Page 28 - Presbyterian Connection

Connection
GATHERINGS
Baptism and Membership Sunday took place on Nov. 20, 2022, at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ont. Our first official Membership Sunday, since Covid, was a hybrid event, where we welcomed and baptized new members in person and online to accommodate our new members who have joined us virtually and reside in Calgary and Montreal. This unique service gives rise to the question of what membership means when folks are unable to join us in person. We, at Armour Heights, provide regular opportunities online for folks to gather, discuss, share fellowship and grow in their faith.
Three adults were baptized on Nov. 27, 2022, at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ont. They are part of a group of 12 refugee claimants from Iran who have converted to Christianity and were baptized in 2022. To ensure that our new members are included fully in the vibrant life and fellowship of the congregation, our Sunday worship bulletins are translated into Farsi. The Rev. Harris Athanasiadis also holds sessions with the group to hear their stories, and he shares aspects of their journeys with the wider congregation. The Iranian Christian community is one of our most significant growth areas at Armour Heights.
The Christmas Bazaar at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newmarket, Ont., was a huge success this year. Coming out of a pandemic, we initially had no idea what to expect, but our amazingly dedicated group of volunteers came together and, in only a few short months, made this event a hit. The bazaar offered baked goods, knitted items, jewelry, seasonal items, a cookie café and more for shop- pers. The day was filled with smiles, laughter and together- ness. We all felt so blessed to be able to provide this community event, while financially helping our church at the same time, raising approximately $5,300!
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PRESBYTERIAN
SPRING 2023
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