June 2016

Dear members and friends of Saint Andrew’s congregation:

During the month of June we are Celebrating 191 years of Presbyterian presence within the greater Fredericton area. An Anniversary Envelope is available and provides an opportunity for ongoing support beyond the regular weekly offerings.

I have noticed on the inside of the door in several businesses the following instruction. “Make sure door is unlocked during business hours.” One might wonder what event prompted the need for such advice. Perhaps one day an astute clerk noticed business was slow, and after some consideration checked the door. But the slow sales could also have been for a number of reasons, including unfriendly service, lack of advertised products, or no advertising at all. But we all agree that it is important that the door be unlocked.

It is not just the physical lock on the door that needs the attention of congregations but the need for openness and welcome. Our churches are blessed when others come to visit.

Usually they are unannounced. Perhaps they are visiting in the area with friends or family. Perhaps it is a business trip or perhaps they are looking for a church to call home.

St. Paul wrote instructions for the early church: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour…be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:9-13)

Here at Saint Andrew’s hospitality and welcome often begin at curbside. Persons are made to feel welcome and are directed to parking spaces. They are sometimes assisted to overcome weather related conditions. A friendly greeter outside reflects how the people inside feel about welcoming. And that welcome extends beyond visitors to all members. Over the years Saint Andrew’s congregation has been blessed with caring and loving individuals. This is reflected in the small groups such as choir and Ladies Groups, and Board and Session. Saint Andrew’s is also home to a number of outside groups. Perhaps they are here on an ongoing basis or for a one-time event. They are an important part of our congregation and every effort is made to make them feel welcome.

Opening doors for business is important but opening the doors of our hearts is central to the life and work of the Church. Whether it is welcoming the refugee or a stranger from down the street. Whether it is a welcome extended to persons looking for a church home or someone looking for assistance, it is the nature of the church to be open. Open not only to those who are “like” us or who believe as we do, or act in the way we think they should. At the heart of the Gospel is an unconditional welcome extended to one and all.

And so the mission and witness of the church continues, sometimes in complex and difficult ways. But it always begins with the words of Jesus: Come unto me all…and I will provide rest. (Matthew 11:28)

May God’s love be fixed upon you, overshadow you with grace;
May God’s love stand firm beneath you, welcome you with glad embrace.
(Book of Praise #582, stanza 1)

Sincerely, and on behalf of Session and Board,
The Reverend D. E. Blaikie, minister

Dear members and friends:

“Maybe, the Grinch thought, Christmas doesn’t come from a store”

When we think of beginnings and fresh starts we often think of New Years Day. Or perhaps we may think about early September and the new school year. The  Church also has its seasons and special days. The Advent season marks the beginning of a church year. This is when we hear, in a focused way, the birth narratives from the Gospels – stories of John the Baptist, heavenly announcements, and the nativity. Looking back we cannot separate the beginning from the end. The cradle and cross are bound together as they proclaim the Good News of the Messiah.

Stories and symbols of the Advent season remind us that wonder and mystery surround us. We are reminded about our understanding of God, and  us how we are to relate to others. The Apostle John, in his prologue to the Gospel, tells us that God literally “pitched his tent among us.”

During this season the church proclaims the Good News through the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Over the next several weeks we will have opportunity to worship and reflect, to gather for concerts or for a meal. And we will celebrate even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty. For if anything is central to the Christmas story it is that Jesus was born into a troubled world.

From the Christmas story comes a tradition of giving. And it is here we are reminded of the poverty that surrounds us. It is at this time of the year that we are again reminded of mission and outreach.

The Mission Development/Social Action Committee meets through the year to consider mission projects and respond to requests. This year a decision was made to sponsor a refugee family from Syria. They made a recommendation to Session. The Session  attempted to gauge the support found within our congregation. A pledge form was distributed and a decision made to proceed with the application. We are waiting. Waiting is part of the message of Advent. It is not a passive waiting but an active waiting. Preparations are being made.

Our prayer is the same as  one expressed in a 13^th century Latin text:

Oh come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart, one mind;

Bid envy, strife, and discord cease, and be thyself our source of peace.

More information will appear in the weekly Sunday bulletin. Thank you for your ongoing support of the work of our congregation.

Sincerely,

The Reverend Douglas E. Blaikie

Dear members and friends of Saint Andrew’s congregation:

This year we celebrate the 190^th anniversary of a Presbyterian presence within the city of Fredericton.  June has been designated as “Anniversary Month” and we will have a special service of worship on June 7^th at 11:00 AM. The Moderator of the Atlantic Synod, the Reverend Jeff Murray, has been invited to preach. A pot-luck lunch will follow.

The Session hopes you will plan to attend as together we celebrate our heritage. Consider inviting friends and family as we give thanks for the faith and dedication of those who have influenced our lives. Many attended Sunday School, Scouts, Guides, and other programs at Saint Andrew’s. Perhaps a wedding was a significant event.

“The Church is Christ together with his people.” These words from Living Faith remind us that the church is not a building but a people. The building is where the church worships. Let us continue to build a church without boundaries; a church that welcomes and includes all people; a church that proclaims the love of God as we see it in the life of Jesus the Christ.

Let us celebrate our history and heritage as together we plan and work  for tomorrow.

Sincerely and on behalf of the Session,

Douglas Blaikie
Minister, Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
512 Charlotte St., Fredericton, N. B. E3B 1M2
(506) 455-8220
sapc@sapc.ca
www.sapc.ca