Reverend Gary Paterson
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Sermons Blog 2012


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           Children

               children

  •      children's timeThis weeks Children's Story

  • The Junior Youth group do a lot more than attend Sunday School ...more
  • Parents & Tots every Wednesday  morning from 10:00 - 11:30
  •        Welcoming new friends to Canada
  • Welcoming new friends to Canada
              & St.Andrew's-Wesley

       Social Justice

We take Christ's call for justice very seriously. These are just some of the many programs that the congregation of St.Andrew's-Wesley Church is actively involved with;

       Love thy neighbour
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission-
    This is a profound commitment to establishing new relationships embedded in mutual recognition and respect that will forge a brighter future. The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation.
  • End Homelessness Now: is a group taking a proactive role in educating the public, business, community leaders and governments regarding the issues of homelessness and mental health. Read more to find out how you can be involved…
  • Empty Suitcase: Can you help by donating nightwear, toiletries or cash for women and children forced to flee their homes to seek shelter in safe houses at Christmas?...more
  • Food for First: bring nonperishable food to church any Sunday for First United Mission…more
  • First United Thrift Store: volunteer in the thrift shop and/or donate goods for sale…more
  • Homes to Heal: join us to learn about mental health, rent and other supports as well as many volunteer opportunities…more
  • WISH and BOYS R US: collect and donate toiletries, cosmetics (new and gently used), mitts, socks and underwear for women and warm thick socks and jelly beans young men. This joint project supports women and young men sex trade workers on the streets…more
  • Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada: contribute to M&SF which supports our local United Churches and works with partners across the country and around the globe…more

    International Projects:

  • A.M.E.S: support our Lenten project raising money and medical supplies for a clinic in Guatemala City …more
  • Guatemala Fair Trade Coffee: buy coffee at the church any Sunday to support our Guatemala projects…more

read more

All Are Welcome In This Place

Services

                                    SPRING LINEUP

    May 20th - Resurrection:Sharing the Bread

    Every Sunday

    • Morning Service & Church School 10:30am
    • Jazz Vespers @ 4:00 pm

    Monthly Services

      AWE - Alternative Worship Experience NEW!!!

      Second Sunday of the month

      Reflections In Music @ 7:00 pm (candle lit meditation)...more

    Fourth Sunday of the month

    • Traditional Taize Prayers...more
    •               
    •                          Darryl Nixon                           

      THE BINGHAM MEMORIAL CHANCEL ORGAN

      For the complete details of our Chancel Organ click here

      Faith Formation & Leadership Events

      LEADERSHIP MATTERS

      LEADERSHIP: Rev. Kathryn Ransdell & Tim Scorer

      A year-long pilot project shaped by Rev. Kathryn Ransdell and Tim Scorer begins May 2012 here at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church. This program is made possible by a grant awarded to St. Andrew's-Wesley to develop new models for the development and training of people who want to serve the church in meaningful ways AND want to have the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in this unique time in Christendom. The pilot project class will be limited to 15 people who will be selected following an application process. Interested? Email Kathryn, kathryn.staw@telus.net

      Exploring Our Faith

      LEADERSHIP: Rev. Kathryn Ransdell

      Began April 12 for 6 weeks: Thursdays 7-8:30pm

      The next session of Exploring our Faith, a course designed for people wanting to grow a connection with this church and consider membership, began April 12th. If you would like to join St. Andrew's-Wesley, please contact Rev. Kathryn Ransdell by registering at kathryn.staw@telus.net

      Sunday Morning Bible Study

      LEADERSHIP: Rev. Kathryn Ransdell

      Bible StudyTO DEVELOP BIBLICAL LITERACY & PREPARE FOR WORSHIP Bible Study—Every Sunday 8:45-10:00 beginning January 15th, in the Chapel. At the heart of worship is the scripture selection for that Sunday. The hymns, the sermon, and the liturgy reflect themes and threads of the scripture. A wonderful way to prepare for worship is to come and sit with the Scripture passage of the day in small group conversation with facilitation by a gifted scholar and teacher. A stimulating addition to your Sabbath experience!

      Christian Practice: Prayer Circle

      LEADERSHIP: Rev. Kathryn Ransdell

      Last Monday of the Month, 7-9pm.

      Practice Christian prayer in a circle with other believers! Each session will include a devotional teaching on prayer and will include experience of praying silently, praying together, praying with our bodies, praying for ourselves and praying for others.

      Lifelines: Spiritual Exploration through Writing

      LEADERSHIP: Tim Scorer

      First Monday of the month, at 6:30-8:30pm in the Salons.

      The emphasis in this small group experience is on the power of writing in community. It's in the search for the precise word, the liberating topic, the inspired phrase, the moving story, and the courageous declaration that spiritual insight can emerge. This isn't so much about polishing prose and getting things 'right' as it is about process - the process of deepening awareness in a community of understanding through the craft of writing. If you are ready to let your writing stretch you into fresh awareness of who you are and what you know, this may be for you.

      To Register

      Please register for programs in one of these ways:

      • - By e-mailing our registrar:aff.staw@telus.net
      • - By signing up at the information table in the Narthex after Sunday worship
      • - Online

      Program Costs

      All the programs are offered free of charge unless otherwise specified. Where a program is centered on a book, the cost of the book is indicated.

      For More Information

      For information about church location, office hours, worship times, and other events please contact the church office:

      Tel:(604)-683-4574

      Parking Information

      Free Parking

      • Parking under Wesley Place (entrance off the lane behind the church)is FREE from 9am to 2pm for those who are attending worship at St.Andrew's-Wesley on Sunday morning.
      • Parking is also free for AWE, Jazz Vespers, Taize and Reflections in Music. Temporary Permits may be obtained for Congregational/Committee meetings and Congregational Events from the particular facilitator.

      Wheelchair access available from Nelson Street.

NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

HONORARY DOCTORATES
Rev. Gary Paterson:
Many members of the congregation were delighted to witness Gary receive his honorary Doctorate bestowed on him by
The Vancouver School of Theology on Monday, May 7th.Gary's Doctorate is the 2nd in as many years for St. Andrew's-Wesley. Last year Tim Scorer, our Minister of Adult Faith Formation also received his Honorary Doctorate at the Vancouver School of Theology. Congratulations Gary and Tim!

OPEN SANCTUARY 2012
The Specifics:
• We need a minimum of 20 volunteers and 10 spares.
• The Sanctuary is open in July and August, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
• There are 2 shifts per day: 10-1pm and 1-4pm with at least two volunteers per shift.
• Some volunteers are available for both months; some only one month, but it does require a dedicated commitment of 3 hours each week. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people, showcase our Sanctuary, and extend our welcome to those who grace the space of St. Andrew’s-Wesley. Sign up at the Information Table, call or email Jennette Stark 604-254-4233 jennettestark@telus.net Thank you for your consideration of this worthwhile project.

First United
Golf for the Homeless Community, May 28th.
A fun and rewarding day of golf starting at 1pm, followed by an evening barbeque and silent auction with emcee CBC's Rick Cluff. The registration fee is $200 and includes green fees, practice balls, pull cart, light lunch, BBQ dinner, silent auction and a Tax receipt. Anyone interested in creating a foursome should contact Kathy Murphy at k_murphy@telus.net
or call 604-739-6931

Parades & Festivals 2012!!

Mark Your Calendars!!
Some upcoming dates for you to be aware of as we rocket toward our summer Parade & Festival Season! East Side Pride, Sat., Jun. 30, held in McSpadden Park off Commercial Drive.
Canada Day Parade, Sun., Jul. 1, in downtown Vancouver.
Pride Parade & Festival, Sun., Aug. 5. (Hawaiian-tiki-themed float this year, so get your loudest Hawaiian shirt ready).
Davie Day, Sat., Sep. 8.
Your Communications Committee will be looking for volunteers for all these events as we get the faces of St. Andrew's-Wesley out into our community. Contact Ryan Fraser or any member of the Communications team for more info!


Tel:(604)-683-4574

WE SEEK TO BE A CARING CHURCH FAMILY. If you know of someone who has been absent, or who is not well and could use a call, please let Jen Cunnings know.

  •   Announcements for this week

    • Monthly Programs

    • Young Adults
      If you are a Young Adult, yearning for community and a place of connection to get to know other Young Adults of Faith, you are so welcome to join us...more
    • The WORD Is OUT
      Gay & Lesbian Spirituality for Today:Join us for a relaxing evening of food, fellowship, and sharing of Christmas moments in our life with other gay and lesbian people of faith...more
    • Theology on Tap     
           
    • Our gatherings are one Friday a month @ 6:00pm at various pubs around town. 
      Be sure to RSVP to Doris or Curt so we can have a place for you.
      Come by for an hour or stay for the evening.
      All are welcome!...more
    • Men's Breakfast Group
      7am twice a month, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, a group of men get together in the Salons, 1018 Nelson St. to share a breakfast and conversation about whatever is on our minds and hearts. You're welcome to attend... just show up; or call the Office. (604-683-4569)more
    • Healing Touch
      Healing touch is an energy-based approach to healing. It is non-invasive, economical, effective and helps to promote relaxation, reduce pain, manage stress, speed healing, and increase a sense of well-being... more
    • Reel Spirituality /Movie Night
      On Friday nights throughout the year new or provocative movies are shown at the church. Afterwards there is a spirited discussion, exploring questions of meaning and
      purpose in the film....more
    • The Stitching Circle
      All levels of knitters, crocheters, quilters, and needlepoint artists are invited to join the Stitching Circle for two hours of camaraderie; ideas are exchanged, help and advice cheerfully given, and projects shared. more
    • Book Club
      You are welcome to join this lively group and enjoy a discussion about the chosen book and world issues which it presents...more
    • WALKING THE LABYRINTH
      This is an ancient meditation/prayer practice, one that became very popular in Europe when pilgrimages to the Holy Land were no longer possible...more
    • BUDDHIST MINDFULNESS & CHRISTIAN PRAYER
      Bringing together meditation and contemplation techniques which come from both the Christian and Buddhist traditions...more
    • Kundalini Yoga
      Every Thursday at 7pm - 8:30pm in the Salons. For all ages and experience levels - bring a yoga mat & blanket.  $10 suggested Donation per session. more