As our worship began this morning, with some of the great hymns of old, I sang with joy and beheld in awe the folks standing near me, they were invigorated, partially by the music, largely by the glorious sunshine of the morning and in part by the fact that we were all, in whatever way, honoring our Mothers on this Mother’s Day, this Christian Family Sunday. This is the day that we honor our families but more especially our Mothers. We all have one, they brought us into this world and for that we shall be grateful.

As our service unfolded, I could not help but admire the content of the scriptures,the prayers, and the music; however the thing that brought it all together for me was the simplicity of this morning’s sermon. Such a deep and meaningful message delivered in such a way that all could embrace it’s wonderful meaning. Do not worry for all is in God’s hands, “Consider the Lilies/Tulips”. Their beauty comes from God and God alone. The scripture teaches us to trust in God, he too will care for us. Do not worry ! He will take care of you, he will provide for you and as the words of a well known gospel song says, “Be not dismayed what ere be tide, God will take care of you”.

A lovely thought for sure. Now, I wonder how many of us are asking our selves, and more importantly asking our God, what about the millions in the world who suffer under war fare, hunger and disease, poverty and injustice. Where are the Lilies in their lives today, where is God in their lives today and where are our prayers for them this Christian Family Sunday. “Consider the Lilies”. Let us continue the work begun by God, to love one another and share the beauty of creation with all our brothers and sisters in Christ and help make this world a place where lilies may bloom for all so that the love of God may come close.

I invite you to exchange your views on today’s worship, may we keep the Spring Time of our lives bright and beautiful for all to know and may we Consider the Lilies, leave the worry to God for only he can make it right.

Grant

It’s valuable to remember that God is present for us, too, in the spaces between. Between plans, between times of stability and organization, between homes, between the stages of our lives: God is there. It is not for us to predict the hidden ways and hidden being of God, but as Jacob did to notice when we have encountered the Divine, acknowledge it, and mark that time just as Jacob marked the space in which he dreamt. And so we move through our lives, marking our encounters with our Eternal Mother, noting Her abiding presence, Her wonders and Her influence in this world, apprehending the places where the veil of earthly things lays thin and may afford us glimpses of Paradise beyond.

- darlene

Here at St. Andrew’s, an opportunity to meet and hear an address by Jennifer Henry, the new Executive Director of KAIROS, which brings together 11 Christian churches and organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to ‘do justice, and love kindness and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). RSVP aj@standrewsottawa.ca.

An evening of discussion on the Christian responsibility to address climate change with Members of Parliament of four political parties. Monday May 14, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Booth Building (from Sparks Street Mall) room 2-2. Organised by the Canadian Council of Churches and Citizens for Public Justice.

A talk by Sheila Regehr, former ED of the National Council of Welfare. Thursday May 10, 7:30 p.m. at Dominion Chalmers Church, 355 Cooper St. All welcome. Preceded by the AGM of Citizens for Public Justice, a national organisation of members inspired by Christian faith to act for justice in Canadian public policy, at 6:30 p.m.

Roger Moyer of Christian Counselling Ottawa presents a seminar for couples wishing to improve their communication. Monday May 7, 7-9 p.m. at Parkdale United Church, cost $20. Register at 613-729-8454 ex 228 or at www.christiancounsellingottawa.ca

6 pm in St. Andrew’s Hall for dinner, then Dr. Cindy Blackstock, (Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada – also Associate Professor at the U of Alberta and member of the Gitscan Nation) will present Equity+Culture+You = Hope for First Nations Children. We invite any women interested in hearing Dr. Blackstock to come and join us (dinner included). Speak with Colin for details.

Join us in the Currie Room on Thursday, May 17th at noon, as we continue our study of Presbyterian house churches in the Cariboo. All are welcome. Bring a sandwich! Please contact Alice C. for more information.

We explore the meaning of the ascension of our Lord (Mark 16:19-20), led by our Minister at St. Paul’s Church (Woodroffe at Queensway, with lots of parking!). All welcome.

Meeting at the Bytowne, a screening of the film ‘Lady’, the moving story of the Burmese people through the person of Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Discussion afterwards at the Johnston home (aj@standrewsottawa.ca)

A fellowship group that considers matters of sexual orientation in the context of Christian faith, we will be winding up the season with a barbeque at Diane S.’s home on Sunday, May 27th at 5 p.m. For transportation or information call Sheila S. or Rob S.

Meeting this month at the home of Diane S. in Manotick. If you wish to join us please contact Marj F.

The Mission & Outreach Committee is inviting members of St. Andrew’s to participate in the annual spring cleanup at Bruce House, a community-based initiative providing housing, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS in Ottawa. Friday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Any amount of time would be appreciated! Speak with Emily D.

Held at Westminster Church (470 Roosevelt, Westboro). Age Gr 6+ through High School. Please contact Huda: hk@standrewsottawa.ca.

We open our doors as part of Doors Open Ottawa, Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Every year we welcome 450-500 visitors during the Doors Open weekend.
Volunteers from the church are needed to greet visitors, answer questions and hand out information sheets. Please sign up in the photocopy room if you’re able to help out.

A time particularly for those unable to attend regular Sunday morning worship. Followed by ‘high tea’ afterwards in Fergus Grant Hall. An initiative of the Pastoral Care Ministry Team. To assist with sandwiches or baked goods, please speak with Gail B.

Scripture Readings
1 John 3:16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

Hearts pledged Huda Kandalaft - Scripture Readings 1 John 3:16-24 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a b... Hearts pledged Huda Kandalaft Scripture Readings 1 John 3:16-24 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. Rev. Dr. Andrew Johnston no 17:10 http://www.standrewsottawa.ca/archives/blog_mod/sunday-april-29 http://www.standrewsottawa.ca/archives/blog_mod/sunday-april-29#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:38:59 +0000 Contributor http://www.standrewsottawa.ca/?post_type=blog_mod&p=1478 Let’s start with two quotations from today’s service. First, Sheila U.: “I know that I am with forgiving friends.” Second, Huda Kandalaft: “If our lives have no message, then our message has no life.” These may not be 100% accurate word for word, but I believe that I’ve captured the essence of both.

Sky is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences. Kids will see, hear, touch, and even taste! Not only will they experience amazing Bible adventures but they’ll also watch for God in everyday life. You and your kids will discover that God is active in our lives and that his fingerprints are everywhere!

Scripture Readings
Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17
John 20:19-29
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
Jesus and Thomas

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Today we were reminded that we are all part of the same creation, our bodies coming from the Earth and touched by the Divine. We give glory to God and rejoice in the world that He has created and continues to nurture and we pray that we may learn to live in this world as part of the creation.

Karinny C.

Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Luke 24:13-25
The Walk to Emmaus
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!

Jesus joins the two disciples as they were journeying to Emmaus. They were looking sad, even though they had just heard and were astounded by the message “He is alive”. It seems that they were looking for and hoping for a different kind of king, one who would redeem Israel and restore it to its former glory. To them, Jesus had failed in his mission. Jesus’ response: “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” (Luke 24: 25, 26)

The gospel, the good news that Jesus gave us, is not about emotions to be felt or ideas to be discussed, but about a relationship with the Lord. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me…” (Jer. 29: 11-13). God’s plan has been to raise up a people for the good of all humanity, a people through whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. And for Israel as well as for Jesus, there was despair and suffering. And so it is for Christians, we too must suffer at the hands of others and see death before we can see life.

“Grant us grace sufficient for life’s day” (Hymn 255). God is trustworthy. He is faithful to life’s end. He will turn our mourning into dancing, remove our sackcloth, and clothe us with joy. (Ps. 30:11). And so we will not (cannot) be silent, but will praise Him and give thanks forever. (vs. 12).

As Hymn 262 exhorts us, let us live our lives “…and to others be a blessing”.

Michael N.

Also, check out this flickr group for more pandas: Pandas

The panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca, lit. “black and white cat-foot”),[2] also known as the giant panda to distinguish the unrelated red panda, is a bear[3] native to central-western and south western China.[4] It is easily recognized by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the panda’s diet is 99% bamboo.[5] Pandas in the wild will occasionally eat other grasses, wild tubers, or even meat in the form of birds, rodents or carrion. In captivity they may receive honey, eggs, fish, yams, shrub leaves, oranges, or bananas along with specially prepared feed.Wikipedia

The Soloists and Choir of St. Andrew’s Church conducted by Thomas Annand present a Concert of Choral Masterpieces for Spring on Sunday, May 6th at 4pm. Favourite anthems and solos by Stanford, Handel, Willan, Raminsh and Duruflé. Freewill offering, friends and family welcome!

Please join us by supporting the “Path of Hope” fundraising concert at St. Andrew’s church on May 26, 2012. Enjoy an evening of musical and dance contributions and also assist “The Marco Depestre Foundation of Ottawa” in fulfilling some of its projects and work, particularly in southern Haiti. Tickets are $15/person, $5/child. Contact Yvette for tickets or further information.
(Poster available here)

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Scripture Readings
Isaiah 12:2-6
Mark 16:1-8
The Resurrection of Jesus
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Rebecca B.

But this morning we read from Mark and he doesn’t paint such a picture. He describes Jesus as distressed and agitated. Deeply grieved even unto death, throwing himself to the ground in his pain.
Four days earlier he ransacked the temple, overturning tables and telling off the money-changers. Not sedate, not remotely.

A man racked with grief. A man of sorrow. A man of deep, deep feeling. And God, too, giving everything, so deeply in love with humanity that He would die to bring us nearer to Him.

When we imagine Jesus as placid, as some sort of Christian bodhisattva, we ignore the complexity of His ministry. We ignore His passion. But it’s comfortable, to focus on the divinity of Christ, His set-apart- ness, rather than acknowledge the truth of His pain.

Because His pain was real. Real, and deeply human. And when we fully apprehend Jesus Christ’s humanity, we must accept that a human man was murdered. For us. And there is nothing comfortable about that at all.

- Darlene M.

Scripture Readings
Psalm 118:14-29
Mark 11:1-11
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

As I experienced worship today, I thought of the congregational dinner we had last night. Almost 100 of us gathered in St. Andrew’s Hall to learn about the work of Daybreak Ecumenical Housing. Daybreak works with people whom the rest of society has forgotten – people who struggle with addiction and/or mental illness, who aren’t able to live on their own at this stage in their lives, who can’t afford to rent an apartment on their own. Daybreak steps up to care for this group of God’s children – to give them a chance to live with dignity, to deal with some of the challenges in they face. And they do it in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. When others turn their backs on these individuals, Daybreak steps up.

We sang one of my favourite hymns this morning. I really love the first few lines:

“My song is love unknown, my Saviour’s love to me
Love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be”

Daybreak shows love to those who have not always known it, and it helps them to heal, to move on to independent living.

So, will you choose to follow our King? Will you choose to stand up and be part of the solution?

Laura S.

We gather for supper in St. Andrew’s Hall. Our speaker will be Riley Brockington who manages the Elementary-Secondary Education Survey at Statistics Canada. He will provide an insight into the interpretation of the data collected from across Canada in elementary, secondary and private schools. Riley is a member of St. Andrew’s and was recognized by Ottawa Life Magazine for his contributions to the education sector. His experience includes serving on a local school board for seven years. Contact Colin F. for details.

We will watch the film “A Very Serious Person”, a touching and entertaining story of evolving sexual identity. The Rainbow Circle, a fellowship group that considers matters of sexual orientation in the context of Christian faith, welcomes new participants. Contact Sheila S. or Rob S. for details

The Mission and Outreach Committee will be hosting a time to hear from Richard Naster of Bruce House, a community-based initiative providing housing, compassionate care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa, about how Ottawa is affected and the role that Bruce House plays. A light lunch will be provided. For details, contact Emily M.

Join us in the Currie Room as we continue our study of the Presbyterian house churches in the Caribou. All are welcome – bring a sandwich! Please contact Alice C. for information.

We will be looking back at the glorious scene known as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) All welcome. Led by our Minister but held at St. Paul’s Church (Woodroffe Ave) for ease of parking.

An opportunity to reach out to university students in the midst of exams with Christian care. Suggested food contributions include homemade sandwiches, cookies, muffins, lots of bagels and bananas, juice, yogurt (please leave in Grant Hall by Thursday evening, for pick up Friday 8 a.m.) Your presence would also be appreciated – speak to Grant P. for information.

We meet in the Currie room for a brief meeting and lunch, and then work downstairs sorting and displaying the donations for the Spring Rummage Sale. The preparation work will continue throughout the day on Friday the 13th., and the sale itself will take place Sat. April 14, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Many people who cannot regularly attend our meeting lend a hand during these days each year. Please help out in any way you can. Jill C.

A time especially for preschoolers and their families. A simple craft giving thanks to God for this earth our home, worship on the carpet in the sanctuary, a pot luck meal. Please register with Andrew Johnston, aj@standrewsottawa.ca.

A strong team from St. Andrew’s leads in a bi-monthly service here. If you would be willing to assist residents to the chapel, please speak to the Minister.

The church school is hosting an Easter workshop for children ages 4-16. Knox Church children will be joining us. We will start at 3.30 pm with a short worship time. Activities will begin at 4:00 and will include an Easter egg hunt, Easter egg colouring and Easter story told by using biblical symbols. A pizza dinner will follow at 5.30 pm. All children of the church and friends welcome.
Please register by April 1 with Jeanie H. or Huda, hk@standrewsottawa.ca.

But Jesus wasn’t trying to trick the man, or be unreasonable, or make things difficult for him. Andrew this morning reminded us of verse 21, the part right before he tells the man to sell all his goods. Jesus, looking at him, loved him. That’s the part I’m holding on to this morning as I try and figure things out. Jesus, looking at me, loves me. And my role in the journey is to follow him wholeheartedly, following the choice set out in the other scripture we read in Deuteronomy 30:19-20: Choose life [...] loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him.

Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 30:11-14, 19-20
Mark 10:17-31
The Rich Man
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’

Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’

An hour of Christian conversation for all in high school. Led by Micah and Farid, meeting the first and third Sundays of each month.

A time of discussion especially for high schoolers. Led by Micah and Farid, meeting the first and third Sundays of each month.

All are invited to join the congregational Easter Breakfast. Eggs, crepes, fruit salad, sausages, cheese, hot cross buns. Volunteers are needed for preparation and clean-up, if you can help, please call Gail B.

This evening an opportunity to rediscover the good news of Jesus as originally experienced by groups of Christians in the first century. We will hear this first gospel from beginning to end, allowing us to see the whole of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection not as isolated scenes and stories but as a unified account of God’s saving work.

An hour in which we remember the passion of our Lord ‘for us and our salvation’. A dramatic reading of the passion of our Lord, accompanied by hymns and anthems led by the Choir and Soloists of St. Andrew’s.
Music by Pergolesi, Bach, Morley, Leclerc and Raminsh.

St. Andrew’s youth are invited to an annual all night vigil, Maundy Thursday to Good Friday morning at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westboro. Try to stay awake like the disciples, have spiritual time with the Seder congregational meal, experience Soul Harbour and the labyrinth. To register or get the full schedule, please contact Huda, hk@standrewsottawa.ca.

The Women’s Guild welcomes donations of books, clothing, household items, small appliances, sports equipment and surplus items. Spring cleaning with a purpose – support of projects around the church and in the community! Donations may be left in the downstairs kitchen a week in advance.

For all young children and their families. A time of craft, worship and simple supper together to begin the walk towards Easter. Sign up with Huda hk@standrewsottawa.ca

We gather at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Woodroffe just north of the Queensway) to continue our journey through Mark. All welcome.

The Rainbow Circle, a fellowship group that considers matters of sexual orientation in the context of Christian faith, will meet on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the Currie Room. Celeste Taylor, originally scheduled to speak in January, and André Fontaine, a social worker from CAS Ottawa, will talk to us about GLBTQ-friendly fostering and adoption. New participants are welcome and more information is available from Rob S. or Sheila S.

We begin with supper in St. Andrew’s Hall, and continue with a presentation from Dr. Kim Hellemans, professor in the Dept. of Neuroscience, Carleton U on “The Impact of Drugs on Brain Cells.” Contact Colin F. for details.

A St. Andrew’s congregational dinner, to learn about and celebrate the work we support through Daybreak Supportive Housing. Special guest will be Ernie Cox, who will fill the hall with some joyous gospel music, accompanied by his friends. Limited seating – freewill offering to cover costs of dinner but tickets necessary, available Sunday mornings of March.

Everyone interested in becoming a member of Christ’ church will be paired with an elder and together will go on a journey of exploration of our faith. Every other Sunday there will be a brief meeting for the whole group with Huda. First meeting will be after the 11 a.m. service on March 11th.
Please contact Huda: 613-232-9042 or hk@standrewsottawa.ca

We will meet on Wed. March 28, 10:30 a.m. We are a group who support each other through prayer and discussion as we look at the challenges we face in daily living. Please consider joining us – contact Diane S.

Annual Meeting Sunday March 25, 3 p.m. Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales. A great way to find out more about this wonderful work in our city. www.multifaithhousing.ca

A workshop about truth, reconciliation and equity. We will learn about the KAIROS 2011-2012 campaign, designed to enable us to participate in a process of genuine reconciliation with aboriginal peoples that looks at both the past and the future, and that involves learning and change. KAIROS unites eleven Canadian churches in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Registration fee of $20 by March 26. Sponsored by and held at the Kairos Spirituality-for-Social Justice Centre (211 Bronson Ave. Rm. #306) 613-236-6557, kairos@bellnet.ca More details on the KAIROS website.

Iona services take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. Songs, prayers, scripture and readings from the Iona Community of Scotland. All are welcome.

Iona services take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. Songs, prayers, scripture and readings from the Iona Community of Scotland. All are welcome.

The first meeting of the new year will take place on Sunday, February 19 after the 11:00 service. We will join together for lunch first! Please reserve this date and RSVP to Huda.

St. Andrew’s is hosting a winter retreat for women at Gracefield Camp and Conference Centre. The Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon, principal of Knox College, will lead us in the retreat theme: Women, Wisdom and the Gospel of John.

More information available on the registration form available at the church, or printable PDF.

The winter term begins Monday January 9, 7:30 p.m. with a variety of topics from ‘Should Christians be pacifists’ to ‘Sacred Concert Music’ to ‘Looking at Aboriginal Spirituality’. Check it out at www.osts.ca.

Please note: Today’s study is cancelled because of weather.
We gather at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Woodroffe just north of the Queensway) and continue our journey through the book of Mark led by Andrew Johnston. All welcome.

We will meet Tuesday, January 31, 7:30m p.m. in the Currie Room. Our guest speaker, Celeste Taylor will talk about post-adoption support for adoptive LGBTQ parents. New participants are welcome and more information is available from Rob S. or Sheila S.

A celebration of common witness at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (315 Prince of Wales Dr.) Participants include Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops and our own Moderator. Reception to follow. Sponsored by the Christian Council of the Capital Area – a wonderful opportunity to gather in the name of Christ.

Fridays, Feb 3-Mar. 23, 6:30pm at St. Stephen’s Church (579 Parkdale). This course is for any committed couple who wants to build a strong and lasting relationship, with no group discussions, and is intended as a marriage enrichment experience rather than a marriage counselling tool. Info and registration form is posted in Grant Hall.

Postponed. Originally scheduled at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we will keep you posted as to the future date.

What’s Next: How do was address poverty in Canada?
With an aim to renew national conversation on poverty issues the even will feature a panel discussion and Q&A with MPs, people with lived experience of poverty, concerned citizens, and social policy & advocacy groups. Held at Booth Building 165 Sparks Street, Room 2-2. RSVP to Simon L. by Feb. 8th.

A special time for all pre-schoolers and their families. Our theme is “God’s Love”. We will have a Valentine party with a pot luck supper. Join us for a time of family worship, and fun which will include games, dancing and crafts. Bring out your red clothes and come to celebrate. Please register in advance with Huda, hk@standrewsottawa.ca.

The Women’s Guild will meet on Thursday, Feb. 2nd at the home of Brenda D. Our guest speaker this month will be Rev. Andrew Johnston. We will meet, as usual, at 10:30 a.m. and after enjoy a lunch of sandwiches and sweets. Phone Jill C. with any questions, or call the church office at 613-232-9042. All welcome.

Join us in the Currie Room Thursday February 16, noon, as we continue our study of Presbyterian house churches in the Cariboo region of B.C. Newcomers welcome. Bring a sandwich! Speak with Alice C.

We gather at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Woodroffe just north of the Queensway) to continue our journey through the Gospel according to Mark with our Minister. All welcome.

We begin with supper in St. Andrew’s Hall, and continue with a presentation by Professor Reem Bahdi from the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor. She is Co-Director of KARAMAH, an initiative which aims to support access to justice in Palestine through research, judicial education and directed civil society engagement. Professor Bahdi is a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem and will present her perspectives on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Join us! Contact Colin for details.

A fellowship group which addresses sexual orientation issues in the context of Christian faith. On Tuesday February 28, 7:30 p.m., Mike, a Christian Arab, will start our discussion by telling us his personal story. New participants are welcome and information is available from Rob S. or Sheila S.

We will meet at St. Andrew’s on February 29th for the Wednesday noon hour Communion Service. We are looking forward to a time of reflection, prayer and fellowship. Please join us – more information is available from Marj F.

Congregations of the Presbytery of Ottawa are encouraged to visit Winterlude on Saturday Feb 11, 5:30 p.m. and meet at Knox Church (Elgin at Lisgar) for pizza supper together (rsvp with Huda), then walk over to Dominion Chalmers to participate in Worshiplude Youth service.

Held at All Saints Anglican Sandy Hill, free dinner for all university students, followed by prayer and discussion.

At the Nakkertok Ski Club Gatineau – all ages and abilities – an outing followed by a potluck supper. $10/adults, $5/children. Speak with Ian M for details.

For six Wednesday evenings, February 22-March 29, join us for a simple supper at 6 p.m., followed by your choice of one of four studies. Read the course descriptions, and register online.

For six Wednesday evenings, February 22 – March 28, join us for a simple supper at 6 p.m., followed by your choice of one of four studies. Read the course descriptions, and register online.