Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Hello everyone,

On Sunday we celebrated!  The candle of joy during Advent is the time to dance and sing as we recognize what God is doing in the world.  The theme for the service on Sunday was ‘enough’.  There is enough love and care and compassion to go around.  There is great joy in recognizing when we have enough.  And there is great joy in working to ensure all people in our community and around the world have enough.

Let’s continue that theme of celebration and joy this week in all we do – actually today let’s celebrate the staff of St. Andrew’s.  On Thursday, the staff is gathered for a Christmas luncheon provided in part by the Human Resources committee and in part as a Christmas potluck.  I’m not sure people realize how hard it is to work in a church.  The tasks are demanding and sometimes our heads are just spinning.   Sometimes as well, we take it out on each other – because we are human.   So, times of celebration and thanks are necessary.  Please join me today in doing just that -  in no particular order let’s celebrate these people:

James Sprung has served the church for 13 years as our Head Custodian.  James is resigning early in the New Year, and we will celebrate that more fully later but one of the things that James does incredibly well and takes great pride in, is the quality of the polished floors in the church.  James is a master at this and his clean and bright floors have been deeply appreciated over the years.  Thank you James

Geordie Given has been the Lead Hand reporting to the Head Custodian for over a year now.  Geordie is recognized by all as a hard worker, and someone who wants to do a good job.  As such, he is an inspiration to others, and we thank Geordie for that hard work.

Mike Leblanc works nights and weekends at the church as the ever roaming watch person.  He loves to chat with people and gives a warm welcome to congregational members and groups utilizing the church facilities. Thank you, Mike!

Mike Nash continues to do the odd evening shift for us and also helps James with some of the administrative work particularly around fire safety.  Mike’s wealth of knowledge is deeply appreciated.

Kim Clifton is one of our part time cleaners often coming in on a Friday to help out. Kim has a pleasant personality and is a joy to talk to.  She works diligently and cares deeply for the church. Thank you, Kim.

Mel Seguin is our intrepid office co-ordinator.  She has a thousand things going on in her head all at the same time, but always has a smile when someone comes into the office.  Mel is good with people and those gifts are deeply appreciated.

Andrew Hight heads up our Family Ministry and is loved  by children and parents alike. Andrew gives of himself freely to the tasks at hand, is very creative and loves his work. Thank you, Andrew.

Wendy Paterson does more work than anyone will ever know. Quietly, behind the scenes she cares for people deliberately and beautifully. Those who have experienced her notes, or phone calls or visits know her to have a beautiful heart.

Gord Burnett loves music. He loves to sing and he loves to direct choirs – both voice choirs and bell choirs.  His enthusiasm is contagious and he is a very real asset to the music ministry. You are appreciated Gord.

Ann-Marie MacDairmid is diligent, incredibly hard working, a phenomenal musician and a joy to work with.  Her commitment to the music ministry here at St. Andrew’s is seen every day. Kudos to you, Ann-Marie.

Our choral scholars – Darielle, Amanda, Morgan, Eric and still occasionally Matthew, light up our worship services with their voices.  They are a beautiful group of young people.  Thank you, all of you.

Lauren Wasyluk is another person who works so hard behind the scenes.  Lauren gets things done.  She is creative and imaginative, a visionary who is at the same time organized and a real detail person. Thank you Lauren.

Hannah Ma is quiet and hard working – again, behind the scenes, but then bursts out from her cubicle with a smile that lights up the room.  She is the church bookkeeper and keeps us all on track. Thank you, Hannah.

Elena Amariucai is the Camp K Director.  Elena has a beautiful heart.  She loves children and loves working with people.  She loves Camp K. She personifies values of care and inclusion and makes a difference in the lives of children. Thank you, Elena.

We have lots to celebrate, lots to give thanks for.  All of the people mentioned above know that working in a church is not easy.  Sometimes, the demands are hard, the hours long, the issues intense. As with any group of people, we need the support and prayers of others to do our jobs well, to connect strongly with each other and to honour both God and the church.  Please pray for our staff as you celebrate who they are

Take good care everyone

 Marty