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 15^th, 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

Christmas Day is near, and many of us are busy planning and rushing to finish everything in time. However, the 2nd Sunday of Advent reminds us to pause and make room for God’s peace in the midst of our busyness. Just like hearing the beautiful Christmas carols during the Labyrinth Café last Friday, I found a moment of calm in the middle of a hectic day. The joyful music brought me back to the true meaning of Christmas— God’s gift of peace through Jesus.

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.

Coffee and Presentation with Canada Connects, Sunday at 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM:Grab a coffee/goodie after the service and join us in the Park Room for a presentation by invited guest speakers from Canada Connects. The Canada Connects program introduces Government-supported refugees to Canadian volunteers who help newcomers adjust to living in Calgary.

BunchaDivas Concert for St. Giles! – Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 PM: Experience the festive magic of live a cappella with Buncha Divas as they sing holiday favorites! Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for 12 years old and under. Please check the bulletin board or go to Eventbrite for more information.

Advent Study Time Change – This Week Only: Led by Curt and Nichola, the Advent Study will meet this Monday, Dec 9th at 5:30 PM (instead of 7PM) to support the BunchaDivas concert.

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.

Labyrinth Café, every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Thank you, Janet, Jim, and Susan W., for leading us in carol singing last Friday. December 13 will be the last café until January 10th.

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.

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 8^th, Second 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 are from Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 5:1-10, and Luke 1:26-45. These readings encourage us to trust in God’s plans, even when they seem beyond our understanding, and to respond with faith and humility. Just as Mary embraced her calling and Jesus fulfilled His mission with love, we too are invited to participate in God’s purpose, sharing His peace and hope with the world.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:

He shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth, and he shall be the one of peace.        

(Micah 5:4-5a)

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 peace and blessings for you and your family.

Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church

Good morning!

The 1st Sunday of Advent reminds us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus with hope and expectation. Just as we get ready for special moments in life, we are called to slow down, reflect, and make space for God’s presence. Let this season inspire us to live each day with faith, kindness, and a heart ready to welcome His light.

A heartfelt thank you to Janet, Jim, Trish, Merle, and Pearl for beautifully decorating the tree and making our church feel festive and warm—your time and efforts are truly appreciated!

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.

Message from Wayne:  Thank you so much for all the prayers, well wishes, and support from the congregation during my surgery and recovery. Your kindness has been a source of my strength, and I am blessed to be part of a caring community.

Cozy Christmas Basket and Bake Sale Today, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM:  Plan on staying after the Sunday service to purchase homemade baking, sandwiches and beautiful gift baskets! Donations of baking are needed! You can drop off your baked contributions before the service today, December 1st.

Jazz Vespers, Tonight, December 1 at 4PM:  Get ready to swing into the holiday season with “Festive Jazz,” an exciting evening of jazzy renditions of classic holiday tunes. Eggnog, Cranberry juice, and Fruit Cake will be available afterwards to celebrate festive cheer in the narthex. Join us for an unforgettable night with your family and friends!

Advent Study Group starting on Monday, December 2 at 7PM: Led by Curt and Nichola, we will have an advent study reading “Calling All Angels” by Erin Wathen, every Mondays at 7PM for four weeks, here at St. Giles. Get your free book from the office!

CKPC First Nation Fundraiser Orchestra Concert, Saturday December 7 at 6 PM: Please refer to the Narthex bulletin board for more information.

Sunday, December 8th – 11:15 AM-12:15 PM:  Grab a coffee/goodie after the service and join us in the Park Room for a presentation by invited guest speakers from Canada Connects. The Canada Connects program introduces Government-supported refugees to Canadian volunteers who help newcomers adjust to living in Calgary.

BunchaDivas Concert for St. Giles! – Monday, December 9 at 7 PM: Experience the festive magic of live  a cappella with Buncha Divas as they sing holiday favorites! Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for 12 years old and under. Please check the bulletin board or go to Eventbrite for more information.

Labyrinth Café, every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Invite your friends to the Labyrinth Café between 10:30-12:30 to join in a fun time of singing Christmas Carols on Dec 6th.

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.

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 1^st, First 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 are from Malachi 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, and Luke 1:5-24. These passages call us to trust in God’s perfect timing, to grow in love for one another, and to allow His refining work to shape our hearts. By doing so, we can prepare ourselves to receive Him with hope, faith, and a renewed spirit.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. 
Malachi 3:1a)

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 hope and blessings for you and your family.

Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church