May 10, 2024

Note: be sure to click download external images to see all the content.

You'll see:

This Sunday

How Many Reverends does it take...

Sunday Suppers Update

News from our Community!

Upcoming Shows

May is PAR Month

SUNDAY SERVICE

This Sunday Susan offers a bit of inspiration as she reflects on the Saints whose determination to love helps us to do likewise.    

Give some thought to this perspective from the Islamic Sufism tradition.  Like most religions, they engage with the idea of Spirits dwelling in the spiritual realm. Unlike most religions, they have a concept of twinning:  the spiritual and earthly world are twins, and each spirit has a physical counterpart who dwells here, in the world. Sufis pray at the Shrines (tombs) of Sufi saints who have died, because these saints are very much alive and puissant in the physical world. Watch for them.   

And with our watching and practices in worship this Sunday, we’ll have a brief update from Ian Sutherland, Chair of St. Andrew’s Council, on what’s happening with our collective churches project. You’ll want to hear what we’ve been up to, and what’s coming next.

See you Sunday.  And Wednesday too, for our mid-week contemplative service. 

Wednesdays Contemplative Service, 6:00 – 6:30  

For mid-week peace and connection.

... TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB?

Mark your calendars!

Starting May 23rd, join us for a four-week exploration of what it means to belong to Saint Andrew's. Church is changing - what does that mean for each of us?

Ok, but what are you doing?

Each week starts with sharing a meal, breaking bread as we have for generations. This is followed by a bit of teaching and deep discussion. Discussion so deep we needed three ministers to help us through it!

Alright, but I've been part of Saint Andrew's for a long time.

This isn't just for new faces (though we hope to see some!). Church is evolving, and this is a great way to explore what we're all about. Whether you're a life-long congregant or stepped foot in Saint Andrew's for the first time last month, this is for you.

How do I get involved?

Drop us a note at info@saintandrewshfx.ca so we can have food ready for you when you drop by at 6:00 PM on May 23rd. The group will be meeting in the Mary Holmes room.

Hope to see you there!

.A SUNDAY SUPPERS UPDATE

Last Sunday, the Suppers restarted a popular tradition - Birthday Sunday. The last Sunday of each month we have birthday cake, sing Happy Birthday and celebrate everyone who had a birthday that month.

We have had men cry while we sing as it is the first time anyone has ever celebrated their birthday. Last week, we celebrated a very proud 82 year old guest.

Our university student volunteers are gone for the summer, so we are short of volunteers. Please join us for one Sunday. 

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We had a 13% increase in guests from March 2023 to 2024. Three weeks ago, we handed out 4 sleeping bags to people who were newly homeless, or had their belongings stolen.

Our ability to meet the increasing needs depends on donations of time, food or money. We are currently looking for inexpensive rain ponchos and large bottles of shampoo or body wash. They can be dropped off at the church.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact sundaysuppers85@gmail.com or reach us at the church office.

Thank you!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Affirm Committee

After several weeks of being available at the back of the sanctuary, the Affirm suggestions board will be switched to community announcements this week.

Many thanks to everyone who left a suggestion - we hear you!

We can't wait to share what we have have in store moving forward, and look forward to working with the community every step of the way.

Sunday School

Welcome to St. Andrew’s Sunday School. We are an all inclusive program for all ages! Our program is filled with laughter and learning. Click or tap the button below to go to our sign-up app - anyone is welcome to join. 

We hope to see you next Sunday.

The Welcome Project

What's the first thing you do when you get to church on Sundays? Grab your name tag, right? And there's always a smiling face there to welcome you!

The Greeting Committee is looking for volunteers to help all those who come to worship feel comfortable and welcome. You can brighten someone's day!

A Note from the Office

No Scents is Good Sense!

A quick reminder to our readers that Saint Andrew's is a scent-neutral space!

By remembering to wear non-scented products, you're helping to ensure everyone in our community is comfortable and healthy.

Thank you!

NEXT UP ON THE STAGE...

Choirs for Change - They are Mother

11 May - 7:30 PM

12 May - 3:00 PM

Jumping off of the passion they had singing about workers' rights in the fall, Choirs for Change will be sharing music this spring focused on the labour that women and afab folks do to support themselves and those around them.

The repertoire will include pieces by Paris Paloma, Laura Mvula, Kate Bush, and more. More details to come!

Saint Andrew's members can get a special 10% discount on tickets when ordering online! Just use code StAndrews at the link below!

Get all the details by clicking here.

Songwriters Circle - Small of my Heart

25 May - 7:30 PM

“SMALL OF MY HEART” is a concert series celebrating award-winning women and non-binary artists & musicians, and advancing their place and position within the Canadian music industry.

“It’s more than a concert. It’s a movement.”

Our “in-the-round“ series creates a memorable fan experience of incredible songwriting, harmonies, musicianship and storytelling of real, resilient and unique journeys, including some fun and horrifying road experiences and stories that helped create their celebrated music.

Each show will include 3 award-winning singer-songwriters who will share their well crafted songs and stories, making you feel like you were sitting alongside the artists in your own living room.

No night will be the same. That is the beauty of our unique concert series.

For more information on the performance, click here!

OUR 2024 - 2025 SEASON KICKOFF!

Just in case you missed it, our 2024 - 2025 "The Stage at Saint Andrew's" concert season was announced this week! Four exciting series that featuring great artists right here at home. Here's a quick breakdown:

Rising Tide

Friday nights (goodbye Mondays), artists from every province in Atlantic Canada, and still steering the ship Leona Burkey (host). A series where we listen to great music and great chats unique to under-represented artists.

Climate Declares Emergency

You know, the folks that got us our cool new bike rack?

Our yearly Climate Concert in collaboration with Music Declares Emergency will be this October!

The Holiday Show

Meaghan Smith and the Snow Buddies will be back to raise money for Feed Nova Scotia and spread some holiday cheer!

Sunday Sessions

Our new artists-in-residence George Woodhouse and Freya Milliken. In the months of January and February, matinee shows will be put on in partnership with The Stage at Saint Andrews and Fort Massey - all in support of tackling food insecurity!

Under-represented artists, climate action, Feed Nova Scotia, and Sunday Suppers - these are performances with an impact!

There's lot's of news to come on all of these performances. To stay in the loop, keep your eyes on The Stage at Saint Andrew's social media accounts by clicking below:

HELP US STAY ON PAR

It's no secret - you make Saint Andrew's happen!

Without the generous support of our community, all of the amazing things going on here (like everything in this newsletter!) just wouldn't be possible.

Like many charities, the rising costs of simple things like heat and electricity have made it hard for us to keep up.

This PAR month, please consider signing up or upgrading your existing contribution. PAR is a great way to ensure you're supporting us each month.

Help us keep things par for the course!

For more information on the Pre-authorized Remittance (PAR) program, or to update your information, please reach us at info@saintandrewshfx.ca or call (902) 422-3157. Thanks!

Sunday Service 10:30am

Contemplative Service Wednesdays 6:00pm

Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00am -1:00pm

Contact Us

(902) 422-3157

info@saintandrewshfx.ca

www.saintandrewshfx.ca