Moderator calls for prayer

As the fires rage in British Columbia, the moderator, the Rev. Peter Bush, invites the people of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to pray.

God of mercy,

We pray for the people of the British Columbia interior impacted by these fires—Williams Lake, Cache Creek, Ashcroft Indian Reserve, 100 Mile House—and other places impacted but whose names we do not know.

In mercy, look down upon those who have lost property, we cannot imagine what it is to lose everything in a fire.

In mercy, look down upon those who have left everything behind and do not know if they will have anything to return to, we cannot imagine what that feels like.

In mercy, look down upon those who are driving out through smoke and danger.

We pray for firefighters—we are astounded by their courage, their skill, and their stamina. Keep them safe in extraordinarily dangerous situations. Be with their family and friends, who support them and worry about them.

We pray government officials and emergency planners that they would have wisdom, patience, and calm while all around them there is chaos and uncertainty.

We thank you for communities like Prince George and Kamloops and others that are welcoming evacuees from the fire, give the leaders and citizens of these communities caring hearts, welcoming smiles, and good spirits to show hospitality to the thousands who are arriving on their doorsteps.

God of the weather, we ask for rain with no lightning and cooler weather with no wind.

We bring before you all those connected with the Presbyterian Church’s Cariboo Ministry who are impacted by this fire, and all those Presbyterians who may have the opportunity to show hospitality—let them know that they are loved and prayed for by your church.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

—The Rev. Peter Bush, Moderator of the 143rd General Assembly

For updates from Rev. Shannon Bell-Wyminga (Cariboo Region), visit presbyterian.ca.

As wildfires remain active in British Columbia, please pray for affected communities and first responders. Donations may be made to PWS&D in support of physical and emotional recovery for those impacted by the fires. Mail a cheque to the office, give through your church, donate online, or call 1-800-619-7301. Please mark donations for “BC Fires.” Learn more at WeRespond.ca/bc-wildfires.

 

Celebrating St. Andrew's Christian Education Ministry

 “Yes, I want to help people through our church’s Christian Education Ministry”

On June 18, you will be invited to celebrate and give thanks for Christian Education Ministry, a vital aspect of worship and community at our Church, by making a special financial offering that will go directly towards this Ministry’s operating costs.

At St. Andrew's, we are blessed with an outstanding Sunday School, Confirmation Program, and interesting and inspiring studies for adults and children alike. We are also blessed with our Wednesday evening studies, congregational retreats, and Lunch and Learns. The list goes on! In 2017, this ministry is supported by a budget of $11, 250, gifts countless volunteer hours, and the dedicated efforts of Huda and Maureen.

Here’s something new. You can give your gift today or on any day using your mobile device, tablet or home computer to make this gift by visiting our church’s giving page on CanadaHelps.org

Your financial gift would make such a big difference in the life of our community, which is why you are invited to prayerfully consider this opportunity to help people through our Church’s Christian Education Ministry.

PCC Urges Prime Minister to Respond to Crisis in South Sudan

From the PCC website: 

The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Anglican Church of Canada and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops have written a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, requesting more aid and attention to the famine situation and human rights violations happening in South Sudan.

The churches hope the Prime Minister will bring additional support to the United Nations mission in South Sudan, more humanitarian assistance and will assist in restoring the rule of law and protecting human rights. As well, the letter asks that the Prime Minister work diligently with Canadian businesses both at home and abroad, as well as with the international community, to prevent weapons and other military-grade material from reaching South Sudan.

“Mr. Prime Minister, if the violence continues unabated, the ethnic tribes in South Sudan risk becoming further alienated from one another, making the governing of this young country more difficult and complex when eventually there is a cessation to the violence. The deep social scars which will inevitably follow this civil war could put South Sudan into a perpetual state of volatility with the outbreak of further societal ills ever present. We already witness this tragic state of affairs in other regions of the world. The international community cannot allow this to be repeated in South Sudan."

Download the full letter – English

Learn more about The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s work in South Sudan through Presbyterian World Service & Development and make a donation

Praying for Egypt in the wake of terror

prayersforegypt.jpg

The PCC is mourning the tragedy that took place in Egypt after two churches were bombed during Palm Sunday worship services. The terror attacks led to the deaths of at least 44 people, with over 100 injured. Please pray for healing and peace.

Reflection from the Moderator

“We had prayers in church this Sunday for the Christians in Egypt, where terrorist bombs took the life of dozens of Palm Sunday worshippers. Coptic Pope Tawadros II was very nearly a victim of one of the blasts. Just a few weeks ago, my son Jacob and I attended a service of worship in Jerusalem, at the Holy Sepulchre, at which Pope Tawadros presided. Two weeks from now, I’ll be speaking at Markham Arabic Presbyterian Church, many of whose members are Egyptian Christians, as are those at Almanarah Presbyterian, where I was so warmly welcomed earlier this year.

“These tragedies in Egypt may seem far away, but we are united with these brothers and sisters in Christ. Please remember to pray for them, and for all Christians this Holy Week, particularly for those in lands where to be a Christian is a dangerous thing.”

—The Rev. Douglas H. Rollwage, Moderator of the 142nd General Assembly

From the Presbyterian Church in Canada

Online Study - The Screwtape Letters

Join us through the Lenten Season as we explore C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. We will look at this book both as a daily Lenten devotional, accompanied by relevant Scripture passages, for each of us to read, reflect and pray over as part of your journey to Easter and as a group discussion where we can share reflections, thoughts, and ideas about the themes and issues raised in the book. In this way we get the best of both personal and community reflection to feed us through Lent. The book is available free on the www.gutenberg.ca website; search for the title.

Add your name below for information on logging in to be part of the discussion.

 

 

CCJC's The Empathy Project on 100 Huntley Street

Uploaded by 100huntley on 2017-02-17.

Since 2014 CCJC has been working collaboratively with providers in a variety of institutional locations across Canada’s prison system to deliver a victim-impact program to inmates. This Empathy Project has been implemented in 7 institutions and there is a waiting list for the program.

Rebecca B. was recently interviewed on 100 Huntley Street to talk about the CCJC and the Empathy Project. Rebecca says, "While the CCJC is an ecumenical organization that brings together 11 denominations, but these are mainline, traditional Christian denominations - we are really breaking new ground in reaching out to the evangelical audience of this particular show."