Unrefined silver ore

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple…But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire…he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver…” Malachi3:1-3
 
Wow! What an image! The refiner’s fire is an other way of expressing “smelting” –  the process of using intense heat in a furnace to extract the impurities from raw materials, (which are a mix of the desired element (silver) and other, unwanted, contaminating components of the silver.)  Only the true silver is left behind. It has withstood the fire and emerged pure and steadfast. In the context of Malachi, the speaker is referring to how God works a similar “smelting” or refining process in us, to “burn away” our weaknesses, impurities and faults. Of course, being subject to the “heat” is not comfortable, but if we never face the fire, how can we be refined? 
 
Join us this week as the Rev. Dr. Paul Kern explores this idea, and what “refining” looks like in our lives.
 
Being the first Sunday in October, as is the tradition at St. Andrew’s, we will also be celebrating Holy Communion. We continue to provide individual, sealed Communion packets as you enter the sanctuary. Alternatively, we encourage you to bring your elements from home to use during the service. And if you are joining online, perhaps take a moment before the service to prepare a cup and some bread, so that you may commune with us.
 
Organ preludes will begin around 10:25 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. This is the link for this morning’s service is    https://youtu.be/-8N4b-gAADo   Previous services can be found on the St. Andrew’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/StAndrewsPresbyterianChurchKingston 
 
Have a look at the Order of Service, scripture readings, hymn lyrics and announcements below – this electronic form includes hyperlinks for easy connection, but you can print the pages if you wish for reference as the hour unfolds, or even through the week. We invite you to join in worship, study and service as you are able.
 
 
 
 
 


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