Announcements
Message from the Bishop
In the light of the gradual “re-opening” of the province, Archbishop Greg released a letter on transition planning. “Not yet” is the primary message. You can read the full letter here: https://www.calgary.anglican.ca/news/the-archbishops-letter-on-transition-planning
Stewardship Update
Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support for our church. St. Andrew’s is currently financially okay with donations to end of March, 2020 essentially the same as 2019. The church rentals have dropped right off as the church is closed, but revenue from the use of the parking lot is continuing. Similar to other parishes in the Diocese, we have reviewed our operating costs, made adjustments to cleaning and maintenance, and our costs for music are substantially reduced. As well, we are receiving the Diocesan grants that were applied for last year. The Diocesan Treasurer has indicated that they are working with other Dioceses and with the Federal Government to determine if any of the Federal programs apply to us.
We recognise that many people are in difficult situations and we hope that those who are laid off or temporarily cut back are able to get some of the government grants or relief packages. If you are having tough times, we completely understand that you may not be able to support the church in these trying times.
If you need assistance with anything, please don’t hesitate to contact Christine or the Wardens and we will see what we can do to help.
Noon Prayer Service
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. What started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer.
Join us via Zoom for a short (15-30min) service of prayer at noon DAILY from Ascension (Thurs. May 21) to Pentecost (Sun. May 31). For meeting access check the At a Glance email or contact Christine or Susan Chivers.
The prayer resource we will be using can be downloaded and printed yourself (see link below), or contact the office and we can print it for you, for pick up or delivery. An app should also be available May 21.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/sites/default/files/2019-03/CW%20Daily%20Prayer%20for%20Thy%20Kingdom%20Come_0.pdf
If you would like to host one of the services, please contact Susan (403-247-4011 or chiverss@telus.net) or Christine. Training will be provided.
Church in the time of Covid
With so much disruption, now is a great time to reflect on our theology and practice of church. We had a great discussion last Monday, but we didn’t finish! So you are invited to grab a “happy hour” beer and some snacks and join the conversation on Monday, May 25 at 5:30pm. For meeting access on Zoom, check your At a Glance email or contact Christine.
Webinar on Basic Income: Monday, May 18
Join us for a conversation with John Rook, as we discern if Basic Income is an issue that we want to support. John Rook has a wealth of experience from his leadership at several Calgary non-profits including The Calgary Homeless Foundation, Potential Place, The Alex Community Health Centre, and The Salvation Army Community Services. He is a leading advocate for policy change in Calgary. John is also a board member of Basic Income Canada Network.
Join us:
Monday May 18th at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Please register by clicking here:
The zoom link will be sent to you when you register.
Please share this invitation widely.
Drop In Centre
The Donation/Recycling Centre at 3640 11thA St. N.E. is still open (reduced hours and staff) and is accepting clothing, bottles/cans and furniture (no electronics at this time). It is open Mon.-Fri. , 8:30 to 3:30.
If you have clothing/bottle/can donations but are unable to transport them, Carole and Dave T are able to transport for you.
Covid-19 related Resource information:
Calgary Alliance for the Common Good has created a resource page with information about all the different government announcements. It can be found at: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/resources_to_help_during_covid_19
Donations
Church operations are obviously much different than they were just a few weeks ago, but we’re not closed! We are most grateful for your continued donations. If you normally donate by cheque, you can send it by mail. Pre-authorized debit continues and you can join or make adjustments by contacting John MacKinnon (johnm9@telus.net). We also have an “account” with CanadaHelps you can access here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/129209680RR0001-st-andrews-anglican-church/
Calgary Alliance for the Common Good
CACG is holding training / information webinars every other Thursday evening. Thursday, May 14 @ 7 pm will focus on how we can understand grief and its impacts. How do we care for those who grieve? What wisdom and practices do our different traditions give us? Register here to receive a Zoom link: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/events
Thank you to the Calgary Foundation for their support of our mental health work.
Ministry Opportunity for an organizer!
Adaptive (medical) equipment for homes is needed from time to time by various parishioners. I know there are a number of items “floating around” that people have used following replacement surgeries, for instance. It would be helpful for someone to coordinate a list of such items that could be available as needs arise. Please get in touch with Christine if this is of interest to you! Thanks!
Praying with PWRDF
This is an excellent opportunity for us to make connections during this time of isolation. We can come together by praying with each other from parishes across the county, with PWRDF staff and most importantly with and for our partners.
All the recordings from the past few weeks of prayers can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQP475xxXQAyzjoXtC0ykA
To register for upcoming sessions, please click the following link: https://bit.ly/PWRDFPrayers
Did You Know…?
We have copies of the personal devotions “Our Daily Bread” at the church for May and also for June through to August. They can be picked up in the narthex if you’re at the church or we can drop one in the mail for you if you contact us!
Help Needed
We have parishioners in need of accommodation. If you know of an available home for rent, please contact Christine.
