January 16, 2025
DEAR ST. ANDREW’S FAMILY,
A new small group study kicks off next week. The Prophecy Course will begin Wednesday Jan 22 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s and continue for seven weeks. It will be by Pastor Andy and Pastor Rob from Evangel Pentecostal. Study guide is attached.
SCRIPTURE THIS WEEK – Exodus 1:15-22
MESSAGE – This is a story about commitment. When we commit to God and His way, even though the world is against us, we will be protected and blessed. Even in the face of potential devastation and defeat, we are invited not to lose faith. God honours our commitment, and with obedience He takes over to work His mighty work. The midwives chose to obey God rather than people. They had no guarantee of the outcome, but they acted out their commitment with a brazen faith. We are commanded to obey the laws of the land and our human leaders even if we do not agree with them. So at what point do we refuse? It’s an excellent question, which we will explore on Sunday morning.
SUNDAY WORSHIP ONLINE – 10:30 a.m.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gXgpMK6Hyd6HG2Kmcqp3A
Feel free to say hello in the chat box/message area. Share good news and prayer requests. The entire service is recorded and available immediately afterwards on YouTube.
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
- For Mike (Linda) Wicks after the passing of his father Gerry at the age of 93 on Wednesday evening at Fairfield Park. Grateful that he is at peace after a long and faithful life. See Badder’s Funeral Home for visitation and funeral details.
- Continued healing for Rita Vriesema after a procedure for carpal tunnel this week – relief from pain.
- Thanks that Jen Langstaff was discharged from hospital. Pray for radiation to begin next week and for drug infusion for bone strength.
- Pray for persecuted Christians around the world. This week, Open Doors Canada released its annual World Watch List, which is attached to this email. It’s a list of the 50 countries where faith in Jesus is most dangerous. The top five: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya and Sudan. A total of 4,476 believers were killed worldwide in 2024. There were 28,368 attacks on Christians for faith-related reasons. Persecution is on the cruise: an estimated 380 million Christians are in danger due to their faith, up from 365 million in 2023.
- Continued prayer for Adam Shaw, who is continuing to heal and plans to resume his musical duties at First Chatham in February.
- Prayers to Von Parking as he welcomed his fourth Great Grandson on January 9th, Oaklan Gregory Milling. Parents are Travis and Emily Milling of Kingsville and Grandparents Leslie and Joe of River Canard. Congratulations to the addition to your family.
CONTINUE TO PRAY
The world – Sudan, Middle East, Ukraine
Healing and strength – Becca Braithwaite, Pam Cornell, Jen Langstaff Mason, Bruce Stephens, Julie & Dan Shaw
Shut ins – Dianne Richards at Wallaceburg Retirement Residence, Jim Lusk at Oaks Wallaceburg, Ross Fuchs and Shirley Houston at Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg, Aubrey Butler 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 of managers – Wendy Weston (chair), Will Brewer, Linda Malott, Jenn Mason, Nicole Neely, Von Parking, Mark Richards, Jodi Rich, Bob Vriesema and Mike Wicks.
COMING UP
Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. – board of managers
Jan. 22 at 1:30 – new Bible study begins at St. Andrew’s
Feb. 17 – volunteers needed to set tables and place settings for presbytery
Feb. 18 – St. Andrew’s hosts Presbytery of Essex Kent with worship at 5:30 in the sanctuary, dinner at 6:15 catered by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary
WHAT’S UP:
- Do you NEED a key to the church? Please let Wendy or Nicole know whether it’s for sanctuary/hall or the kitchen entrance – or if you need both.
- 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.
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%.
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.
- 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