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This Week’s Sermon:
When Do We Move On?
Rev. Dr. Ian Clark

Join us either online or in person on Sunday at 10:30 am.
For in-person worship, masks are optional. Please feel free to continue to wear them as you feel comfortable. Thank you for understanding.

Join us on Zoom, Sundays at 10:30 am.
Meeting ID: 786 2061 5001, Password: 4736
Feel free to login in up to 15 minutes earlier.
You may access our service by telephone with information at the bottom of the page.

Zoom Link for our Sunday Service

Access our YouTube Livestream starting after 10:30 am.
(If you would like an email every time a Livestream starts, go to our YouTube channel and press subscribe)

YouTube Live Link for Sunday Service

Just a Thought

“Show me during these Lenten days
how to take the daily things of life
and by submerging them in the sacred,
to infuse them with a great love
for you, O God, and for others.
Guide me to perform simple acts of love and prayer,
the real works of reform and renewal…
help me not to waste
these precious Lenten days
of my soul’s spiritual springtime.”
– Edward Hays

Church Family News

Easter Baskets
For a number of years we have been putting together baskets for delivery to some people who could use a little extra cheer at this time. Due to the increases in the cost of food, we would like to provide food store gift cards along with a traditional Easter Card. If you would like to donate to this effort, please mark your donations clearly with Easter Gift Baskets on your envelope or e-transfer or cheque. We will be collecting these donations until Palm Sunday, April 2nd, so that we can deliver them in time for Easter Weekend. Thank you for your support.

Prayer Requests

Do you have a prayer request? Email the church office.

Session News: March 2023

Ten ruling elders, Clerk of Session and the Interim Moderator met by Zoom on Monday March 6th, 2023. Devotions were led by J. Hazlewood and the meeting was constituted with prayer by Rev. R. Manafo.

The Rev. Sam Priestly Memorial Food Drive raised $2560 in cash and several hundred pounds of food for donation to the Markham Food Bank.

A/V Reno: Wall mounting of the speakers in the Sanctuary was approved.

Communicant Roll and District Readjustments: Session updated and balanced the Elders district membership lists.

Interim Moderator: The Search Committee is working well and diligently.

Director of Youth and Family confirmed there will be six-week French summer camp. The pancake lunch raised $1500.00 for PWSD.

Stewardship indicated the Q1 statements may be available for elder distribution before Easter. Tax receipts were mailed. Session will meet on March 23 to address the 22% increase to our Operating budget.

Board of Managers: While our caretaker is waiting for surgery, his job is going to be outsourced. People are asked to keep the building clean & tidy.

Presbytery: Caven Bolton is looking to amalgamate with St. Paul’s Nobleton.

Worship: Session discussed the coffee fellowship workload.

Evangelism and Outreach: Session approved a motion that the Markham Music Festival be allowed to use the north lawn during the Festival.

Leading with Care is organizing a first aid training session. People were reminded that Session will be subsidizing one person from the various groups of the church. L. Skeoch is representing Session.

Other Business: Forsythe Farms use of the north parking area during the month of October was approved. Bible Study conveyors are invited to place regular bulletin and e mail reminders. Dedication of the Murray window is planned for April 2nd. Switched on Seniors need for expanded space is being addressed. A taxi service is available to bring people to church.

The meeting was closed with prayer by Rev. R. Manafo.

Next meeting of Session is on Monday, April 3rd, 2023.

HERITAGE COMMITTEE
WHO ARE WE?

 

We are a group of church members responsible for the management of donations and bequests made to St Andrew’s under the Planned Giving Program of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our activities are governed by Session.

Our mandate is to invest these special gifts which are often contributed from accumulated, inherited, and appreciated assets. Our goal is to allow you to share the blessings you have received by investing in the future ministry and missions of our congregation.

Our theme is to help plant the seeds now, which will further enrich our Heritage. Some people prefer to make gifts during their lifetime, in order to witness the development of new and exciting programs. Others leave a legacy through their Will.

Thanks to the generosity of several kind donors over the years, we have been able to help finance:

.  Music Board’s Student Bursary program
.  Switched-On-Seniors Program
.  Pastoral Care Team Activities
.  New Transportation Program
.  Special Markham Scout Troop Programs
.  Scott Room Retrofit
.  Pikangikum Support
.  Board’s AV Upgrade

We are committed to help establish and grow new initiatives beyond the capacity of the operating budget and ask you to consider a Living or Legacy Gift to the Heritage Fund so we may continue to enrich our Heritage for future generations.

Memorial Easter Flowers

 

We are reviving The Celebration of Flowers in our sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Memorials to loved ones will be printed in the bulletin. We are aware of allergies and will attempt to use hypoallergenic plants.

If you wish to participate, please complete the information requested on the envelope that’s in your bulletin.
We must have your name, envelope number, and the memorial that you would like printed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. Envelopes may be placed on the collection plates. “Flowers” must be on any envelope used.

If you choose to e-transfer your contribution, please do so using the email address givetostandrews@gmail.com and include “Flowers” and your envelope number in the memo. Your memorial may be included or emailed to the church at standrew1@bellnet.ca.

As tax receipts will be received for this contribution, the flowers will remain to beautify our sanctuary in the following weeks.

The Youth and Family Council as part of their Building Faith at Home initiative sent Lenten resources to our church families. All families received Practicing Jesus’ Seven Last Words, a new Lent devotional by the Rev. Konnie Vissers. The devotional guide takes us through the seven final phrases said by Jesus according to the gospels, providing prayers, reflections, and activities for each week of Lent.

Families with younger children received an additional resource called Family Calendar for Lent. This weekly material offers readings and activities focused on three points in the week.

If you would like to enjoy the materials with your friends, and family or as a part of your devotional time, you may download a copy of Practicing Jesus’ Seven Last Words or pick up a copy of either resource at the sanctuary entrances.

Input deadline for announcements in the Thursday Weekly News, and the Sunday Service Bulletin & Worship PowerPoint Slides is Tuesdays at 12 noon.
Please send your input to standrew1@bellnet.ca.
Thank you!

For INTERAC e-Transfers, please provide your envelope # or first & last name in the Message box. Thank you!

Giving Hope to Others

Bible Study
Our St. Andrew’s Annual Report of 2022 has now been received by the congregation.

I am sure many of us are aware of the considerable time and effort required to compile and complete such an important document. Sincere thanks go to those who have faithfully worked to produce an extensive record of accomplishments over the past year. The abundance of reports from various committees attest to the conscientious endeavours of many.

Well done to all during an extremely difficult past few years!

I would like to ask, however, where “Bible Study” fits into our busy church activities? We do find it noted on Page 3 under Other Ministries, (4 words), and on Page 7, (one sentence). I must personally admit to wondering over the years, why there are not more Christians interested in growing in their faith by participating in a Bible Study Group. It can be a special time and opportunity to share our thoughts, concerns, and beliefs. It is indeed beneficial and satisfying to encourage and uplift one another.

What does God require of us as Christians? How does the Lord want us to live with Him, and in relationship with others? We find the answer to these questions by reading God’s Word. Growing in our faith, (which is life-long), includes reading, living and sharing God’s Word.

If the Lord were to visit each one of us and ask, “how much precious time do you spend reading My Book?” (Although He knows the answer to that question). How would we reply? We do need to ask ourselves, “Where is the Bible in my life?” Does it gather dust on my shelf, or does it rest regularly on my lap? This answer is between yourself and the Good Lord.

Charles Spurgeon, a well-known preacher and writer once said, “A Bible that is falling apart is usually owned by someone who isn’t.”

“Thy Word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105.

In Christian Love, Betty Taylor

P.S.
This is truly a most stressful and trying time for us as individuals and as a church. Communication with one another and within our own congregation is essential. Christians are meant to be salt and light. “Jesus bids us shine.” Speak words of encouragement and appreciation to someone today as we lift each other up in prayer.

The Presbyterian Church in Canada is aware of at least one instance of a member of a Presbyterian congregation receiving a phone call pressuring them to donate to PWS&D (Presbyterian World Service & Development) and provide their banking information.
PWS&D (and the PCC) do not solicit funds over the phone and will never call demanding that banking or credit card information be shared. If this happens to you, please call the national office at 1-800-619-7301.
To learn more, visit WeRespond.ca/be-aware/.

Evangel Hall

Evangel Hall is in need of men’s & women’s new underwear, men’s & women’s sweatpants & hoodies, warm sweaters, spring coats, shirts/blouses, pants, sweat pants & jeans, and more. Visit their website for more needed items.

Markham Food Bank

Most Needed Food Items:

Small and Large Bags of Rice, Individually Wrapped Snacks for School, Cereal, Instant Coffee, Jam, Canned Salmon and Sardines, Canned Evaporated Milk, Non-Dairy Milk (oat, almond, rice), Canned Vegetables (not corn), Vegetarian Soups, Kraft Dinner, Dry Soup Mix (e.g. Ramen Noodles), Cooking Oil, Baby Food (puree, formula, snacks, & cereal), Diapers – sizes 5, & 6, and Baby Wipes.

Food items can be dropped off in the narthex. If you prefer to make a cash donation, simply indicate on your offering envelope that it is for the Markham Food Bank, and we will ensure they receive it.

PWS&D

Presbyterian World Service & Development continues to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis following the devastating earthquakes in southeast Turkey and northern Syria. PWS&D, working with their partners, is supporting those affected by providing temporary shelters, canned and prepared food, and other necessities. If you’re interested in supporting their work, you can read more at https://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/2023/02/07/syria-turkey-earthquake-response/.

You can donate directly through the church, simply mark your donation “PWS&D Syria-Turkey Earthquake”.

If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Banfield.

Church Events

Last Sunday we welcomed 4 Superheros back to Hero Central.  During our time embraced our mission as we searched high and low for the boy and read from Luke 2:41-52 when Jesus goes to the Temple.  We wrapped up the session with I Spy (Jesus) bottles.  These transparent bottles full of rice and colourful trinkets reveal Jesus when shaken (not stirred)!

We look forward to next month’s session on April 16th.
All4One April RSVP
Youth grades 7 and up meet online Wednesday evenings from 7:15 pm to 7:45 pm for their mid-week meeting.  This virtual gathering is an opportunity to connect, discuss, play a game and pray for one another.  Use the link below to join us.
 

Did you enjoy what you were served at the last community lunch? Want to be able to make it at home? Our dedicated volunteer chefs have agreed to share their recipes with you! You can find them on our website at http://standrews-markham.ca/lunch-recipes/.
Happy Cooking!
Rocky Railway
VBS 2023
Registration is now open for VBS 2023.  Our theme this year is “Rocky Railway”—each day will explore a new way that Jesus’ power helps pull us through difficult times! We chose this theme way back in 2020 and it seems especially appropriate as we continue to “pull through” unusual circumstances.

At Rocky Railway VBS, kids discover Jesus’ power can pull them through life’s ups and downs. Rocky Railway is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life.

Be sure to reserve your seat by completing the registration form by downloading the form here.  You may also register online by clicking the link below.

Register Online for VBS 2023

BIBLE STUDY
Hi everyone!

Bible Study will be held on Wednesdays at 10:00 am via the on-line Zoom/Phone meeting process. We encourage those who do not use computers or zoom to call into the meeting. We can provide you with a telephone number.

If ever there was ever a time to be faithfully reading our bibles and witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ, it is now. These studies are a way to refresh our faith.

We are studying the book of Galatians which includes the “Fruit of the Spirit”.
“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:522-23)

These studies are interesting and helpful. Please join us. You, and anyone you wish to invite, will be warmly welcomed.

Please contact Cindy Fowler or myself if you are interested.

Many thanks,

Betty

Our next meeting is Thursday, March 30th at 10:00am. Join us for our monthly Stretch & Strengthen Chair Yoga class. All ages & abilities are welcome!
Come and have fun and visit with friends new & old!
Visit our website to stay up to date and read our newsletters!

Click on http://standrews-markham.ca/events/month/ for current church news and events.

Giving to St. Andrew’s

Thank you for your offerings even during these unusual times. Our church has ongoing bills and obligations, but we also have the privilege to give offerings to God. Here are ways to give:

1. Interac E-Transfer
Send an e-transfer to givetostandrews@gmail.com with your envelope # or first & last name & contact information in the message box so we can issue you a tax receipt. More info can be found online at: http://standrews-markham.ca/give/.

2. Cheque
Mail to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street North, Markham ON, L3P 1Y2.
For your convenience, post-dated cheques are also accepted.

3. PAR Program
Pre-Authorized Remittance, allows for a monthly withdrawal from your bank account.  Contact Alex Szucs or the church office for more information.

Joining our Service by phone

Connect by telephone on Sunday at 10:30am (a little earlier is better).
It’s a local phone call to Zoom conferencing, along with a meeting id and password.

1. Call one of these local phone numbers for Zoom: 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588.
2. When asked, type in the meeting ID: 786 2061 5001 #.
3. Skip participant ID by pressing #.
4. Enter password: 4736 #.

This will be the same information each Sunday at 10:30am.
Please consider passing this information on to anyone who might benefit.