October 22, 2026
DEAR ST. ANDREW’S FAMILY:
It’s Anniversary Sunday, a time to celebrate the life of this blessed congregation. St. Andrew’s Dresden was established 154 years ago as a mission station led by a seminary student and it grew from there. It was a much different world in the 1870s. Human nature does not change. Thankfully, neither does God. He is the rock and the guide in this constantly changing world. Our calling then and now is to provide community for those who believe that Christ is the way to God and the only hope for the world – and to take that life-saving message to the world. This week, we welcome Pastor Tim Richards, who will be bringing the scripture and message. Pastor Tim was raised in the Dresden area and is now the minister at Ryde Free Methodist Church near Gravenhurst Ontario. We will also be graced with special music from Mary-Anne Smith, who recently moved to Dresden with her husband Doug. They worship at Evangel Pentecostal.
It’s the week prior to municipal election day. We are commanded in scripture to obey governing authorities. Therefore, it’s incumbent on us to vote, to do our part to elect responsible, God-fearing men and women. If you have not voted in the advance polls or online, please do so in person on Monday.
We are not only blessed with Sunday School leadership under Carlie Pierce. We also have a teaching assistant: Peyton Doom. This allows us to have two people in leadership over the kids, which is required in our Leading With Care plan. All good plans need a backup. If you are willing to step in when Peyton cannot be there, we are putting together a list of substitutes. If you are interested, let Pastor Andy know.
The Sanctuary Course continues Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s. The discussion guide for week 6 is attached to this email.
SCRIPTURES THIS WEEK – Isaiah 43:1 and 1 Peter 1:13-21
MESSAGE – “I’ve been redeemed” by Tim Richards
SUNDAY WORSHIP IN PERSON – 10:30 a.m.
SUNDAY WORSHIP ONLINE – watch 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
- Continue to pray for Shirley Hawkins’ niece Lisa Babcock, who suffered a brain bleed and was hospitalized for 12 weeks. Thankfully, she has been discharged and is recovering at Parkwood in London.
- Pray for the canners. Conagra has announced that the plant will close in 2027 if a buyer cannot be found. Pray that negotiations with Highbury Canco or others will bear fruit.
- Pray for farmers, who are continuing to deal with significant increases in the costs of fuel, fertilizer, parts and other inputs. Pray thanks that prices for soybeans, corn and wheat have risen to some degree.
CONTINUE TO PRAY
- Loss of loved ones
- Healing and strength – Francis and Joan Allaert, Bill Clark, Pam Cornell, Peyton Doom, 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.
- Angel and Mary Lopez, leaders of the Spanish language ministry
- Lambton Kent Composite School
- Guides of Dresden, who we host in Rutherford Hall during the school year.
EVENTS
Everything that’s scheduled at church appears on our new online calendar on the website.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SHOE BOX DONATIONS** – Due Sunday November 15th. Do NOT include liquids, candy, food, seeds, war related items or bar soap. If you don’t wish to do a whole shoebox, bring a few items into the church for a box collection. Collection box available for monetary donations towards a shoebox. Be sure to include a fun item!
*SAVE THE DATE* Saturday, November 7th – Roast Beef Dinner
Looking for unique, new, crafted or baked items to include for bidding during the auction.
Any questions, please see anyone in the fundraising committee. Additional details located on the website.
CHURCH WIFI:
Network: StAndrews
Password: StAndrews2015