June 27, 2025 Newsletter

A WARM WELCOME

We are delighted to extend a Heartfelt Welcome to our new minister, the Rev. Glenn Kukkola, who will be joining our church family on July 15 with a spirit of faith, compassion and dedication.

The Rev. Kukkola brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to guiding us in worship, fellowship, and community outreach. His passion for nurturing spiritual growth and fostering meaningful connections will undoubtedly enrich our journey together. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in embracing the Rev. Kukkola with open hearts and prayers. Let’s come together to support his ministry, share his vision, and continue building a place of faith, love and hope. We look forward to seeing the ways God will work through the Rev. Kukkola to bless our congregation.

All are invited to attend the Service of Induction for the Rev. Kukkola on Tuesday July 15 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church.

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY!

We celebrated the 150th anniversary of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and 190 years of the Presbyterian presence in Lindsay at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - Lindsay on June 15.

Our guest preacher was the Rev. Dave Whitecross, who served as the associate minister at St. Andrew’s from 1994 through 2001. He delivered an excellent sermon called “Reforming”, and afterwards was presented with a copy of the PCC’s recently-released 150th anniversary book.

We were also joined by Nelia Steward, great-niece of the Rev. Dr. J.W. MacMillan, who served as minister at St. Andrew’s from 1895 through 1903. Committed to social justice, Dr. MacMillan would go on to teach sociology at the University of Toronto and also served as chair of the Minimum Wage Boards in Manitoba and Ontario, respectively.

Ian McKechnie, (Photo Credit -Graham Ham)

As we welcome the Rev. Kukkola into our church family, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated members of our Search Committee: Judy Allan, Janice Carr, Paul Davidson, Sara-Lynn Francis, Linda Rutherford, Ian McKechnie (Chair), Mike Snider, former members Keatha Bartlett, Graham Ham, Connie Shannon, and our Interim Moderators, Kathy Firth and Wayne Reid. Their time, prayers and unwavering commitment to finding the right spiritual leader for our congregation have been an incredible blessing.

Through countless hours of discussions, discernment, and faith-filled decision making, they have helped guide us to this exciting new chapter. Their work has been a true testament to the strength and unity of our church community, ensuring that we continue to grow and flourish under God’s direction.

Thank you for your devotion, wisdom, and perseverance in this important journey. May God bless you for your service, and may we all rejoice together as we embrace this new season of ministry.

MORTGAGE APPEAL

So far, we have raised $30,590.00 of our $100,000.00 goal. We still have until July 20th to fundraise and God willing, we will meet our goal. For those who have not yet contributed and are in a financial position to do so, we ask that you consider making a donation towards St. Andrew’s future. If you have contributed already, we greatly appreciate your financial support towards this cause.

WE REMEMBER

REFLECTIONS ON THE 2025 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

I was privileged to attend the 2025 General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada – held at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario from June 1st through June 5th 2025 – as a Commissioner representing the Presbytery of Lindsay-Peterborough.

This was my third Assembly, having represented this presbytery as a Young Adult Representative in 2012, and attended as a guest in 2017, when my father was a Commissioner.

General Assembly is the highest court in our denomination; it’s where questions of doctrine, policy, polity, and much more are discussed, debated, and formally ratified.

A few things about this year’s Assembly stood out as being particularly memorable.

First, the opening worship service at Central Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, was surely one of the most sublime services I have ever attended. The Spirit’s presence could definitely be felt in the choral music and formal liturgy, to the preaching and general sense of fellowship among the 300+ attendees as we gave thanks for 150 years of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Second, the conversation and exchange of ideas that happens outside of the Assembly hall – with clergy and laity from across the country, national church office staff, et al, over breakfast, lunch, and supper – is always one of the best parts of General Assembly. One is reminded again and again that the church is so much more than individual congregations.

Third, the 150th anniversary party was especially memorable, with music, dancing, historic photos, a full bar, and other refreshments. Over cake, I had a conversation with Emily Hartle, one of the Young Adult Representatives, and learned that she serves on her congregation’s search committee. Having done just that here at St. Andrew’s, I was heartened to hear that her home congregation places a great deal of importance on having young people in positions of leadership like this.

The 2025 General Assembly will surely go down as one of the best and most noteworthy in the long and ongoing story of the PCC.

Ian McKechnie