Math in Colour. Fabric. By Chicca Besso (Spoonflower.com)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. What is peace? How do we get it? What factors add up to peace? According to this verse, peace doesn’t ‘just happen’. God promises us peace – but there are details and circumstances that add up for us to experience/encounter that peace that surpasses understanding. Guest minister, The Rev Paul Kern will address this topic on Sunday. Join us as we worship together and contemplate peace in a turbulent time.

Additionally, as is the custom at St. Andrew’s on the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating Holy Communion. We will have individual, pre-packaged Communion packets available as you enter the church, but we also encourage you to bring your own elements from home to use in the service. If you are joining us online, we invite you to take a moment before the service to prepare some bread and a cup, so that you may join in the sacrament with us.

“Since you have received Christ Jesus, live your whole life in our Saviour. Send your roots deep and grow strong in Christ – firmly established in the faith you’ve been taught, and full of Thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Scientists have recently recognized that trees are “social creatures”, connected to each other by underground fungi. On a very basic level, trees share information and resources, and help each other defend against diseases and predation. This communication helps the entire forest. So what about us? We too were created to be in a community, to be connected. But to draw closer to God and one another, we need to be open to others, to participate in the communication network, and to do everything with kindness and in love. In this way, we too will be healthy, and be able to fully experience our place in God’s creation.

“The Standard of Ur”. 3rd millennium BC. British Museum

The standard of Ur, pictured above, is a wooden box from ancient Mesopotamia, assumed to be several thousand years old. It is elaborately decorated with white shells, red stones and blue lapis lazuli, all of which came from far-flung places, indicating elaborate trade systems and the the value of the item at the time. Some historians suggest that the box itself might have been the body of a lyre, or “instrument of 10 strings” as referred to in Psalm 33, and depicted in detail on the “peace” face of the standard itself. Perhaps this was the model of instrument upon which David played music to soothe King Saul, to express his joys and fears, and to praise God. Join us this Sunday as we explore the role of music in our lives and our faith, and as we together “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”

Namaan bathing in the Jordan River

“Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel!” (2 Kings 5:8b) The speaker of this quote is Elisha, prophet of God, in the Old Testament. The man in question is Namaan, a stalwart and honourable commander in the army of the king of Aram. Unfortunately, Naaman also suffers from leprosy. In a roundabout way, he asks Elisha to cure his leprosy. Elisha agrees, but Namaan is underwhelmed by the proposed cure and initially refuses to comply. Eventually he does indeed wash (baptize) himself 7 times in the Jordan River and is cured of his disease. He abandons his polytheistic religion and worships God. The story is one of pride, fear and mistrust. But paradoxically, it also a story of trust, submission, and setting aside pride! Join us on Sunday as we explore the ancient story of Namaan, and see how God is still present in the Church, working in our daily lives. 

Christ is lifted in Communion each second around the globe

This Sunday, being the first of the month, it is our tradition at St. Andrew’s to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion. Jesus told us to love one another, and communion is one expression of that love. It is a time and means of grace ‘for those who love the Lord a little, and yearn to love him more.’ 

You are invited to bring your own bread and wine/juice, or pick up a pre-packaged unit as you enter the sanctuary. If you are worshipping online, perhaps take a moment before the service to prepare your elements and join in communion with us.

We warmly welcome the Reverends Heather and Paul Kern to lead us in worship this morning.

Psalm 42:1-2. Chris Powers. Fullofeyes.com

Psalm 42 is a Psalm of lament. The authors feel removed from God and the religious life they used to enjoy. They miss it terribly. In their yearning to be close to God again, they raise a number of good, but difficult questions. These questions are both inward – pointing to inner turmoil; and outward – pointing to outside issues. The sermon this week will focus on some of these questions and how we can better see what God is doing in our own lives.

Join us as we welcome the Rev. Dr. Paul Kern to the pulpit to lead us in worship.

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This week we celebrate Trinity Sunday and Anniversary Sunday in a famous Scottish-Canadian church.  Back in 1818, a group of Presbyterians met in the newly opened Moore’s Coffee House and formally pledged to begin a Presbyterian church in Kingston. Construction began in 1820. In June 1822, doors opened for the first time to a Presbyterian church on the corner of Princess and Clergy. 200 years later we are still here, still worshipping God, and still serving our community. Much has changed, many have come and gone, but the roots run deep and our faith flourishes. 

Join us as we welcome the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Sinclair to the pulpit to lead us in worship and celebration.