Febary 2012 Highlights

IMPORTANT NOTICES

  COME ONE! COME ALL!

The Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Please plan to attend this important event in the life of our congregation.
For complete information and a reservation form, click here.

Word from Our Minister

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a new study group that began this January.  It is called Feasting on the Word.  The group will meet on Wednesdays, at 6:30 p.m. at the church, to reflect on the two passages of scripture that will be used in our worship service the following Sunday.  The primary facilitator for the group is Chris Clarke who is a member of our congregation and a student studying for ordained ministry at Presbyterian College.  This is an interactive study where participants are invited to share their insights, questions and concerns about the texts with the group and discover new understandings from other participants. 
Being part of this kind of study group will not only deepen your knowledge of scripture, but I think it will also enhance your worship experience because you will have had the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Sunday morning Bible passages.
One advantage of this format is that it is perfect for people with busy lives.  Because every week is a self-contained unit you can attend according to your schedule and you will not need to worry about falling behind or getting caught up with the remainder of the group.
It is also our intention to invite guest facilitators from time to time.  I don't want to include any names yet, but please read your bulletin and newsletters for updated information.
Why another Bible Study group?  I am a very strong proponent of lay people becoming involved in the study of scripture.  The Bible is the story of God’s deep desire to make Godself known to the world.  It is the story of God’s fierce love for us, a love that is always searching and reaching out.  It is the story of how God wants to shape our lives.  It is the story about our baptismal identity as God’s beloved children.  I do not know of a more powerful way to deepen one’s faith than to share and reflect on the story with other travellers in the faith. 
When sisters and brothers gather together to reflect and share, it truly becomes a feast of grace for all. 

In shared ministry,

Jeff 

 A Word from Our Interim Assistant Minister

 Bearing One Another's Sorrows

In the devotional book Seize the Day with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Charles Ringma shares this quote from Bonhoeffer:
"The disciple-community does not shake off sorrow as though it were of no concern of its own, but willingly bears it."
Then Ringma comments:
Martin Luther translated "Blessed are those who mourn" to mean "Blessed are those who are the sorrow-bearers."  As Christians, we not only have our own sorrows and burdens to bear, but also those of others.  In practice, this means that we take other people's tragedies and difficulties to our own hearts in intercessory prayer and in helpful service.  In adopting this ministry, we ourselves will also be comforted.
This leads us to think of two dimensions of Stephen Ministry.
First, Stephen Ministers are sorrow-bearers. They are not sorrow-fixers, sorrow-brighteners, or sorrow-deniers.  They come alongside a hurting person to listen, care, support, pray, empathize and to encourage - to bear another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).  Through their sorrow-bearing, God brings about real, lasting healing.
Second, an effective sorrow-bearer remains connected to Jesus, who "took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4).  Jesus, incarnate in you, empowers you to be a sorrow-bearer.  He makes sorrow-bearing possible …and powerful.
Whether or not you are involved in Stephen Ministry, you probably won't have to look hard for opportunities to be a sorrow-bearer, because they'll come looking for you.
Welcome them.  By sharing people's burdens so that God's healing love can flow through you to those who are hurting, you will make a real difference in people's lives and your own life will be immensely enriched as well.

Rod Ferguson
Stephen Leader
With thanks to David Papp, Program Director, Stephen Ministries for the Ringma quotes.

Kirk Session

Music

Gala Programme of OPERA FAVOURITES (with Gala Reception to follow) Sunday, March 4th at 4:00 p.m.
	Director of Music Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm (on the left) oins with sopranos Stephanie Manias (below left) and Tracy Cantin (below) in a gala programme of opera favourites. The programme includes Vorspiel, from Die Meistersinger (Wagner/Lemare), arias by Mozart, Puccini and J. Strauss, and the Fantasia on themes from Bizet's Carmen (Lemare) on our church's IV/100 Casavant organ. Freewill donation requested for the concert. ALSO following the concert in Kildonan Hall A Gala Reception to benefit the A&P music programme with tickets at the door ($25)

To check out our weekly Sunday music list, just click here.

Jonathan Oldengarm
Director of Music

Mission & Outreach

On January 22nd, we were delighted, once again, that The Guild and Mission & Outreach joined together to celebrate the almost 30 local service organizations that are assisted by the generosity of our congregation.
Representatives of these agencies worshipped with us that Sunday and following the service, participated in fellowship in Kildonan Hall.
In addition to financial support, many of these organizations also need volunteer time and talent.  If you are seeking a fulfilling opportunity to "give back", you will find it among these organizations.  You’ll find details about most of them on our website or for or more information; see Guild President Kerry Martin or Outreach Chair Diane Ellison.

Our guests were treated to delicious turkey stew, surely the best-ever Christmas leftovers from our day serving dinner at the Open Door.
February 19th is Heritage Sunday on the Presbyterian Church in Canada calendar - "an opportunity to celebrate the history, traditions, and individual and collective faith stories" of our diverse intercultural congregation.  Flags from more than 30 nations will be presented during the service and following worship, we’re all invited to A Taste of the Nation, buffet-style, in Kildonan Hall.
We invite you to proudly carry the flag of your native country and to share a taste of your nation.  Every year, someone is disappointed that they did not volunteer for a great occasion, so don’t be shy. 
Contact Andrea Yearwood and Mervyn Weekes at (514) 487-2790 or e-mail.
Sharing the day with us, and representing First Nations, will be Chantal Dupuis, Mission Support Worker at the Saskatoon Native Circle Ministry.  Chantal joined the Rev. Stewart Folster last year and her experience encouraged her to pursue a degree in social work.  She will be with us for a few days, meeting  with A&P Neechewagon, visiting some of our partner social agencies and enjoying a little Montreal tourism.
The after-service Coffee & Fellowship is growing increasingly popular, whether in the Iona Room, Memorial Tower or, in warm weather, in the Quiet Garden or the Porte Cochère.  An Outreach Committee member is responsible each month for members to host this friendly social gathering.  Especially for newer members, it is a great way to enter into the life of our church and meet new friends.  If you are interested, and we hope you are, contact Thea Calder at (514) 935-0638 or e-mail.
Following their critically acclaimed debut performance of Christmas carolling at the Montreal General Hospital, the ReachOut with Music Singers have been invited to perform at St. Andrews Home on February 16th from 2:30 to 5:00 pm.  Although some have music training, enthusiasm is definitely a more important prerequisite and the remuneration is fun and satisfaction.  To enlist, please contact Jacqueline McClaran at (514) 750-0280 or e-mail.
If you missed the Mission and Objectives Lunch and Learn last Sunday, your thoughts and comments are still very welcome to help shape the future of St. Andrew and St. Paul.  You can find some background on page 4 of the Winter Edition of InsideOut here.
Please e-mail all comments to Madonna Bailey  or Diane Ellison  by mid-February.

Keith Randall
Co-chair, Mission and Outreach Committee 

Ministry Committee

Church School

This year’s Christmas Pageant was filmed by a student from Westmount High School and copies of the DVD will be available soon.  Anyone interested in purchasing the DVD can contact me at grammy.shani@.sympatico.ca.
Many of our Senior students participated in the Family Christmas Eve Service which was attended by over 400 people this year.  This is becoming a very popular service and one that I look forward to very much each year.  
The format was changed this year, and throughout the service all the children were invited to decorate a Christmas Tree with symbolic ornaments. The Church School children had been preparing their ornaments throughout Advent.  It was a wonderful child- centered service and enjoyed by all who attended.

	We ended with the singing of "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and birthday cake was served to the children.

Our Senior Class thoroughly enjoyed the Youth Retreat which took place from January 13th to the 15th at Villa St. Martin in Pierrefonds. 
We had a wonderful turnout this year - with 30 young people and 10 counselors!!  Please read details about this event in the Youth Group report which follows.
Confirmation classes began on January 22nd with 10 students participating this year.   Over the course of five sessions, the classes will be focused on the movie "Jesus of Nazareth" with a question and answer period after each segment.  Students will be given specific scriptures in advance of the following session so as to prepare themselves, as well as any questions they may have.  Confirmation is scheduled to take place on Palm Sunday during the service, after which a special luncheon will be hosted for them by the Church School.  All are invited to attend as we welcome these young people into the congregation.

On February 19th we will be celebrating "Bring A Friend" Sunday and are encouraging the children to introduce a friend to our Church School on that date.  Special games and activities will be enjoyed!
Two teachers will once again be attending the APCE Conference in Michigan.  This year, Sandra Prior, one of our Nursery teachers and Michel Poitras, one of our Grade 4/5 teachers, have been chosen to attend.  Both Sandra and Michel are very dedicated and devoted to our Church School and I hope they enjoy the conference as much as many of us have over the years.   We look forward to their reports on the workshops they attend.
Finally, each month I would like to highlight the accomplishments of one of our students.

This month I would like to congratulate Isabelle Goral for her exciting achievements in gymnastics.  She has worked hard in her sport and won several medals in a recent competition.  She is also very accomplished in Figure Skating.  Isabelle placed 2nd in Trampoline, 2nd in Vault and came in second overall. Well done Isabelle - we are all very proud of you!!!

How blessed we are!  We have another new year to look forward to - to enjoy fellowship together with a variety of activities to participate in and so many opportunities to serve God. 
May I wish all of you and your families a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2012!!

God bless!

Sharon Dworzak
Church School Coordinator 

A&P Youth Group

The Youth Group continues to grow and now has 15 young people who attend all events and meetings regularly as well as another 4 to 5 who attend fairly regularly and who had not previously attended the A&P.  All of the 15 Youth Group regulars are in the Church School Senior Class and 2 of the teens initially invited to Youth Group events now attend Church School as well.  Our young people are great disciples!!
Always willing to help, the Youth Group was very involved in the Family Christmas Eve Service and also helped serve lunch during Celebration Sunday.  We have received many compliments from the organizers of this event on how helpful our young people were.
We had wonderful participation at the Youth Retreat on the weekend of January 13th - 15th!! We were 40 in total, with 30 young people and 10 counselors.
Our theme was "Youth in Action" and the presentations focused on mission work around the world as well as in Montreal.
Jeff & Diana along with Ian Fraser, from St. Columba by the Lake, gave a presentation on their trip to Malawi.  Sarah Dupont, from St. Columba, gave a presentation on Malawi, focusing more on the water supply. 

The Rev. Victor Gavino, from Westminster Presbyterian Church, who has travelled extensively around the world and is involved in missionary work in Montreal, gave fantastic and informative presentations as well.  Victor is also very involved in Music Worship and he and Sarah led us in singing while a number of the kids accompanied with guitars.  
It was a very full weekend and the kids are all very interested in helping out in some way, worldwide as well as at home.
Of course, we had time for recreation!! We once again enjoyed cross-country skiing and tobogganing at Parc Bois de Liesse as well as the ever popular game of "Capture the Flag"! I believe we can speak for all of the counselors in saying that it was a great pleasure spending the weekend with these exceptional young people.  It is very reassuring to know that they are our future church!

Further to the Retreat, we are planning a Workshop on Mission Work, on Sunday, April 29th following the service.  All are invited to attend what we believe will be a very interesting event.  In addition to a review of the presentations from the Retreat we will also have one of our students, Louis Buckett, who has just returned from a trip to India give a presentation.  As well, Elizabeth Cuthill will talk about her trip to Kenya.  We will keep everyone posted about the event with future Bulletin inserts.

We invite all young people from Grades 6 through High School to join this energetic and friendly group.  For more information, please contact Art or Sharon Dworzak at 450-689-4379 or email grammy.shani@sympatico.

Arthur and Sharon Dworzak
Youth Group Leaders

Unsung Hero

Judy Wooldridge
Judy Wooldridge waits for me in the sanctuary before church.  She's listening to the choir rehearse and making notes about herself.  She says she’s "not an unsung hero at all".  But the more I talk to her the more inspired I am by this vivacious, adventurous member of our congregation.
Judy first started attending St. Andrew and St. Paul in 2004.  Growing up Anglican in England, Judy liked the tradition but didn't like how her previous church had "dumbed down" the service and hymns.  She felt the service at A&P was similar to the Church of England Morning Prayer.  "When I came to A&P, I was really uplifted by the beautiful choral music and the good sermons by the Reverend Topping."  She found everyone welcoming and enjoys the wide variety of people who attend the church. She became a member in 2005.  
Judy’s been a key person in some of the outreach and social work of the church.  For two years, she was the one who bought the groceries for the Meals-on-Wheels program with Linda Harty and Heather Evans, as she wrote "when dear Hugh Shettler, who died recently, was the cook."  She also worked as the telephone social convenor for another two years.  This involved phoning members and, as she says, "coaxing" them to volunteer for the many lunches and suppers held at the church.  Judy enjoyed this.  She says "it’s a great way to meet people and become friends."  She feels we do a good job helping others in times of need and appreciates the solidarity of church members and her friendships here.  
She calls herself a "lady of leisure" now.  But that just means she's not working for a living.  Her days are filled with flute lessons, swimming and auditing courses at Concordia University.  She's a member of several clubs including the Women's Commonwealth Society and the St. James Literary Society.
You get even more of a sense of the adventuresome life Judy has led when you hear how she ended up in Montreal.  She grew up in England and left home at the age of eighteen to study nursing in London.  A love of French led her to spend nine months in Paris where she read about Montreal in a textbook.  So she decided to try living here and working as a Social Worker. But her degree wasn’t accepted so she returned to nursing.  Her love of French meant that she was determined to work in French.  "I had to fight my way into a French hospital", she says. "I was the first English nurse to work in French in 1966.  I enlisted a pediatrician to plead on my behalf."  
Judy worked as a general nurse and midwife while raising a son as a single mother.  Eventually, she completed a degree in Applied Social Studies at Concordia.  By this time her son was 15.  "He was typing up my final papers to earn pocket money", she remembers.  Judy retired in 2006 from the Psychiatric Department at the Allen Institute.
Judy, with your zest for life and your determination, you are an inspiration for all of us.  Thank you for your contributions to the church and the spirit with which you live your daily life.  

Written by Jeanette Kelly