January 23, 2026 Newsletter
FROM THE MINISTER’S STUDY
It is better to be hated for doing good than loved for doing evil.
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
~ John 17:14
Jesus said these words knowing that while he may have been popular among the oppressed, outcast, and marginalized, he was distrusted and feared by the rest of his society, especially by the oppressors: the privileged and powerful. The religious establishment hated him because he pointed out their hypocrisy and their love for acclamation, status, and money. The rich hated him because he questioned both their charity and goodwill, and, because they were wealthy by exploiting their fellow human. The puppet King of Judea hated him, because he represented an authority above his own, and he was threatened by the possibility that Jesus would become popular enough to overturn his legitimacy. Rome definitely hated him, because he pointed to another saviour and Lord other than Caesar. Divine and supreme power and authority were not Rome’s, but belonged to the God of a desert people. What is common among these haters? The love of the world, or the system in place created by man, (with copious guidance from the prince of darkness: not Jesus) and not God, that till this day defies God’s will that all are created in the image of God and should be loved, respected and given dignity. All should share in the abundance of God’s creation and all should love one another. If you even consider that simple mandate given by God, we already see a glaring contrast to how our world system operates. So, the world system of today also hates Jesus, and as followers of Christ, also hates you. And that, believe it or not, is a good thing, because you may be doing something right. However, if the poor and the marginalized, oppressed and broken also hate you, you are in serious trouble. If the world hates you for the word of truth Christ has given you, but also hates your hypocrisy because you do not do what God commands, rather you still operate in similar fashion to the world, you are hated for both good and bad reasons. The church is not supposed to be popular, or attractive by worldly standards, but it will attract and it will draw people into the community of faith if we are faithful in raising Christ up in the way we live. There is nothing in the Gospel about doing things that appeal to people, or culturally make them comfortable, or adapt to their wants. The Gospel only asks the question: what needs to be? What does God will and what needs should be met? The early church, which was severely persecuted by both roman and early Jewish religious authorities, was hated, despised, mocked, and rejected by the world, yet it grew exponentially. Even the haters of the time, including Caesar, were forced to acknowledge grudgingly these Christians’ love of community and the community around them, their goodwill and their remarkable charity to all. Simply put: be hated by the world and loved by God for the right reason.
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
Thank you for your care, concern and financial support for vital programs around the world. A total of $1675.00 was designated to 10 separate categories. A breakdown of all the gifts given will be on display in the main foyer. Thanks again and blessings to Team St. Andrew’s, Donna Chatland
SESSION ELDERS & MINISTRIES
Do you have a photo of yourself with a birthday cake? Please send it to deborah.smith@bell.net. It will only be used at the event.
GRATEFUL
What an amazing response, indicative of a heart to serve those in need.
Fifty hampers were packed and successfully delivered to residences on Sunday, December 21st. In addition, ten hampers were taken to A Place Called Home to support their increasing demand to serve the many food deprived individuals being fed daily from their kitchen. In total, sixty hampers filled with food for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Day and beyond arrived in homes.
Your Outreach ministry team wishes to extend a sincere thank you to all those who participated in making this program such a success and a tangible example of our shared commitment to building Christ’s kingdom here on earth. Many hands were offered to pack the crates, to deliver the hampers, to help with storing purchased items and to assist with purchasing items. (Never has so much attention been paid to weekly flyers offering good deals!) Your incredible financial support made all of this possible!
I wish to acknowledge the wonderful support that we received from the following merchants: Giant Tiger, Valu-mart, Food Basics, Nesbitt’s Meat Market and Wholesale Club. These merchants allowed us to buy sale items in bulk, provided us with the crates in which to pack the food items, alerted us in advance of upcoming sales and embraced this outreach project with willing hands and hearts eager to help. Their participation emphasized how fortunate we are to live in a community with a commitment to helping others.
On a personal note, as coordinator of the hamper program for several years, my heart was full of gratitude for the way in which our church family and the community at large came together to make this happen.
Thank you, Dianne Dalton, Outreach Ministry
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
~ Matthew 25:40
Thank you so much for your very generous financial support of the Boots for Kids Program. The total donated was $1494.25 . King Albert school received 18 pairs of boots, 6 pairs of running shoes, 6 snow pants and several hats and mitts. The school administration sends their gratitude to you for your overwhelming generosity and care for children in need in our community.
Donna Chatland
BAPTISM SUNDAY
On January 11, 2026, Helmut Sandke and Greg Turner received the Sacrament of Baptism, were welcomed into the holy Catholic Church and entered into God’s covenant of grace.
