St. Andrew's Sunday School

Friday, November 28

Dear St. Andrew's friends,

I finally got out for a little hike in the woods today.  At first I was dismayed by the dead leaves and grey sky, signs of the long cold winter ahead of us.  My spirits changed as I remembered that the earth is in a season of slumber, that the plants around me were mostly not dead, just in a waiting and resting time before they would be growing and green again. As the wind blew I heard the trees creaking in a way that even sounded like they were snoring! I felt in tune with God's creation in a beautiful way.  I think this image of the sleeping forest suits us as we are beginning the waiting time of Advent.  We wait, with the resting earth, through the long nights with hope for Christ to be born anew in us.  I look forward to waiting together as a family of faith as we begin this season.

There are advent activity/reflection calendars, colouring pages and devotionals for families and individuals available at church for pick up to guide us through 'The Will To Dream' curriculum this year. Let me know if you'd like them sent to you instead.

Thanks to Aisling, Stacey, Heather Pilkey, Bessi and Emilie for helping with Church School last week.  

This week we welcome Claire Degroote to the church through baptism so children will return to their families after children's time, and then go to church school afterwards.  

Advent in Colour- an evening of colouring and conversation about the Will To Dream.  Thursday Dec. 4th 7-9pm in the Currie room.  You're invited to a relaxing evening as we colour a poster and explore this Advent's theme together.  All ages welcome.  Snacks provided.

Last week we heard a bit more about W.E. Gowling school and met the principal.  We are making food care packages for five families at the school this year.  Find the White Gift wreath in Grant Hall and pick a strip of paper labeled with a gift to bring in by Dec. 14.  Or donate cash, books, or other gifts to share.

The church website has details about all the other events happening at the church for Advent and Christmas.

Praying for you all to find rest and delight this weekend.

Rev. Heather Paton