During the month of December I have been collecting Sermon suggestions and questions from the people of St. Andrew's Hespeler Presbyterian Church. During January I will be putting all of the suggestions up on a big board so that the congregation may vote on them and I will preach the top four starting on February 9.

Here are the suggestions so far in the order received:

1. Sex Education (I assume that the expectation is not that I sexually educate the congregation but rather talk about the place of sex ed. in society).
2. One can deal with love or hate; but how does one deal with indifference?
3. The origin and history of the Apostle's Creed.
4. Why do good things happen to bad people?
5. How do you encourage your adult children who've left home to continue going to church and to teach their children the faith?
6. Why don't we hear about Jesus from his birth to when he was an adult? There is about a 30 year gap. What kind of teenager do you think he was?
7. Do we welcome the Gay community to the church?
8. Strong Women of the Bible

This could be very interesting!

The window for suggestions is closing soon (Dec 31) and I would be very happy to receive more. People of St. Andrew's can make suggestions by responding to this post, by dropping of a suggestion in the box at the church tomorrow or in whatever way is most convenient for you! Don't delay!!

Scott

Family Winter Fun!

Feeding the birds and having fun skating!

Sharing the Blessings of Christmas! (photos included)

At St. Andrew's we are so blessed to be able to "Share the Warmth" with our church community and the community of Hespeler and Cambridge.

Indeed this year we were able to bring together 3 different groups from the Cambridge Community to provide a wonderful Christmas experience & celebration for many families and children who are in need of a little extra help, especially during the holidays.

With many, many thanks to all those who helped with the Thursday Night Supper & Social Christmas celebrations these past 2 Thursdays.  Thank you to all who donated "gift basket" items, and toys for the children, who donated food for the Christmas dinner; and to all those who helped set-up, clean-up, plan, wrap, prepare and participate!  May you be blessed with His peace and joy this Christmas time.

Thank you, especially to Target for providing several gift cards; a local book club for providing basket "goodies"; and The Cambridge Pee Wee Lions for purchasing the gifts for the children 

(this is a Champion team, in more ways than one! pictured below)

Cambridge Pee Wee Lions (above and below)

Santa arriving

Santa all ready to talk with the children and hand out some wonderful gifts!

Checking the List

Even the big "kids" wanted to talk with Santa!

Winter photos are starting to come in!

Who loves winter?

It's Winter!

Okay Shutterbugs.  There's lots of opportunities for winter photos now!  Please send me your favourite winter photos; snowmen making, nature, family playing in the snow, sitting by the fire!  Or whatever your favourite part of winter is (maybe even Florida!)

Please send photos to me by e-mail; jsmith@standrewshespeler.ca or lend me a hard copy.  The photos will be used in various areas throughout the church and on our website and facebook page.

Thanks,

Joni

A look at our Family Advent Service, December 15, 2013

We had a wonderful service on Sunday; 

followed by a celebration lunch (thank you, Soulidified, for organizing the lunch!); Cake Sunday (to celebrate October - December birthdays), cookie decorating and a special visitor!

The St. Andrew's Stars did an amazing job with the Christmas Pageant. Her is the full movie:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?feature=edit_ok&list=PLT4jGp_hivC2H_AKUEqUZGgQCBh_SEkPy

Gift Cards?

Hello Everyone,

Your Share the Warmth Committee has been busy planning events and fundraising ideas so that we are able to raise the funds needed for our new heating system.  We have tried to be very careful that we aren't always asking you for your hard earned money.  We think we may have found a great fundraising idea that really won't cost you anything other than your participation and support.

We are going to launch a new program, using the company FundScrip. Basically this means that we will ask that you buy gift cards.  Do you buy gas and groceries?  Perhaps you could purchase gift cards and use them at the grocery store? There are several of the most popular companies offering gift cards.  We were disappointed that we couldn't get this program up and running in time for Christmas.  Early in the new year we will be offering information sessions and will start to take orders for the gift cards.  In the mean time, if you would like to purchase gift cards on line, for Christmas, as a supporter of St. Andrew's, you have time to do so.  Please be aware that if you use credit cards to pay for your purchase St. Andrew's will be charged a 1.99% fee.

Here is the link:  https://www.fundscrip.com/Sign-Up.aspx?IID=NBMRV3

If you need any help, I would be happy to help out.

On behalf of the Share the Warmth Committee; Donald, Cynthia, Carol, Matt, Scott, Steve and Nancy,

Joni

A look at our float in the Hespeler Santa Claus Parade!

Thank you, everyone, for all of your help!

Come cheer for our float!

Wow!  It has been a beehive of activity creating the float this year!  How many people do you think have helped or are about to help with this year's entry in the Hespeler Santa Claus parade?  I estimate upwards of 50, maybe even more.  Thank you to EVERYONE who has made it possible, especially Family Night people who dedicated their annual Christmas Dinner to building the float.

Here's a few pictures, but to really see the finished product come out to cheer us on.  

We're number 34 and the parade starts at noon, tomorrow, December 7th!

A Message from the Minister:

Once again next year I would like to preach a series of sermons in response to the question, themes and ideas put forward by the people in the congregation. During the month of December I am collecting your suggestions for what I should preach on. Once these suggestions have been collected, I will put them to a vote by the congregation during the month of January. The sermons will be preached during the four weeks before the beginning of Lent in 2014. Please give me your ideas for a sermon by responding to this post, by putting it in a box at the church or by email. (Please only one suggestion per person.)

Gold? Silver?

January 16, 2014, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the foyer,

St. Andrew's Hespeler

This is a reminder of the Gold Party on Thurs., January 16th, sponsored by the Athalie Read Group. Gather all your unwanted gold and silver jewellery, flatware, watches, etc. and drop in to the Church foyer between 5 and 8 pm. You will have your items appraised and you are free to accept or reject the offer. If you accept, you will be paid in cash. You keep the money and the Athalie Read group will get a commission from the company which will be donated to Share the Warmth campaign.

 

Please RSVP to Betty Clarke at pbclarke@rogers.com or 519-658-9574.  We look forward to seeing you for this fun event. If you are unable to attend, a member from our group would be happy to pick up any items you wish to sell. We will get an appraisal and call you.

Two beautiful musical selections ...

This past Sunday, November 3rd, Soulidified, St. Andrew's Youth Group led our worship service.  Below are two of the musical selections that our youth sang for us.  

The first hymn, Teach Us to Pray, is a beautiful hymn that can inspire all of us.

Teach Us to Pray

The second piece was written by one of our young members.  It will open your eyes to what our young people deal with in their lives, and how they deal with their problems.

How to Live Life

Smells delicious ….

The ladies of the Beth McIntosh group are busy preparing Turkey pies.  

It smells sooooooo good here!

Thank you ladies, you are amazing.

Okay, folks, I have some big news on the "Caesar's Census, God's Jubilee" front. My book continues to sell as an ebook on many retail sites but I have had far too many people asking how they can possibly obtain a printed copy that I have been persuaded to enter into an agreement to get the book printed through a print-on-demand publisher. The printed book will be available, within a day or two, athttps://tsw.createspace.com/title/4503502. It will also be sold at Amazon.com though that might take a day or two more. The list price is $9.99 US.

There is one big drawback to all this: the printed book will not be available on Amazon.ca or through any retailer in Canada which means that, if purchased, it must be shipped across the border which can be complex and expensive.

I will be ordering a box of books and paying the shipping for them. I will then distribute them at St. Andrew's Hespeler Presbyterian Church to anyone who orders one from me for $10 Canadian. Please let me know if you would like me to order one for you.

One plus -- the publisher had software to create a new cover for my book that I really like!

A Sample of Auction Items

Our Dessert & Dream Auction is fast approaching.  

It's on Saturday, October 26th; 

viewing and dessert at 7:00 pm with the live auction to begin promptly at 7:30 pm.  

There will be many items for live auction as well as silent auction.  

There are also several baskets, not pictured:  

a Spa Package, The Joy of Christmas, Movie Night, Hot Chocolate Lovers basket, to name a few. 

Please join us for the fun and fellowship!  Oh, and bring your friends, too.

Here is a sampling of what's available. 

Beautiful, hand-knit children's sweaters.

 Retired Lia Sophia Jewellery

 Colourful, hand-knit scarves

Home-made Scottish Shortbread + recipe and serving tray

Original Oil Paintings by various artists! (not all are pictured)

Searching for a new Director of Music

With the recent resignation of Ann Green, Director of Music, St. Andrew's is now searching for a new person to fill the position of Director of Music.  We thank Ann for her many years of musical leadership and enthusiasm.  We wish you all of God's blessings in your future endeavours.

Below is a copy of the "Position", please feel free to pass this on to anyone you may know.

JOB VACANCY

ST. Andrews Hespeler Presbyterian Church

POSITION:   Director Of Music

SCOPE:  St. Andrews Hespeler Presbyterian Church has a current vacancy for the position of Director of Music.  This contracted position is responsible for the overall music program involving the Sunday  Worship Services and other special services of worship, as well as providing accompaniment, instruction and direction for both the Youth and Adult Choirs, Worship Band, soloists and instrumentalists.

You are encouraged to visit St. Andrews’s Website www.standrewshespeler.ca, to learn more about St. Andrew’s and consider your calling to become a part of our Church family.

Specific Listing of Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Music will fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

1.      Services and Worship

·            The Director of Music will provide musical support for regularly scheduled Sunday services, special Christmas services, Easter Services and such other special services of worship as may be mutually agreed upon with the Minister and the Music and Worship Committee.

2.      Choir(s) and Choir Practices

·            The Director of Music will provide the accompaniment, instruction, and direction of the Choir(s), Worship Singers, soloists, instrumentalists. Duties to include:

-      Seating arrangements of choir members

-      Location and preparation and tidiness of choir room and sanctuary for choir practice

·            The Director of Music will hold senior choir practice once a week from the beginning of September through June and any additional practices, if and when necessary for special services or events.

·            The Director of Music will involve the senior choir, whenever possible and practical, with any significant decisions that affects the choir. Regular communication with the Choirs will be carried out. The Choir to be consulted as to the type and selection of Music most preferred.

·            The Director of Music will spearhead recruitment of choir members, and assist in the ongoing spirit of enthusiasm among choir members.

3.      Selection and Presentation of Music

·            The Director of Music will lead the congregation in hymns of praise to the Lord by playing the organ or piano and directing the choir(s).

·            The Director of Music will select and prepare preludes, offertories and postludes to compliment the service and to maintain the continuity of the worship service.

·            The Director of Music will select the anthems to be presented in consultation with the minister.

·            The Director of Music will be responsible to select the music to be purchased with allocated Worship Committee funds.

·            The Director of Music will make arrangements for special music for worship services, e.g. Solos, duets, trios, quartets and instrumental groupings, including:

-      Consultation and selection of special music by the personnel mentioned above.

-      Rehearsing with music presenters prior to the service or event.

4.      Weddings and Funerals

·            The Director of Music will meet with the Minister regarding the dates and times of weddings and funerals.

·            The Director of Music will provide musical accompaniment for weddings

      (Including rehearsals), memorial services and funerals on a fee for service basis, with the fee approved by the session, unless alternative arrangements are negotiated.

·            The Director of Music will select and prepare suitable music for weddings and funerals in consultation with persons involved.

·            The Director of Music will meet and rehearse with presenters prior to weddings and funerals.

5.      Supply Organists

·         The Director of Music will be responsible for arranging and paying for a supply organist.

·         The Director of Music will ensure the proficiency of the supply organist as an accompanist at both the organ and/or piano for both vocal and instrumental groupings.

6.  Musical Instruments

     .     The Director of Music will report to the Music and Worship Committee the     

            Regular maintenance of the church organ and pianos.

    .   The Director of Music will supervise access to, and use of, the church organ,

piano, drums, music stands and audio equipment.

Relationships and Reporting Responsibilities

·     The Director of Music will consult and work closely with the Minister regarding:

-            The inclusion and the position of choir and special music in the order of service of worship

-            The provision of musical services at weddings and funerals as outlined above.

-            The arrangements pertaining to the provision of supply organists.

·     The Director of Music will serve as a non-voting staff resource person to the Music and Worship Committee of Session.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

Candidates for this position should hold advanced musical accreditation (e.g. University or

Conservatory of Music,) and be able to demonstrate a proven ability in the operation of

both the pipe organ and piano. As well, candidates should have several years of experience

and good skills in choral direction and accompaniment. A thorough knowledge of both

traditional Worship music and contemporary Christian music is a preferred asset.  The

successful candidate should be comfortable working with people of various ages and abilities,

as well as being a long range planner with good organizational skills.

To Apply to this Position:

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a cover letter and resume, either on line, via

 mail, or in person, outlining your interest in this position, as well as your relevant

 experience and qualifications, by Friday November 8, 2013.  Thanks to all applicants who

 apply but please note that only those candidates selected to move forward in this

 recruitment, will receive a direct response. 

St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church

Attention:  Reverend Scott McAndless

73 Queen Street East, Cambridge, Ontario

N3C 2A9

Email smcandless@standrewshespeler.ca

www.standrewshespeler.ca

Harvest Festival Weekend!

Our Harvest Festival Weekend is coming up.  There is lots of fun planned for everyone. 

There are still tickets available for the Harvest Breakfast on Saturday (8:30 am - 10:00 am).  

You can get your tickets by calling the office, 519-658-2652.

St. Andrew's minister, Rev. Scott McAndless, is very pleased to announce that, after working on a book for the past decade or so, he has finally finished. The book examines the story of the birth of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke and struggles with a number of historical puzzles that arise from it.

The book has been published under the title, "Caesar’s Census, God’s Jubilee" and we want to take this opportunity to recommend it to you. It may give you some wonderful new perspectives on the Christmas story as you look forward to  reflecting on it this year.

This is not a conservative book – not in its theology nor in its approach to the Bible – and  some may not agree with some of what it saya because of that, but it is a book that goes out of its way to try and respect the original message of the author of the Gospel of Luke and to take seriously the historical situation that Luke describes at the time of the birth of Christ. We think you will enjoy reading it.

It also includes many passages that may help you to reimagine the story in a different light based on the historical setting.

The book is available only as an ebook but you can find it at most online retailers. Here are a few links:

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/359285 (This is the publisher and will offer you the book in multiple formats for reading on multiple devices)

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.ca/Caesars-Census-Gods-Jubilee-ebook/dp/B00FFEXI00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381850928&sr=8-1&keywords=caesar%27s+census

Kobo Reader: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/caesar-s-census-god-s-jubilee

Apple iBooks (Search for the title within the app)

We would especially like to ask for your help spreading word about this book. Would you consider

·        -- Telling others about this book: Text, tweet, email, post on facebook, talk to people about it, include a notice in a bulletin or newsletter. Anything you can do to let people know I would greatly appreciate.

·         Even more important, go on Amazon, Kobo or wherever you have or are willing to make an account and rate and review the book. A review or two makes a big difference when people are considering buying a book. Thanks for your help!

A Beautiful Fall Photo

Isn't He an awesome artist?  Taken Thursday morning as the fog was lifting.

A Different Kind of STARS Episode!

Our STARS have done something different this week.  Instead of acting out our scripture lesson they have highlighted how we tangibly show God's love for us, by "Sharing the Warmth"!

Please follow this link to watch this wonderful episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYCxC07KJb4

Some more beautiful fall photos!

Fall really is a beautiful time of the year!

If you have some more fall photos to share, please send them to jsmith@standrewshespeler.ca

Fall Photos

Hi everyone,  Here are a couple of fall photos from our Shutterbugs.  I would love to see more.  Please send them to me at jsmith@standrewshespeler.ca.