As a child, did you ever ask, “How big is God?” In answer, maybe someone stretched out their arms as widely as possible…“Big, that big! Bigger!” God is amazing, wonderful, greater, bigger than our greatest dreams. God has not stopped working to create new heavens and a new earth. We are called to be glad and rejoice forever in what God  is creating. Today, we will consider how great God truly is, and always will be, and how God is building God’s Forever Home here and now—and we are called to help build it. We make a joyful noise in response. 

Weekly Meetings & Worship:  Nov 13 - 20
PLUS a LINK to our MONTHLY Calendar!

Thanks to our ‘Take 150 Team’, youth got to spend fun time together and parents/ grandparents got 150 minutes of free time!  Special thanks go to our hosts  Inge & Craig Murray, Rhonda Wishart, Shona & Carl Vandrasco, Pat & Duane Tritter, and Phyllis & Dan Duncan.  Thank you for providing fun, food, time for youth to connect with each other ~ and the gift of YOUR time.  
Here are some comments we heard about the fun night from one of the leaders:  I loved the squealing and screeching when the kids were discovered in their dark hiding spots and when they breathlessly collapsed beside me saying “I need a rest, it’s just so fun!!”  From the youth helpers Braeden & Kaitlyn Werle: the game of hide and seek ‘Ghostbusters’ was the best!
We didn’t get comments from the kids, but apparently some of them didn’t want to leave - that always speaks well to how much fun they were having!!  Stay tuned everyone, for the next Take 150 event.

The Faith Formation Team has been organizing a treat for each of our post secondary students during both the Christmas and spring exam period for several years. We think it is important that St. Andrew’s students know they are being thought of and that we hold them in our prayers. We have 7 post secondary students this fall and are seeking 7 individuals or families interested in supporting this worthy cause by purchasing a $25 gift card i.e. a Starbuck’s, Tim Horton’s or Chapters/Indigo gift card. You would mail the gift card with a hopeful and caring message to a student, whose name and address will be provided to you by the FF Team. The students will be most grateful for the gift and encouragement!  If you are interested, please email Rhonda Wishart at Rhonda.wishart@icloud.com  (or phone 403-614-9924) to be provided the name and address of a student.
Thank you to all past and current participants! 

There will be no youth group this Friday, November 11th. We hope you spend the day remembering those who gave their all for our freedoms. Without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be here today. We look forward to seeing you the following Friday (November 18th) as that will be the last week before we start our Advent study and activities. Stay warm this week! Take care! ~  Lauren, Matt &  Spencer

This week, we invite you to watch this powerpoint presentation that highlights some of the family members of our own St. Andrew’s family who served our country, and who we would like to remember at this special time of year.  Maybe you would like to watch it during your moment of silence on Friday.  Maybe you’d like to watch it now.  Maybe you’d like to watch it a few times.  We will remember them. 
~ Debby

Ministries of Care Pastoral Workshop (led by Rev. Geoffrey)
One Evening:  November 22, 7:00-8:30 in the KE LOUNGE
All are welcome.   No charge.
Although some people seem to be born good listeners, most of us must learn some techniques so that we can be more effective listeners. We don’t want to just plug our ears like the person in this illustration.
In this one-evening workshop, we will learn why the adage “Two Ears, One Mouth” serves as a good reminder of how we can learn to listen better. Focusing on how to learn and apply the skills of Active Listening, we will watch videos, learn some handy skills that can be applied anywhere, and practice our own listening skills. Active Listening is an essential component of effective pastoral ministry and of all our interactions with other people.

In support of the upcoming bazaar, our guild is preparing 2 different gift baskets for sale by pre-ordering now until Monday, November 14. The “Holiday Treats” is $50.00.  A smaller “Tea” basket is $35.00.
All prepared baskets will be similar to
the display in the narthex of the church .
For more information or to pre-order please contact:
Judy Roberts 403-251-1024
or Wendy McNaughton 403-617-4835

The Ladies Guild is looking for people to help out
Main Door Greeters - 1 hour shifts
Elevator Assistance - 1 hour shifts
Bag Check - 1 hour shifts
Craft Room - 1 cashier and 1 wrapper
Bazaar Tear Down
Truck – take remaining books or Treasures to charity donation drop-off
If you can help, please contact Elaine Cantlon at (403) 519-2270

          The Rev. Dr. M. Jean Morris will retire on Dec. 31, 2022 after 36 plus years of ministry with the PCC, with more than 34 of those years serving in the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod. Jean first came to Calgary in 1988 where she served as Associate Minister at St. Andrew’s for 3 years, and she has been no stranger to St Andrew’s ever since, leading worship on a number of occasions, serving as Interim Moderator during our lengthy search for a Lead Minister and providing much needed wisdom, guidance and support during her time as General Presbyter.
          It is our hope that Jean will be able to lead worship at St Andrew’s one more time before she retires, at which time we will present her a gift from the congregation in celebration of her many years of excellence in leadership at the Congregational, Presbytery and National levels.
          Members of the congregation are invited to make a donation in the amount of their choosing towards a gift for Jean to mark this milestone event. Please enclose your donation in an envelope clearly marked “Gift for Jean Morris” and give it to either Debby or Dolly in the church office or put it in the offering plate and the counters will make sure it reaches Dolly. The deadline for getting your donation to the church office is Thursday, Nov. 24.
          We will also happily receive your cards and good wishes congratulating Jean on her retirement and these too may be left in the church office. Thank you for your participation as we acknowledge Jean’s retirement and give thanks for all the ways she has deeply touched so many lives. 

Did you know the Nursery has been open on Sundays since mid September? Jesus loves the little children and so do we! We have been blessed with two very competent young women who will take turns as nursery staff person as their schedules allow. Emily Izett, a recent nursing graduate and granddaughter of long-time member Sylvia Shaw, has been part of our nursery staff for the past three years and Lilwen Henrichsen, who “grew up” at St. Andrew’s and graduated from high school in 2021, has recently come onboard. A schedule of the dates that Emily or Lilwen will be in the Nursery is posted on the nursery door. We invite your little ones back with open arms! 

Bible Study "Simply Jesus" – Sundays at 11:15 am - CLICK HERE
Celebration of Life Service - Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE
Coffee Coordinators needed - CLICK HERE
ConnXions October/November Edition - CLICK HERE
ConnXions - Good to Know Guidelines for next deadline of Nov 15 - CLICK HERE
GriefShare Started Oct 4, 2022 - CLICK HERE

You may have heard that Session approved an ‘ask’ of a volunteer group who needed space to teach English to Ukrainian people who have been unable to enroll in classes elsewhere.  They are currently meeting at St. Andrew’s on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings for about 2 hours, and expect 25 people in each class. The teachers are all volunteers.  We asked if there were needs that we might help meet.

November is Alberta Health Services Fall Prevention month.  Members of the Wellness team will be handing out updated Fall Prevention materials in the lobby after the church service on Sunday November 13, 2022. Alice Williams, on behalf of the Wellness Team