June 11, 2026
DEAR ST. ANDREW’S FAMILY:
Pastor Andy attended General Assembly in person most of this week. One of the highlights was GA’s response to St. Andrew’s Session’s overture to “make evangelism in word the priority in its mission, in partnership with deeds, and encourage synods and sessions to do the same.” In response, the recommendations from the PCC’s Life and Mission Agency was lukewarm: “That ruling elders, teaching elders, and presbyteries work diligently to identify people with the gifts for relational evangelism. . . that congregations and presbyteries make ample use of resources within and outside the denomination to equip people for evangelism in word and deed . . .That teaching elders be encouraged to use study leave and allowances to learn about effective and relevant evangelism.” None of those things had teeth. Andy could not speak to this at GA because he was not a commissioner this year. He is grateful that a friendly commissioner introduced a subsequent motion to make “apologetics” (defending the faith and providing evidence that Christ is the only way to God) mandatory for minister training to enable graduating students to be better equipped for effective evangelism. There was a lot of discussion, both for and against. In the end, the motion failed. Most commissioners said there’s no need because they believe seminaries are already incorporating that into the curriculum.
GA also had a robust discussion on Medical Assistance in Dying (Physician Assisted Death). Commissioners voted against a recommendation from the Committee on Church Doctrine to take a firm stand against MAiD in any situation. It appears most commissioners are in favour of it. The issue was sent off to a different committee to study and advise how ministers and pastoral visitors can handle various situations they encounter.
Mary Pat Elliott brings the message this Sunday and Ryan Doom will be the elder on duty.
SCRIPTURE – Mark 10:46-52
MESSAGE – “Rescued from Darkness”
SUNDAY WORSHIP IN PERSON – 10:30 a.m.
SUNDAY WORSHIP ONLINE – watch live or 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
- Jordan & Lisa’s wedding on Saturday.
CONTINUE TO PRAY
- For anyone mourning the loss of loved ones
- Strength for anyone who is beginning treatment for addiction
- For teens attending Underground, especially those who are unsaved; may they be willing to submit their lives to Christ.
- For the homeless/unhoused – protection from the cold, help for addictions and mental health, actual structures in which to reside.
- Healing and strength – Francis and Joan Allaert, Bill Clark, Pam Cornell, Susan Doom’s father Duanne, Jen Langstaff Mason, Andrew Neely, Kris Richards, Mark Richards, Dale Sayers, Sandra Whitson.
- Shut ins – Dianne Richards at Wallaceburg Retirement Residence; Jim Lusk and Sandra Pegg at Oaks Wallaceburg; Ross Fuchs at Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg; Margaret Follows at home.
WHAT’S UP – Upcoming Events – St. Andrew’s Dresden
ELDERS ON SESSION – Elders – St. Andrew’s Dresden
BOARD COMMITTEE – Board of managers – St. Andrew’s Dresden
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES – Schedules – St. Andrew’s Dresden
WAYS OF GIVING – Giving – St. Andrew’s Dresden
CHURCH WIFI:
Network: StAndrews
Password: StAndrews2015