Page 24 - Presbyterian Connection

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PRESBYTERIAN
SUMMER 2023
presbyterian.ca
Connection
GATHERINGS
The congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Orillia, Ont., is de- lighted to welcome the Rev. Shelly Chandler as the new Lead Minister (pic- tured above). She joined in the fall of 2022 and has done a wonderful job uplifting the congregation, both spiritually and in day-to-day lives. The con- gregation would also like to warmly acknowledge Barry Doyle who recently stepped down after 10+ years as Clerk of Session. He has been a tireless lead- er in the church community for many years! As a result, the congregation is equally pleased to announce that Sheila Thomson, a multi-generational member of St. Andrew’s, has taken up the reins as the new Clerk of Session and they wish her much success in her new role.
The Service Club of Knox Presbyterian Church in Walkerton, Ont., recently celebrated their 80th anniversary. Formed in February 1943 with the purpose of engaging and supporting the younger women of the church, and also to be of service to the congregation, the Service Club continues today, preparing meals and supporting missions and projects.
The Rev. Bob Garvin celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination on May 10, 2023. We thank God for Bob’s faithful ministry at Haney Presbyterian Church in Maple Ridge, B.C., and the wider church. His deep love for God and God’s people is noteworthy. Thank you, Bob! God bless you and your work among us.
The Church of the Redeemer in Deseronto, Ont., held a special Joining Sunday on Feb. 19. The Rev. Kleinsteuber welcomed into the congregation 18 individuals who had become members of the church either by transfer or profession of faith. It was a very special Sunday in the life of this church. Each new member received a gift from the congregation. The service was followed by a lovely fellowship hour.
The members and adherents of Saint Columba Presbyterian Church in Saint John, N.B., dedicated a stained-glass window to the Glory of God and in lov- ing memory of the Rev. Gordon Blackwell and his wife, Hazel Blackwell. The window recognizes the 44 years of faithful service they gave to Saint Columba and the ministry of Christ.
During the question session at our annual meeting at Runnymede Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ont., a small hand was raised. The seven-year-old wondered whether the church could do something to clean up all the garbage in our neighbourhood. In the appropriate Presbyterian way, the request was moved, seconded, adopted and referred to the Board for implementation of this little girl’s idea. The result was that the church joined the Clean Toronto Together campaign, which coincided with Earth Day. Social media and local advertising drew members of the congregation and neighbourhood to participate in a pleasant afternoon’s work, picking up debris for blocks around the church. Many neighbours approached the teams to say hello and to express appreciation for the work they were doing.