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
Church Secretary: Kathleen Siertsema - 519-565-2854 [email protected]
We gather on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral peoples. We recognize our duty to uphold the treaties governing this land and our roles as treaty people, committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
Please join us!
Sunday, December 7, 2025 ay 11:00 a.m.
The Second Sunday of Advent
Worship leader: Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor.
Music Director: Mary McGoldrick
All welcome!
Carol Sing starts 15 minutes before the service begins - come early to sing some of your favourite Christmas and Advent carols!
Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10,
Romans 15:4-13.
Message: Signs of Hope.
Join us on Tuesday, December 16th for an important webinar on the latest call to sanction Israel with the Global Sanctions Coalition. Speakers from Independent Jewish Voices, Just Peace Advocates, and CJPME will help piece together how sanctions fit into the larger Palestinian solidarity movement, working to end Israeli occupation and for Palestinian liberation. You will hear about our latest submissions to the Canadian government calling for escalatory sanctions against Israeli settlements and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, and the broader movement to sanction Israel now!
A note from Rev. Sheila
Dear Friends,
With the holiday season soon upon us, Richard and I are hoping that you will be able to attend our Advent-Christmas Open House this coming Sunday! One of the joys of this time of year is getting together with family. For us this includes our Church Family. We are both grateful for the friendships we have formed during our past nearly two years at St. Andrew’s and we are eager to share some holiday cheer with you.
This holy season is of course primarily about one very special family, Mary and Joseph and their infant Jesus, whose birth we await with joyful anticipation during Advent. In the Church the annual commemoration of Christ’s birth starts with four weeks of Advent waiting. At St. Andrew’s this always begins with the
Hanging of the Greens. This year we will meet for a potluck lunch at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 29th and then stay afterwards to decorate the church.
The next day,
Sunday, November 30th, is the first day of Advent.
During our worship service we will
celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Then at
2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 14th, there is a
wonderful concert at St. Andrew’s with Martha Lawrence, Harpist, Mary McGoldrick, pianist, and the Blyth Festival Strings!
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21st, we are delighted to welcome Rev. John Bannerman and the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church to share in our service, at which Rev. Bannerman will be preaching. Then that evening we will join our friends at Knox at 7 p.m. for their very beautiful and meditative Longest Night worship service.
The Christmas cycle then begins on Christmas Eve with services of worship at St. Andrew’s at 4 p.m. and Knox Presbyterian at 7 p.m. The Christmas season lasts until the Sunday after the feast of Epiphany, January 6th. We pray that we can all join together for these special services of worship, in which we seek to prepare for Christ’s birth through our reflection on the scriptures and the singing of carols. Using an Advent calendar at home, especially one that is scripture and service based, can also help to nurture our faith and better prepare us for the coming of God in Jesus Christ. This is important! Let us remember whose birthday it is that we are celebrating. It is the birthday of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This Christmas, let’s put Christ back in Christmas!
May God touch your heart with the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love and bless you and yours during these holy seasons of Advent and Christmas and always.
Blessings,
Rev. Sheila
Moderator's Advent Message
In her Advent Message, the Right Rev. Kimberley Heath, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, offers a reflection that makes space for all our feelings—the joy, the grief, the hope, and the weariness.
The world feels heavy, but Advent is a season for connection. Drawing on the stories of Mary and Elizabeth, Rev. Heath reminds us that even miracles can feel complicated. Their bold "yesses" to God's call were mixed with seclusion, whispers, and fear. Yet, their simple connection brought a blessing and multiplied their joy.
How do we get in the spirit of the
season amid pain and injustice? We start with connection. This Advent, know this: you are not alone. God is growing a miracle in our midst. The United Church of Canada wishes you a blessed Advent.
How to support the work of St. Andrew's United Church
If you would like to make a donation to St. Andrew's United Church in Bayfield, you may do so at Canada Helps. Simply click on the button below to make your donation.
You can ensure that your community of faith and those who are helped through Mission and Service can count on your support by giving monthly through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR). Through an automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank account, PAR allows you to give to what matters to you most.
If you would like to set up PAR, simply download and fill out this form and submit it to Kathleen at the Church Office.
Address
St. Andrews is proudly committed to accessibility and offers these features to enhance the experience of those with special needs:
- Wheelchair 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