We’ll bring the little duties
We have to do each day;
We’ll try our best to please Him,
At home, at school, at play,
And better are these treasures
To offer to our King
Than richest gifts without them;
Yet these a child may bring.

Our capacity to give is not limited by our finances, but only by our capacity to imagine and to dream.

Darlene M.

Scripture Readings
John 20:19-29
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.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came… Continue reading

Acts 2:14a-22-29,32
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them:
‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power… Continue reading

Andrew spoke today about the power of fear to shape our lives. As we read in John, the disciples met behind locked doors because of their fear. And yet – despite their fear – the disciples went out, as Jesus had sent them, to build his church.

We heard today of some present day examples of what we might fear – crime, economic uncertainty. And this fear can paralyze us. And yet through all of our fears, God keeps coming back to us and breathing in life. We are given peace.

Where is God breathing in life today? They were some examples mentioned today in worship: the work to re-build Haiti, to care for those affected by violence in Syria, to re-plant uprooted olive trees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

But, for me at least, there is also an element of personal peace. It is so calming, reassuring to hear Jesus say “Peace be with you.” We are the Creator’s beloved children, filled with life and spirit. How can we, like the disciples who have gone before us, find our peace in the midst of fear so that we can out into the world to be witnesses?

Laura S.

Some great ways to stay connected:

StAndrewsOttawa on Facebook
@StAndrewsOttawa

And check out…

Presbytery of Ottawa Youth for upcoming events and activities within the presbytery.

• Saturday, May 18 to Monday, May 20, Youth Retreat (with guest speaker Hélène Campbell): More info.
  Click here to download and complete the registration form and hand in or email to Huda by May 10th
• August 5-9th, 2013 Peacemaking Camp: Details and registration

Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: ‘Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’

Luke 24:13-35
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…
Read the full passage

Two years ago, after the reading of the story of the disciples and their walk with Jesus, I spent time thinking about a few biblical “road stories”. At that time, I pictured pathways leading to great promise, but my focus was on looking at the road and where it went on the horizon. This year, the readings, the children’s words for April and the sermon have left me thinking more actively about the act of walking the road. The service reminded us that the road is before us, not just to be looked at, but to be taken. The Word illuminates the path; we can see the path, now how will we walk it? What will I do as I walk it? Will I let my step slow or falter when the way seems steep? Or, will I follow the guidance of the sermon and go and share the Word with works and with my life?

It was lovely to hear personal words about each of the boys that received their Sunday School Bibles from Huda and Andrew. What a perfect reminder that our path is one for all ages and the Word one that we share throughout our lifetimes and across our generations.

Mary Jane A.

t. Andrew’s is committed to being involved in the lives and concerns of people even outside our own country. Members are able to donate directly to the continuing work of Presbyterian World Service and Development on our weekly offering envelopes.

Jobat, India

To extend our knowledge and experience internationally, St. Andrew’s is developing a partnership with a Christian community in Jobat, India. An exchange of faith experience and the providing of support to a community which faces many challenges, including persecution, is strengthening us in our own faith and witness.

To continue building our relationships with the people of this area in India, members of St. Andrew’s have been visiting the congregation of the First Church Amkhut, as we have welcomed visits from members of our sister church in India as well. If you’d like to be a part of one of these trips to Amkhut, speak with Aisling B.

t. Andrew’s has made a commitment to support three initiatives including Daybreak Housing and Gracefield Camp, with our prayers and financial assistance. As well, members of the congregation, including members of our Ministry of Outreach, give time and resources to many other local initiatives. Please speak with us if you could help with any of these important community partnerships.

A great night out! All families are invited to join us for supper, a short movie, and games in St. Andrew’s Hall. It is free but registration is necessary. Contact Jeanie H. or Katherine B. for registration and info.

Featuring the Rev. Ernie Cox and the London Trio. Tickets $15 (free to all aged 15 and under), to support the Marco Depestre Foundation and its development and education in Haiti. Tickets available from Yvette Depestre and at the door.

The Christian Council of the Capital Area invites you to an evening presentation and prayer for the Christians of Syria, including our Presbyterian brothers and sisters. Our speaker will be Huda Kandalaft. Location – Roman Catholic Archdiocese Offices, 1247 Kilborn Place with ample parking behind.

Meeting at Saint Theresa’s Church Hall (Somerset West & Cartier, between the Canal and Elgin). Our major programme is the Centretown Emergency Food Centre, 507 Bank St. Our guest speaker will be a brilliant young woman who has moved from living on the streets to being a student in international law.

Meeting in the Currie Room, Huda Kandalaft, our Director of Christian Development, will address the question “Is God a father or a mother?” The Rainbow Circle is a fellowship group that addresses sexual orientation issues in the context of Christian faith and welcomes new participants. Please contact Rob S. or Sheila S.

We gather for supper in St. Andrew’s Hall. Our guest speaker will be Darcy Knoll, communications manager for CARE Canada, who will provide an overview of this international development and humanitarian organization and discuss some of its recent efforts to respond to emergency situations in Syria and Mali. Contact Colin F.

The Caregiving Group supports those caring for family, friends and neighbours. Would you like to meet others who are in this role? Please join us at the home of Molly and Gordon A. We will meet for conversation and spiritual guidance. For more information contact Diane S. or Marj F. via the church office, 613-232-9042.

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.

Join us in the Currie Room as we gather in support of the Church’s mission. All are welcome – bring a sandwich! Please contact Alice C. for information.

We will be looking at the dynamics of discipleship (John 1:35-51). All welcome. Led by our Minister but held at St.Paul’s Church (Woodroffe Ave) for ease of parking.

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

Scripture Readings
Genesis 2:4b-9
In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being… Read full passage

Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said’ …
Read the full passage

Even before the service, the day got off to a great start with a lovely breakfast in St Andrew’s Hall – to a packed house! Not an empty seat in the hall.

Moving upstairs, the sanctuary was also filled to the brim, including many people in the balcony. Huda captured the celebration perfectly with an energetic call to worship that captured the energy of the congregation. The children performed an upbeat song and Andrew and Huda traded stories of surprises in the bible with the children. Andrew finished with the greatest surprise of all … the visitation of Jesus’ tomb (by Mary Magdelene and Mary, the mother of James) to find an angel waiting to tell them of Jesus resurrection and the subsequent meeting of Jesus on the road to Galilee.

Andrew’s sermon focused on “re-surrection,” or literally, to rise (latin: surgere) again (latin: re). The first rise is the raising of humans from the earth (latin: hummus) as told in the second book of Genesis. The second rising comes from the new testament, as we heard from the 10th chapter of the Book of Matthew, ‘But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”’

This is what makes Easter such a great celebration – to really rejoice in being a Christian. To know, that if we live our lives in the Light of Jesus Christ, if we make the personal sacrifices of behave of humanity and being part of a better world, we too can look to be born again. Like the seedling in the picture of the front of the bulletin (and on the website banner), how can we also not grow when basking in the Light?

Kirk M.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Working downtown? Consider something new over lunch this spring! Join the Minister and Huda for a half hour Bible study, every Thursday 12:15-12:45. We will be reading our way through the Gospel according to John.

Have you, or do you intend to, make a planned gift to St. Andrew’s? We would like to invite you to gather with others of similar commitment to provide input into ways of encouraging planned giving at St. Andrew’s. We will be drawing upon the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Herb Gale, and the stories he brings of other congregations. Saturday April 20, 4 p.m. Andrew and Béatrice Johnston will be hosting us at their home. Please speak to Mark B., Convenor of Stewardship, or our Minister.

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 call Grant P.

Scripture Readings
Psalm 118:19-29
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone…
Read the full passage here

Luke 19:29-40
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here…
Read the full passage here

So much of today’s service was of festival, rejoicing and reunion.
Joy in the festival of Palm Sunday was reflected in the faces of congregation and our speaker, Katie Munnik as all rejoiced in her visit among us. Katie reminded us of the traditions practiced at Passover in Jerusalem when Christ entered in glory. And then she reminded us of the big BUT. BUT as we honour and remember our traditions and habits, we also need to be open vessels for our God to enter into our lives so that we may be filled with His love. I am reminded that traditions and habits were formed when earlier generations came to God as open people, ready to receive His love and blessing. Our receiving of God’s love might occur in similar ways, but as individuals, we will receive this love and grace when we are truly open and listening, rather than repeating steps as by rote.

This Holy week began and will end with joy. But the journey will be long, as we accompany our Lord to his death knowing that promise of resurrection awaits us all.
So today, let us celebrate His entry into our cities and lives with thanksgiving.

Billie S.

Scripture Readings
Genesis 32:9-10, 13-15; 33:1-4
And Jacob said, ‘O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, “Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good”, I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies.

So he spent that night there, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau… Read the full passage

2 Corinthians 5:16-20
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

But despite all Jacob’s fear and preparations, Esau “ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (33:4.) This description immediately brought to mind the father of the prodigal son running out to meet his lost son on the road – the same forgiveness and unconditional love. This morning, Andrew reminded us that for Esau the relationship was more important than justice and having been wronged. And in the same way, God seeks us out and embraces us on the road with love and forgiveness.

But for me, the crux of this morning’s message was what inevitably occurs after our reconciliation with God: our reconciliation with one another. The reading in 2 Corinthians 5 reminds us that closeness to God follows naturally to love for one another. Becoming more Christ-like, which is our goal in the Christian life, means accepting, embracing and loving the people around us – no matter how we may have been wronged. The love of God flows naturally through us, and then from us into those around us. What a beautiful picture of Christianity!

Maureen R.