October 27, 2023 Newsletter
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY - December 10
White Gift Sunday dates back to the early 1900s. The idea of giving new gifts wrapped in white paper at Christmas time to people in need ensures that the choice of gift and its value will be anonymous. People can give as much or as little as they wish. White Gift Sunday represents the spirit of Christian charity at Christmas.
To commemorate the day, Christian families bring new items wrapped in white paper on a designated Sunday. The items collected at the church are later distributed to poor and needy people.
The gifts donated by our congregation on Dec. 10th will be given to A Place Called Home.
Gift Suggestions for A Place Called Home:
Personal Care Items (toiletries) for men & women.
Towels, Sheets (twin/single), Pillows, Comforters.
Cutlery (forks & knives, no spoons), Mugs, Dinner Plates, Cereal Bowls.
Socks, Mitts, Hats.
Gift Cards (Shoppers, Presidents Choice, Giant Tiger, Sport Chef, Century Movie Theatre, Strike Point Bowling Alley.
Stocking Stuffers: (candy, chocolate, gum, mints)
Outdoor Games Indoors: Saturday, Nov. 4. Start time 3:01 pm, Dinner at 4:48 pm. Lasagna, Caesar salad & garlic bread. By freewill offering. Contact the office or sign up on the bulletin board.
Christmas Tea & Luncheon: Saturday, Dec. 2. 11 am - 1 pm. Adults $12, Children $5. Enjoy lunch, bake table goodies & music. Dollhouse by silent auction.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR / TREE UPDATE
It has been a while since you have heard from the Christmas Choir/ Tree committee. For that we apologize. In June we did a survey to gauge the congregation’s interest in the Christmas Tree or Christmas Choir in 2023. To be quite honest the response was underwhelming and certainly indicated that support for a full Living Christmas Tree production was not evident and that interest in a Christmas Choir was limited.
Given the current transition period in the church and the need to deal with critical and emerging issues such as the selection of a new minister, healing, and the work of relationship building within the church, the focus on the glory and promise of Christmas might need to be on a much smaller scale. These are trying times for St. Andrew’s and the congregation. We as the Living Christmas Tree/Choir Committee feel that organizing a major project for Christmas at this point might not be realistic. Let us all continue to prayerfully seek God’s guidance with this important mission project and its future.
God Bless,
Your Christmas Choir/Tree Committee
Prayer Meeting: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 3 pm.
HELP US FILL OUR SHELVES
Kawartha Lakes Food Source receives no regular funding from any level of government, although it has received one-time grants on occasion. Since KLFS is the only non-profit food distribution centre in our region, donations of food and household essentials are greatly needed to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of those struggling to make ends meet.
Non-Perishable Food Items in Need:
Canned veggies, fruit, meat, fish, baked beans;
Peanut butter and jam;
Canned or boxed soups and stews;
Pancake mix and syrup;
Boxed mac and cheese;
Condiments;
Dry pasta and pasta sauce;
Rice.
HOSPITAL VISITS
Under the umbrella of the Pastoral Care Committee, a group of six individuals have volunteered to visit anyone in the hospital that would like a visit from a representative of St. Andrew’s. Rev. Kathy will be available for anyone that requires urgent pastoral care. Contact the church office 705-324-4842, June Widdis 705-324-9895, or Evelyn MacKinnon 705-879-7260 if you or any of your family would benefit from a visit. The hospital is no longer able to provide us with the names of any patients so it is most important that you contact us.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
For the month of November, the children will be learning about The Fiery Furnace: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, with storytelling, drama and crafts.
For the month of December, the children will make their own Advent wreath and be involved in the lighting of the Advent candles in the sanctuary along with White Gift Sunday on December 10th.
We Remember Ralph Baker. October 14, 2023.
Anne Downey is very proud of her granddaughter, Leah Lai, who was the Lindsay Exhibition Ambassador in 2022, and has since claimed the title of 2023 Ambassador of the Fairs, a competition hosted by the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). This role will take Leah across Ontario as a representative of the CNE and all agricultural fairs in the province. Congratulations!
