Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Musings at St. Andrew’s
Rev. Jeffrey Crawford | Interim Minister

As we settle into the fall, I hope that you are finding joy in the rhythm of the changing seasons. The tree in my backyard is beginning to lose its leaves, the mornings and evening are cooler, and I now awake in the morning before the sun gets up. Creation in its beauty, wonder and mystery often help me look at things in new ways; different ways. Often, I learn from looking at a new angle or a different perspective. I hope the change of seasons causes you to discover something new this fall.

Your Session has been working faithfully over the summer and now into the fall on several important conversations. At our September Session meeting we discussed the importance of communication and transparency. Therefore, we will be using some of the Musing’s articles in the months ahead to keep everyone up to date. While the session is a ‘closed’ court of the church – meetings are only for those who have been elected as elders by the congregation - one goal is to communicate the ways the Session discerns and senses the Spirit of Jesus Christ moving at St. Andrew’s and in creation.

The search team, a group of nine people, appointed by the session, is pleased to report that the Lead Minister profile is being distributed. The search team has begun the outward process of seeking a Lead Minister. If you are aware of potential candidates who should receive a copy of our profile, please speak with a member of the search team. The search team welcomes your prayers as this exciting process proceeds.

At the same time, the Session, through the HR Team has been engaged in conversations about an Interim Minister to support ministry now, prior to the arrival of a Lead Minister. An Interim Minister could support the important conversations ongoing around governance and sustainability, and would be the regular worship leader, engaged in congregational life, and pastoral care. We pray that God’s Spirit will help guide and lead as these conversations about ministerial staff continue.

Two ad hoc teams were appointed in June to support emerging conversations – governance and sustainability. Both teams met multiple times during July and August and have shared information and updates with the Session in September. The governance team is primarily focused on establishing greater clarity in the roles and responsibilities of the Operational Council. The sustainability team has been looking at creative ways to encourage the generosity of all God’s people.

Session reaffirmed its support of the Roy Street Project, and particularly the accomplishments of phrase one. Session also took action to support both a fundraising and a construction partner for the Roy Street Project. Future session and congregational meetings will focus on both, sharing updated information, and presenting additional motions to obtain approvals. A small team from the Presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington, have come alongside St. Andrew’s to provide support and encouragement related to the Roy Street Project.

The Session has called a Congregational Meeting on Sunday October 12 following worship to request the congregation’s permission to transfer money from the Trust Funds to the Reserve Fund. We encourage you to remain after worship and participate in the meeting.

For me personally, one of the highlights in September was having the privilege of meeting one-on-one with the elders. I connected with 19 of the active elders and enjoyed the meaningful conversations. St. Andrew’s elders are faithful, intelligent, passionate and curious. I give God thanks for each of them, their gifts, and their leadership.

Peace in Christ,

Jeffrey
Interim Moderator