The promise of reversal for those who are blind, deaf, and in despair brings such relief that there is joy!  The Scriptures promise that help is on the way, and when Jesus is asked whether he is the Expected One, Jesus tells them to focus on what they hear and see.  Redemption!  Relief from suffering!  God present.  Hear.  See.  Rejoice!

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

Worship, Church School & Special Studies/Events: Dec 14 - 21, 2025
PLUS LINKS to our Team/Group Meetings and Monthly Calendar!

Laurie, Geoffrey, and our staff are GRATEFUL, THANKFUL and BLESSED  to introduce you to Solange Urushima, our new Administrative Assistant.   Solange started working in the office November 20th, and has been getting to know our  processes, our building, and our people these past weeks.  We have an article later on describing the work Solange will be doing, but for now, we know you will be interested in getting to know her background, skills and interests.
Solange was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil to Japanese parents.
If you click the link below, you’ll find out that Solange plays electric bass and sings. AND that she was a member of rock bands. Go ahead… click the link!

You will see LinX next Wednesday, December 17th.  Publication will resume again on Wednesday, January 7th.

We thought you may all like to know who to reach out to for specific things now that we’ve completed our ‘office staff restructuring’.
We can’t possibly list everything everyone does,
but here is a quick ‘top 3’ (or 4):

Solange (works Monday-Thursday, 9:00 - 2:30):

1. Books Rooms for meetings/events - for our teams, and for outside groups
2. Books meetings for Rev. Laurie
3. Responds to office@standrewscalgary.ca emails
4. Books zoom meetings for teams/groups

Dolly (works Monday-Thursday, 9:00 - 4:00):

1. Looks after ALL THINGS financial
2. Receives pastoral care information about our people, and passes that information on to the ministers and Care Connectors
3. Updates PowerChurch, which stores all of our ‘congregation information’ (like addresses and telephone numbers)

Debby (works Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:00 - 4:30):

1. ALL THINGS LinX  (receives information, writes information, works with Kevin & Barbara MacFarlane on getting out weekly emails to those who have signed up to receive them)
2. Maintains/updates our Ministers’ and staff shared Worship Document, and creates a Sunday service document for the Ministers, choir, sound board people, ushers, and participants in the service
3. Updates the electronic sign (starting Jan 2026)

Please know that we are ALL willing to take whatever requests come our way and make sure they get to the right person - we know transitions take time… and that it will take ‘we Presbyterians’  time to get used to CHANGE!!!   :)
~ Deb, Dolly & Solange

At this time of year, we often look for more opportunities to respond to Jesus’ call to show love and compassion, to give generously as we are able to help those in need.  This year, St. Andrew’s is offering several ways you can respond.

Claire House (Financial donations towards Gift Cards)
To continue our community connection work with Claire House, we will provide gift cards to 40 households and 27 children. Our fund-raising goal is $2,810. You can make donations on-line or with the office, identifying ‘Claire House’ when you make your donation.

WINS (Women in Need Society) – Church School Children and the Faith Formation Team
Any Sunday in December, or when you come to the 4:00 pm Family Christmas Eve service Dec 24th, you can bring items for BABIES ~ diapers, formula, (plain) sleepers, baby wipes, soft washcloths to name some needs.  These items will be delivered to the Women in Need Society in December.

Mark your calendars for January 14 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm to learn ‘why and how’ to write your own land acknowledgement.  You can add your name on the sign-up sheet in the Foyer.  We look forward to seeing you there, either in person or by zoom!
~ Linda Humphreys, Aboriginal Relations Team Member

Keeping active is good for ANYbody, especially in the winter months when it is not as easy to exercise outside. To learn practical, evidence-based strategies to help you get started with exercise in a safe, approachable way, you can register HERE for any of the following programs:

1) Motivation to Move
Building a Healthy Relationship to Exercise Explore mindset, motivation, and common barriers. Learn how to build sustainable habits and shift your relationship with exercise.

2) Strong Foundation: A Practical Introduction to Strength Training
Learn how strength training supports your physical and mental health, healthy aging, and injury prevention. Includes a guided session to help you feel confident getting started.

3) Cardio Basics
Learn how to get started safely and build your aerobic fitness over time. Includes a guided practical session.

Remember, our Mall Walkers exercise regularly, safely and indoors!
~ Rev. Geoffrey

Dec 14th: 10:00 am
Greeter: Peter Gatdet
Ushers: Spencer Bridgemohan & Judy Bridgemohan
Coffee Hosts:  Debbie & Paul Draper
Shepherd: Ted Cantlon
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement: Desiree Henrichsen

Growing Generous Life Brochure - CLICK HERE
Sunday Morning Bible Study - CLICK HERE
The EDGE After School Youth Drop In Program  - CLICK HERE

NEW DEC 2025 / JAN 2026 CONNXIONS - CLICK HERE

Christian churches across Canada say more young people are turning to faith - reversing a decades long trend.  Current producer Juliana Konrad wanted to find out why and talked to young people, church leaders, and experts about why Gen Z is turning to Christianity — and what it says about what it means to be young today and face an uncertain future.

The Presbyterian Church in Canada pulled out all of the stops in celebrating its first 100 years through the arts. Congregations were encouraged to write plays about their history. A touring centennial choir was formed. And the visual arts were well represented in the creation of banners that spoke to the church’s mission and heritage.  Sheila Kirkland, who served as the coordinator of the banner competition, made the following observation in the July-August 1974 issue of The Presbyterian Record: “The central theme in western art, for the past 2,000 years, has been Christianity. Artists in each era have found new ways to illustrate, instruct, elevate, and inspire. 1974 is no exception and the entries submitted utilize new forms as well as variations on established symbolism.”

There is a wonderful Indigenous Christmas Market Event happening right here in the Southwest part of our city! Over 200 artisans and vendors will be there. Entry charge is $10.

Location:  Tsuu’tina Nation, at the fabulous 7 Chiefs Sportplex

Dates:  December 12, 13, & 14 

Please click on the RED link below for information. It’s full of details of Artisans, additional performances, activities and location.
~ Margaret Bruhjell-Holmes, for the Indigenous Relations Team