Good morning!

We often hear the phrase “have faith like a child.” But what is it in a single word? “Trusting”. Trusting that God is present in every moment. Even when situations become challenging, we can trust that His love never fails and that He will carry us through. By relying on His power, we find peace and solace in knowing that we are never alone.

Jazz Vespers, TODAY at 4 PM: Join us today for a jazz performance combined with meditations on how time impacts our spiritual journey. Allow the music and message inspire you to pause, contemplate, and cherish the moments that are genuinely meaningful. Doors open at 3:30 PM, with the concert starting at 4 PM. 

The Labyrinth Café @ St. Giles – Every Friday,10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Live music on Friday, Oct. 25. Come support our St. Giles musicians! Invite your friends.

Food Bank: Food Bank donation boxes will be available at St. Giles for the month of October. If you wish to donate through your offering, please specify the amount for the Food Bank.

Prayer and Share – every Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:30 PM: We invite you to connect with God quietly, away from the crowds. Find a peaceful place to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Share your wisdom. Led by Ann Frost, there will be a gentle rhythm of time in the labyrinth, time in the sanctuary, time alone, and time together to pray.  You are welcome to come to some or all of this time each week to be in the Spirit!

“Conversations with Grief” with Jennifer Hauck, every Friday 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Starting on October 18 until November 22, and open to anyone with old or new grief.  All kinds of grief will be welcome, including normal, complicated, delayed, chronic, secondary, disenfranchised, collective and traumatic grief.  This is an opportunity to walk together through our own grief, or supporting others who are grieving.

St. Giles Orchestra Concert, Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 PM: Please join us for the inaugural orchestral event, featuring the coming together of professional musicians to perform Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 on the week of Reformation Sunday.  Tickets are limited and only $35 for members and adherents, and $45 for everyone else… please order early at the office of St. Giles (403-289-6862, or [email protected]).

Bible Study with Denis Mascardelli, every Wednesday at 10:15 AM:  Led by Denis Mascardelli, the study this year is about Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonian church, sometimes referred to as the eschatological letters of Paul, though there is much besides eschatology (the doctrine of last things). No homework is required, just bring a Bible and participate in the discussions as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Bible Study –every Thursday at 5:30 PM: The Book of Hebrews offers encouragement in our faith in the face of challenges.  Join Rev. Chandra at 5:30 pm on Thursday in the St. Giles library to delve deeper into scripture and its application to your life in Christ.

Faith Exploration – every Thursday at 7 PM: Do you have questions about scripture or Christian beliefs and how they apply in our daily lives? Gather to discuss various topics, including the hard ones. We invite you to come and share your thoughts every Thursday at 7PM at St. Giles Library.

ESL – every Tuesday at 12:30 PM: Join us in the CKPC library to develop your conversational English skills.  Expand your vocabulary while improving pronunciation engaging in topics around daily life, faith, history and travel.  And classes are free!!

SPECIAL COMMUNION SERVICE – October 10: For all of those who cannot make the Sunday service, or for those who wish to have a time of fellowship Join us for a traditional communion service.  This special service is also a wonderful opportunity to see friends that rarely come to church for various reasons, meet new friends from the neighbourhood who are curious about us, and reconnect with the Pastoral Care Committee who will be serving Lunch

AFTERNOON SERVICES: For those who are unable to attend morning services, there is an afternoon service at 1:30PM every Sunday at CKPC led by Rev. Chandra. Everyone is encouraged to come!

October 6, 20th Sunday after Pentecost – Communion service: Today’s service is led by the St. Giles choir, Wayne, our regular guest music director, and Chandra, our minister. This week’s Bible verses are from Mark 10: 13-16, Hebrews 2:5-12, and Job 2:1-10. Together, these verses show that faith is more than just blessings; it is also about believing God despite adversity, maintaining a childlike spirit, and following Jesus’ example of humility and patience. Even when we experience difficulties, like Job, or feel little and small, like children, we are beloved by God.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.         Hebrews 2: 10-11

You can find our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Saintgilespresbyterian/

May this week be filled with blessings for you and your family!
 

Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church

Good morning!

Sometimes, it may feel like our prayers go unheard, but God is always listening, even when we don’t see the answers right away. Each time we reach out to Him, we show our trust and faith in His plan for our lives. Remember, in every moment of joy or struggle, God is right there with us, ready to hear our hearts.

Bible Study with Denis Mascardelli, every Wednesday at 10:15 AM:  Led by Denis Mascardelli, the study this year is about Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonian church, sometimes referred to as the eschatological letters of Paul, though there is much besides eschatology (the doctrine of last things). No homework is required, just bring a Bible and participate in the discussions as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Prayer and Share – every Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:30 PM: We invite you to connect with God quietly, away from the crowds. Find a peaceful place to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Share your wisdom. Led by Ann Frost, there will be a gentle rhythm of time in the labyrinth, time in the sanctuary, time alone, and time together to pray.  You are welcome to come to some or all of this time each week to be in the Spirit!

Bible Study –every Thursday at 5:30 PM: The Book of Hebrews offers encouragement in our faith in the face of challenges.  Join Rev. Chandra at 5:30 pm on Thursdays in the St. Giles library to delve deeper into scripture and its application to your life in Christ.

Faith Exploration – every Thursday at 7 PM: Do you have questions about scripture or Christian beliefs and how they apply in our daily lives? Gather to discuss various topics, including the hard ones, that will help us understand better our walk through this world. We invite you to come and share your thoughts every Thursday at 7PM. 

The Labyrinth Café @ St. Giles – Every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: 

The Labyrinth Café @ St. Giles welcomes guests to the narthex and back garden (weather permitting) every Friday from 10:30 to 12:30. The purpose of offering a weekly café is twofold:

1.  It opens our doors (and hearts) to help us build relationships with our neighbours in the surrounding community
2. It offers a welcoming meeting place for church members and their friends to have some goodies and a visit. 

Please consider joining this important ministry of hospitality. We will need two hosts for each Friday, as well as donations of homemade goodies. Or even go for a walk in the park and plan a refreshment break at the café!  Speak with Susan Carmichael or contact the church office if you are interested.

Jazz Vespers, Sunday, October 6 at 4 PM: Join us on Sunday, October 6 for a jazz performance combined with meditations on how time impacts our spiritual journey. Allow the music and message inspire you to pause, contemplate, and cherish the moments that are genuinely meaningful. Doors open at 3:30 PM, with the concert starting at 4 PM. 
 

Notice of Photography: There will be posters going up explaining St. Giles’ approach to taking photos and making recordings of services and events.  We want to use them in various forms of media to share the exciting things going on at St. Giles.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with a Session member.

Garage Sale Update: Thank you to everyone who supported the St. Giles Garage Sale on Saturday, September 7th as sellers or buyers, or in many cases both! Our total from the sales was over $2300. dollars! The funds from the Garage Sale and the Picnic in White have been earmarked to offset the cost of the stained-glass window repairs. An additional donation of $500. was also received on the Garage Sale Day for the stained-glass window repairs.

Food Bank: Food Bank donation boxes will be available at St. Giles for the month of October. If you wish to donate through your offering, please specify the amount for the Food Bank.

ESL – every Tuesday at 12:30 PM: Join us in the CKPC library to develop your conversational English skills.  Expand your vocabulary while improving pronunciation engaging in topics around daily life, faith, history and travel.  And classes are free!!

September 30 Free Presbytery Workshop at St. Andrews with the 2024 General Assembly Moderator: “Narrative of Hopes” for renewal, transformation and vitality. For more details, please check the bulletin in the narthex.

COMMUNION SERVICE – October 6: On Sunday, October 6, at 10AM, we will have communion service. It’s a time for everyone to come together and share the bread and wine. All are invited to join us for this meaningful occasion.

SPECIAL COMMUNION SERVICE – October 10: For all of those who cannot make the Sunday service, or for those who wish to have a time of fellowship Join us for a traditional communion service.  This special service is also a wonderful opportunity to see friends that rarely come to church for various reasons, meet new friends from the neighbourhood who are curious about us, and reconnect with the Pastoral Care Committee who will be serving Lunch

AFTERNOON SERVICES: For those who are unable to attend morning services, there is an afternoon service at 1:30PM every Sunday at CKPC led by Rev. Chandra. Everyone is encouraged to come!

September 29, 18^th Sunday after Pentecost: Today we are led in worship by our St. Giles choir, Esther, music director, and Chandra our minister. This week’s Bible verses are from Zechariah 8: 16-17, Mark 9: 38-50, and James 5: 13-20. God calls us to live with honesty and justice, to guard our hearts against sin, and to pray for one another. True faith is revealed through righteous actions, loving others, and consistently seeking God’s presence in every circumstance.”

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. 
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.                                                              
James 5:16

You can find our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Saintgilespresbyterian/

May this week be filled with peace and love for you and your family!

Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church

Good morning!

Starting the day with humility means recognizing that we need help and that everyone around us matters. Before we begin, we can take a moment to thank God for the day ahead and ask for His guidance in serving others. By being open and kind, we set a positive tone for our day and create a space for joy and connection.

ESL – every Tuesday at 12:30 PM: Join us in the CKPC library to develop your conversational English skills.  Expand your vocabulary while improving pronunciation engaging in topics around daily life, faith, history and travel.  And classes are free!!

Bible Study with Denis Mascardelli, every Wednesday at 10 AM:  Led by Denis Mascardelli, the study this year is about Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonian church, sometimes referred to as the eschatological letters of Paul, though there is much besides eschatology (the doctrine of last things). No homework is required, just bring a Bible and participate in the discussions as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Prayer and Share – every Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:30 PM: We invite you to connect with God quietly, away from the crowds. Find a peaceful place to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Share your wisdom. Led by Ann Frost, there will be a gentle rhythm of time in the labyrinth, time in the sanctuary, time alone, and time together to pray.  You are welcome to come to some or all of this time each week to be in the Spirit!

Bible Study –every Thursday at 5:30 PM: The Book of Hebrews offers encouragement in our faith in the face of challenges.  Join Rev. Chandra at 5:30 pm on Thursdays in the St. Giles library to delve deeper into scripture and its application to your life in Christ.

Faith Exploration – every Thursday at 7 PM: Do you have questions about scripture or Christian beliefs and how they apply in our daily lives? Gather to discuss various topics, including the hard ones, that will help us understand better our walk through this world. We invite you to come and share your thoughts every Thursday at 7PM. 

The Labyrinth Café @ St. Giles – Every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: 

The Labyrinth Café @ St. Giles welcomes guests to the narthex and back garden (weather permitting) every Friday from 10:30 to 12:30. The purpose of offering a weekly café is twofold:

1.  It opens our doors (and hearts) to help us build relationships with our neighbours in the surrounding community
2. It offers a welcoming meeting place for church members and their friends to have some goodies and a visit. 

Please consider joining this important ministry of hospitality. We will need two hosts for each Friday, as well as donations of homemade goodies. Or even go for a walk in the park and plan a refreshment break at the café!  Speak with Susan Carmichael or contact the church office if you are interested.

Jazz Vespers, Sunday, October 6 at 4 PM: Join us on Sunday, October 6 for a jazz performance combined with meditations on how time impacts our spiritual journey. Allow the music and message inspire you to pause, contemplate, and cherish the moments that are genuinely meaningful. Doors open at 3:30 PM, with the concert starting at 4 PM.  

Indigenous Friendship Day – Saturday, September 28: There will be a cross-cultural educational event held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church that will include listening stations to hear traditional Indigenous stories and songs, craft centers, drumming experiences, art displays, a Tee-Pee, participation by all in a Circle Dance, and shared traditional Indigenous food (offered free).  We encourage people from all Presbyterian churches in Calgary to come and learn about their neighbours and celebrate unity.  

September 30 Free Presbytery Workshop at St. Andrews with the 2024 General Assembly Moderator: “Narrative of Hopes” for renewal, transformation and vitality. For more details, please check the bulletin in the narthex.

Notice of Photography: There will be posters going up explaining St. Giles’ approach to taking photos and making recordings of services and events.  We want to use them in various forms of media to share the exciting things going on at St. Giles.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with a Session member.

Garage Sale Update: Thank you to everyone who supported the St. Giles Garage Sale on Saturday, September 7th as sellers or buyers, or in many cases both! Rev. Chandra graciously offered to host an additional garage sale day with the remaining items this past Saturday. Our initial total from the first day of sales was just under $1700. dollars! A final total will be coming soon. The funds from the Garage Sale and the Picnic in White have been earmarked to offset the cost of the stained-glass window repairs. An additional donation of $500. was also received on the Garage Sale Day for the stained-glass window repairs.

AFTERNOON SERVICES: For those who are unable to attend morning services, there is an afternoon service at 1:30PM every Sunday at CKPC led by Rev. Chandra. Everyone is encouraged to come!

September 22, 18^th Sunday after Pentecost: Today we are led in worship by our St. Giles choir, Chandra our minister. and Wayne Hubbard, our guest organist and pianist. This week’s Bible verses are from Jeremiah 11: 18-20, Mark 9: 30-37, and James 4: various verses. These passages invite us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God, our definition of greatness, and motivations behind our actions. As we strive to embody humility and service, let us remember that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God and a heart that loves and serves others. 

WEEKLY QUOTE: 
“For the last three years, my job has been going to church. I hung out with brand-name Christians – Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Congregationalists and Episcopalians- observing, and paying attention to what is happening in their often-ignored churches. I set off to find some like-minded pilgrims, hoping to discover a different kind of Christianity – a Christianity for the rest of us, by listening to real people in the pews…In the many stories of the churchgoers that I interviewed, I witnessed the same spiritual triad: connection to tradition, commitment to Christian practices, and concern to live God’s dream. Together, tradition, practice, and wisdom embody the Christian life. My journey may be over, but the labyrinth’s path reminds me that pilgrimages never really end. Ends are only new beginnings. 
“Diana Butler Bass (2006. Pg. 2 and 284) – Christianity For the Rest of Us 

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION: 
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”                                                                                               -James 4: 4, 7

You can find our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Saintgilespresbyterian/

May this week be filled with love and peace for you and your family!
 

Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church