Lorenzo Veneziano, c. 1370

Mark relates an amazing scene. Jesus’ first act of public ministry is the calling of individuals to his side – ‘follow me’ (Mark 1:17). What is amazing is that Andrew and Simon, then James and John, heard and heeded.

I love this painting by Veneziano, showing Jesus on the shore with footprints behind in the sand, arms outstretched and hands open in invitation. Simon continues to fish for an instant. But look at Andrew! His face is serious, he is leaning at such a strange angle, almost as if an invisible force-field is drawing his towards Jesus. And maybe that is the point.

I remember how Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship about this scene, this call of Jesus that day to those individuals, and to so many others since. How could the call of Jesus evoke such obedience? The story is a stumbling block for reason, and it is no wonder that frantic attempts have been made to separate the two events (call and following) … Something must have happened in between, some psychological or historical event’… but no … ‘This encounter is a testimony to the absolute, direct and unaccountable authority of Jesus’. They heed the call because it is Jesus who speaks. They had no idea what they were in for, but they knew truly and deeply that they needed to follow this voice. Such are the dynamics of faith, then and now.

Certified child care is offered during the service and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, 613-546-6316, or email [email protected]


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Our journey through the Gospel according to Mark will continue next week with Mark 2:1-12.

Jesus the Good Shepherd Window

These Sundays of summer we are exploring the gospel through the stained glass windows of the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s and this morning, The Good Shepherd Window. Created by Castle and Son, with the inscription ‘He shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom’ (Isaiah 40:11), and the dedicatory plaque ‘To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Effie, the beloved daughter of William and Ellen Nickle, died July 23, 1877.’

We warmly welcome you to join us. Certified child care is offered during the service and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday -Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, 613-546-6316, or email [email protected]

 

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~~Caring in a Competitive World – Annette Allmän~~

A warm welcome in the name of Jesus Christ and a special welcome to all visitors and friends with us this morning.  We acknowledge that we meet on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory.

During these services of summer,  we have our certified child care and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

The Rev. Nancy Hancock returns to lead us into the presence and calling of God with a focus upon Jesus’ parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday -Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, or email [email protected]

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~~Saint Cecilia – the patron saint of organists ~~

A warm welcome in the name of Jesus Christ and a special welcome to all visitors and friends with us this morning.  We acknowledge that we meet on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory.

During these services of summer,  we have our certified child care and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

Our Director of Music John Hall will lead worship on both sides of the keyboard this morning, playing the organ and also sharing reflections on ‘The Art of Listening’. Our Elders will lead in prayer.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday -Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, or email [email protected]

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