February 2, 2024 Newsletter
MEET THE REV. BLAINE DUNNETT
Rev. Dunnett’s childhood home was in Miramichi, New Brunswick. Following high school, he attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and then the University of Guelph (Hons. B.A., History). Sensing a call to Christian ministry, he studied at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and then Knox College, Toronto, earning an M. Div. He has served churches in Charlottetown, Nobleton, Halifax, and Saint John.
His last pastorate was Campbellford & Burnbrae. COVID -19 prompted him to explore the possibility of publishing his book in 2021. He was preaching a series of sermons at the Havelock-Trent River United Church on the subject of body and soul in life, death and glory. The series was interrupted with worship service cancellations due to the pandemic. Then in late 2020, he was diagnosed with an issue that required major surgery at Toronto General Hospital. In the following months of recovery, he re-worked the sermon series for the printed page. What Is Your Life? (Body and soul in life, death and glory), is published by Essence of Belleville. Each chapter has Questions for Reflection/Discussion which can be used for small group study. The book is available to purchase from Rev. Dunnett and also to borrow from St. Andrew’s library.
Rev. Dunnett lives in Peterborough with his wife Cathy. They have a son in Regina and a daughter in Whitby who are each married with children. Rev. Dunnett enjoys fly fishing for steelhead trout and Atlantic salmon and spending some winter time tying flies.
Thank you, thank you so much St. Andrew’s! The Boots & Shoes for Kids program is now completed. Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, 13 pairs of boots, 12 pairs of running shoes and 8 pairs of gloves were purchased and delivered to 2 schools in Lindsay. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
God Bless, Donna Chatland
REPORT FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Search Committee is now in the process of creating our Church profile. It is anticipated that this part of their work will go quickly, as they have done a great deal of the groundwork to prepare for this stage. Once they are happy with the profile, they will be posting it on the PCC website. After that, they will look forward to receiving replies from interested ministers.
This group was formed to support fellow congregation members who need someone to talk to, to pray with, or are in need of some assistance with issues they are feeling helpless in dealing with. We offer a listening ear, advice, help or suggestions if desired. All means of contact are used – cards, phone calls, emails, texts and visiting. Health protocols are followed in respect to masking and distance. If you or someone you know would appreciate and benefit from our help, please contact the church office, or if you are interested in joining our team, please contact June Widdis to learn more.
Annual Reports will be available by Sunday, February 18.
MUSICAL TALENT AT ST. ANDREW’S
L-R: Bill Dickinson, Rob Lindsay, Cathie Caverly, Keatha Bartlett, Jim Noble, Garry Schubert, Margo Collins
We are grateful to all of our musicians who use their God-given gifts to lead worship weekly at St. Andrew’s!
L-R: Mike Snider, Matt Avery, Warren Graves, Jeff Tompkins
L-R: Cathie Caverly, Kevin Adams, Rob Lindsay, Margo Collins, Jim Noble, Marie Mather
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SESSION
The Session of St. Andrew’s has spent time in the past deliberating the decision of the PCC regarding the LGBTQI community. As you know, the PCC left it in the hands of the Sessions of their churches to make a decision about whether a church would be affirming or non-affirming.
A Bible Study was held in our church last spring called “Is God Anti-Gay?.” This Bible Study led to more discussion and a variety of opinions regarding the decision. Session began to actively consider the situation about 9 months ago. Initially, Session members participated in conversations using information from the document produced by the PCC entitled “Body, Mind and Soul.” As a result of confusion among the congregation, our Interim Moderator produced a two-page pamphlet that outlined the steps taken by the PCC over the past 30 years. This was made available to the congregation and was followed by an invitation for Coffee and Chat to discuss the information in the document.
Following this, Rev. Dr. Karen Horst was invited to talk to the congregation about her journey. Session then hosted a workshop in which the concept of an affirming vs. non affirming church was made clear. The final step was to encourage members of the congregation to talk to their Elders and express their concerns.
After considering all of the input received from the congregation, through discussions and a great deal of prayer, the Session held a vote at their meeting on January 23, 2024. The result of this vote was that St. Andrew’s will be an affirming church. Following this decision, Session will continue to study and pray about this matter.
Please keep the Food Source in your thoughts and prayers. They are in need of canned meat, fruit, vegetables, stew, chili and chunky soups - also dry breakfast cereal and peanut butter. They have requested that you donate your empty 500 ml to 750 ml hard plastic bottles. They use these bottles to give out laundry detergent and dish soap which they buy in bulk.
Please note that cash donations are welcome on their website. www.kawarthalakesfoodsource.com
