August 7, 2025
DEAR ST. ANDREW’S FAMILY,
As I write, children are arriving for Day 2 of Camp U-Turn 2025 – School of Rock. Day 1 was a smashing success. I witnessed one boy being almost dragged from the family van and checked in. (Not every kid likes being woken up early during the summer break – it feels too much like school.) Within five minutes, the dread disappeared and a wide smile was on his face, and it remained for the entire day. Yes, this is “school” of rock. The Rock being Christ. A total of 20 kids are registered, about half of capacity. But no worries. This is the first time for Camp U-Turn in Dresden; it took a few years for word to get out in Wallaceburg, where they hosted 130 kids in late July. Yes – we are already planning for 2026.
Much is going on on the streets as well. Or it will be. You’ve probably heard of The Human Chain planned for this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. Organizers are trying to get as many people as possible to line St. George Street as a show of solidarity against the planned York 1 waste transfer, recycling and landfill facility. Organizers have specifically approached local churches to stand together on this. We are simply sharing this with you – and leaving it at that. Participation is an individual choice.
ALSO – on Aug. 17 we will be gathering at 10 a.m. (please note – 30 minutes earlier!) at Rotary Park for our annual outdoor worship with our friends from Evangel Pentecostal Tabernacle and North Dresden Baptist Church.
SUNDAY WORSHIP ONLINE – check out past services on our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gXgpMK6Hyd6HG2Kmcqp3A
PRAYER — Requests may be sent to the pastor, either for sharing or in confidence. If a need is not listed here it’s because the family has opted for privacy.
NEW PRAYER
- Aubrey Butler, who is in the Chatham Hospice.
- Gaza. A few weeks ago, the Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada joined other faith leaders in an ecumenical letter to the Prime Minister. It’s attached.
- Condolences to the family of Rev. Barry Kentner, who passed away early Sunday evening. Celebration of Life planned for Aug. 23. Obit to come at Life Transitions.
CONTINUE TO PRAY
- Healing and strength – Becca Braithwaite, Pam Cornell, Susan Doom’s father, Jen Langstaff Mason, Bonnie Lozon, Kris Richards, Jennifer Sayers, Bruce Stephens, Julie & Dan Shaw
- Shut ins – Dianne Richards at Wallaceburg Retirement Residence; Bonnie Lozon, Jim Lusk and Sandra Pegg at Oaks Wallaceburg; Ross Fuchs and Shirley Houston at Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg; Aubrey Butler and Margaret Follows at home.
Elders on session
Mark Labadie – 519-359-4842
Cindy Brewer – 519-683-4113
Sheila Eves – 519-683-4148
Andrew Neely – 519-359-8903
Mark Richards – 519-809-9175
Julie Shaw – 226-627-1953
Bob Vriesema – 519-401-8056
Board Committees
Building – Will Brewer (chair – brewerwill@mcbraynes.com), Mark Labadie (Session Rep), Jodi Rich, Mike Wicks
Finance – Nicole Neely (chair – nikandneely@gmail.com), Mark Richards (Session Rep), Will B., Wendy Weston
Fundraising – Bob Vriesema (chair – bobritav@gmail.com), Andrew Neely (Session Rep), Mike W., Wendy W., Linda Malott Mason, Nicole Neely, Mark Richards, Jodi Rich, Bob Vriesema and Mike Wicks.
WHAT’S UP
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- Aug. 10 – Dresden Christian Concerts with music from the Evangel Chatham Worship Team and message from Pastor Shane Fitch, Rotary Park. at 6:30 p.m. Rain location St. Andrew’s.
- Aug 11-15 – Vacation Bible School at Dawn Valley Bible Methodist Church, 961 Dawn Valley Road. Mon-Fri 0930-1130. Ages 1-14. Theme: “LEGO – building your life on Jesus.” To register, call 619-683-2093.
- Aug. 17 – St. Andrew’s Worship at Rotary Park with Evangel Pentecostal and North Dresden Baptist. Time 10 a.m.
- Aug 18-22 – Soccer Camp 2025 for ages 6-12, presented by the Dresden and District Christian Ministerial Association, held at Dresden Community church. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. $100 (assistance available if needed.) Presented by athletesinaction.ca. Register at aia.sh/dresden. dcc@kent.net or 519-6836541 for more info.
WHAT’S UP:
- The Community Closet at North Dresden Baptist Church is asking for donations of personal grooming and toiletry items. Unlike most thrift stores, everything is free. Drop donations off at NDBC Tuesdays 11-3, Thursdays 11-3, Fridays 4-8, the 3rd Saturday of the month 10-Noon or at St. Andrew’s on Sunday and we will deliver them for you.
- If you use donation envelopes, don’t throw them out if any are unused. We’re asking everyone to keep using them in 2025. They all have your donation number on them – your donation will be processed the day it’s received.
- Weekly email – Send announcements and new info to standrewspcdresden@gmail.com
- Free Community Meals – Please share this info with anyone in need: North Dresden Baptist Church – last Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Dresden Christian Reformed Church – second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. (Not offered July & August, Continues in September)
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES – click here for link to the website
Greeters & coffee prep/Counting teams/Livestream/audio
MINISTRY LINKS
Renewal Fellowship – Pastor Andy is employed at 20% time as RF’s Executive Director. St. Andrew’s is the other 80%. Check out the new online publication Living in Truth.
WAYS OF GIVING:
- E-transfer st.andrewspcdresdenon@gmail.com. If required by your bank, our treasurer’s name is Linda Moore. Her number is 226-627-2727. If you are asked for a security question, please contact your local bank branch.
- Bring envelope on Sunday or if you have a key, leave it in the treasurer’s mailbox.
- Mail it to the church, PO Box 93 Dresden. N0P 1M0.
- Gift Cards – You pay face value for the gift cards and the church buys them at a discount through Chatham Christian Schools. Cards will be available for pickup at the church or will be distributed in church. Gift card orders are on the website. https://standrewsdresden.ca/ under the “giving” tab. The next deadline for gift card orders is August 31st.
- McBrayne’s Feed & Supply is offering to donate back 10 per cent of sales made using the St. Andrews account. Some items that apply are peanuts, bird feed, sunflower seed, and grains. Make sure you let them know you would like to use the St. Andrew’s account BEFORE ordering to ensure the church gets credit!
CHURCH WIFI:
Network: StAndrews
Password: StAndrews2015