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In this week's newsletter:
Sunday Service
Wednesday Contemplative Service
Amalgamation Vote is Sunday, October 19
Spotlight on Saint Andrew’s Community: The Choir
Saint Andrew's Supports Social Justice: Ozanam Place
Drag Me to Church is NEXT WEEK!
Volunteers Needed for Drag Me to Church
On The Stage: Upcoming Events
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Every Sunday is important. This Sunday is particularly important for the future of the United Church of Canada in downtown Halifax. This Sunday we will worship, opening with this great organ hymn:
Praise my soul, the God of heaven,
glad of heart your carols raise,
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who, like me should sing God's praise.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Maker all your days.
At 11:00 am we will transition to a Congregational Meeting, for the ballot vote on the Amalgamation of three United Church congregations: Saint Andrew's, Saint Matthew's and Fort Massey.
Friends, it is a big day. In presence and grace, we find our way.
UPCOMING:
Sunday Nov 2 All Saints Sunday
Every Wednesday 6:00 - 6:25 pm Contemplative Service
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Amalgamation Charter and Voting Procedure
A reminder that you can access the Charter for the Amalgamation of Saint Andrew's, Saint Matthew's and Fort Massey United Churches. You can read the Overview and the Full Charter by clicking on this link. Printed copies of the Overview and Charter will be available on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary and in the church office (weekdays 9am - 1pm).
The Vote: This Sunday our worship service will be abbreviated (10:30 - 11:00am), followed by the congregational meeting to hear the question, allow discussion, and conduct the vote. The question: Do you agree to amalgamate the congregations of Saint Andrew's United Church, Saint Matthew's United Church and Fort Massey United Church? Yes or No.
Voting will be anonymous, by paper ballot. The votes will be counted and results announced before the end of the meeting. Note: You must be registered on the Voters List to vote. The list (members and adherents) is posted in the sanctuary. Please check to ensure your name is on the list.
The United Church of Canada strongly encourages in-person attendance for the Amalgamation Vote. It is of theological and practical import, for the movement of the Holy Spirit within and among. This is a momentous moment for our community and our city. Please attend, if you are able.
If you are not able to attend in person, you can attend and vote online:
1. Inform the office that you intend to attend online. A Zoom link for the meeting will be sent to you. Click here to add your name to the virtual attendee list and to receive the meeting link and instructions.
2. The online meeting will open at 10:00 am to ensure all virtual attendees are functional for the 11:00 am start to the congregational meeting.
3. Online participants will be able to hear/watch the proceedings, submit questions or comments, and vote anonymously. Monitors will be online with you to assist.
4. Online and in-person votes will be tabulated, with the result announced in the meeting.
| | Spotlight on Saint Andrew’s Community: The Choir | | |
At Saint Andrew's, we are blessed to have the beautiful voices of our choir members who provide music for our worship services every Sunday morning.
Under the leadership of Julia and Ibukun they spend Wednesday evenings preparing for the upcoming week, and filling the sanctuary with song.
We thank them for their time, talent, and dedication to making our church a harmonious place!
In the spring, before he left Saint Andrew's, Kevin recognized some of our long-standing choir members, including Betty, Daryl, Ruth and Trish, Bill, Hugh, Se Uk, and Doug for their commitment and dedication. Together they have over 300 years of service to the music ministry.
| | Saint Andrew's Supports Social Justice: Ozanam Place | | |
Last week Susan and Patricia attended the official opening of Ozanam Place, a new, custom built, supportive housing development in Halifax.
Residents, who have previously faced chronic homelessness, will now have deeply affordable housing with health and social services on site.
Ozanam Place upholds the principles of Housing First:
1. Rapid housing with supports
2. Offering clients’ choice in housing
3. Separating housing provision from other services
4. Providing tenancy rights and responsibilities
5. Integrating housing into the community
6. Strength-based and promoting self-sufficiency
With the opening of Ozanam Place, 38 senior citizens who have previously not had a home, will have a permanent home in a secure building, with rent being set at 30% of their income.
This is a great example of like-minded, caring organizations creating partnerships to serve the community.
| | Drag Me To Church is October 25! | | |
Drag Me to Church is just a week away!
We can't wait to fill our sanctuary with sequins and celebrate the artistry, inclusivity, and community of drag at this unique, affirming, and truly fabulous event. Local drag entertainers will take the stage, including co-hosts Lovina Poison and Lydia Sapphire; featured performers Elle Lixir, Anna Thematic (aka Tamsin Moynihan-Robson), and Cookie Cunningham; and spotlight performers Miss Thing and Chani Cash.
Tickets are $10 and available now by clicking on the button below. Limited tickets will be available at the door.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - 2SLGBTQIA+ Market
8:00 p.m. - Drag Show
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Market is free of charge and open to all ages. The drag show is for an audience aged 19 and older. ASL interpreters will be on site at the event.
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To make Drag Me to Church a great success, we need the help of several
volunteers. And, as a thank you, you'll get a fabulous limited-edition bright pink Drag Me to Church t-shirt, modeled above by Gail, Susan, and Patricia!
We're looking for people to help in the following roles:
- Greeters
- Ticket Takers
- Ushers
- Runners
- Set Up for the Market
- Tear Down
- Bartenders
- 50/50 Ticket Sellers
If you'd like to volunteer, please contact the office at info@saintandrewshfx.ca.
| | On The Stage at Saint Andrew's | | |
Cecilia Concerts
Quatuor Cobalt: Reflections of Time
October 18
7:30pm
Quatuor Cobalt presents a luminous program that bridges musical eras with vibrant originality. This spirited ensemble, lauded for its bold creativity, showcases works by trailblazing women composers in this program, each piece enriched with unique depth and character.
Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen’s elegant "Quartet No. 2 in B-flat Major" weaves graceful melodies and classical poise, reflecting her 18th-century virtuosity as a violinist and composer. Alicia Terzian’s evocative "Tres Piezas" conjures a vivid emotional landscape, blending modernist textures with haunting lyricism that captures her Argentine heritage. Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw’s contemporary masterpieces, "Plan & Elevation" and "Entr’acte," dazzle with inventive structures. Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn’s radiant "String Quartet in E-flat Major" brims with Romantic expressiveness, its lush harmonies and bold contrasts showcasing her undercelebrated genius.
Each piece shines with the distinct voice of its composer, brought to life through the quartet’s meticulous artistry and dynamic synergy. Hailed as a "revelation" by France Musique, Quatuor Cobalt has captivated audiences at venues like London’s Wigmore Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris, earning accolades for their award-winning debut at the Tremplin Competition in Paris. With fresh energy and historical insight, they honour these significant works, illuminating the lasting impact of women's artistry across centuries in a compelling modern context.
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