In Advent we naturally think about how the Son of God became incarnate in human form. But what if incarnation was more than this? What if incarnation is also about what takes place in us?...and we are the ones who prepare the way for the Lord?

Weekly Meetings & Worship:  Dec 4 - Dec 11
PLUS a LINK to our MONTHLY Calendar!

Every Sunday morning people walk through the doors of our church.  Are they looking for a community to belong to?  Did they just lose their best friend and need to hear words of comfort?  Do they have ministry gifts they would like to share with us?  Do they feel lost in a big city and just want to be able to look someone in the eye and say hello?   In honesty, we may not know the reason people come to our Church for the first time.  We’re just glad they did.  And to SHOW we’re glad they did, we need people to welcome them at the door.  To smile and shake their hand.  To help them move from a cold space into a warm and welcoming space.  And to usher them to a seat as they join us for Sunday worship.  And BONUS!  Besides helping new people feel welcome in our midst, you get to say hello to the people you DO know!

In this season of gift-giving, we are thankful for the many people who share their gift of hospitality with those around them.  Please consider sharing YOUR GIFT by signing up for our Greeters and Ushers Ministry.  You’ll be glad you did – and so will the people walking through our doors! ~ Debby

Garry Hennan and I are pleased to tell you about a new ministry we've called “Music and The Word”, the first presentation of which will be held on Sunday morning, December 18th, 2022 at 11:45 AM, (after coffee time) at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in the KE Lounge.  You are ALL invited to join us.

A Mitten Tree will be available at the church to receive your donations of cold weather clothing items - eg toques, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks - of all sizes for men, women and children, from now until December 18.  We are aware of seemingly never-ending needs for such items for people seeking shelter at various locations such as Mustard Seed, Drop-In Centre, YW Women's shelter, Sheriff King Home, CUPS.  A team of volunteers will be sure to get your donations in the hands of those who need them.

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 election period will run from Sunday 27 November until Sunday 11 December. Ballots will be available in the foyer and Karl English Lounge on Sundays and in the office mid-week. The instructions for voting are included on the ballot. The ballot is also available at the LINK BELOW and can be sent in either by regular mail or email. The instructions for this option are on the online ballot. Our website at the LINK BELOW also has bios and photos of our 7 nominees. All the bios may not be up at the time you read this email, but they will in the next few days. You are reminded that only official members can vote. Please take time to give prayerful consideration for who should be a part of our congregation’s leadership.
Thanks for your participation!~ Rev. Peter

Time and Date: Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church Calgary, 1009 15 Ave SW
Register at: https://gracechurchcalgary.com/event/adventconcert/

The second annual All is Calm, All is Bright Advent Music Concert is back this year by popular demand!
Our choir will be singing Advent music, alongside multiple church choirs from Calgary, at Grace Presbyterian Church. 
The event is FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY and open to all.
There will be a free-will offering to cover the costs of the concert.

Bible Study "Simply Jesus" – Sundays at 11:15 am - CLICK HERE
Election of New Elders Update - CLICK HERE
GriefShare starting again Jan 31, 2023 - CLICK HERE
The Nursery is OPEN - CLICK HERE

Christmas gift giving at Claire House has evolved over the years.  Last year the congregation of St Andrew's gave $3200 that we put into 64 X $50 gift cards, one for each of 41 households (a mix of families, singles and seniors), plus a $50 gift card for each of 23 children.  This year we understand that most of the families with younger children will be adopted for gift giving through other agencies.  Even so, it is likely that there will be a family or two that gets over-looked, plus there is at least one family with older children that won't qualify, plus a host of singles, seniors, and even families, that could use some added Christmas cheer.  Our Christmas giving wish for Claire this year is for a target of $2600 to help brighten each household and have a little extra for any of the children that may miss out on other adopt-a-family options.  Your designated donations of any amount through the church office all add up.  We will turn the donations into gift cards that the residents can use for their own gift giving, or even for some added festive food items.  Please designate your donation for 'Claire House'.  Donations will be accepted from now through Dec 18.