Sunday Jan 5th, 10:30 a.m. ~ Journeys of Grace 5) The Star

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The cover of a plaster sarcophagus in the catacombs of Rome circa 200’s A.D., with the inscription “Severa—may you live in God”

As I prepared to continue this series on the ‘journeys of grace’, I thought first of course of the journey of the magi, those ‘gentiles’ and ‘foreigners’ being led by a star to the Christ of God in that manger of Bethlehem. It is a story that speaks so movingly of the great embrace and sovereignty of the Holy One.

But then I saw this image of an early Christian tomb, and was struck by the presence of the man behind Mary and the Child. It is Balaam, the gentile and foreign diviner whom God raised up to speak to the King Balak of the Moabites. In one of his oracles, Balaam says ‘I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near – a star shall come out of Jacob’ (Numbers 24:17). On this sarcophagus lid, Balaam has been brought forward several centuries to stand by the Child of Bethlehem, and there he points to the star. Balaam now declares that this child is the Anointed One of God promised long.

What if we were to think of this scene anew, imagining that the star now represents Christ? If the star of old led the magi to the Christ Child, where might the Living Lord be leading us today? Where is Christ to be found in our lives, in this world?

If you are in the area, we warmly invite you to join us on this Epiphany Sunday. Certified child care is offered during the service and a programme for young children also. There is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street. There is a wheelchair lift inside the doors to St. Andrew’s Hall from the church parking lot mid way along Clergy Street, and hearing assist devices are available upon request from an usher.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below (just click the link to download), and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service.

January-5th-2020-BulletinDownload

And next week join us as we continue our journey as we ponder the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.

The Sanctuary Windows of St. Andrew’s (2) Mary & Martha – Sunday July 28, 10:30 A.M.

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In loving remembrance of George Davidson, an Elder of this church for 50 years, who died 4th of May 1891, and of his wife Helen Caruthers who died 7th of May 1885, erected by their daughter.

These Sundays of summer we are exploring the gospel through the stained glass windows of the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s. This morning the Mary and Martha window, the first that greets us as we walk in the main doors of the sanctuary.

I love the pomegranates that provide a border to this scene – how exotic they would have been in Kingston of the late nineteenth century! And I am moved by the dedicatory words – an unnamed daughter remembering her parents. I wonder if one of her parents was a ‘Mary’ and another a ‘Martha’? And what does being a ‘Mary’ or a ‘Martha’ mean anyway?

This story from the gospel according to Luke (10:38-42) certainly bears hearing and considering again, for oft has it been misunderstood and misapplied.

We warmly welcome you to join us. Certified child care is offered during the service and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday -Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, 613-546-6316, or email [email protected]

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