As we come to the end of the season of Epiphany, we reflect on the words of Jesus.   Can Jesus get any more graphic than that?  Out with the logs!  In with the fruit!  Grounded firmly on solid ground!  These are a good summary of the season and a test for those who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus.

If you get a commercial, click back and then forward again. 

Worship, Church School and Special Studies/Events: March 2 - 9, 2025
PLUS LINKS to our Team/Group Meetings and Monthly Calendar!

On behalf of the congregation, I would like to thank Barb English, Judie Coleman, Dolly Forcade, Kevin MacFarlane and Barbara MacFarlane for their EAGLE EYES as they proofread this year’s annual report, making sure i’s were dotted, t’s were crossed, and that parentheses, brackets, and dashes were in the right spots.  St. Andrew’s is blessed to have so many people stepping up to help out when we need them!! 
~ Deb

Is your heart yearning for something special throughout Lent this year?   Why not sign up for our five-week program that is all about diving deep into different spiritual practices using hands-on activities?   You have 2 opportunities:  Sunday mornings (March 9 - April 6) from 9:00 - 9:45 am; or Tuesday mornings (March 11 - April 8) from 10:30 - 12:00.   Workshops will be led by Rev. Geoffrey, Rev. Laurie, and congregational members with specific expertise (Sheri Coutts, Desiree Henrichsen, and Ken and Sharon Burrill).   You can register by adding your name to the sign-up sheet in the Foyer.

HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT AFTER THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE, CHILD, FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND.
This 13 week non denominational program offers practical information sessions, based upon three key program parts, a video presentation, designed to address a specific aspect of grieving, a short group discussion based on that topic and a workbook to journal and for personal study.
Our Spring session starts on MONDAY APRIL 7, 2025 UNTIL MONDAY JUNE  30, FROM 7-8.30 PM IN THE FIRESIDE ROOM.
Facilitators : Judie Coleman and Alice Williams
If you or anyone you know is hurting because of loss, please let them know about our program.
Brochures are available at the Welcome Desk.
For further information, please go to https://www.griefshare.org/ or speak with one of the facilitators.
You can register on line at https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup

1L hamburger soup ( 2 buns): $10
1L vegetarian Scotch Broth (2 buns): $10
Samosas: 2/$5
Order: February 26 - March 12
pamlivingstone@shaw.ca OR call (403)271-6468
margaret.bates@shaw.ca OR call (403)259-2580 
Pickup in Trinity Hall: March 22, 9:30-11:00

The Men's Group will be hosting a dessert crepe event on Wednesday March 5, from 6:00 - 6:50 pm (prior to the Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm) in Trinity Hall. So eat supper beforehand and then  come join us for dessert and fellowship that evening.  A gluten free option will be available, and there will be a free will offering to cover costs.

Do you have an hour or two between 9:00 am - 9:00 pm on:
Friday, March 7 or
Saturday, March 8?

SONGFEST is a longstanding festival that celebrates the incredible singing community in Calgary.  They offer categories for almost all ages in classical and contemporary repertoire.  SONGFEST will be here at St. Andrew’s on March 7 and 8, and we would like to have some people serve as greeters at the front door to welcome people and direct them to the Sanctuary.  If you can help, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Foyer, or call the office at 403.255.0001 to volunteer.  While you’re answering the door, you’ll have an added bonus of hearing some amazing singing coming from the Sanctuary!!

Ever wonder what happens at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre?  Krista White from AFC  will be leading  us in a  presentation  in the Karl English Lounge,  Saturday March 8 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.  So come join the Men’s Group for coffee and muffins, and learn about the workings of the  Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
Please use the BACK DOOR to join this event. 
~  Terry Basaraba

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, March 9 following our morning worship service.  Everyone is encouraged to attend as we celebrate the past year & make plans for the coming year.

You’re invited to join us on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 1:30 in the Karl English Lounge for tea, followed by a presentation from Basically Babies, a non-profit organization whose purpose is simple -
“to outfit newborns in need”.
Should you wish to, this will be an opportunity to donate a new or gently used, unwrapped item for a baby 0 to 12 months.
For more information check out their website – basicallybabies.org
We hope you will join us to learn about this worthwhile organization.

The Rainbow Team invites you to celebrate PIE Day on March 14, 2025 at 7pm in Trinity Hall.  We will have a fun and interactive conversation with Pam Rocker, Founder & Director of Affirming Connections, and yes - there will be pie! For more information on PIE Day & Affirming Connections, please see their website affirmingconnections.com.  Questions/RSVP to rainbowteam@standrewscalgary.ca. 
We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday March 15, 2025 from 5:30 – 8 pm in the Karl English Lounge.
Children get a night (150 minutes) in at the church including dinner and lots of fun, games and activities. Children from grades 1-6 are welcome to come dressed up or wear green!
Children are encouraged to bring a friend.
Parents & Grandparents get a night (150 minutes) to themselves too (think date night, dinner with friends, shopping).
Cost: Free!
Registration closes Wednesday, March 12, 2025. 
Please sign up through the church office at  office@standrewscalgary.ca or call 403-255-0001

Every week at Side by Side, our dementia care program, we like to have music playing in the background when people arrive and throughout the day. Music helps us to connect with each other.  Unfortunately, our old CD player has become unreliable and is in need of replacement.  If you have one collecting dust and want to donate it, please contact Audrey Cole or Judie Coleman.  Thank you!
We could also use calming instrumental CDs,
or, in other words, 'music with no vocals.'  Thanks again! 
~ Judie

If you EVER receive an email that SAYS it’s from Rev. Laurie saying she’s in a meeting and needs you to reach out to her… or to buy gift cards for her… or anything that sounds like something she would NOT do, you’re right!!!   It’s NOT her!! Delete, delete, delete!!!!!

March 2nd: 10:00 am
Greeter: Alex Grant
Ushers: Maureen Amos & Karen McLeod
Coffee Hosts: Opportunity Available
Shepherd: Mark Rowe
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement: Matt Nolette

Brown Bagging 4 Calgary's Kids  - CLICK HERE
Growing Generous Life Brochure - CLICK HERE
Sunday Morning Bible Study - CLICK HERE
The EDGE After School Youth Drop In Program  - CLICK HERE
Youth Group 2025 Schedule - CLICK HERE

February / March ConnXions - CLICK HERE

Congregation members have been asking us about whether there are handouts available from the Alberta Caregivers, who visited us earlier this month. We are pleased to report that they have sent us a generous selection among their professionally designed and very helpful handouts. We will make these available at a table after church on Sunday.  The “Caregivers Bill of Rights” is recommended for everyone involved with caring for another person. 
~ Geoffrey

The Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod supports 13 congregations in southern Alberta and seeks to encourage healthy congregations and healthy ministers.  Every minister (Rev. Laurie) and one elder (Lynn Judd) from each congregation are members of presbytery.
Recently, Presbytery has committed to engage more intentionally with congregations. This questionnaire from Presbytery is intended to ‘check in’ on how we are doing as a congregation and to get our advice on what presbytery could do to assist us.  The hope is that information gathered will help them to see any overall themes within the congregations in the Presbytery, and, through comparison with results from two years ago, see whether Presbytery is improving in the support it provides. As the Presbytery Representative from St. Andrews, I encourage everyone to respond to the questions as you are able.  The deadline is February 28th.  
~  Lynn Judd, Rep Elder

The Alberta Healthy Living Program is offering a FREE in-person class about advance planning called Planning For the Future - Health Decisions Matter at Signal Hill Library, Tuesday March 18 from 6:16 - 8:15 pm.

You are invited to join Marie Wilson, former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, for a very interesting and inspiring conversation.  This public speaking event will be held at Mount Royal University on the afternoon of Saturday, March 1.