TOGETHER – Online Newsletter – Sunday, October 17, 2021

Click **here** to view/download the Sunday, October 17th  issue of the  TOGETHER  weekly  news sheet of St. Andrew’s United Church.

To subscribe to this weekly newsletter, click the TOGETHER box at the top of this page… and we will add your name to our e-mail list.

Sunday Worship at St. Andrew’s – COVID Protocol

We are pleased to be able to host in-person worship once again, but as you are all aware, the province of Ontario is currently in a period of “Step 3” restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic which apply to gathering for worship.

While we’re able to gather, we are limited in capacity.  In order not to disappoint people at the door we are asking that reserve your seat in advance.  This allows the ushers to plan seating and maximize capacity.

To do so, please contact the Church Office by 4 PM the THURSDAY prior to a Sunday Service with your name, return contact phone number or e-mail, and the number of people in your “bubble”

Contact can be by phone (705-472-7680 and leave a message if no answer) or by

e-mail: standrewschurch@cogeco.net.

 Please Note: it is preferred that you phone during Office Hours (10 am – 2 pm) on Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday. (E-mail and phone message reservations will be confirmed by return phone or e-mail)

Update: As space allows those without a reservation will be accommodated, but availability of non-reserved seating will vary from Sunday to Sunday. It is highly recommended that you reserve a place to avoid disappointment.

Masking and social distancing is still in effect and there is a seating plan to help maximize those who can attend.  You may view/download the full text of St. Andrew’s COVID protocol by clicking *here*. Sunday services will continue to be recorded and posted for viewing here, and on St. Andrew’s  YouTube channel  later on  Sunday evening.

Transition Team Updates/ News

WEEKLY TRANSITION TEAM  SURVEY

For the next few weeks the Transition Team will, as part of the weekly Transition Word article, be offering you a link to a short survey connected to the topic of the week.  We are using Survey Monkey as the survey tool and your response is anonymous unless you choose in a comment section to identify yourself.  For those not comfortable with online tools, printed copies of the survey will be available each Sunday or you can download a pdf copy (see below), print it and drop it off in the church mail slot found in the Cassells Street door. So there are lots of options on how you can participate.

Connection and re-engagement often are rooted in identifying with a peer group within the community.  Part of what the Transition Team heard last spring in our Friday chats was the concern that people were not finding a connection with a group of peers.  The survey questions for this week seek your perspective and experience related to nurturing peer connections.  The online survey  for September 26th can be found at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/92ZTT7K

The pdf copy can be accessed **here** and printed copies will be in Sunday’s print bulletin.  Printed surveys can be anonymously dropped off at the church through the mail slot.

ONLINE Worship – October 10, 2021 – Sunday Service

Order-of-Service – Sun. October 17, 2021

Click **here** to view/download the order-of-service for the Sunday, October 17, 2021 service on the St. Andrew’s YouTube Channel

Mission Statement

St. Andrew’s is an inclusive and affirming Christian community of faith worshiping God and serving others. Inspired by Holy Scripture and guided by tradition, reason, and experience, we share the ministry of Jesus Christ by nurturing spiritual growth, caring for creation, and being with those in need.

 St. Andrew’s United Church is an Affirming congregation within the United Church of Canada. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing community where all are welcome. We delight in the goodness and grace of God as expressed through the diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, family configuration, ability or economic circumstance. We give thanks for the richness of the Spirit among us and in the work we are called to do in the world.

St. Andrew’s YouTube Channel

Click on the YouTube image above to visit the St. Andrew’s YouTube Channel. All current and past recorded Sunday and special services are archived here – and may be viewed anytime.

Sept/Oct 2021 – Events, Meetings, Activities

Thursday, Sept 30   –Transition Ministry Gathering for the congregation – Information and ZOOM link are elsewhere on this webpage

Saturday, October 2nd – Outdoor clean-up of St. Andrew’s  grounds – 9 am until noon.   Meet on the front lawn. If you only have an hour to spare – that’s OK too!

Sunday, October 3rd – World Communion Sunday. Service begins at 10:30 – please consult this webpage for COVID protocol.

Transitional Supply Minister – Rev. Lillian Roberts

We are moving forward into a new chapter in the life of St. Andrew’s. Reverend Lillian Roberts has agreed to serve as our Transitional Supply Minister  snd she started on February 15, 2021.

She will be absent for July and August but will be returning to St. Andrew’s (3/4 time) in September.

Lillian has recently retired from her position as the Pastoral Relations Minister with the Canadian Shield Regional Council and has agreed to come out of retirement to help us navigate through the changes that are happening, and to discover our direction forward.

Rev. Roberts offers the following messages of introduction: