Blue Christmas Service
TODAY at 6:00pm
at St. Andrew's United
This service is for those who find themselves grieving, in loss, or with another personal challenge this season. It is a quiet and thoughtful service that recognizes our pain and losses, remembers those whom we mourn this time of year, and guides us toward the promise of new hope.
Co-sponsored with St. John’s Anglican church.
📷 www.stjohnnv.ca
Today: Community Christmas Dinner! Share a festive meal before the program goes on a break (Thursday lunch will return on Jan. 9).
Tomorrow: Blue Christmas Service at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary. A quiet, gentle service for those in a lower mood this time of year.
No Loving Spoonful lunch today -- but join us for our Free Community Christmas Dinner TOMORROW (Dec. 19) at 11:45am or 1:00pm.
📷 from last year's community Christmas dinner. Thanks to all the volunteers who make these meals possible!
This Thursday: all are welcome to our Free Community Christmas Dinner!
Two sittings: 11:45am and 1:00pm.
Hope to see you there!
BLUE CHRISTMAS: Fri, Dec 20 at 6:00pm
at St. Andrew's United
Are you missing or grieving loved ones, dealing with health challenges, feeling sorrow for the state of the world?
Blue Christmas is a quiet and thoughtful service that gives us time to acknowledge and release grief and sorrow, and begin the journey into hope. If you are feeling down this Christmas season or know someone who is, please join us for the special service.
This joint service is put on by St. Andrew’s United Church the Anglican and Lutheran Churches and of North Vancouver. The service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church 1044 St. George’s Ave., North Vancouver.
This is so very special
Amen 🙏
Why does Christmas get my back up? Why do I have such trouble getting into the season? Read on for answers: frankscottage.blog/2012/12/18/whats-the-point-of-christmas/
Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem "PROPHET JOHN THE BAPTIST FATHER OF PROPHET JESUS AND LEGAL WEDDED HUSBAND OF MARY P.B.U.T" This is the Truth from your Lord so be not among those who doubt. The Authority of this truth is the Holy Quran and Bible read jointly. "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" The text - John 8:12- 19. Assembling the Facts - Jesus said " I am the light of the world." Upset, the Pharisees challenged his claim. Jesus defended his claim by citing to them what was written in the law. That is, that according to the Jewish Law, "the testimony of two men is true." In support of his claim that he was "the light of the world ", he said that the two witnesses were: 1. Myself - Jesus, am one 2. the father that sent me - he is the other. Christians Concept - They agree that witness #1 was Jesus the Son but holds that Witness #2 was God the Father. They make a big ado of this. To them, what was said there is the license validating their doctrine of Jesus' Sonship with God. Falsification of Record - Jesus did not refer to the law in defence. "He quote it." And the words he spelt out were: " The testimony of two men." As such, Father cannot relate to God. Vital Question - Who was witness #2 then, if he was a man and not God? St. John Speaks - "There was a "man" sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a "witness", to bear witness of "the light", that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was "sent to bear witness of that light." 1:6-8. Correction of record - a. John was a man. b. He was a witness. c. to bear witness of "that light." d. John was witness #2! To the point - Jesus called witness #2 "Father." If witness #2 was God, then Jesus was the Son of God - the Christian Record is true. But if witness #2 was John, then the Jewish Law is true and the Christian Record is false. If the Jewish Law applies, then John was the father of Jesus by " the words of his own mouth." Proof - Christian argue that Jesus said, "the" Father. not "my" father. The Father means God. Jesus was the claimant and the Pharisees were the challengers. How did they understand each other? Pharisees question : "Where is "thy" father?" Jesus reply - "Ye neither know me nor "my" father, if ye had known me ye would have known "my" father, also." All praise belongs to Allah and Muhammad the Messenger of Allah unto all Mankind.
I thought this was going to be at our St.Andrews Church in Sault Ste.Marie
Amen🙏🙏❤️
Amen 🙏
Amen
AMEN 🙏 🙏
AMEN 🙏 🙏
Charlatans de mes deux couil…
AMEN 🙏 🙏
AMEN 🙏 🙏
Amen
🙏
BISMILLAH HIR RAHMAN NIR RAHEEM. "Speak the Truth and the Truth shall set you free" PROPHET JOHN THE BAPTIST FATHER OF PROPHET JESUS AND LEGAL WEDDED HUSBAND OF MARY P.B.U.T. The "Authority" of this Truth is the Holy Quran and Bible read jointly. Was Christianity founded by Christ? Christ's kinship to Judaism: . Jesus was a Jew, a full- blooded Israelite (one in whom there is no guile). . He was sent by God to the Israelite as Prophet over his people. . He was their promise Messiah (whether they received or rejected him). . He spoke of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the founding fathers of Bani Isra-el. . His loyalty and obedience were to the Torah and the Zaboor. . His reverence was to the Prophets of Israelite nationality. . He spoke in Aramaic dialect of the Hebrew / Semitic language. . He was circumcised according to Jewish custom. . He took Jewish baptism at the hands of John the Baptist. . He observed the Jewish Saturday Sabbath. . He accorded his life by the precepts of the Ten Commandments. . He attended Jewish synagogue and often so in the Temple of Solomon. Christ's professed Mission : . To seek, find and save the lost sheep of Israel. . To unite the twelve tribes of Israel. . To restore on Israelite the throne of his father David. . To grant his people a homeland and nationhood in an abode of peace. Irrelevance of Christianity with Christ: . Throughout his known life. Jesus preached and practiced the faith of Judaism. . The New Testament is not the writings of Christ and was not authorized by him. . He left behind no writings of his own. . What he condemned was the interpretation not the validity of the Law & the Prophets. . Original Sin, Crucifixion, resurrection and atonement are innovation to his teachings. . Father, Son and Holy Ghost were not known by nor can be attributed to him. . Immaculate Conception, Virgin Birth and Holy Mary Mother of God are blasphemy in his name. . He denounced Sonship, Partnership and being an Associate to God. He referred to himself as the son of man. . He was human in flesh, blood and bone. To live he had to eat,drink, rest and answer to the calls of nature. . He prophesied the advent of Muhammad after him. . He foretold that the Quran will be the guidance that will lead mankind to truth eternal. Pertinent Question : Christianity was found in the name of Christ. But Christ was definitely not the founder of Christianity. Indeed the life and teachings of Christ are a glaring contrast to the doctrine upon the religion of Christianity is founded preached and practiced. Who then was the founder of Christianity and what exactly was the intention behind its introduction to mankind? NOTEWORTHY; Jesus was upfront that his coming was unto Jews, not unto Gentiles. He and his message. Jews are a distinct race of people. Not a single Jew is a Christian. And all Christians are Gentiles. Jews are inclined to Christ but are averse to Christianity. Muslims are in the reverse. They align with Christianity but consider Christ a threat, too hot to handle. Muhammad the Messenger of Allah unto all Mankind. All praise belongs to God.
BISMILLAH HIR RAHMAN NIR RAHEEM. "Speak the Truth and the Truth shall set you free" PROPHET JOHN THE BAPTIST FATHER OF PROPHET JESUS AND LEGAL WEDDED HUSBAND OF MARY P.B.U.T. The "Authority" of this Truth is the Holy Quran and Bible read jointly. Was Christianity founded by Christ? Christ's kinship to Judaism: . Jesus was a Jew, a full- blooded Israelite (one in whom there is no guile). . He was sent by God to the Israelite as Prophet over his people. . He was their promise Messiah (whether they received or rejected him). . He spoke of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the founding fathers of Bani Isra-el. . His loyalty and obedience were to the Torah and the Zaboor. . His reverence was to the Prophets of Israelite nationality. . He spoke in Aramaic dialect of the Hebrew / Semitic language. . He was circumcised according to Jewish custom. . He took Jewish baptism at the hands of John the Baptist. . He observed the Jewish Saturday Sabbath. . He accorded his life by the precepts of the Ten Commandments. . He attended Jewish synagogue and often so in the Temple of Solomon. Christ's professed Mission : . To seek, find and save the lost sheep of Israel. . To unite the twelve tribes of Israel. . To restore on Israelite the throne of his father David. . To grant his people a homeland and nationhood in an abode of peace. Irrelevance of Christianity with Christ: . Throughout his known life. Jesus preached and practiced the faith of Judaism. . The New Testament is not the writings of Christ and was not authorized by him. . He left behind no writings of his own. . What he condemned was the interpretation not the validity of the Law & the Prophets. . Original Sin, Crucifixion, resurrection and atonement are innovation to his teachings. . Father, Son and Holy Ghost were not known by nor can be attributed to him. . Immaculate Conception, Virgin Birth and Holy Mary Mother of God are blasphemy in his name. . He denounced Sonship, Partnership and being an Associate to God. He referred to himself as the son of man. . He was human in flesh, blood and bone. To live he had to eat,drink, rest and answer to the calls of nature. . He prophesied the advent of Muhammad after him. . He foretold that the Quran will be the guidance that will lead mankind to truth eternal. Pertinent Question : Christianity was found in the name of Christ. But Christ was definitely not the founder of Christianity. Indeed the life and teachings of Christ are a glaring contrast to the doctrine upon the religion of Christianity is founded preached and practiced. Who then was the founder of Christianity and what exactly was the intention behind its introduction to mankind? NOTEWORTHY; Jesus was upfront that his coming was unto Jews, not unto Gentiles. He and his message. Jews are a distinct race of people. Not a single Jew is a Christian. And all Christians are Gentiles. Jews are inclined to Christ but are averse to Christianity. Muslims are in the reverse. They align with Christianity but consider Christ a threat, too hot to handle. Muhammad the Messenger of Allah unto all Mankind. All praise belongs to God.
We have some fun and festive worship coming up over Christmas week! All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the season with four dedicated services.
Fri, Dec 20 at 6:00 pm: Blue Christmas (a gentle service for those who have loss or grief at this time of year).
Tues, Dec 24 at 4:00 pm: Jesus' Birthday Party (a child-focused service with music, activities, and cake).
Tues, Dec 24 at 7:00 pm: Candlelight Christmas Eve (a traditional service with lessons and carols).
Wed, Dec 25 at 10:00 am: Christmas Day (a service celebrating the arrival of Jesus!).
This weekend, don't miss two amazing concerts in our resonant Sanctuary!
Sat, Dec 14 at 4:00 pm is the Laudate Singers (last) Free Family Christmas Concert.
Sun, Dec 15 at 2:30 pm is the Sea to Sky Wind Ensemble's "Merry & Bright" charity concert. Proceeds go towards St. A's outreach programs.
Next week is our special Community Christmas Dinner!
Two sittings: 11:45 am and 1:00 pm.
After next week, the Thursday lunches will take a break. They'll be back on Jan 9.
Reminder: today's the last community lunch with A Loving Spoonful for the year. They'll return on Jan 15 with hot catered meals for just $2.
Fun fact: we'll be hosting United Church of Canada's Camp Spirit from July 14 - 18, 2025!
Leaders and campers experience sacred stories, enjoy activities of creativity and science, move to music, and share a meal together.
We're excited to be hosting this camp as part of our commitment to welcome kids and families to St. A. 🙂
Mindfulness Meditation (cosponsored with Vancouver Shambhala Centre & led by Paul Belserene & Greg Sutton) continues!
It will take a holiday break on Monday, December 30 and resume on Jan 6.
By donation. All are welcome!
Tomorrow, join us for our service on the Second Sunday of Advent, on the theme of Peace.
10:00 am in person (1044 St. Georges Ave, North Vancouver) or online. Visit our website for the livestream link.
📷 Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash.
Two upcoming Christmas concerts:
Join us on Sat., Dec. 14 at 4:00 pm for the Laudate Singers' Free Family Christmas Concert! Laudate Singers is disbanding after 30 years, so don't miss this chance to celebrate with them in song.
On Sun., Dec. 15 at 2:30 pm it's the annual Sea to Sky Wind Ensemble holiday concert (by donation)! The music from this ensemble fills the Sanctuary (and our hearts), as the proceeds go towards our outreach programs.
Hope to see you there!
We are looking forward to it!
Wed., Dec. 11 will be the last lunch with A Loving Spoonful before their holiday break (it'll be a turkey meal!). The weekly hot catered lunch will return on Wed., Jan. 15, 2025.
All are welcome to lunch on Dec. 4 (today!) and Dec. 11.
Doors open at 12:45, lunch is served at 1 pm.
Capacity: 80 guests
Cost: $2
The emergency weather shelter collaboration between St. A's and the Lookout Housing & Health Society is going very well!
Huge thank you to our volunteers who help Outreach Coordinator Diane prepare soup for the shelter nights, and particularly to the anonymous stranger who donated some groceries this past week.
Here's to gathering together and supporting each other when the nights get blustery.
📷 CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash.
Honey day! Our @alveolebuzz beekeeper Kiesha will be dropping off the jars of honey collected from our bees today.
Ordered a jar? Pick yours up after service Dec 8, 15 and 22.
Or order yourself a jar by calling the church. Suggested donation: $10 (to help fund caring for our hive).
📷 Kiesha Pinto (our beekeeper!)
Exciting news! Tomorrow, the Jazz Connexions band will be joined by special guest vocalist Linda Szentes!
Don't miss this festive chance to catch so many amazing musicians in one beautiful venue.
Sun, Dec 1
4:00 pm
by donation
See you there!
Hope to see you all there. Leigh, vespers is a traditional Christian worship service that normally happens in the evening and is focused on prayer and reflection. In jazz vespers, both prayer and reflection happens in and through the music, primarily, with ponderings to provoke those participating by the leader of the service. At St. Andrew's, the reflecting is often a combination of poetry and devotional writings. Hope you can join us.
It's partly a time of day event service
Just what is a Vesper please?
North Vancouver
Time to list the city or street or some may conflate this with similar sounding vespers
A mindful moment this Friday: "Clean, unselfish love does not live on what it gets but on what it gives. It increases by pouring itself out for others, grows by self-sacrifice and becomes mighty by throwing itself away."
—Thomas Merton