St. Andrew's United Church, Bayfield
Our Mission Statement:
a welcoming Community of Faith
Serving God in Love and harmony
Congregational Minister: Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor
Contact Information:
[email protected]
519-235-0613 or
519-854-6522
Recalculating in 2025
Dear Friends,
“Only a few days into the New Year, and already I have broken two of my New Year’s resolutions!” Does this sound like you? If so, you are not alone.
According to a study conducted by the University of Scranton, only 8 per cent of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, while 80 per cent fail to keep them. One of the major reasons for this high rate of failure has to do with unrealistic expectations.
Most of us, I suspect, would do well to take some advice from our GPS world: we need to recalculate. Instead of setting ourselves some lofty goal that may require a herculean force of determination, why not consider what is possible? The feeling of success we will achieve in making small changes will boost our confidence and promote a greater sense of well-being.
For example, let’s start by looking for the opportunity in today, even if “today” is not quite what we had bargained for. A graduate student had just got his first job, a desk job, he felt – and probably correctly – that was much beneath his talents. He complained to his friend that he didn’t do pencil-pushing. His friend was entirely unsympathetic. She just patted him on the back and said to him, “You know, the world is a better place because Michelangelo did not say ‘I don’t do ceilings.’”
So, let’s look for the opportunity in today. Even in things we would rather not do and in places we would rather not be, today’s grace awaits. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” And do not underestimate the small things we all can do. For example, in Zechariah 4:10, we are told: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Indeed, as Jesus reminds us, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
So, this year rather than trying to do the impossible, let’s recalculate and keep it simple. Let’s look for the opportunity in today. And have a safe, healthy, and happy New Year!
Blessings,
Sheila
DONATIONS TO HELP WITH WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA
Donations to help those suffering such a devastating loss in California may be made by marking your envelope “Help with Wildfires in California.” The donations will be forwarded through the United Church of Canada to the Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response specially designated as "Help with wildfires in California.”
Join our new Bible Study
Half Truths. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say,
starting at St. Andrew's United Church on Friday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m.
Using the video talks by Adam Hamilton, we will compare some common Christian sayings with the wisdom found in scripture. This is a five-week DVD based study which is open to all who like to have fun while learning new things. No previous knowledge of the Bible required.
Please be sure to register by connecting with Reverend Sheila at [email protected] since this helps Sheila to know how many handouts to print and also provides contact information if we have to cancel the session due to inclement weather. (Please remember the small g between Sheila and Macgregor!) Or phone 519 854 6522.
Come to one or come to all sessions - you are most welcome!
For friends of the Bayfield and Area Food Bank and Bayfield Community Members
please try to attend this very important presentation on
January 13th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
38594 Mill Road in Varna.
The Bayfield Lions, Bayfield Ratepayer’s Association and the Bayfield Area Food Bank will be making a joint presentation to Council on Jan13.
The presentation asks Council to pass two motions, based on the impending sale of 6 Municipal Road.
Motion One: proceeds from the sale to be used to relocate the Bayfield Area Food Bank.
Motion Two: the balance of the proceeds be put in a reserve account for use in Bayfield only.
IT DIDN'T START ON OCTOBER 7TH
Ever wonder how the problems in Israel-Palestine began or had trouble making sense of it all? This series is a good introduction. Starting January 21st to March 18th, 2025: A series of 9 illustrated online talks that trace Zionist / Israeli efforts to take the land of historic Palestine, dispossess the Palestinian inhabitants, and deny them fundamental human rights and self determination.
Each session is 60 minutes followed by 30 minutes of Q/A and discussion. The talks are introductory and non-academic and are suitable for anyone who wants to learn more. No prior knowledge of the history of Palestine / Israel is necessary.
The Sessions:
1. The Birth of Zionism (until 1919)
2. The British Mandate (1919 – 1947)
3. The Nakba (1948 – 49)
4. The Aftermath, Exile, Identity, Resistance (1949 – 1966)
5. The Naksa, Occupation, Recognition, Resistance, Camp David (1967 – 1979)
6. The Lebanon War, Exile, Occupation, Intifada, Declaration of Independence (1980 – 1989)
7. Hamas, Intifada, Madrid, Oslo, Second Intifada (1989 – 2005)
8. Gaza Wars, March of Return, Unified Uprising, and Normalization (2006 – 2023)
9. October 7, 2023, and Beyond (2023 – 2025)
January 21 - March 18, 2025 Tuesdays at 4pm (pacific)/7pm (eastern)
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/zy9k73kn
Address
St. Andrews is proudly committed to accessibility and offers these features to enhance the experience of those with special needs:
- Handicapped parking spots adjacent to wheelchair accessible entrance, beside wheelchair washroom
- Elevator that serves all levels
- Seating space in sanctuary that accommodates wheelchairs in excellent position to see and hear
- Pews with soft cushions and large comfortable armchairs near the front
- Hearing devices available from the ushers
- Large screen projection during worship service