October 3, 2025

Note: Be sure to click download external images to see all the content.

In this week's newsletter:

Sunday Service

Welcome Back Potluck Lunch

Amalgamation Charter and Vote

Spotlight on Saint Andrew’s Community: Badminton Group

Saint Andrew's Supports Social Justice: Libraries

Drag Me To Church

On The Stage: Upcoming Events

Rev. Susan is away this week. Rev. Heather Fraser will be leading our worship service.

Heather will tell us the story of a very status conscious ancient general, and what Jesus' alternative leadership style might have to say about leadership in his time and in ours. And we'll get a song by Dolly Parton to boot.

UPCOMING:

October 5: Potluck Lunch (following worship)

October 12: Thanksgiving Sunday

October 19: Amalgamation Vote (following worship)

Welcome Back Potluck Lunch

With summer over and the return from vacations and cottages back to our usual routines, we're having a Welcome Back Potluck Lunch on Sunday, October 5 after services.

You are welcome to bring a main dish, salad, dessert, or whatever you would like to contribute.

We will need volunteers to help with receiving dishes in the lower hall before the service and clean up after the meal. You can contact the office to volunteer.

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).

You are welcome to attend an Information Session next Thursday, October 9 at 6:30pm in the Mary Holmes Room. It's a great opportunity to ask whatever you want, in preparation for your vote on October 19.

The Vote: On Sunday, October 19 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: Badminton Group

On Thursday mornings for more than 40 years, a group of women has met at Saint Andrew's to play badminton and enjoy a meal together.

They are a fantastic example of the impact of building community and growing friendships, all while doing something fun! We're always so happy to see them on every week!

Reaching out beyond their own group, they recently asked to have the above photo taken and printed on a thank you card for Halifax ShuuRenKan Kendo Club, to show their appreciation for the work the club did refinishing the floors. They all signed the card, which was delightfully received by the club the following Sunday.

This is the beauty of the Saint Andrew’s community, as those who use and enjoy our home appreciate and celebrate each other. It’s what we mean when we say, “It’s all church."

Saint Andrew's Supports Social Justice: Libraries

Libraries have grown to become far more than just places to borrow books. They’re community hubs that help everyone feel included and supported, providing free access to information, technology, and learning opportunities, and making sure no one is left behind.

From hosting programs that celebrate diverse voices to offering safe spaces for connection and growth, libraries (and their amazing staff and volunteers) work to bring people together and uplift those who may not always have the same resources. And, in doing so, they play a big role in promoting fairness, equity, and social justice in our communities.

For example, did you know Halifax Public Libraries has an Accessibility Advisory Committee? It was created to ensure that people with disabilities were at the heart of decisions about accessibility, with each member bringing a unique perspective to the table, and offering guidance, insight, and accountability as the Library works toward its vision of inclusion.

Drag Me To Church

On Saturday, October 25, Saint Andrew’s United Church is filling our sanctuary with sequins and celebrating the artistry, inclusivity, and community of drag.

Drag Me to Church is a unique, affirming, and truly fabulous event with local drag entertainers, including co-hosts Lovina Poison and Lydia Sapphire; featured performers Elle Lixir, Anna Thematic, and Cookie Cunningham; and spotlight performers Miss Thing and Chani Cash.

“As so many churches are bravely letting go of the demand for conformity and finally welcoming the unique perspectives of queer, trans, and Two-Spirit people into their midst, it's wonderful to see Saint Andrew's not only become officially affirming of their 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours (and members!), but double down and welcome what may be the quintessential queer art form into their sacred space,” says Tamsin Moynihan-Robson, theologian and ministry candidate, and also known as drag artist Anna Thematic.

“As a queer and trans person of faith, I already know that one of my performances, at its core, will be a prayer; perhaps the most honest one I've ever prayed,” Tamsin goes on, “And I'm excited to help take us all on a wild ride out of our comfort zones and into the kinds of places where miracles happen.”

Tickets are $10 and available now by clicking on the button below.

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.

On The Stage at Saint Andrew's

Nova Sinfonia

October 6

7:30pm

Nova Sinfonia performs concerts of classical, romantic, 20th-century and pops music. Founded in 1995, the symphony orchestra is comprised of professional and amateur musicians who rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire together. The orchestra strives to provide a high standard of musical performance as a complement to the musical offerings within the community.

Program includes:

Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Septimi Toni no. 2 for Brass

Richard Strauss: Serenade in E Flat Major op. 7 for 13 Winds

Gustav Holst: St. Paul Suite in C Major op. 29 no. 2 for String Orchestra

Antonin Dvorak: Symphony no. 8 in G Major op. 88

Sunday Service 10:30am

Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00am -1:00pm

Contact & Newsletter Submissions

(902) 422-3157

info@saintandrewshfx.ca

www.saintandrewshfx.ca