Built into the church year are times when we are invited to pause and consider where we are on our faith journey. The week before the beginning of Advent, the Reign of Christ Sunday,  is one of those times when we are invited to pause and consider who Jesus is for us, and who we are for him.

 If you get a commercial, click back and then forward again. 

Worship, Church School and Special Studies/Events: Nov 24 - Dec 1
PLUS LINKS to our Team/Group Meetings and Monthly Calendar!

Last Saturday, Nov 16, we shared a wonderful day as our entire congregation worked together to make St. Andrew’s annual Christmas Bazaar a day to remember.  Thank you to ALL who helped in whatever ways you were able.  People shared:

• Family recipes in the form of baked goods
• Fancy and special candies, chocolates, and other treats made with care and attention
• ‘No longer used items’ as Second Hand Treasures
• Well loved books that had already been read and enjoyed, along with puzzles and music
• Time and smiles as food was prepared and then served
• With smiles and laughter as children were guided to make crafts and decorate cookies
• Heritage Seniors and other first time volunteers from our own congregation - new energy is always appreciated
  
• New faces who came through our doors to ‘take in’ our bazaar – an opportunity to get to know our neighbours
• All other ‘behind the scenes’ participation and service to our faith community not mentioned above

It was a wonderful start to our Christmas season in fun, creative,  and caring ways!     ~ Deb

You are welcome to help us prepare for the Intergenerational Musical by working with our amazing Sheri Coutts to ‘build sheep’ on Saturday, November 23 from 10:30 - 12:00 noon.  Sheri will have all the supplies ready - all you need to bring is your enthusiasm, energy, and sense of humor.  All are welcome!!!
~ Deb

Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, and 17 @ 11:00 am in the Karl English Lounge

You are invited to participate in a four-week Advent study of Celtic teachings and traditions that can transform our lives in unexpected ways that will open our hearts and our spirits to new aspects of the familiar Advent journey.  All are welcome!   ~ Geoffrey

Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, and 17,  @ 1:00 pm in the Karl English Lounge

Have you wanted to learn the ukulele, but got sidetracked? Or received one as a present in Grade 5 and it’s just been gathering dust?  Come and dust off your skills and your ukes, as we learn a few skills in a relaxed no-pressure setting. We will aim to learn a few simple Christmas carols, and if we feel ready as a group, we’ll aim to offer those songs at the 4:30 family service on Christmas Eve.  Just come and have fun in a no-pressure setting. 

Feel free to come at 12:00 with a bag lunch so we chat together before the workshop — and you may wish to come early for our Celtic Advent study, which starts at 11:00 am on the same days in the same room.

Thank you to everyone who has asked about the round blue buttons with rainbow heart and white cross which were developed by the SAFE (Sexuality and Faith Explored) Team in 2022 as a visible sign that here at St. Andrew’s we welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

The Faith Formation Team has been organizing a gift card for each of St. Andrew’s post secondary students during both the Christmas and spring exam period for several years. We think it is important that our students know they are being thought of and supported by our congregation while they are studying. It can be a stressful time for many students. We are seeking a few individuals or families interested in supporting this worthy cause by purchasing a $25 gift card i.e., a Starbuck’s, Tim Horton’s, Subway, Chapters/Indigo gift card. You would mail the gift card with a caring handwritten message to a student, whose name and address will be provided to you by the FF Team. The students are always 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! 
~ Rhonda

This year, St. Andrew’s will have opportunities to give to those in need ~ and indeed ~  to show our love and concern for those within our own community.  As we each consider how we might participate in the upcoming ‘Season of Giving’, click the button below to read about the upcoming opportunities to brighten the lives of our neighbours.

Following our Indigenous Friendship Day, we will be collaborating with the Aboriginal Friendship Center to provide soup for 150 community members at the centre.

We need 13 ice cream buckets to transport the soup.  We have a simple soup recipe, but need a team who might make it in our kitchen ~ to be frozen and then warmed up at the centre.  We hope to make 2 batches for November and December, and then we’re hoping to provide soup once a month in the new year.  Please contact the office at 403-255-0001 or office@standrewscalgary.ca if you would enjoy preparing soup for the Aboriginal Friendship Centre.  This will happen sometime after the bazaar! 

If you have stock pots, or ladles to donate to the centre to reheat the soup, they would be most appreciated.
~ Rev. Laurie

Nov 24th: 10:00 am
Greeter: Daniel Cullen
Ushers: Donna Harrison, Susan Appelhoff & Blaine Newton
Coffee Hosts: Shirley Allen
Shepherd: Sean Pepper

The EDGE After School Youth Drop In Program  - CLICK HERE
GriefShare - CLICK HERE
Growing Generous Life Brochure - CLICK HERE
Sunday Morning Bible Study - CLICK HERE
Youth Group 2024 Schedule - CLICK HERE

How do we picture our future regarding health-care decisions? And to whom do we need to communicate our wishes? Decisions like this are called Advance Planning. Tools such as a personal directive, an enduring power of attorney, and a personal will can help plan for your future and ensure your wishes are known. For a link to resources on these subjects, see here. Give Geoffrey a call if you would like to discuss how to get going with this important step.  ~ Geoffrey

You are welcome to join Canadian researchers and church leaders for four half-house interactive gatherings - 15-minute research presentation and 15-minute Q&A (optional 15-minutes after for networking) - on topics intended to help Canadian congregations flourish forward in ministry.