February 16, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: Rooted in Faith

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
ROOTED IN FAITH
FEBRUARY 16, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us for a journey into being deeply rooted in faith, reflected through uplifting hymns, heartfelt prayers, and an inspiring sermon 'Insights into the Kingdom of God.' Embrace the beauty of hymns 'Father, We Praise Thee' and 'Seek Ye First,' and be moved by Arvo Pärt's 'The Beatitudes.'

🕊️ Be Part of Our Worship Community: Experience the peace and joy of coming together in God's presence. Whether you're seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a moment of tranquility, our service welcomes all.

At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the Lord:
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
   and make mere flesh their strength,
   whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
They shall be like a shrub in the desert,
   and shall not see when relief comes.
They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
   in an uninhabited salt land.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
   whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
   sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
   and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
   and it does not cease to bear fruit.

The heart is devious above all else;
   it is perverse—
   who can understand it?
I the Lord test the mind
   and search the heart,
to give to all according to their ways,
   according to the fruit of their doings.

Luke 6:17-26
Jesus Teaches and Heals

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Blessings and Woes

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
   for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
   for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
   for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
   for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
   for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
   for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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February 9, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: A Call to Serve

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
A CALL TO SERVE
FEBRUARY 9, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us for a profound Sunday Worship Service as we reflect on Jesus' ministry and the miraculous calling of his first disciples. The service will feature soul-stirring hymns, heartfelt prayers, and an inspiring sermon titled "You don't have to be perfect to serve". Highlights include beautiful music by St. Andrew's Ringers, engaging hymns and a special time for children.

🕊️ Be Part of Our Worship Community: Experience the peace and joy of coming together in God's presence. Whether you're seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a moment of tranquility, our service welcomes all.

At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Luke 5:1-11
Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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February 2, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: Candlemas

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
CANDLEMAS
FEBRUARY 2, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us for a meaningful Sunday Worship Service on Candlemas, featuring soul-enriching hymns, reflective prayers, and an inspiring message of hope from Rev. Heather Paton. Highlights include music by The Choir of St. Andrew's, uplifting hymns such as "You that know the Lord is gracious" and "We are one in the Spirit," an engaging time for children, spiritual reflections through scripture readings and prayers, and a thought-provoking sermon titled "Hope is Complicated."

Be Part of Our Worship Community. Experience the peace and joy of coming together in God's presence. Whether you're seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a moment of tranquility, our service welcomes all.

At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Luke 2:22-40
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Romans 12:9-18
Marks of the True Christian

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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January 26, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: Anointed to Proclaim

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
ANOINTED TO PROCLAIM
JANUARY 26, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us for an inspiring Sunday Worship Service filled with beautiful hymns, heartfelt prayers, and a message of fairness and hope from Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock.

Highlights of the Service:

• Soul-stirring music by The Choir of St. Andrew's, directed by Matthew Larkin, FRCCO.
• Uplifting hymns including "Christ, you call us all to service" and "Will you come and follow me."
• Engaging time for children with Rev. Heather Paton.
• Spiritual reflection through scripture readings and prayers.
• Thought-provoking sermon on fairness and unfairness by Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock.

Be Part of Our Worship Community: Experience the peace and joy of coming together in God's presence. Whether you're seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a moment of tranquility, our service welcomes all.

At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 4:14-21
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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January 19, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: Jesus in the Wilderness

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS
JANUARY 19, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us for our Sunday Worship Service as we reflect on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit and the steadfast love of God through inspiring hymns, prayers, and a thought-provoking sermon by Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock on what tempts us most.

At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 4:1-13
The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“Worship the Lord your God,    and serve only him.” ’

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you,
   to protect you”,
and
“On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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January 12, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: Baptism of the Lord

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
JANUARY 12, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us on January 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM for a transformative worship experience featuring the St. Andrew's Ringers bell choir. Reflect on the Baptism of the Lord and the powerful symbols of the Holy Spirit: wind, fire, water, and a dove. Discover spiritual renewal and inspiration through Luke's gospel.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

The Baptism of Jesus

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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January 5, 2025 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service: 2nd Sunday after Christmas — Epiphany

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY
JANUARY 5, 2025 — 10:30 AM

Join us at St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa on January 5, 2025, for a special Epiphany Sunday Worship Service. Reflect on God's promise from Isaiah 43:16-21, 'Behold, I am doing a new thing!' Celebrate the journey of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12, and contemplate what we follow in our search for hope. Let's worship together in-person and online!

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 43:16-21
Restoration and Protection Promised

Thus says the Lord,
   who makes a way in the sea,
   a path in the mighty waters,
who brings out chariot and horse,
   army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
   they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
Do not remember the former things,
   or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
   now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
   and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honour me,
   the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
   rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
   the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.

Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Wise Men

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
   who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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December 29, 2024 | St. Andrew's Church, Ottawa | Sunday Worship Service after Christmas

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 29, 2024 — 10:30 AM

Celebrate with us as we come into God's presence, sing carols, and share in the joy and reflection of this sacred season. We are especially delighted to welcome Rev. Paul Wu from St. Giles Church, joining us as part of a pulpit swap with other downtown Presbyterian churches. Let us gather together to embrace the spirit of unity and fellowship as we listen to his inspiring sermon, "Growing Pain." Enjoy a morning of worship, prayer, and community as we honor the birth of our Savior. We look forward to sharing this meaningful time with you!

SCRIPTURE READINGS

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
The Child Samuel at Shiloh

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, ‘May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord’; and then they would return to their home.

Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and with the people.

Luke 2:41-52
The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour.

ONLINE DONATIONS

https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

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December 22, 2024 | SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE | 10:30AM | ADVENT FOUR

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new

ONLINE DONATIONS: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.

_________________
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
ADVENT FOUR
DECEMBER 22, 2024 — 10:30 AM

Scripture Readings:

Matthew 1:18-24

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,

Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s Song of Praise

And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
   to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

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December 15, 2024 | SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE | 10:30AM | ADVENT THREE

At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.

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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
ADVENT THREE
DECEMBER 15, 2024 — 10:30 AM

Scripture Readings:

Luke 3:1-16

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled,

and every mountain and hill shall be made low,

and the crooked shall be made straight,

and the rough ways made smooth;

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’

And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Isaiah 58:9-12

The Rewards of Godliness

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
   you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

If you remove the yoke from among you,
   the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail.
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in.

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