St. Andrew's, Saskatoon

Summer Holidays & Summer Communion

2008-07-13T18:37:00.002-06:00

Hello St. Andrew's Folk:

As most of you know, I (Amanda) am beginning my holidays tomorrow (July 14th). I'll be away until August 17th when I'll be going up to work at Camp Christopher for the week with the Senior Teen Camp. Our summer student minister, the Rev. Heetae Park, is available for any pastoral concerns while I am away. You can reach Heetae at the church or at my home phone number, as he will be staying at our house during our holidays.

Also, take note that we will be celebrating Holy Communion at St. Andrew's on Sunday, August 24th. The original plan was to have Communion in late July, but the plan has changed. I hope that you will all have a wonderful and restful summer, and I look forward to seeing you all again on August 24th.

May the peace of Christ be with you all.

~Amanda

Summer Worship: 10:00 a.m.

2008-07-02T17:34:00.002-06:00

Don't be late! During the months of July and August, Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m.

The sun is rising very, very early these days, so I hope that you'll be up earlier and ready to worship God a little earlier too. And perhaps you can go out from worship at St. Andrew's to continue to worship God as you enjoy God's creation and some beautiful summer Sundays.

Are you travelling this summer? I hope you'll take the opportunity to worship with a local Presbyterian Church or a church of another denomination wherever you are staying. Take a holiday from work. Take a holiday from your usual routines. But don't take a holiday from your true purpose of glorifying and enjoying God.

Have a wonderful summer everyone, whether you're worshipping with us at St. Andrew's (at 10:00 a.m.) or wherever your travels take you. We will return to the regular worship hour of 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 7th.

Update on the Call

2008-06-23T13:16:00.002-06:00

St. Andrew's Session invited the Rev. Gwen Ament to preach for a call to team ministry in our congregation, and she did so on Sunday, June 15th, 2008. Following worship, the congregation met and voted in favour of calling Gwen to work with us. The Call was signed by members and adherents and presented to the Presbytery of Northern Saskatchewan on Friday, June 20th. The Presbytery approved the Call, and it has been forwarded to the Presbytery of Ottawa for their approval.

Assuming that the Ottawa Presbytery finds the Call in order at their meeting in late July, it will be placed in Gwen's hands to accept of decline. All being well, we expect to welcome our new team minister in September.

A service of induction (to install the Rev. Ament at St. Andrew's) has been tentatively scheduled by the Presbytery: Sunday, September 7th at 7:30 p.m. Mark that date in your schedule, and plan to welcome Gwen as our new team minister.

Celebration of Baptisms - You're Invited!

2008-06-14T09:21:00.002-06:00

You are invited to a picnic/BBQ in celebration of the baptisms of Daniel and David Tabien, sons of Hortense Elizabeth Nsoh Tabien. The boys will be baptized on Sunday at St. Andrew's, and the family are inviting everyone to a picnic/BBQ in the park across from the church at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 15th. (If it's raining, we will move to the lower hall of the church.) There will be some food provided, but you're welcome to bring a contribution to the meal.

And... while I'm emailing... don't forget that this is the weekend that the Rev. Gwen Ament is preaching for a call to team ministry at St. Andrew's. Come to the "Come and Go Tea" from 2- 4 p.m. today (Saturday) to meet Gwen. And come to worship tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. and stay for the congregational meeting following the service. Remember to pray for Gwen and for our congregation as we discern whether Gwen is the one that God is calling to partner with us in ministry.

Church Picnic - Sunday June 8th

2008-06-06T09:37:00.003-06:00

Don�t Forget! This Sunday (June 8th) is St. Andrew's annual church picnic. There will be games, singing, and fun for all ages.

Come to worship at 11 a.m. followed by the �picnic� in the lower hall. We will eat, sing, and then move outside for games.

You are invited to bring your own plate and potluck finger food to share. Come out and join in with your church family.

General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada meets in Ottawa

2008-05-31T13:59:00.003-06:00

Rev. Amanda Currie and Allan Ireland are in Ottawa this week participating in the 134th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The General Assembly is an annual gathering of Presbyterians from across the country, and it is the highest court or decision-making body of our church. Each year in the first week of June, 1/6 of the Presbyterian ministers in Canada and an equal number of elders serve as commissioners to the General Assembly and conduct the business of the church.

Neither Allan or Amanda has attended a General Assembly before, so we are both looking forward to lots of learning through this experience, as well as lots of opportunities to meet and share ideas and experiences with Presbyterians from different parts of the country.

Allan has already started to work, as he is serving on the Nominating Committee, which met throughout the day today (Saturday, May 31st). We both officially registered today, and the Assembly really gets started Sunday evening with the opening worship at Knox Presbyterian Church in downtown Ottawa.

Please keep the Assembly in your prayers this week, and feel free to learn more about what we are doing by going to the General Assembly Page of the Presbyterian Church in Canada website. This page will be updated throughout the week with photos and information about the Assembly. You can also read the reports of the various agencies of our church that will be presented and discussed this week.

Future Ministry at St. Andrew's

2008-05-26T18:30:00.003-06:00

The Session of St. Andrew�s has invited the Rev. Gwen Ament to preach for a call to team ministry in our congregation on Sunday, June 15th. All members and adherents are encouraged to meet Gwen during her visit to Saskatoon, to attend church on Sunday, June 15th, and to stay for the congregational meeting following worship on that day.

Remember to pray for Gwen and for our congregation as we discern whether Gwen is the person God is calling to partner with us in ministry in this place.

Opportunities to meet the Rev. Gwen Ament during the call weekend:

� Choir: Meet Gwen at your regular practice, Thurs, June 12th at 7:30 PM.
� Staff: Meet Gwen at coffee time, Friday, June 13th at 10:15 AM.
� Youth & Young Adults: Meet Gwen at a BBQ at Amanda�s house (2712 Preston Ave), Friday June 13th at 5:00 PM.
� Session: Meet Gwen in the lower hall, Sat, June 14th at 10:30 AM.
� Search Committee: Meet Gwen over lunch at the Senator Hotel, Sat, June 14th at 12:00 PM.
� Everyone: Meet Gwen at a �come & go� tea in the lower hall, Sat, June 14th from 2:00-4:00 PM.

Annual Program Meeting - Sunday May 25, 2008

2008-05-20T16:13:00.002-06:00

This Sunday (May 25th) will be our Annual Program Meeting at St. Andrew's. This is your opportunity to celebrate the ways we have been serving God at St. Andrew's this year, and to hear about plans and goals for next year.

There will be a special presentation by the Worship Committee and, as usual, lunch will be served by the Youth Group. There is no charge for the lunch, but your donations will be appreciated to cover costs and to support the youth group's fund for youth conferences.

Plan to stay for lunch and the meeting after worship this Sunday. See you there!

Update on "Station 20 West"

2008-05-08T15:06:00.004-06:00

On April 24, Friends of Station 20 West convened a public meeting to bring people together to talk and work toward ways that people in the community in Saskatoon could work to support Station 20 West. Over 180 people showed up to that meeting in a heartening act of community solidarity.

At that meeting Paul Wilkinson, project manager of Station 20 West, presented information on the state of the project which has been scaled back but not given up on. As some of the previous partners such as the Saskatoon Community Clinic have pulled out because they have seen the $8 Million cut by the provincial government as too great a challenge to fundraise, the people behind the Station 20 are shifting gears and will now make their central focus on bringing the most needed element of the project into being � the community food store. With a significantly reduced building cost ($2.3 million vs. the previous $11.5 million), fundraising with the help of many community members can still make this project a reality.

Saskatoon City Council has approved an extension of the building permit for Station 20 for 1 year with the option of extending longer if necessary. This gives the organizers of Station 20 some breathing room and a chance to get the fundraising machine rolling. There have also been positive overtures made by the Saskatoon Cooperative Association whose membership voted overwhelmingly to explore means of collaboration with the Good Food Junction Coop Grocery Store � the heart of the Station 20 project.

Several working groups have been formed with responsibilities for fundraising, media communications, logistics, and more. If you would like to get regular updates of Station 20 West or learn how to get involved, go to https://lists.riseup.net/www/subscribe/friendsofstation20west and subscribe to the list serve.

Movie & Discussion Night - Saturday May 3rd @ 7 p.m.

2008-05-01T10:59:00.003-06:00

The Christian Education Committee is hosting another Movie and Discussion evening.

Join us on Saturday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. to watch and discuss the movie JUNO.

It stars Ellen Page as a whip-smart high-school student named Juno MacGuff who discovers that she is in the family way after a single sexual experience with her best friend and bandmate, a semi-dorky track star named Paulie Bleeker. JUNO is a funny and meaningful film that some have called a �pro-life" movie as it explores a teenager coping with an unplanned pregnancy and choosing not to abort the child. It is rated PG13 � best suited for those in high school and up.

Come and join us. Movie snacks will be provided.

Spring Tea, Plant & Bake Sale - April 26, 2008

2008-04-17T16:45:00.003-06:00

The Women's League of St. Andrew's are happy to invite everyone to come out to their Spring Tea, Plant & Bake Sale on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Coffee, Tea, and dessert cost only $3.00, and it is always a wonderful time of fellowship and welcome for St. Andrew's members and the wider community.

The Bake Table is always loaded with wonderful cakes, muffins, cookies, and other specialty items. Come early to make sure that you are able to purchase your favourite shortbread, loaf, or pie.

There will also be a plant sale featuring many beautiful flowers for your garden, and the youth will have a table set up with other miscellaneous treasures for sale.

We do hope that you will join us on Saturday, April 26th between 2 - 4 p.m.

"Sing for Your Supper" Pot Luck - Sunday April 13th

2008-04-07T09:48:00.005-06:00

You are invited to attend a "Sing for Your Supper" Pot Luck, hosted by St. Andrew's Christian Education Committee.

Join us for some singing at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th.

There will be favourite songs, camp songs, old songs, new songs, and maybe even some crazy songs.

Bring some food to share: salad, casserole, appetizer, veggies, fruit, buns, dessert, or whatever you like to make or pick up at the grocery store. Also bring your own plate, cup, and cutlery, and any musical instruments you may have. And feel free to bring a friend!

Spring Sundae Celebration - Sunday April 6th

2008-04-02T13:58:00.003-06:00

Come celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring with a friendly congregation of Presbyterians!

Sunday, April 6, after the worship service, we will be holding a simple meal of sandwiches, tea and coffee, with ice cream sundaes for dessert. Build your own sundae! Everyone is welcome to attend.

If you have been thinking about bringing someone to church, this would be a great Sunday to do so. Extend an invitation and bring someone to the service and then stay for ice cream and conversation. Consider inviting a friend, neighbour, co-worker, or family member. Even if you don�t bring someone along, please stay and enjoy some Presbyterian hospitality. As always, worship begins at 11:00.

All-Community Walk to Support and Celebrate Station 20 West

2008-04-01T16:34:00.002-06:00

Saturday April 5th, gather at 10am
Station 20 West Site, 20th Street West and Avenue L South

Station 20 West is a Community Enterprise Centre being constructed in the heart of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods.

The project will strengthen the economy and create skills and employment, provide much needed services and amenities, reduce poverty and health disparities, use LEED environmental design, and help revitalize the Westside core neighbourhoods.

The Provincial government has pulled their $8 million in promised and committed funding from the project, effectively stopping construction.

We will walk together to show community support to reinstate funding and let this innovative and much-needed community-building project reach its full potential.

Resources:
� Community Walk Poster - download, print, and post in a public location
� Join the Station 20 West Facebook Group - for the latest information on the campaign to reinstate funding
� Community Walk invitation on Facebook - send invitations to your friends
� Sign the online petition to reinstate funding
� Visit the Station 20 West website to read about the project, see artistic renderings, and contribute to the capital campaign

Station 20 West Press Event Postponed

2008-03-27T16:32:00.001-06:00

Dear Station 20 West supporters,
Changes and developments are occurring rapidly in the effort to save provincial funding for Station 20 West. Discussions are ongoing, and it now appears that there is hope for progress. In order to give these conversations time to take effect, the decision has been made to postpone the press event called for tomorrow (March 28th).

Thank you for your help in spreading the word. We will keep you posted with further developments. In the meantime, your letters to government officials are most appreciated.

Station 20 West needs our support!

2008-03-27T14:35:00.003-06:00

You have probably heard about "Station 20 West." It is a project underway on 20th Street that will include affordable housing, a public library, a good food store, a medical and dental clinic, and more. This is an exciting project and will make a real difference in the core neighbourhoods of Saskatoon.

The provincial government has announced that it is withdrawing $8 million in financial support for Station 20 West. But there is still hope that we can turn this decision around. We must let the Province know how important this project is to our community and our city.

Please come out to show your support and have your questions answered!
DATE: March 28, 2008
TIME: 10:00 am
LOCATION: St. George�s Seniors� Centre, 1235 - 20th Street West
Refreshments will be provided.

Mad Hatter Tea Party - Sun. March 30th @ 7 p.m.

2008-03-23T14:29:00.003-06:00

The Youth Group of St. Andrew's invites one and all to a "Mad Hatter Tea Party" on Sunday, March 30th at 7 p.m. It will be a fun evening of entertainment for all ages including funny skits, music, jokes, poetry, and of course some delicious snacks.

Bring your favourite silly, funny, or interesting hat! There just might be a contest for the best hat!

Come ready to laugh and have a great time, and bring along a donation for the youth group. We're now raising money to attend Canada Youth 2009, a Canadian Presbyterian Youth Conference.

St. Andrew's searches for new team minister

2008-03-13T17:36:00.005-06:00

St. Andrew�s Presbyterian Church in Saskatoon is seeking an ordained Presbyterian minister to share in team ministry with the Rev. Amanda Currie and the congregation of St. Andrew�s.

St. Andrew�s is a well established congregation located on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River in the city�s downtown. As you will see when you read this profile, it is a healthy, vibrant congregation that is looking for an ordained minister to join them in an exciting and dynamic team ministry.

St. Andrew�s has a history of excellent team ministry and shared leadership. Worship is the centerpiece of this congregation�s life and work. While the style and format of worship is traditional, the Word is proclaimed in relevant and thoughtful ways, youth participate in leadership from time-to-time and there is a desire to faithfully innovate this important part of St. Andrew�s life together. Other strengths in St. Andrew�s ministry include a well established Christian education program, a youth group, and on-going adult activities. Pastoral care is a ministry that is led by the ordained minister but is shared among the elders and others who reach out and care for those who are part of this faith community.

Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in one of the most economically dynamic provinces in Canada. The growth the city and province are experiencing have long term implications for all who make this place their home. This is an important moment and opportunity in the life of this city and St. Andrew�s Church. The witness and voice of an open, thoughtful reformed congregation is needed. If you feel called to shared team ministry, and have gifts in communication, worship leadership, leadership development, outreach and social witness, and faith and spiritual growth then maybe Christ is calling you to this pastoral charge?

Please read the profile of St. Andrew�s and contact our interim moderator, the Rev. Dr. Sandy Scott () if you have any questions or if you would like to submit your profile to the search committee for consideration.

Holy Week and Easter Worship

2008-03-10T15:02:00.004-06:00

Please join us for worship at St. Andrew's during Holy Week and on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday Worship - Sunday, March 16th @ 11 a.m. The church school students are planning some special music, and there will be palm branches to wave as we remember Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday Worship - Thursday, March 20th. We meet for a simple supper at 6 p.m. in the lower hall (the meal is provided, no need to bring anything), followed by worship upstairs at 6:30 p.m. The worship will include an opportunity for foot washing and Holy Communion. Please use the parking lot side door.
Good Friday Worship at Calvin Goforth Presbyterian Church - Friday, March 21st @ 10:30 a.m. We join with other Presbyterians from across the city at Calvin Goforth (1602 Sommerfeld Avenue).
Easter Sunday Worship - Sunday, March 23rd @ 11 a.m. Come and celebrate with us. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Moderator coming to St. Andrew's on March 9th

2008-03-05T14:06:00.003-06:00

We are pleased to welcome the Moderator of the 133rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada to St. Andrew's on Sunday, March 9th. The Rev. Dr. J.H. Hans Kouwenberg will be in Saskatoon as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Cross-Canada Tour. He will worship with us at St. Andrew's at our 11 a.m. service and share a reflection on scripture and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

We will also welcome Lori Ransom, the Healing and Reconciliation Animator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Lori is also travelling with the Cross-Canada Tour, as Church Leaders and Aboriginal Leaders introduce and promote the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that will be beginning in 2009.

Don't miss this opportunity to meet the Moderator and to take part in the special event at the Western Development Museum at 3 p.m. The St. Andrew's Choir will be joining with Mayfair United Church's choir to provide "Songs of Hope" for the event. It will also include smudging by a local Native Elder, reflections on the residential school experience, words of apology by Church Leaders, and more. The event concludes with a meal (around 5 p.m.) followed by a round dance.
Be sure to phone (306-653-1633) or email () the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism if you are planning to attend.

Remembering the Children: Aboriginal and Church Leaders prepare for Truth and Reconciliation

2008-03-04T14:29:00.004-06:00

Senior aboriginal and church leaders are crossing Canada this March to promote the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) which is being set up as part of the healing process set out in the Indian Residential Schools Agreement.

The tour seeks to bring awareness of the TRC to the general public and especially the people of the churches. At the invitation of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, Saskatoon will be one of the 4 stops on the tour. The PCE organizing committee is made up of representatives of the Roman Catholic, Anglican, United and Presbyterian churches and the Mennonite Central Committee. Other stops are Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver. We asked for the tour to have a Saskatchewan stop because the residential schools issue is so important in our province.

The Saskatoon event is Sunday March 9 at the Western Development Museum, starting at 3.00 pm, concluding with a meal & round dance.

Assembly of First Nations leaders and Regional Chiefs are part of the tour. The other members include the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican National Indigenous Bishop Rt. Rev. Mark Macdonald, the Moderator of the United Church of Canada and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Local church and political leaders will offer a word of welcome to the national tour team at the event. The AFN will be in touch with chiefs in the region about this, and the FSIN have been invited to be present.

We are excited that this important event is coming to Saskatchewan. This is a public event. We hope you can be there and will tell others about it. There is no charge for the event. A donations basket is available. Pre-registration is strongly advised to help us plan seating, and is ESSENTIAL if you will be staying for the meal. Register by phone (306-653-1633) or email or write to the PCE at 600-45th Street West, Saskatoon, S7L 5W9.

Annual Financial Meeting - Sunday March 2nd

2008-02-22T11:30:00.004-06:00

The Annual Financial Meeting for St. Andrew's is coming up soon. Mark your calendar and plan to stay for the meeting after the worship service on Sunday, March 2nd. In preparation for the meeting, copies of the Annual Financial Report will be available at the church this Sunday (February 24th). Pick up a copy to review during the week, and come to the meeting with your questions, comments, and suggestions.

As usual, lunch will be prepared and served by the St. Andrew's Youth Group. There is no charge for the lunch, but your donations are always appreciated. Funds raised by the youth group are used to support our youth to attend youth conferences and events.

Parents, don't worry about what to do with your kids during the meeting. After lunch we'll have some videos playing in the nursery with supervision by members of the youth group.

The Annual Financial Meeting will also include a memorial moment and prayer as we remember those members of St. Andrew's who died during 2007.

Vacation Bible Adventure - A School Break Program

2008-02-13T15:14:00.006-06:00

Do your kids or grandkids need something to do during the February school break?

Children in grades 1-8 are invited to join us at St. Andrew's from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday Feb. 18th - Thursday Feb. 21st. Each day we will explore another Gospel story as we travel "Along the Road with Jesus." There will be music, storytelling, drama, art, games, and more. A snack will be provided, and there is no cost for this program.

For more information, phone (306-242-0525) or email () the church office. Registration forms are available in the entranceway at the church.

�Bible Basics� - An Adult Education Opportunity

2008-02-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Bible was the first book ever printed mechanically. Before the printing press, Bibles were copied by hand. Because this was so laborious few people could afford their own copy of the Bible. The invention of the printing press in 1450 made it possible for ordinary people to afford their own Bible. Every year millions of Bibles are sold, making it the bestselling book in history.

The Bible is still the most widely distributed book in the world. It has been translated, in whole or in part, into more than 2000 languages! However, the Bible is no longer as well-known or as well read as it once was. Many people own a Bible but rarely read it. And most people are largely unfamiliar with its contents.

How many copies of the Bible are sitting on shelves in your house, rarely being opened? Would you like to learn more about it? Would you like to start reading it?

Come and take part in �Bible Basics� on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during Lent to learn more about the Bible and start reading God's Word again (or for the first time).

Wed. Feb. 13th - �The Bible � Controversial Bestseller�
Wed. Feb. 20th - �The Hebrew Scriptures � Part One�
Wed. Feb. 27th - �The Hebrew Scriptures � Part Two�
Wed. Mar. 5th - �Jesus and the Scriptures�
Wed. Mar. 12th - �The Bible through the Ages�

Lent Begins with Pancakes and Ashes!

2008-01-31T14:14:00.000-06:00

The Christian season of Lent is a period of 40 days excluding Sundays, that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter Day. Lent comes from the word spring and, like spring, Lent is a time of renewal and rebirth. The mood of Lent is one of reflection, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on our faith.

Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. The name comes from the Christian tradition of using ashes to make the sign of a cross on the forehead to symbolize repentance and grieving. Come and join us for Ash Wednesday worship at St. Andrew's on February 6th. We will meet in the lower hall at 6:00 p.m. for a simple supper, followed by worship upstairs at 6:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is preceded by Shrove Tuesday when Christians have traditionally prepared pancakes. This is a tradition in which Christians gave up meat for Lent and used the last of the animal fat to make pancakes. Everyone is invited to a Pancake Supper at Calvin Goforth Presbyterian Church (1602 Sommerfeld Ave.) on Tuesday, February 5th. Drop in for some pancakes between 5:30�7:30 p.m. There will be a free-will offering to support Presbyterian World Service and Development.