Good morning!
Though life has its ups and downs, Advent teaches us to find joy in the hope and peace that Christ brings. May this season fill our hearts with joy and inspire us to let that joy shine through the way we live and love one another.
Advent Study every Mondays at 6PM: Led by Curt and Nichola, we will have an advent study reading “Calling All Angels” by Erin Wathen, every Mondays at 6 PM.
Advent Poinsettias: The poinsettias arrived last Thursday. Order forms are available until Monday, December 16. Reserve your poinsettias today for just $20/plant and fill out the order form available in the church or call the office. A memorial dedication will be posted in the Advent 4 bulletin.
Christmas Tree Decorations: The ornaments on the Sanctuary Christmas tree have been donated, over the year, by members of the congregation. This is a joyful remembrance of all those who have worshipped here, both past and present. Any new worshippers are encouraged to donate an ornament and write their family name on it.
Labyrinth Café, every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Labyrinth Café. It will pause for a month and resume on January 17th. See you then!
Inn from the Cold: St. Giles has been supporting the Inn as once per month dinner service volunteers for the past two years. We have made a commitment to continue in this role for 2025. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please speak with Susan Carmichael or contact the church office for more information. The 2025 schedule will be made up in the next few weeks and we would love to include you if you are interested.
Bake Sale Results: Thank you to everyone who so generously supported the Cozy Christmas Basket and Bake Sale with donations of items for the baskets, delicious baking, and the many volunteers for the offering of their time and talents. Also, thanks to you, our enthusiastic shoppers, a total of just over $1600 was received.
Members Portal Registration: Our new website is now live! We encourage all members to sign up on the Members Portal. If you experience any issues during the sign-up process, please contact the office or reach out to Kelly Martin for assistance. Link: https://stgiles.ca/membership-join/membership-registration/
Conversational Check In: Our minister, Chandra, will be hosting a conversation in the park room after the service on Sunday, Dec. 29th, from 11:30 until 12:15 designed for you to bring any concerns, joys, ideas or offerings of help with the ways the church is growing. This is your chance to offer her a 6 month ‘check in’ on how you feel things are going, and what you would like to see in the next 6 months. It is also a chance to offer her your support or suggestions for next steps as we walk our journey together into a thriving church.
AFTERNOON SERVICES: For those who are unable to attend morning services, there is an afternoon study and prayer at 1:30PM every Sunday at St. Giles led by Rev. Chandra.
December 15th, Third Sunday of Advent – This Sunday we are led in worship by Chandra, our minister, and by our St. Giles choir led by Michael. This week’s Bible reading is from Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 1:18-25. In these passages, we see the themes of joy, and peace and God’s faithfulness unfolding in different ways. As we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, let us live with hearts of gratitude, peace, and trust, just as Joseph did.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
Here is the link to our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saintgilespresbyterian/
And Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/stgilescalgary
May this week be filled with joy and blessings for you and your family.
Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church