Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements

Announcements December 25, 2016

New Year’s Day – 11 am worship service (Birthday Sunday)

Donations to be included in the income tax receipt for 2016 must be received no later than December 31st, or postmarked by that date.  All donations in the offering plates on January 1, 2017 must be recorded in 2017.

Church School will resume on January 8th.

Thank you to our volunteers January 1:

Offering Receivers: Lucille & Don McCrea, Wanda Klingbell, Need a Volunteer
Counters: Rose Carolyn Smith, Victoria MacLeod, Need a Volunteer
Scripture Reader: Dallas Davis
Greeters: Lucille & Don McCrea
Coffee Hour: Jeanne Kaye & Dick Speight
Nursery: Carol McEachen, Sheena Page
Church School: Supervision

Thank you to our volunteers January 8:

Offering Receivers: Al & Arlene MacDonald, Mary Hossack, David Charters
Counters: Rose Carolyn Smith, Ron Bagnell & Helen McKinnon-Bagnell
Scripture Reader: Ron Bagnell
Greeters: Al & Arlene MacDonald
Coffee Hour: Brad & Nancy Nickerson
Nursery: Colleen & Tony Watson
Church School: Sonya Burrill, Jordan & Candace Schriver

The church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s.  I will be back in the office on January 3rd.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2017!

– Tara

 

 

Announcements

Announcements December 18, 2016

Thank you to this week’s volunteers (December 18, Advent IV):

Offering Receivers: Al & Arlene MacDonald, Wanda Klingbell, Victoria MacLeod
Counters: John Astle, Wanda Klingbell, Greg & Sheila Black, Heather Labadie
Scripture Reader: Leslee Dell
Greeters: Need a Volunteer
Coffee Hour: Need a Volunteer
Nursery: Carol McEachen, Sheena Page
Church School: Terri Astle, Jordan & Candace Schriver

Sincere thanks from the Mission Development and Social Action Committee to all who have responded to our two mission tree appeals this Christmas.

Time of Corporate Prayer – All are welcome to come gather in the church hall this Sunday at 7 pm for a time of praise and prayer. We meet every second week. Hope to see you there.

Cookie Dough – Great for Christmas baking, the Mission Development & Social Action Committee have cookie dough for purchase for $10/tub. Delicious ginger and shortbread still available.

Donations to be included in the income tax receipt for 2016 must be received no later than December 31st, or postmarked by that date.  All donations in the Offering plates on January 1, 2017 must be recorded in 2017.

2017 Offering Envelopes are ready to be picked up at the back of the sanctuary.  If you are not on our list and you would like to receive offering envelopes, please contact the church office.

Christmas Services at Saint Andrew’s:

  • Christmas Eve – Family Service at 5 pm
  • Candlelight Communion service at 7 pm
  • Christmas Day – Worship service at 11 am

Volunteering in 2017 –  Saint Andrew’s is blessed with many volunteers.   Please consider joining this dedicated group by adding your name to the volunteer roster for 2017.  Opportunities include: Offering Counter, Offering Receiver, Greeter, Scripture Reader, Coffee Hour Host, Nursery Helper or Church School Teacher. If you are interested in helping in any of these areas please contact the office.  The new roster will begin in January.

Christmas Special Offering – The Christmas Special Offering is budgeted at $15,300.  $5,660 has been received to December 11th. You have received an envelope for this offering in the recent newsletter, and envelopes are also available in the pew racks. Please give this your prayerful consideration. Thank you for your support.

Advent Organ Recitals – Fridays from 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 16 and 23, at Christ Church Cathedral. And, Wednesday at 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 21 at St. Paul’s United Church.

Service of Lessons and Carols – All are invited for a service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at 4:00pm. The Cathedral Adult choir will perform. There will also be congregational singing of well-known carols. Free will offering.

Parking Restrictions are in effect along Carleton Street and other nearby streets.  We have been reminded by the city police to watch for winter parking restriction signs and follow city by-laws.

 

Announcements

Announcements December 11, 2016

Thank you to this week’s volunteers (December 11, Advent III):

Offering Receivers: Youth
Counters: John Astle, Margo & Larry Shepherd, Need a Volunteer
Scripture Reader: Nick Blom
Greeters: Youth
Coffee Hour: Congregational Christmas Pot Luck
Nursery: Jane Murray, Rebecca Jonah
Church School: Terri Astle, Jordan & Candace Schriver

Next Week (December 18, Advent IV):

Offering Receivers: Al & Arlene MacDonald, Wanda Klingbell, Victoria MacLeod
Counters: John Astle, Wanda Klingbell, Greg & Sheila Black, Heather Labadie
Scripture Reader: Drew Speight
Greeters: Need a Volunteer
Coffee Hour: Jordan Schriver & Youth
Nursery: Carol McEachen, Sheena Page
Church School: Terri Astle, Jordan & Candace Schriver

Church School Youth will be participating in worship this Sunday. This special service will be followed by our Annual Pot Luck Lunch. All are invited! Please bring your favourite hot/cold casserole, vegetables, fruit, bread, dessert, etc.

Parking Restrictions are in effect along Carleton Street and other nearby streets.  We have been reminded by the city police to watch for winter parking restriction signs and follow city by-laws.

Advent Organ Recitals – Fridays from 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 9, 16 and 23, at Christ Church Cathedral. And, Wednesdays at 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 14 and Dec 21 at St. Paul’s United Church.

Christmas Concert –  Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm at Saint James Presbyterian Church featuring the Maple Syrup Barbershop Quartet & The River Valley Chorus. Reception included.

Cookie Dough – Mission Development & Social Action Committee have cookie dough available for purchase for $10/tub.

2017 Offering Envelopes are ready to be picked up at the back of the sanctuary.  If you are not on our list and you would like to receive offering envelopes, please contact the church office.

The Mission Tree is set up at the back of the Sanctuary. On the tree, you will find suggested gifts for the families and individuals identified by staff of the Community Health Centre that we are supporting this Advent season.   Envelopes on the tree provide an opportunity to support a school program within the Esgenoôpetitj community, this is being co-ordinated by a Presbyterian educator, Vera Blake.

Hospice Fredericton is now accepting referrals for the Adult Day Centre at 621 Churchill Row. We are open 3 days a week; Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 3:00pm. We welcome clients with cognitive or physical impairments of any kind that are 55 and older. The centre offers a wide range of stimulating programs for memory loss, physical challenges, or social isolation. Activities will include music, games, trivia, bingo, and various exercise programs. For more information on our Adult Day Program, to make a referral or on volunteering please contact Nicole Pike in person,  over the phone at 206-7955 or by email at hospiceadc@gmail.com

Volunteering in 2017 –  Saint Andrew’s is blessed with many volunteers.   Please consider joining this dedicated group by adding your name to the volunteer roster for 2017.  Opportunities include: Offering Counter, Offering Receiver, Greeter, Scripture Reader, Coffee Hour Host, Nursery Helper or Church School Teacher. If you are interested in helping in any of these areas please contact the office.  The new roster will begin in January.

Christmas Services at Saint Andrew’s:

  • Christmas Eve
    • Family Service at 5 pm
    • Candlelight Communion service at 7 pm
  • Christmas Day
    • Worship service at 11 am

 

Announcements

Announcements December 4, 2016

Thank you to this week’s volunteers (December 4, Advent II):

Offering Receivers: Brian Barnes, Jessie Sagawa, Jane Murray, Mary Hossack
Counters: John & Joyce Astle, Rose Carolyn Smith, Need a Volunteer
Scripture Reader: Rose Carolyn Smith
Greeters: Blom Family
Coffee Hour: Ardean MacKinnon-Hayward & George Hayward
Nursery: Colleen & Tony Watson
Church School: Terri Astle, Jordan & Candace Schriver

Next Week (December 11, Advent III):

Offering Receivers: Youth
Counters: John Astle, Margo & Larry Shepherd, Need a Volunteer
Scripture Reader: Youth
Greeters: Youth
Coffee Hour: Congregational Christmas Pot Luck
Nursery: Jane Murray, Rebecca Jonah
Church School: Terri Astle, Jordan & Candace Schriver

Parking Restrictions in Effect – We have been notified by the city police that city by-laws restrict winter parking along some streets near church.  The police must enforce these by-laws beginning Dec 1.  Please note that there is no parking on Carleton Street between Charlotte St. and George St. from Dec 1 to Apr 1.  Please watch for parking restriction signs in place along other nearby streets.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Kingsclear First Nation scheduled for Friday, December 2 has been postponed, new date to be determined.

Please join us to celebrate December birthdays.  Whether it be a milestone or not we have reason to celebrate and thank God for his beautiful gift of life.
Ella Bragdon
Jon Wilson
David Berry
Nick Gaudet
Joy Howie
Magenta Watson
Bill Watson
Melanie Storey
Zoe Fullarton
Muriel Aiken
Holly Blaikie
Angel Collrin
Avery Collrin
Ron Bagnell

Thank you to all those who supported the recent soup luncheon. $270 has been sent to the Esgenoopetitj IT youth programme. ‘THANK YOU all‘ from Vera Blake, coordinator of the programme.

Time of Corporate Prayer – All are welcome to gather in the church hall Sunday Dec 4 at 7pm for a time of praise and prayer.  Questions may be directed to Jane Murray at 457-1251. We meet every second week.

Mall Photo Scavenger Hunt: Saturday, Dec 3rd at the Regent Mall. Instant cameras, instant fun! Let Jordan know in advance if you would like to come.

College and Career Dinner – Sunday, Dec 4th at Jordan and Candace’s place in Maugerville. Drives can be arranged and diets accommodated.

Church School Youth will be participating in worship on December 11. This special service will be followed by our Annual Pot Luck Lunch. All are invited! Please bring your favourite hot/cold casserole, vegetables, fruit, bread, dessert, etc.

2017 Offering Envelopes are ready to be picked up at the back of the sanctuary.  If you are not on our list and you would like to receive offering envelopes, please contact the church office.

Hospice Fredericton is now accepting referrals for the Adult Day Centre at 621 Churchill Row. We are open 3 days a week; Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 3:00pm. We welcome clients with cognitive or physical impairments of any kind that are 55 and older. The centre offers a wide range of stimulating programs for memory loss, physical challenges, or social isolation. Activities will include music, games, trivia, bingo, and various exercise programs. For more information on our Adult Day Program, to make a referral or on volunteering please contact Nicole Pike in person,  over the phone at 206-7955 or by email at hospiceadc@gmail.com

Advent Organ Recitals – Fridays from 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 2, 9, 16 and 23, at Christ Church Cathedral. And, Wednesdays at 12:10 – 12:50pm, Dec 14 and Dec 21 at St. Paul’s United Church.

Bake Sale – Wilmot United Church UCW Friday, December 2nd, 9am-1pm

CONCERT – The Gideons Canada invite you to attend a concert by Canadian recording artist, Trevor Dick.  Trevor’s violin style spans a wide variety of styles to create a concert that is uplifting and encouraging for audiences of all ages.  The concert will be held on Saturday, December 3, 7 pm at Brunswick Street Baptist Church.  Freewill offering.

Open House – Wed, December 7, a 30th Anniversary Open House at the Harvey Community Library from 2-4 PM: festive music, light refreshments, hot & cold cider and a dedication to honor long-time librarian Effie Dewar.

Seniors Information Session – Healthy Aging in the Home on December 7 (1:30 – 3:30 p.m.) at Saint James Presbyterian Church.

Christmas Concert –  Saturday, December 10 (7 p.m.) at Saint James Presbyterian Church featuring the Maple Syrup Barbershop Quartet & The River Valley Chorus. Reception included.

 

Announcements, Events, Letters from the Minister

Retirement

  • Dear Friends,

    I announced my retirement effective March 1, 2017, having served Saint Andrew’s congregation for twenty-five years and seven months. Our four children (Mark, Brad, Krista, Jeremy) grew up within the congregation.  They were involved with youth events as well as regular attendance at worship.  They have fond memories of life in Fredericton and within Saint Andrew’s church.  At one time Holly and I rented a 14 passenger and drove some of our youth to Toronto for a conference. Outings to Mount Carleton, Fundy National Park, baseball games, and other activities will be a a part of our memory for years to come.  Our children are now living away. Mark is in Ontario, Bradford in PEI.  Krista is in the Yukon and Jeremy lives in NS.  We have nine grandchildren we do not see often enough.

    We have accomplished much together. Many study groups have met throughout the years.  Hundreds of Baptisms, weddings, and funerals have taken place.  Times of celebration have been held. Suppers, pot luck luncheons.  So many concerts and special services within the greater Fredericton community have been meaningful and important.

    To make this decision has been difficult because I have loved being part of such a caring community.  During the past twenty five years we have been able to meet our commitments to Presbyterians Sharing, and support the relief work of Presbyterian World Service and Development.  We sent  a nine person team to the Cameroon and helped with the building of a new church. Campaigns such as Live the Vision provided financial assistance for the national church’s ministry.  This past year we supported a refugee family from Syria. We have been blessed by this ministry and their presence in the community. Other projects such as the refurbishment of the organ, the updating of the kitchen, shingling the roof are an indication of good stewardship. The property is in good repair thanks to the diligent oversight of the Board of Managers.

    We have discussed issues concerning refugees, as well as the LGBTQ community.  We try to be a welcoming and inclusive congregation. We have acknowledged the need to work closely with others in our community.  We have become, even recently, much more aware of the need to work with First Nations communities and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.  We have engaged youth and young families through the hiring of youth leaders.  We see ministry to youth as a vital part of the life and work of the congregation. We are thankful for the music ministry carried on throughout the years. There are those who lead our Summer Bible School program, and those who volunteer in so many different ways. We are grateful for the many volunteers who give of their time and talent. Teachers in our church school lay the foundation for learning. Holly has enjoyed being a part of the Church School program and helped in establishing and implementing new curriculum.

    The Session will work with our Presbytery in selecting an interim moderator to oversee the work of the congregation. A search committee selected by Session will be formed. The search committee will eventually recommend a candidate to preach for a call to Saint Andrew’s and serve as your minister. You will have an opportunity to meet the person both informally and at a worship service.  The congregation will make the final decision.

    On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your support and co-operation. Holly and I will continue living in New Maryland.  

    It has been a joy to serve as your minister.  

    The Reverend Douglas E. Blaikie

       1 John 4: 7-10