library has to offer. See you on the 27th of November!
Endowment Fund
$480,399
As of November 1, 2011, we have completed year three of our five-year pledge program as undertaken through the "Affirm, Ascend, Achieve - AAA Campaign."
We are pleased to report that this congregation , through its generosity, has contributed $480,399.39 to the "Endowment Fund." For those who have not been able to keep up withpledge, we hope that you may soon be in a position to do so.
On behalf of the "Campaign Team", we thank everyone for your continued support.
Wishing you all the joys of the Christmas Season,
and the very best for the New Year,
Ellen Millar, Awareness Editor
