“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

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.

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/.

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