June 2017 Newsletter
“For the dry season is over
There is a cloud, beginning to swell.”
- Elevation Worship
Minister
Interim Moderator
Secretary
Session Clerk
Treasurer
Rev. Larry Skinner
Rev. Jan MacInnes
Lauren Sutherland
Dr. Hugh Clugston
Louise Bloemberg
492-0081
334-9801
357-2011
357-2754
357-2146
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Church Website – www.standrewswingham.ca
Find us on Facebook – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Wingham
Thoughts from Rev. Larry
On Tuesday, May 9th, I was at a meeting of Presbytery at Camp Kintail along with representative elder,
Doug Conley. The meeting was put on by a committee of Presbytery called the SPARK committee.
SPARK stands for Spirit led, Presbytery wide, Acting together with Resources for renewal to Kindle the
flames of faith. Essentially, SPARK is trying to find ways for congregations which have shrunk in numbers
to find an alternative model for carrying on church. There were probably twenty people in the room
from various churches in the southwest corner of the Presbytery of Grey Bruce Maitland.
As you might imagine, these discussions can be painful. They are not meant to be; they are meant to be
positive as new solutions are sought. The challenge which no one can deny, however, is that rural
congregations have an uphill battle finding enough money to cover building overhead expenses and a
minister’s salary. One of the models currently in use is a co-operative ministry employed at
Southhampton, Chesley, Dornoch and Chatsworth. There is one full-time minister and one stated supply
minister at 80% as well as lay pulpit supply. The national church provides a grant (applied for every
year) to supplement these congregations.
The reason I bring this up is that it doesn’t matter if the church is in a growth mode or in decline, we get
fixated on numbers. Every time an event is held by the church, the first question that gets asked is,
“how many were there?” When Jesus finished His earthly ministry Luke tells us that He had 120
followers. Did He have misgivings about the number of believers as He was taken up into heaven? Did
He want to go back and convince a few more?
I don’t recall Jesus getting hung up on the numbers. He was more interested in the one. Ninety nine
sheep were safely in the fold, but the shepherd went looking for the one lost sheep. The widow’s mite:
it did not fill the treasury, but one penny representing all of her available resources was noticed more by
God than any of the larger gifts. Where two or three are gathered in my name…God does not require a
throng for worship or prayer in order to be present.
My personal sense is that in the short run, some churches are going to close. There is limited cultural
persuasion to attend worship as in prior centuries. More and more, worship is going to be for those
with a heavenly hope and a deep desire to make a difference on earth. We will not attend church to
impress our peers. We will attend church because we really want to worship God and learn more about
Him. And that does not have to be in a church building. It could be in a home or a community centre or
in a space shared with another denomination.
Jesus told the woman at the well that true worshippers of God would not be stuck on worshipping on a
particular mountain or in Jerusalem, but would worship in spirit and truth. That could be just about
anywhere!
You are to be commended for coming to hear Rev Carel. Thank you. The vote was very strong in
favour of his coming at 93%. I know the elders are working hard to get signatures of those not
attending last Sunday. Please receive them in the name of the Lord. We are asking they you
agree with St Andrew’s calling Rev Carel by faith because there was such a strong vote for him.
The search committee and the elders feel that God’s hand is bringing you together so that God
will continue to be glorified in Wingham and the surrounding areas. His plans are to be in
Wingham by August 1. We anticipate that an induction service may be held in early September.
I wish you all the best. Both congregations voted in over whelming support of Rev Carel. He
plans to begin in Wingham August 1 if all plans fall into place. Thank you to the search
committee for all your waiting upon and trusting in God. Thank you to Larry and Nancy for the
extra commitment throughout this time. My hope is to have the call ready to take to
Presbytery the first week of June so they can review the call. It will go through Presbytery in
June. May the grace of God be with you all.
Sincerely,
Rev Jan MacInnes, Interim Moderator
Submitted by: Grant Currie, Service Ministry Team Chair
Service Ministry Team: Grant Currie/Ralph Campbell/Doug Conley
The Service Ministry Team at St. Andrew’s is working towards gathering information from the
Workplace Inspection Checklist which has been completed by the Board of Managers. The
checklist consists of 5 main areas, i.e. Housekeeping/Electrical Safety/Fire Safety/Kitchen
Equipment/First Aid. Each area lists items to check/make comments. Any follow-up required is
referred to the proper person/group.
In 2017 the Service Ministry Team will be arranging for completion of Covenant of Care
documents with the Ministry Teams and other groups at St. Andrew’s. It is planned to have this
done by the end of 2017.
Please note that the Worship Ministry Team is presently looking for someone to fill the Music
Director position and the Youth Praise Team Leader position. Should you know of anyone who
may be interested in either one of these positions, please contact the Worship Ministry Team
or the Service Ministry Team.
Submitted by Nancy Campbell
Our last Sunday of the month coffee hours continue to provide the opportunity for fellowship
amongst the congregation. Again thank you for taking the time to share in these activities.
On June 23 a number of people from our church will be traveling to the Walters Family Theatre
in Bright to enjoy the play "Amish Vows in Paradise". This promises to be a fun filled afternoon.
Again this June the Fellowship Team is partnering with the Discipleship Team to provide an
overnight Campout for the Powerhouse families. Last year's Campout was a resounding success
and we are eagerly looking forward to this year's event. If you know a family that might like to
participate please contact the church office for more information (519-357-2011).
If you wish to access the Prayer Chain or receive notice from the prayer chain please contact
the church office (519-357-2011), Rev. Larry (519-492-0081) or Merle Underwood (519-3572316).
The Outreach Ministry Team is pleased to have made arrangments for the Rev. Dr. Jack
Whytock to preach at our church Sunday June 18th, 2017. As a student for the ministry, Jack
spent some time at St. Andrews, and we look forward to having him back to St. Andrew’s and
Knox Belmore. The Outreach Ministry Team is planning to serve lunch after church on June 18 th
so that those who wish to visit with Jack and Nancy will have that oppurtunity.
Rev Dr. Jack Whytock
Dr. Whytock was raised in Bruce County, Ontario, on a Dr. Whytock was
raised in Bruce County, Ontario, on a beef farm. He graduated in arts from
the University of Waterloo and went to seminary at Regent College,
Vancouver, before pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of
Glasgow (M.Th.) and the University of Wales (Ph.D.).
He has served in chaplaincy work both at Vancouver Community College and at a prison and
has pastored in Presbyterian churches in Canada and the United States. He serves as the
Director of Haddington House, an evangelical Presbyterian study house in Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island. In this capacity he served as an adjunct professor overseas at partner
colleges and as administrator for the team. He has taught at colleges in Eastern Europe, the
Middle East, Kenya, South Africa, Suriname, South Korea and Pakistan
Dr. Whytock serves as editor of the Haddington House Journal; has published over 100 articles;
is the author of “An Educated Clergy” (Paternoster, 2007) and Calvinian Influences upon the
Scottish Reformation (Mellen Press, 2009) and The ABCs of Christian Biography (2010); and is
active in several societies. He is married to Nancy (Campbell), and they have four children.
Bible Studies
The spring ladies' Bible study ran for four weeks with about 25 ladies in attendance. A video by Andy Stanley
preceded a discussion session from a study guide entitled “Why In The World-the reason God became one of
us”. The evening home Bible studies have completed the Patriarchs this past fall and winter. Thank you for
everyone who attended
Ignite Youth Rally
On March 31st St. Andrew’s held our first Youth Rally called Ignite. All youth groups in the area were invited to
attend. We had an attendance of 30. Mike Switzer (youth pastor at Evangel Church Brantford) lead worship
with a full band and also delivered a powerful message. There was fellowship after service in the Fellowship
Hall with snacks and beverages provided. It was a great experience that we look forward to having again next
spring.
Connect
Camp Kintail has started a program called Connect. It happens the last Sunday of the month from April to
November (excluding July and August) including youth from grades 5-11 enjoying supper, activities, Bible
stories and learning to share and connect with other youth throughout the Presbytery. All youth and friends
are invited to attend. There will be transportation provided by St. Andrew’s each month. The program is from
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the church at 4:00 p.m. The cost is free. For more information or if
you would like to attend contact the Church office.
Powerhouse kids never fail to rise to the challenge when called! What a great
performance they put on at Easter. Heather Lyn’s Class sang an adorable song
about the shepherd and his lost sheep. Lauren Sutherland’s class got the
congregation up singing and dancing! We are thankful for the families that bring
their children out every Sunday.
Powerhouse is beginning to wrap up the season. All year we have been learning about Jesus and the
wonderful things he has done. Sunday May 28th Camp Kintail will be joining us in Powerhouse. Our final
Powerhouse Sunday will be June 4th. We will be having an end of the year party with our Powerhouse
Partners.
We are excited to announce that our 2nd Annual Powerhouse Camp out will be happening June 16 th- 17th at
the Snell Pond. This is an event you will not want to miss. It was well enjoyed last year. For more information
or to let us know you would like to attend please contact Nancy Campbell or Lauren Sutherland.
Kintail On The Road
WE ARE FULL! Yep you read that correctly! Within 72 hours of opening registration we filled our VBS program
with 56 kids! Kintail on the Road will be happening August 8th- 11th. We are looking for volunteers to help us
that week. We are also looking for people to donate snacks and craft supplies. Below is a list of items we will
need. Please drop them off to the church office!
Snacks: Bear Paws, Goldfish, Cookies (Peanut Free)
Craft Supplies: Glue sticks, Scissors, Markers, Crayons, Construction Paper
Campership
We were able to raise $1400 for the Campership fund. We raised this by selling soup jars and receiving
donations. We have been able to help send approx. 10 kids at this point to Camp Kintail. Applicants may
register on-line using a code number for St. Andrew's and get a 50% discount. For more information please
contact Marilyn VanderWoude. Thank you to all who have generously donated to this fund!
Submitted by: Merle Underwood
Our desire is that you were able to experience the Risen Lord in a special way during lent and the Easter
season.
Rev. Larry Skinner preached a series of sermons on fear (death, conquest, meaningless, unknown, and doubt)
He made each of us take a look at our own life and how we cope with these fears.
The Sunrise Service was a morning experience. Nancy Skinner did a monologue of Mary at the empty tomb.
The props and monologue made us feel we were right there. Afterwards we shared together over a delicious
breakfast provided by the Fellowship team.
The Worship Team is so blessed to have as many people to help us with worship, Thank you for your
willingness to serve the Lord.
St. Andrew’s has an opening for a youth praise team leader. Emily Bloemberg will be leaving us in the fall. We
thank her for her leadership and dedication and wish her well in furthering her education.
We are looking forward to Sunday, June 25th when the United Church will be joining us for the service.
The Worship Team gives special thanks to Rev. Larry Skinner for guiding and encouraging us during these past
two years. We appreciate all he has done for us and our congregations. Thanks Larry!
Respectfully submitted-Margaret Stapleton,
Verna Hodgins - Co-Chairs
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and
continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
To date the Board held meetings March 8th, April 12th and May 3rd and have scheduled meetings June 7th, September
13th, November 8th, January 10th and February 7th, 2018.
At the March 2017 Board meeting, Committee members nominated and approved:
Board Co-Chairs:
Margaret Stapleton, Verna Hodgins
Internal Committee: Chair: Joe Smith
Committee: Ralph Campbell, Erin Schiestel, Carol Shaw
Committee is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the inside of the church.
External Committee:
Chair: Scott Gillespie
Committee: David Wall, Judy Lyons, Joanne Taylor, Julia Norman
Committee is responsible for maintaining the grounds and exterior of the church.
Finance Committee:
Chair: Verna Hodgins
Committee: Shelley Sullivan
Committee is responsible to present the financial reports at each meeting with a focus on setting the budget with the
Co-Chair and Treasurer for approval.
Should you wish to connect with someone on the board for a particular reason, please feel free to contact committee
chairs, board co-chairs and or Treasurer-Louise Bloemberg.
Prayers and Get Well Wishes for a speedy recovery to our member Judy Lyons.
Projects Approved in the 2017 Budget
Work is expected to commence within the next few weeks on the following projects:
Contractor -Ruttan Aluminum has removed and replaced window sill flashing along the south side of the church. The
Board is hopeful this procedure will eliminate water seepage in the basement along this area.
Contractor-MacDonald AR Construction Ltd. will be completing concrete work along the steps at the front of the
church and will be removing the railing and welding it back in place utilizing the existing steel posts.
Contractor- Cox Signs will be removing the two existing signs and installing a new sign at the front of the church.
Details of the Illuminated sign with Header: 30”h x 67”w
*single sided illuminated, gable peak shape header (blue), illuminated sign cabinet, facial molding fabricated from
bronze finished aluminum, track for 4 lines @ 6”spacing, 4” lettering, clear Lexan polycarbonate protective cover and 4’
change letter storage unit.
Old Signs to Be Removed
Example of Proposed New Sign
All project costs will be within approved budget amounts.
CLEAN UP DAY
A very big THANK YOU to everyone who came out early Saturday, May 13th to lend a hand in freshening
up the inside and outside of our church!
Financial Report April 2017
2017 Annual Budget
Monthly Income required to meet Budget
April Income
Year to Date Income
Year to Date Expenses
2017 Loan from Trustees
Payment of Loan to Trustees
$228,243.46
$ 19,020.29 **
$ 10,944.61 **
$ 43,526.51 **
$ 41,566.18
$ 4,941.26
$ 2,000.00
Presbyterian Sharing Allocation for 2017
Presbyterian Sharing Givings as of April 30/17
$ 13,000.00
$ 3,529.00
As God continues to work in the lives of our church family, AND, as we continue to make improvements and updates to
our church building, let us focus on his Word as referenced in 2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God
loves a cheerful giver.”
Chalmers Presbyterian Church Closure Update
Six people representing the former Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Whitechurch attended the meeting of The
Presbytery of Grey-Bruce-Maitland at Camp Kintail on Wednesday, May 9, 2017. Archie Purdon presented a
cheque, a portion of the sale of their church, to the Reverend Theresa MacDonald-Lee to be used of for the
children's ministry at Camp Kintail.
Each year, one of the nine WMS groups of Maitland Presbyterial is designated to choose a person to receive an
Honorary membership. Goforth is pleased to announce that this year’s worthy recipient is Kathy Armstrong. The award
occurred at the Spring Rally that was held at Camp Kintail on May 15th. Many Goforth members and friends were
present at the ceremony.
Kathy has capably held many offices in Goforth, including that of President in 2009-2010. As well, she served as the
President of Maitland Presbyterial 2011-2013 where her duties included overseeing the Synodical WMS gathering held
in Kincardine. In addition to her work with the WMS, Kathy has been part of several church committees as well as being
a Sunday school teacher. She volunteers for the Friendship Group, which provides musical activities and Bible stories for
the mentally and physically challenged, makes mats from milk bags for Third World countries and is a member of the
local Syrian refugee committee. Kathy is a capable and cheerful worker who is an asset to any organization to which she
lends her talents. Congratulations Kathy.
Goforth Activities
It has been a busy year for Goforth members. We heard about our own Linda Smith’s journey with cancer and how her
faith sustains her. In addition, we were taken on a trip to Kenya through the photos and commentary of Larry and Nancy
Skinner.
A collection of socks was spearheaded by Goforth and over 170 pairs were taken to Evangel Hall Mission in Toronto in
April. Stamps, milk bags and Valumart tapes continue to be collected. $100 from the grocery tapes was sent to Ramoth
Life Centre in Mount Forest. Members have knit several prayer shawls and in 2017, so far, six have been given to
individuals. Five members attended Synodical WMS at Walkerton in April.
On the second Sunday of each month, Goforth leads worship services at Braemar Nursing Home and Braemar
Retirement Home.
Future activities include a potluck meal on June 20th with guest speaker, Eleanor Davidson of Medical Mission
International - Canada and Cake by the Lake at Camp Kintail on July 6th.