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.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30, 2025
Dear Friends,
This Lent I have encouraged us not just to give something up (the traditional practice during the Season of Lent), but rather to take up something new and life-giving.
On Ash Wednesday, I suggested that instead of foregoing some pleasure, we find opportunities to share an act of kindness with someone who may be feeling down or lonely.
In Week One, I suggested giving up being judgemental in favour of practising discernment, including taking a closer look at our own motives and weaknesses.
In Week Two, I suggested that a good way to respond to all the negativity and angry words that fill today’s air waves is to be intentional about speaking words of hope and praise and encouragement.
Then last week, Week Three, I talked about limiting our intake of toxic daily news and adding in some time for laughter, maybe watching a comedy on TV or sharing some funny stories with friends. In other words, make time for fun and laughter. After all, laughter is the best medicine!
This week, I would like us to take a closer look at our frequently overburdened schedules and consider where we might begin to make room for those we sometimes neglect, perhaps unintentionally. I am talking about those closest to us, namely, the circle of our own families, friends and neighbours. It’s important that we continue to reach out to those in need in the wider community. But is there someone closer to home who needs our attention right now? How can we add in some time for that person?
Consider, for example, this Sunday’s lectionary gospel reading, the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
A man has two sons. The younger son asks his father for his portion of the family estate as an early inheritance. Once received, the son promptly sets off on a long journey to a distant land and begins to waste his fortune on wild living.
When the money runs out, a severe famine hits the country, and the son finds himself in dire circumstances. He takes a job feeding pigs. Eventually, he grows so destitute that he even longs to eat the food assigned to the pigs.
The young man finally comes to his senses, remembering his father. He decides to return to his father and ask for mercy. The father who has been watching and waiting for him to return, receives his son back with open arms of compassion. He is overjoyed by the return of his lost son.
Immediately the father turns to his servants and asks them to prepare an enormous feast in celebration of his son's return.
Meanwhile, the older son comes in from the fields where he has worked up quite a sweat only to discover a party with music and dancing to celebrate his younger brother’s return. A party to which he has not even been invited!
The older son says to the father: “I have been with you all along; I’ve done everything you wanted, and you ignored me! You’ve put on this big barbecue. You had enough time to call the bands and the caterer, and you didn’t have enough time to come out and find me?”
What is going on here? Clearly the father has completely overlooked the son who has always been there right by his side. It happens, doesn’t it? Often the person to whom we are closest, the one who always has our back, is the very one we fail to truly appreciate.
So this week let’s take some time to look around ourselves to the people we may have neglected or discounted. Whom have we failed to invite to the party? Let’s tell them how much they mean to us by intentionally spending time with them. And let’s be sure to thank God for them too.
Blessings
Sheila
Prayer for Today
Loving God, we know that there are times when we have failed to be present, to listen, or to offer the love and support our nearest and dearest deserve.
We pray for your grace and forgiveness, not only for ourselves, but for the healing of those we may have hurt, intentionally or unintentionally. We ask that you guide us in understanding their needs and help us to bridge the gap that our neglect has created, as we strive to restore relationships and create bonds of love and understanding.
Amen.
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