Humans are hardwired for hope. The reformer Martin Luther wrote, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” If this is true, it raises the question: “does hope propel me in life?” We will reflect on making hope a foundational aspect of living, both individually as a people of faith and as the community of faith. We will also explore how our offering is an expression of hope. 

Weekly Meetings & Worship:  Nov 20 - 27
PLUS a LINK to our MONTHLY Calendar!

We have a super fun Friday night this week (Friday Nov 18) which includes a super fun, super secret task we need your help with! If you and any friends think you’re up for a challenge we would love your help! We can’t wait to see you there! Next Friday (November 25) we will be starting our advent study which we are so excited to share with you! See you all soon!

For the past 30+ years, Jean has in ‘some way’ been part of our St. Andrew’s family.  She has been committed, faithful and wise.  This November, we’ll have 2 opportunities to share time with Jean.  If you’d like to offer her best wishes for a happy retirement, you can join the celebration at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (details and registration info in the item below).  ALL are welcome!   Jean will be preaching at St. Andrew’s the following day ~ Sunday, Nov 27, but needs to leave immediately following worship, so won’t be available for conversation.  So… if you’d like to have a wee chat, make sure you come out on Saturday the 26th to Varsity.

We are thankful for Jean’s time with us ~ we have been blessed by her preaching, wisdom, and leadership ~ and we are grateful for what she has come to mean to so many of us.  If you would like to contribute to a gift from our St. Andrew’s family as she retires at the end of this year, or if you would like to leave a card and good wishes that can be passed on, please speak with Debby or Dolly.   

ALL are invited.  To register, CLICK HERE or email lisbeth.duncan1@gmail.com

Saturday, November 26:  2:00 - 4:00 pm

Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church:  4612 Varsity Dr NW

For the Presbytery-wide retirement celebration (that we are ALL invited to) for the Rev. Dr. M. Jean Morris on Saturday, November 26th, St. Andrew’s has been asked to provide cookies and squares.  If you are able to help out in this way, please contact the church office at office@standrewscalgary.ca and let us know that you can contribute. If you can get your cookies/squares to St. Andrew’s either Thursday (Nov 24) or Friday (Nov 25) between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, we’ll see that they get delivered to Varsity for Saturday.  Thanks for any help you can provide!!

You are probably wondering, “So what’s happening with our new direction to get woven into our immediate neighbourhood and help out?” Three weeks ago the city social worker for Kingsland held a gathering of people from different organizations who all want to help out in that neighbourhood. Present were the Principal of St. Augustine School, reps from three churches (including six from ours), the Kingsland Community Association as well as people from three agencies: Carya, the Trellis Society and CUPS. We learned more about the needs in this neighbourhood.  Do you want to hear what they are? Are you considering jumping in to help us “learn our way forward” into our congregation’s mission? Would you like to help us figure out how we can start small towards making a difference for those who live around us? Join us after worship on Sunday December 4^th for a one hour (max) meeting in Trinity Hall. Coffee, tea and a few goodies will be provided. Come help us figure out our next step!

The congregation nominated 15 members to be new elders on our Session. Of those, seven of the nominees have agreed to let their names stand for the eldership. We are grateful for their willingness to serve in the congregation’s leadership! The next step is the election of six of them to each serve a six year term on the Session. The election will be open from Sunday November 27^th until Sunday December 11^th, in which those who are actual members of our congregation are able to vote. Paper ballots will be available in the foyer and the office for the three weeks, with instructions on the ballot explaining how you can participate. Additionally, you will be able to find a ballot on our website that you can print, fill in and mail in to the church. Starting next week we will have little bio’s on each of the nominees. But for now, simply, the nominees are: Judy Bridgemohan, Brian Hawko, Desiree Henrichsen, Lauren Nolette (nee Cole), Sheri Coutts, Stephanie Werle and Derek Wilkinson.

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! 

Ministries of Care Pastoral Workshop (led by Rev. Geoffrey)
One Evening:  November 22, 7:00-8:30 in the K E 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.

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

Bible Study "Simply Jesus" – Sundays at 11:15 am - CLICK HERE
Celebration of Life - Monday, Nov 28, 2022 at 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE
Coffee Coordinators needed - CLICK HERE
ConnXions October/November Edition - CLICK HERE
GriefShare Started Oct 4, 2022 - CLICK HERE
The Nursery is OPEN - CLICK HERE