ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH

46 Dupont St. West, Chateauguay QC J6J 1G3

Telephone: (450) 698-1050 Sandra Fortier, Administrator & Newsletter Editor

email: office@saintandrewsunitedchurch.org

Website: saintandrewsunitedchurch.org

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Remember

Grandparent’s

Day

September 9

They deserve to

be spoiled!!

Reaching Out ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH

June, july, august & September 2018

Volume 2 Issue 28

Inside this issue:

Rev.’s Ravellings 1-3

Treasurer’s Report 4

Sunday School Report 4

Prayer Fellowship 5

& Prayer List

UCW 6

Two Baptisms… 22

Events Calendar 26

List of Elders 27

Reverend’s Ravellings Hello Everyone,

It is hard to believe that we are already at

the end of May, preparing to step into the

month of June! Just a few short weeks ago

with the bitter cold, we were wondering if

spring would ever come. The world looked

very grey, but now, just look at it! It is like

spring popped up over night! The harsh-

ness of winter has passed and is now only a

memory. I wonder if this is what heaven

will be like. For the followers of Jesus,

earth’s hardships will someday also be just

a memory, no longer able to bring pain.

The Bible indicates that reality.

Since the last newsletter, we have had our

worship service celebrating the 185th anni-

versary of this congregation. We wel-

comed back Rev. Arijan Groeneveld as our

guest speaker. His theme was “Loving

what God loves”. He said God loves two

things in particular; He loves people, re-

gardless of who they are, and He loves the

Church; -that the Christian Church is the

bride of Christ and Christ love His bride.

Rev. Alice will be away

from July 3 — August 7

(study week included).

Sandra will be away

August 14-17 &

Sept. 24—October 12.

The office will be

opened from 9:30—1:00

during the month of

July.

Reverend’s Ravellings Page 2

In regards to Pastor Groeneveld’s message, at this time of year, many peo-

ple are anticipating having a little more relaxing time as we go into the sum-

mer months. We will be mixing with a variety of people. May we remem-

ber that God loves them all, whether they are family, St. A’s church family,

or those beyond our walls. As part of the Church that Christ loves, may we

rejoice in His love and be willing instruments of His love in whatever way

He can work through us. Some of us will be away from St. A’s as part of

our summer plans while others will “keep the home fires burning”. Safe

travels to you as you travel, and thank you for those who remain and pro-

vide leadership and support to the community at this time.

Again, as we travel through life with a variety of challenges, let us remem-

ber the invitation of Jesus: “Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy

laden and I will give you rest; … for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11: 28, 29) He also assured us that

He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, that no one comes to God except

through Him. ( John 10:10) We don’t need to go to other gods for life and

we can’t achieve it on our own. Jesus gives Himself /His eternal life as a

gift to those who wish to receive Him. Let us accept His companionship

and rejoice in His generosity!

May you all have a blessed, meaningful summer!

Rev. Alice

Little Marshall Miller gives Mike Amelotte,

of Aeternal, a good laugh at their spring ser-

vice. Marshall is barefoot & plugged out.

Family Rules Help each other. Be thankful.

Know you are loved.

Pay with hugs and kisses. Try new

things. Be happy. Show compassion.

Be grateful. Dream big. Respect one

another.

Laugh out loud. Play hard.

Working for You Page 27

Minister: Alice McAlpine 699-1412

Clerk of Session: Les Sorg 691-5227

Elders:

Barbara Batten District 2 & 3 691-2434

Sophie Cessford District 5 691-8209

Les Sorg District 6 691-5227

Llewellyn Hall District 7 699-0408

Richard Fortier District 8 699-7013

Sandra Fortier District 9 699-7013

Audrey Bauer District 10 692-6396

Bruce Snair District 11 699-9152

Erich Bauer District 12 & 13 692-6396

Patricia Nielsen District 14 692-2566

Chairman/Stewards: Eric Robinson 692-4141

Treasurer: Nancy Christie 691-7673

Envelope Steward: Serge Bergeron 691-7673

Roll Clerk Richard Fortier 699-7013

Organist & Choir Dir: Doreen Gilbert 698-1078

Sunday School: Nancy Christie 691-7673

Church Office & Editor: Sandra Fortier 698-1050

Janitor: Ted Ross 514-594-9113

Have a safe & happy summer!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like

wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Ward

Three wonderful words for teachers: June, July, August. — Dan Harmon

A good teacher is one who can understand those not so good at explain-

ing and explain to those not so good at understanding. —W.H. Palmer

—With thanks to Rev. Alice

Calendar of Events Page 26

June 2018 June 13 Session BBQ with Stewards 6 pm —

Meetings follow

June 17 Father’s Day Breakfast 9:30 am; Service in Hall

& Sunday School closing for the summer.

June 21 UCW Strawberry Social (noon) — Details on p. 6.

July 2018 July 1 Canada Day

August 2018

Rejoice!

September 2018

Sept. 9 Union United Church Men’s Choir singing guests

at 10:30 worship service. Welcome.

“ “ Welcome Back BBQ at 4:30 pm.

Sept. 12 Session Meeting 7:30 pm

Sept. 18 UCW Meeting 1:30 pm

“ “ Stewards’ Meeting 7:30 pm

Weekly Events — (These events will resume in September)

Badminton, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am

Prayer Fellowship, Tuesday 10:00 am

Volleyball, Wednesday 8:30 pm

Choir Practice, Thursday 7:00 pm

AA Meeting every Friday at 8 pm (all year)

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.

——L. M. Montgomery

Some of the best memories are made

in flip flops.—Kellie Elmore

Breathless, we flung us on a windy hill, laughed in the sun,

and kissed the lovely grass. — Rupert Brooke

A Joyful Celebration — April 28 Page 3

Baby Gordon Michael

LeClair with parents,

Gordon & Kelly-Ann,

Godparents, Jon & Chris-

tine, elder, Sophie &

sisters & cousins.

A beautiful cake made by Nena Dunn & served by Brian Ford.

Reports Page 4

Sunday School After a fun-filled year, Sunday school will close for the summer on June

17th, 2018 and start again on September 16, 2018.

—Nancy Christie

Treasurer’s Report The next few months represent the most challenging period for a church

financially. As the various groups stop for a well-deserved summer break,

most individuals profit from this quiet period to take vacations. Our

weekly givings reflect this change but the expenses, unfortunately, do not

take a holiday. If you won’t be able to join us regularly over the summer

period, please consider giving postdated cheques or joining PAR in order

that our weekly givings do not plummet over the summer. Thank you to all

of you for your continued support and please have a wonderful summer.

Fundscrip! Fundscrip, the sale of gift cards which raises funds for St. Andrew’s, will

continue over the summer. An order form can be found within this news-

letter. If I am not at church one Sunday over the summer and you wish to

place an order, please feel free to reach me at (450) 691-7673.

Thank you.—Nancy Christie

Can you solve these riddles? See answers on p. 25... but don’t turn the

page too fast!

1. Forrest left home running. He ran a ways and then turned left, ran

the same distance and turned left again, ran the same distance and

turned left again. When he got home, there were two masked men.

Who were they?

2. A sundial has the fewest moving parts of any timepiece. Which has

the most? 3. Your parents have six sons including you and each son has one sis-

ter. How many people are in the family?

As I Get Older I Realize Page 25

1. I talk to myself because sometimes I need expert advice.

2. Sometimes I roll my eyes out loud.

3. I don’t need anger management. I need people to stop an-

noying me.

4. My people skills are just fine. It’s my tolerance of idiots

that needs work.

5. The biggest lie I tell myself is “I don’t need to write that

down, I’ll remember it.”

6. When I was a child I thought nap time was punishment.

Now it’s like a mini-vacation.

7. The day the world runs out of wine is just too terrible to

think about.

8. Even duct tape can’t fix stupid, but it can muffle the

sound.

9. Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer

for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes

smaller?

10. “Getting Lucky” means walking into a room and remem-

bering why I’m there.

—With thanks to Doreen Gilbert

Walk With Me While I Age

I hope this poem has the same effect on you as it did on me...

Walk With Me While I Age

Worth the read. A beautiful poem about growing older….

Hmmm… I forgot the words.

Stumped? Answers to Riddles on p. 4

1. The catcher and the umpire.

2. An hourglass—It has thousands of grains of sand.

3. Nine—two parents, six sons, and one daughter.

Dear Pastor Page 24

Jean-Paul Sartre is

sitting at a French

cafe, revising his

draft of Being and

Nothingness. He

says to the wait-

ress, “I’d like a

cup of coffee,

please, with no

cream.”

The waitress re-

plies, “I’m sorry,

Monsieur, but

we’re out of

cream. How about

with no milk?”

Once my dog ate all the scrab-

ble tiles. For days he left little

messages around the house.

This is an alleged letter written from a church member to the pastor.

Dear Pastor:

You often stress attendance at worship as being very important for a Chris-

tian, but I think a person has a right to miss now and then. I think every

person ought to be excused for the following reasons and the number of

times indicated.

Christmas Holidays (the Sunday before & after) 2

New Year’s (the party lasted too long) 1

Easter (get away for the holidays) 2

July 4th (national holidays) 1

Labor Day (need to get away) 2

Memorial Day (visit hometown folk) 1

School closing (kids need a break) 1

School reopens (one last fling) 1

Family reunions (mine & wife’s) 3

Sleep late (stayed up too long Saturday night) 9

Deaths in family 2

Anniversary (second honeymoon) 1

Sickness (one per family member) 5

Business trip (a must) 1

Vacation (three to four weeks) 6

Bad weather (ice, snow, rain, clouds) 2

Ball games 2

Races 2

Unexpected company (can’t walk out) 2

Time changes (spring & fall) 2

Special on TV (superbowl, etc) 3

Pastor, that leaves two Sundays per year. So, you can count on us to be in

church on the 4th Sunday in February and the 3rd Sunday in August unless

we are providentially hindered.

Sincerely, A Faithful Member

—With thanks to Rev. Alice

Prayer Fellowship Page 5

The Prayer Fellowship will hold its last meeting on June 5th, 2018 and

begin again in the fall. Prayer requests can be made by calling Shirley

Christie at (450) 692-4396 who’ll contact the group.

—Shirley Christie

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will

soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they

will walk and not be faint.—Isaiah 40:31

Please remember these people in your thoughts & prayers~

The family of Neebin Armstrong, Arthur Allan, Antoine, Pat

Ashworth, Shelley Baumann, Barbara Batten, Bernice, Greg

Blersch, Robin Blersch, Bonnie, Esther Bohlein, Tea Kinsella-

Borden, Larry Brazier, Brigida, Carol, Caroly, Rick Cessford,

Laura Cuthbertson, Dianah, Milt Dodds, Mary-Alice Epps,

Ron Epps, Larry Falcon, Gail, Linda Gallant, Dan Gingras,

Gladys, Richard Hilton, Jennifer, Fern Lafontaine, Lance &

family, Roger Laplante, Marie Loch, Jemma Mahabir, Cla-

rence Mahaney, Carrie Marchand, Marcelle, Marisa, Ross

McKeating, Laura McLean, Mile, Michael, Cheryl Miller,

Sharon Miller, Jamie Moreau, Sandra Murphy, Don Nielsen, Ib

Nielsen, Paige, Patrick, Julie Patterson, Sarah Puskas, Ella-Mae

Ramsey, Bruce Rathwell, Margaret Reany & family, Cheryl

Rogers, Fred Rosettani, Bruce Ryan, Isabel Saccucci, Eileen &

Donald Sim, Heather Sim, Reynold Skeete, Lesley Snair, Dylan

Stanamir, Frank Stark, Madeline Stevens, Jan Verschoote,

Cameron Vincent, Margaret Whittal, Fred Wicks, Joanne

Wilken, John Wiwcharyk, Shirley Yarnell, Sarah Zimmerman.

Hazel Antis Finlay is lonely. She’s no longer amidst her friends and

misses them. She’s a lovely drive away in Ormstown. If you would like

to visit her, she’s at Centre d’hébergement d’Ormstown behind the

Ormstown hospital. The address is 65, rue Hector, Ormstown QC J0S

1K0. Telephone #1-450-829-2321. She would love to see you!

UCW Page 6

It looks like we may get summer weather yet, Folks, I am not holding

my breath but it looks promising. We are now headed toward our last

event of this season before the summer break and that, of course, is the

STRAWBERRY LUNCHEON on

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 at

12 NOON

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AND

MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.

You can purchase them from any member of the UCW or at the

Church Office (450-698- 1050)

Donation $12.00 adults

$4.00 children under 12

Many thanks to all who attended or supported us in any way for our

Coffee Party & Bake Sale. It was a true success once again.

We really hope that during your leisure time on lazy, hazy summer

days you will find the time to prepare articles that we can sell at the

Holly Tea this year. We, in the UCW, are already at it as it gets here

so quickly once September arrives. The date this year is

Saturday, Dec.1, 2018.

If you have cleaned out your jewellery boxes and find you have ex-

tra pieces that you do not need, Jessie would be glad to take them

off your hands to sell at her table. You need not wait until the Fall,

she will take them right away as this gives her ample time to pre-

pare her table. Small jewellery boxes are also most welcome.

Lorna would be delighted to receive jams, jellies, preserves, fudge or

any kind of specialty that you make for her Crafts Plus table. She was so

pleased last year at how well everything sold.

Don’t forget the Stewards. If you have something that you think will

sell, please approach any member of the Stewards and they will be

glad to accept it from you anytime.

Have a Happy and Safe Summer,

Carol Epps, President U.C.W.

or Something Better? Page 23

SS Serendipity In July 1915, Henry and his eight-year-old daughter, Pearl, were excited

for the company outing the next day. That evening, Henry had a violent

argument with his landlord, ending with the landlord spitting on a

painting of the Virgin Mary. Henry was so upset, he fell ill and canceled

their trip. He and Pearl missed the cruise on the SS Eastland, which sank

with over 800 people on board—but not my future grandfather and

mother. Thanks to that miracle argument 100 years ago, 22 descendants

are alive today.—Vernon Magneseen, Elmhurst, Illinois

The Backup Band-Aid I was riding the subway and happened to be seated between two young

guys. The one on the right eyed the slightly grungy Band-Aid on my

thumb and said, “You should really change that, you know. You have to

keep it clean.” Then the one on my left said, “Here, I have one,” and

pulled a fresh Band-Aid out of his knapsack. “I keep them on me because

I’m always hurting myself.” Incredulous, I thanked him, changed my

bandage, and got off at my stop feeling pretty good about people, life,

and New York City.—Babette Lazarus, New York, New York

A Shining Light I volunteered at Ground Zero after hometown firefighters responded but

never returned. Lt. Timothy Higgins was one of them. I felt Timmy’s

presence during dark moments, guiding me along every path. Working in

sight of the burning piles, I met a fire marshal named Steve. I told him I

was from Freeport. Steve said he’d been a firefighter with a guy from

Freeport. I asked, “Who?” He replied, “Tim Higgins.” I followed this

path and married Steve in 2005. I think of Tim every day. He must have

been a shining light. Certainly, he was my beacon.—Deborah Kahn

Schreck, Sayville, New York

An Angel with a Donut Several years ago, my tire went flat while I was driving with my young

son asleep in the backseat. It was a heavily traveled road, so I pulled over.

I looked in my rearview mirror and saw that a man had pulled up behind

me. He offered to help. As he installed the donut, we talked. He explained

that he was from a long distance away. His face was kind, his

voice gentle. My son awoke, and I went to care for him.

When I looked back, the man was gone. Do angels walk the

earth? I believe they do.

—Mary Beth Asenio, Timberlake, Ohio

Luck... Page 22

Found Money at the Grocery Store I was third in line at the checkout, and the lady at the cashier was purchasing

basic items. Two cans of cat food, a can of tuna, a loaf of bread, a quart of

milk, a package of cookies. Her money was in her hand as the cashier gave

her the total. She was 86 cents short. She checked her purse to no avail. “I can

put something back,” she said. The man ahead of me reached into his pocket,

palmed a dollar, bent down as if to pick something up, and said, “I think you

dropped this.”—Michael F. Heberger, East Rochester, New York

Sunglasses on the Shore It was a hot, July day when my family arrived at North Carolina’s coast for a

beach day. Upon arrival, my father became aware that he misplaced his

beloved sunglasses. Not much of a beach enthusiast, Dad remained quite

dismayed that he would be unable to read all day due to the loss of his

sunglasses. Dad became so desperate; he looked toward the sky and

exclaimed, “God, if you care, please help me find some sunglasses!” A

moment later a small, gleaming reflection washed ashore. Jumping to our feet,

we ran toward the sea, and what else washed ashore but a pair of coral

encrusted sunglasses.—Travis Rager, Wendell, North Carolina

Always Watching On a crisp fall morning, my daughter Laura went to pose for her senior

pictures with her brother Josh’s bright green snowboard. Josh had died in a

motorcycle accident the summer before, and Laura, an avid snowboarder,

wanted his board in the shot. The photographer knew the perfect backdrop—­

a vibrant graffiti wall in town. He peered through the lens, focused, and

gasped. We all looked up and read the words spray-painted on the wall above

Laura’s head: “Big Bro Is Watching.” What a beautiful reassurance that she

has a guardian ­angel.—Lynn Elsner, Missoula, Montana

Like Father, Like Son Caught in a sudden downpour on the last day of a bike-packing trip, I ducked

into the lobby of a nearby supermarket for cover. As I waited out the storm

with my bicycle and gear, a teenage boy invited me to spend the night with

his family. I gladly accepted, and he went to find his parents. While I waited,

an older man made me the same offer. I thanked him and said I already had a

place to stay. Shortly after, the boy returned with his parents. The man who

had approached me was his father.—Philip Wood, Orlando,

Page 7

Congratulations Outstanding Citizens & Artists

Laura Bergeron and Sammi Brisbois (Steve & Alison Boyle’s

daughter) won an Outstanding Citizen award.

~From Billings High School Facebook page ~

Congratulations to our 2018 Outstanding Citizens and Artists.

These students are the leaders their peers look to for guidance,

they are the go-to people for their teachers when a job needs to

get done, and they are the ones who won’t look the other way

when something isn’t right. They are the citizens in our commu-

nities who inspire us to want to do better.

The teacher who recommended Laura said she was involved in

many things at the heart of the school, is kind, compassionate,

discreet and respectful. (We at St. A’s are fortunate to have

known Laura as a tiny child and we know all this to be true.

Congratulations Laura and Sammi! We are so proud of you!!)

Congratulations Graduates

Mathew Bergeron and Jordan King are graduating from Billings High

School. Matthew will be going to Marianopolis College and Jordan will

be studying drafting at the Nova Center.

Sarah Bergeron is graduating from CGEP and entering Concordia

to study Veterinary Medicine.

Jonathan Bergeron is graduating from McGill with a degree in Finance.

We’re proud of you all!

50 Years Wed!

Congratulations to Les and Nicole Sorg, celebrating 50

years of wedded bliss in June ….

and to Richard and Sandra Fortier, also 50 years blissful

on October 19th!

Congratulations!

Celebrate June 17th & Thank Dad Page 8

“I said ‘how would you like one of those

walkmans for Father’s Day?’”

Good Vibrations — My dad died unexpectedly at age 78, leaving our family

heartbroken. During the funeral mass, my sister felt her phone vibrate in her purse.

She was a little surprised that someone would be calling her, knowing she was at

Dad’s funeral mass. Afterward, she found there was a message: “Hi, this is your

dad,” said the male voice. “I wanted to let you know I made it home.” The caller

obviously had the wrong number, but the message was clear. My dad had completed

his journey to heaven and wanted us to know. Thanks, Dad—until we meet again.—

—Nancy Perkins

Dad’s Secret Spot

by Lucia Paul

My dad was a gardener

before it was cool. He

would proudly tell peo-

ple, “I can grow just

about anything.” He

could—except for my

beloved lilacs. He tried

everything, with no luck

or lilacs to show for his

efforts. One night when I

was a teen, it was raining

in that way it does in

April: violent and clean-

sing. I heard the creak of

the side door, and he

stood soaking wet,

etched with scratches,

holding an abundance of

lilacs. “I found a secret

lilac spot,” he said. “It

wasn’t easy, but I got

them.” That’s how he

got everything.

Maybe Darth Vader was just mad

because he never got a World's Best

Dad t-shirt or coffee mug for

Father's Day.

I have mixed emotions when I

receive my Fathers Day gifts. I’m

glad my children remember me. I’m

disappointed they think I dress like

that.

Mother’s Day by Karen Page 21

Page 20

Mother’s Day

Remember when our days had scheduled tasks? Here’s a list that

might remind you of those good old days...

Monday — Wash Day: Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and

vanity so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday — Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of

prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in

others.

Wednesday — Mending Day: O God, help me mend my ways so I will

set a good example for others.

Thursday — Cleaning Day: Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many

faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday — Shopping Day: O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I

may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday — Cooking Day: Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of

brotherly love and serve it with the clean sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday — The Lord’s Day: O God, I have prepared my house for you.

Please come into my heart as my honoured guest so I may spend the day

and the rest of my life in your presence.

—With thanks to Barbara Batten

Mother’s Day celebration — breakfast

made by the men… thanks to Les Sorg,

Keith Motton & Brian Ford who organized

the meal. A beautiful Mother’s Day service

followed—thank you Rev. Alice! Long-

stemmed roses for the women — we thank

Brian Ford for his thoughtfulness! Thanks

also goes to the Bergeron family for prepar-

ing the roses and special book marks to be

distributed by the children.

A lovely celebration to remember!

Mark & Rose

Terry, Brian, Sarah, Erich & Audrey

Daniel Garvin — Aeternal Page 9

Good evening Alice,

Thank you seems so pale compared to what I

wish to convey to you for your very kind wishes.

I am constantly in awe of what the Lord has

given me in so many ways!!

Having the opportunity to return as commander

to the honour guard is a dream come true and one

that I never thought possible. Although I shall

retain my retired status, I will still be involved in

the type of work I was born to do, serving.

When I reflect on the people the Lord has

brought into my life through the many different

ways, I am left in awe. I often wonder what I

have done to be so blessed. Since that gets me

nowhere, I choose rather to try and pay the bless-

ings forward and the more one does that, the

more the Lord sends.

St. Andrew's is a cherished blessing in my life.

You have all touched me very profoundly on nu-

merous occasions. Worshiping with you gives

me an idea of what "Heaven on earth" means. I

cannot express my gratitude in mere words so I

will ask the Lord to continue to bless you as He

blesses me. I look at the cards you have sent of-

ten, as the signatures speak to me of a love only

God can give. Thank you so much for your

wishes and prayers. Please convey my sincere

gratitude and best wishes to my sisters and broth-

ers at St. Andrew's!!! Blessings.

Daniel

Daniel Garvin of the musical Group Aeternal, but also a First Responder in

medical emergencies was recently given a honorary position in that place

of service. You folks signed a card and later I sent him a note

via email. Here is his response.

Thank you Daniel Garvin, Mike Amelotte,

Paul Despault & Dieter Ferworn.

St. A’s 185th Anniversary Page 10

Happy 185th Anniversary St. Andrew’s!

A delightful celebration with thanks to

Rev. Arijan Groeneveld, guest speaker

and the Bergeron / Christie families

for a delicious lunch.

Wear Fuzzy Socks

enjoy the process on a daily basis." A little note here… did you

know that singing in a group has incredible health benefits?

Keep a File of Uplifting Notes

"I keep messages that make me happy. If I feel blue, I open the file

and read the drama teacher's emails about my daughter's star

performance or my colleague's message about how much she loves

working with me." Research shows that affirmation boosts self-

efficacy so reminding ourselves of kind words we've received is

bound to provide a boost.

Surprise Someone in Need

A physical education teacher in Vermont, often gets her family or a

group of students together to make "blessing bags," (bags filled with

essentials such as Kleenex, hand warmers, gloves, granola bars, etc.)

for people in need. "One time we gave a bag to a man and his eyes

got so big. As we were walking away he opened the bag, took out the

toothbrush, started doing a happy dance and kissed the toothbrush,"

she shares. "This was incredibly uplifting because we were able to

make someone's life a little bit easier (and bring him joy), with just a

toothbrush."

Wear Fuzzy Socks

A licensed clinical social worker in Georgia has a simple way to feel

toasty: wear fuzzy socks. Bonus points if you have fuzzy and funky.

"It's a fun, silly thing that can be your secret for the day, a fun

conversation starter when someone sees the socks, or an extra way of

showing yourself care when you're at home. No extra planning or

money needed."

Take a Photo

A licensed social worker explains that activities that lead to surges

in happiness often have to do with mindfulness. To that end, she

knows a photographer who reported feeling happier after spending

time taking pictures. "When you're doing something you enjoy,

you're more easily in the present moment," she explains. "In the

present moment, there is peace and ease when you aren't worrying

about the past or future."

— Excerpt from an article by Gina Ryder (Reader’s Digest)

Page 19

In real life, achieving an upbeat or relaxed mood can come down

to the little things we do for ourselves or others. We asked happi-

ness experts and social workers, what they do to feel good.

As a writer, I often work from home, spending a lot of time on the

computer. To stay connected to nature while indoors, I decorate my

space with flowers. One of my favorite pick-me-ups is walking to a

nearby grocery store to buy inexpensive tea roses, sunflowers, or ger-

bera daisies to bring home. I put the flowers in mason jars on the win-

dowsill, on my bookcase and at my desk. The sweet smell and color-

ful sight make me feel light inside. The boost of happiness I get from

fresh flowers made me wonder what others do. What I discovered was

a slew of readily available (and good-for-you!) ways to feel a variety

of positive emotions including energized, calm, empowered, & joyful.

Do An Act of Kindness

"One of my favorite simple joys is to 'create' for others. I think about

making something fun/pretty/useful to give away and I get to it. It

might be crocheting a hat for a friend, lettering my favorite fun quote

in sparkly markers, putting together a grocery bag of goodies and a

taco recipe to drop on the doorstep of a neighbor. When I do for oth-

ers, I feel my mood instantly changes. My focus shifts from my prob-

lems and helps me find a way to brighten someone else's day."

Write a List

Therapeutic list-making can happen in many forms such as a to-do

list, a list of people to reconnect with, or imaginative list like a "desert

-island" list. For the past six years or so, that's just what Thomas

Fucaloro, a professional poet in New York City, has done. "(Making

lists) help get my wires get uncrossed," Fucaloro says. "I think in frag-

ments and I think creating lists help put those fragments together and

calms me down. It definitely helps my mood and allows me to create

art." (Some of Fucaloro's lists were published in a book of poems

called There's Always Tomorrow.) Start a gratitude journal of your

own.

Make a Playlist

Music is scientifically proven to improve focus and lower anxiety

among many other health benefits. "I think the playlist reminds me to

Instant Mood Boosters Page 18 Long Live St. Andrew’s Page 11

Left: Terry

Cessford &

Lorna

Walsh.

Right &

below:

Myrna &

Lou Hall

with grand-

children.

Above: Tanya Miller &

nephew, Marshall Miller.

Far left: William McLean

& below, Anna & Karen

Snair.

Page 12 St. A’s 185th Celebration

What We Believed as Kids

I believed that when my Dad played the stereo the

people singing lived inside of it. I was always curious

where they slept, went to the bathroom, and ate. I

wanted to pry the speaker open to look inside, but I

knew that would get me in a lot of trouble.—Melissa

Yingst

I believed that instead of an Easter bunny, there was

an Easter pig. I went to school and told my class. I will

never forgive my dad for telling me that.—Stacy

Rev. Alice, Rev. Arijan Groeneveld &

Marshall Miller, perhaps our minister

for our 210th Anniversary?

Welcome to St. A’s Family

Schofield Jackson & Audrey Bauer Loueen Jackson, friends, & Lyla & Harley

Grandparents’ Day — September 9 Page 17

“These hands are the mark of where

I've been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these

hands that God will reach out and take

when he leads me home. And with my

hands He will lift me to His side and

there I will use these hands to touch the

face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same

again. But I remember God reached out

and took my grandma's hands and led

her home. When my hands are hurt or

sore or when I stroke the face of my

children and husband I think of

grandma. I know she has been stroked

and caressed and held by the hands of

God. I, too, want to touch the face of

God and feel His hands upon my face.

—With thanks to Karen Snair

A Boy Needs A Grandpa

A boy needs a Grandpa…

For man-to-man talks,

To go hand in hand

On companionable walks,

To fix up his toys

When they no longer go,

To tell him the things

Little boys want to know.

A boy needs a Grandpa…

To show him the way

To handle a puppy,

To teach him fair play.

To impart bits of wisdom

He’s learned through the years,

That it’s no disgrace

For a man to shed tears.

A boy needs a Grandpa…

To sit on his lap

And if no one is looking,

They take a wee nap,

Each wrapped in an aura

Of love and esteem,

Each smiling gently

At some special dream.

~ Author Unknown ~

“Grandfathers are just antique little

boys.” – Author Unknown

“The simplest toy, one which even

the smallest child can operate, is

called a grandfather.”

—Sam Levenson

“A grandfather is someone with sil-

ver in his hair and gold in his heart.”

—Author Unknown

“Nobody can do for little children

what grandparents do. Grandparents

sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives

of little children.” — Alex Haley

Grandma’s Hands Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't

move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down

beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I won-

dered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the

same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at

me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear

strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here star-

ing at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at

your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned

them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really

looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about

the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.

These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I

have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the

floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my

mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on

my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to

war.

"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were un-

easy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my

wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved some-

one special. They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I

buried my parents and spouse.

"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled

neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and

cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet,

bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much

of anything else works, these hands hold me up, lay me down,

and continue to fold in prayer.” ….Continued on p. 17

Page 16 Photos by Karen Snair

Janice & Brian Verschoote Mariette, Sarah, Doreen, Vera & Diana

Rick & Sophie Cessford The Hall Family

Shirley & Nancy Christie Debbie, Shirley, Valeta & Brigitta

Rev. Alice, Craig, Angela Tracy & Angus A lovely celebration!

Page 13

June 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 Session &

Stewards

BBQ

6:00pm &

Meetings

14 15 16

17 Father’s

Day

Breakfast

& Sunday

school

closing

18 19 20 21

UCW

Straw-

berry

Lunch

noon

22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 Session &

Stewards

BBQ

6:00pm &

Meetings

14 15 16

17 Father’s

Day

Breakfast

& Sunday

school

closing

18 19 20 21

UCW

Straw-

berry

Lunch

noon

22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

September 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 Labor

Day

4 5 6 7 8

9 Men’s

Choir 10:30

Welcome-

Back-BBQ

4:30 pm

10 11 12 Session

Meets

7:30pm

13 14 15

16

17 18 UCW

Meet 1:30

Stewards

Meet 7:30

19 20 21 22

23

24 25 26 27 28 29

30