Author: standrewspcancaster

On Sunday January 12 we started a new worship series on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Between now and Easter St. Andrew’s will be working through Romans together with our friends from Ancaster Village Church (AVC). This introductory message is a conversation between Rev. John Read of St. Andrew’s and Rev. Aaron Gerrard of AVC. In the weeks that follow John and Aaron will take turns preaching for both churches.

In this opening conversation Aaron and John explore the question, “Why Romans?” Why talk about Romans today? What excites us about this letter to the early church, and what do we hope will come from this series? Why was Romans written in the first place? And why start Romans from the end (chapter 16) the way we have today?

Romans Resources: The Bible Project has an excellent overview of Paul’s Letter to the Romans in two short videos: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/romans/ This same page will lead you to some additional resources. There are two helpful videos on New Testament letters in their ‘How To Read the Bible Series: https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/ One of the commentaries John and Aaron are using for this series is Reading Romans Backwards by Scot McKnight.

 

On the Epiphany Sunday we reflected on the story from Matthew 2:1-18 which includes the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men) as well as the less well known story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing to Egypt. We considered what this very human story of a family seeking refuge tells us about God’s solidarity with us in Jesus, and how Christians are called to respond to people seeking refuge or just a new home today.

Minister: Rev. John T. Read
To signup to our email newsletter send a message to: standrewsancaster@gmail.com

On the 1st Sunday of the Christmas Season we reflected on the story from Luke 2:21-40 where Mary and Joseph make their offering at the Temple following Jesus’ birth. We considered how the coming of Jesus gives us hope for change in our lives and change in the world.

This message refers to the music of Sam Cooke (1931-1964) and his 1964 song, “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
You can listen to it here:    • Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (O…  

Minister: Rev. John T. Read
To signup to our email newsletter send a message to: standrewsancaster@gmail.com

Welcome to St. Andrew’s Christmas Eve service for 2024. We pray that you have a wonderful Christmas season, blessed by the peace of Christ.

Special Music

“Hope of Israel”
Ben Fielding | Chris Tomlin | Jason Ingram | Reuben Morgan
© 2019 Capitol CMG Paragon; S. D. G. Publishing; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes
Used by Permission CCLI Licence # 3046584 CCLI Streaming # 20546703

“How Far Is It To Bethlehem?”
Words: Francis Chesterton (1869-1938)
Music: English Traditional | Tune: Stowey
Words & Music: Public Domain

“A Christmas Alleluia”
Words & Music: Jonas Myrin | Chris Tomlin
© 2015, this arr. 2016 Son of the Lion (BMI) | Worship Together Music (BMI) | sixsteps Songs (BMI) | Capitol CMG Paragon (BMI) | S.D.G Publishing (BMI)
Used by Permission CCLI Licence # 3046584 CCLI Streaming # 20546703

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,
Minister: Rev. John Read

Music for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Sunday December 22, 2024

“A Christmas Alleluia”
Words & Music: Jonas Myrin | Chris Tomlin
© 2015, this arr. 2016 Son of the Lion (BMI) | Worship Together Music (BMI) | sixsteps Songs (BMI) | Capitol CMG Paragon (BMI) | S.D.G Publishing (BMI)
All rights reserved. CCLI License # 3046584 | CCLI Streaming # 20546703
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Ancaster

On December 22, the Third Sunday of Advent we explored section 10 of Living Faith (Our Hope In God). We reflected on the following questions: Where do we find hope for ourselves? Where can we find hope for the world? What gives us a reason for hope?

This is the final part of a series on Living Faith, one of the faith statements of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our guiding scripture for this week is Luke 1:26-38 and Revelation 21:1-5.

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll have messages relating the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany before beginning a new series on Paul’s Letter to the Romans on January 12.

You can find the full text of Living Faith HERE.

Minister: Rev. John T. Read

On December 15, the Third Sunday of Advent we explored section 9 of Living Faith (The Church Reaches Out). We reflected on the mission of the church, looking at how this involves sharing our faith with those who do not have a faith, as well as how we relate to those with a different faith.

This is part of a series on Living Faith, one of the faith statements of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our guiding scripture for this week is Luke 1:57-80. Another passage referenced in this message is Acts 17:16-33.

This message also refers to the beloved Christmas classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” While it’s not broadcast on TV anymore you can find it on Apple TV+. Unfortunately the free watching period is now over, but you can always sign up for a free 7-day trial and still save your Christmas pennies.

You can find the full text of Living Faith HERE.

Music for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Sunday December 15, 2024

“Joy to the World (The Lord is Come)”
Words: Bryan Sharpe | Isaac Watts
© Words: Public Domain; Music: 2024 The Lorenz Corporation
Used by Permission CCLI License #3046584 | CCLI Streaming # 20546703 St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Ancaster

Christmas Eve Service – Tuesday December 24 at 7:00pm

Please join on Christmas Eve for a service of lessons, carols, and special music from the St. Andrew’s Choir and Music Team. Be sure to invite your family and friends as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Quiet Christmas Service – Wednesday December 18 at 7:00pm

While Christmas is a time of joy, it can also be a difficult time of year for many people. The effect of shortened days, seasonal stress, or the loss of loved ones can leave us feeling out of step with the holiday cheer. A Quiet Christmas service makes space to find some calm and care in the middle of all the busyness. Join us and our friends from Ancaster Village Church as we reflect on the good news that Christ comes as light in the darkness.