Thank you to this week’s volunteers (Oct 8):
Offering Receivers: Wanda Klingbell, Vergil & Mary Jane Varlan Jane Varlan
Counters: John Astle, Linda Pond, Volunteer Needed
Scripture Reader: Eleanor Scott
Greeters: Mavis & Max Cater
Coffee Hour: Blom Family
Nursery: Colleen Watson, Rebecca Jonah
Church School: Tamela Collrin
Next week’s volunteers (Oct 15):
Offering Receivers: Max & Mavis Cater. Al & Jean Boudreau
Counters: John Astle, Al & Jean Boudreau
Scripture Reader: Tony Watson
Greeters: Mavis & Max Cater
Coffee Hour: Volunteer Needed
Nursery: Carol McEachen, Sheena Page
Church School: Tamela Collrin
This Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday, the food bank donation boxes will be placed at the front of the church. Please bring food stuffs to fill the boxes and hope that our donations bring comfort to those in need.
Congregational Survey – an update from Rev. Wendy MacWilliams, Interim Moderator:
Last week the search committee distributed a congregational survey to begin gathering input from the congregation to help develop a congregational profile. In the cover letter – and in the most recent copy of The Link– we mentioned that throughout the month of October, we would arrange small group discussions with members of the congregation and the various ministry groups of Saint Andrew’s to provide additional opportunity for reflection and sharing thoughts. We intend to ensure that these activities reach out to as many people as possible, but are also mindful that there are benefits to organizing small group discussions by age, gender, area of ministry interest too as it will allow us to focus on particular needs and ministry themes, as well as provide opportunities for members of the congregation to grow in friendship too.
On Tuesday, October 10 at 10 a.m., a social activity with time set aside for reflection and discussion on the congregational survey questions will be hosted by the Tuesday Morning Ladies’ Group, facilitated by search committee members.
A men’s breakfast is being organized for Saturday, October 14 to provide a similar social opportunity and time of reflection and discussion.
Following worship on October 15, if you have any questions regarding the survey or need help filling the survey out, please speak with members of the search committee as they will be available to provide you with support.
On Friday, October 20, from 10 a.m. – noon I will hold office hours at Saint Andrew’s for anyone that would like to stop by for coffee and a visit. We can chat about the survey, share church anecdotes and other stories that can feed into the congregational analysis.
On Saturday, October 21, St. James Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club of Hanwell host a monthly breakfast at St. James. We can reserve some tables at 9 a.m. should some folks from Saint Andrew’s like to have some table talk on the congregational survey. All are welcome. Please let Rev. Wendy know if you are interested by emailing her at wendymacwilliams@rogers.com.
Your input is very important. The search committee is working diligently to provide a number of ways for you to share your voice and thoughts, while at the same time creating opportunities within this exercise for spiritual growth and a strengthened sense of community. We are mindful that filling out surveys or attending group discussions may not work best for all. If, for example, you would rather share your input by way of one-on-one conversation, a search committee would be happy to meet with you in person or by phone. A member of the search committee would also be willing to write down your answers too. If you would like to complete your survey with assistance from a search committee member – or even your elder – please do not hesitate to let Tara at the church office know and she will have someone follow-up with you in a prompt manner.
Tuesday Morning Ladies Group – We invite any women in the congregation to gather in the kitchen or the hall over a cup of coffee/tea on Tuesday, October 10 to discuss the congregational survey. Search Committee members will be present to answer any questions you might have with the survey and to lead a discussion on how we envision our future. This information will aid in the development of our congregational profile.
Men’s Breakfast – We invite any men in the congregation to gather over breakfast at 8:30 am on Saturday, October 14 at Claudine’s Eatery (146 Main St, Fredericton North) to discuss the congregational survey. Search Committee members will be present to answer any questions you might have with the survey and to lead a discussion on how we envision our future. This information will be combined with that gathered from other groups to help develop our congregational profile. The restaurant requires reservations so please let Stephen know before Thursday if you would like to attend or leave a message with the church office.
Jr/Sr High School Event – Pumpkin Carving and Doughnut Making: Sunday, October 15th from 6:00 to 9:00 at the church.
College and Career Dinner – Sunday, October 29th at Jordan and Candace’s.
Paintball – We are considering organizing a paintball afternoon in November for people 12 years and older. Please let Jordan know if you are interested.
Fall Indoor Yard Sale – As you prepare for Fall and Winter, please set aside clothing and household goods for this upcoming fundraiser to be held Friday, Oct 20th 6-8pm and Saturday, Oct 21th 9am-noon.
The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Fredericton – Annual General Meeting on Monday, Oct. 23 at 1:30 PM at the Church of St. John and Paul, New Maryland. Reminder: Women’s Inter-Church member’s representative membership fee of $10.00 is due from each Church. The Fellowship of the Least Coin donation can be received at this time.
Hurricane relief – PWS&D is accepting donations towards relief efforts following hurricane Irma. You can make a donation to PWS&D using envelopes in each pew, donating online at http://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/2017/09/14/hurricane-irma/ or calling 1-800-619-7301 x291. Please mark all donations “Hurricane Irma.”
Pulpit Supply Schedule:
- Oct 8 (Harvest Sunday) – Drew Speight
- Oct 15 – Rev. Wendy MacWilliams
- Oct 22 – Marg Leonard
- Oct 29 – Jeanne Kaye Speight