This post is a little later than usual as we were waiting to see the outcome of the 25th January commemorations.  Happily, everything went of peacefully with hundreds of thousands of people packing Tahrir Square supporting the goals of the revolution.  Marches from Ramsis Square, Ain Shams University and Abbasaya passed by the church but all remained calm.  Worship will therefore continue as normal this weekend.

Last Friday Mark Nygard preached and celebrated communion and our Bible Study resumed following the service.  Our skype prayer meeting on Tuesday included Sonya in Haiti and Danna in Chicago as well as five people in Cairo.

The Annual General Meeting is tomorrow, Friday 27th January, when the new Church Council and two members of the new StARS Board will be elected.  Please pray that we all make wise decisions as we elect those who will lead us this year.

Have a good week, God bless,

Iain

 
Annual General Meeting

Tomorrow, Friday 27th January after Morning Worship

Bible Study

No Bible Study this week due to the Annual General Meeting

Piano Recital – Change of Time

Janice Gray will give a piano recital on Friday 10th February at 2 pm in aid of StARS.  This is a change from the time originally stated. 
Put it in your diary!  More details to follow!
 
Skype Prayer Meeting

We will have another skype prayer meeting on Tuesday at 7pm.  Add “iainbaxter” as a skype contact to join in.

This Week’s Readings

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111 
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 
Mark 1:21-28

Our Covenant Service went well last Friday with around 35 people in attendance and a smaller number again gathered for Evening Prayer on Sunday night.  On Tuesday we had our first virtual prayer meeting with three people linking up via skype to pray: one in Heliopolis, one in Garden City and one in Chicago!  We hope more people will join us next week!  We truly are a global community: the map below shows the location of people receiving and reading last week’s church email.  You’re welcome to join us to pray wherever you are!  Just add “iainbaxter” to your skype contacts and be online on skype at 7pm Cairo time.

Our Annual General Meeting will be on Friday 27th January and documents for the meeting will be available this Friday for anyone who would like to read them in advance.  Mark Nygard will be preaching and leading us in communion this week.

It came to my attention yesterday that some people missed the news about the appointment of the new StARS Executive Director.  Just before Christmas, Fiona Cameron, who was previously the acting Director, was appointed to the full-time post.  We send her our congratulations.

Service Times

Friday 10am  Morning Worship
Sunday 7pm  Evening Prayer

 
Annual General Meeting

Friday 27th January after Morning Worship
Nominations are now closed for the Church Council and StARS Board positions.
 
Piano Recital

Janice Gray will give a piano recital on Friday 10th February in aid of StARS.  Put it in your diary!  More details and times to follow.
 
Skype Prayer Meeting

We will have another skype prayer meeting on Tuesday at 7pm.  Add “iainbaxter” as a skype contact to join in.

Preparations for January 25th

It is possible there could be trouble around the January 25th anniversary of the revolution.  With this in mind, please make sure you are well stocked with food, water and so on, just in case it becomes difficult to go out to shop.  You should have enough for two to three weeks if possible.  Hopefully there will be no problems, but if there are please check the church website, www.standrewschurchcairo.com, for any cancellation of services.  This information will also be sent out by email if possible.

This Week’s Readings

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Psalm 62:5-12

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

 
We are all back in the normal swing of things as if Christmas never happened.  Sunday’s Evening Prayer service has resumed at 7pm and we will be sharing the prayers from the Methodist Covenant Service this coming Friday.  It still seems strange without Pastor Peter to lead and guide us, though!

The New Year is traditionally time for New Year’s resolutions and, amid the promises to eat less and exercise more, we can use this as a time to resolve to deepen and grow in our relationship with God.  This is what the Covenant Service pledges us to do, both as individuals and as a church together.  The promises of the Covenant Service are listed below so that we can consider them before we come to church on Friday.  I hope we will all see 2012 as a year of growth and new opportunities.

We want to keep going with social activities, too, and it has been suggested that we go to see the movie Warhorse when arrives in Cairo.  It should be here in Cairo sometime in January so watch this space and check the website!

Well, Happy New Year to all,

Iain Baxter

Covenant Service Promises

I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
wherever you may place me,
in all that I do and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me and when there is none;
when I am troubled and when I am at peace.
Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfillment and when it is lacking;
when I have all things, and when I have nothing.
I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose.
Glorious and blessèd God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven.
Amen.
 
Annual General Meeting

Friday 27th January after Morning Worship

Nominations are now closed for the Church Council and StARS Board positions.
The candidates are as follows:

Church Council                             Stars Board

Eric Asomugha                             Eric Asomugha
Iain Baxter                                   Jacob Chew
Pamela Chase                              Nazli Rizk
Marilyn Hansmann                      Trish Wiebe
Sally Michael                              
Linda Nygard
Erin Odgers-Chew
Emmanuel Omoniyi
Nazli Rizk
 
New Virtual Meeting

We are considering having a virtual prayer meeting on Tuesday evenings as it is very difficult for many people to travel downtown during the week.

Everyone would logon to skype at 7pm on Tuesday for a group call, where we could pray for concerns of the church, the world and each individual.  You wouldn’t even have to be in Cairo to take part!  If you would be interested in this, send your skype name to pastor@standrewschurchcairo.com

If you are not on skype you can join for free if you have a computer, internet connection (which you must have to see this website), and a headset.

 
Preparations for January 25th 

 
Jacob has passed on the warning about possible trouble around the January 25th anniversary of the revolution.  With this in mind, please make sure you are well stocked with food, water and so on, just in case it becomes difficult to go out to shop.  You should have enough for two to three weeks if possible.  Hopefully there will be no problems, but if there are please check here on the church website for any cancellation of services.  This information will also be sent out by email if possible.

Church Emails

If you do not already receive regular emails from St. Andrew’s and would like to be added to our mailing list, send an email to  pastor@standrewschurchcairo.com

We are half way through the Christmas season here in Cairo, with western Christmas Day behind us and New Year and Coptic Christmas still to come!  I hope you all had a happy and blessed Christmas Day and pray that God will give you every blessing in the New Year ahead.  The  Christmas Day service held jointly with the Cairo Christian Fellowship was a great success and we look forward to working together in the coming year.

The work on refinishing the wooden floor in the Guild Hall is underway and should be completed in the next few days.  We aim to begin work on both the bathrooms and kitchen in the New Year.  Work has also been completed repainting the inside of the caravans and new halogen external flood lighting around the church compound and new lighting in the sanctuary was installed in early December.

All in all, we are ready to enter the New Year in a spirit of optimism and hope in God’s provision, despite the problems of 2011 in Egypt and the continuing uncertainty in this land.  God has his plans for Egypt and, indeed, for St. Andrew’s.

Christmas and New Year Worship Schedule

Friday, 30th December, 10 am, Morning Worship

Sunday, 1st January.  No Evening Prayer Service.

Friday, 6th January, 10 am, Morning Worship

Sunday, 8th January.  Evening Prayer returns.

Nominating Committee for Council and StARS Board

The Church Council is forming a nominating committee to help facilitate the election of new church council members to one year terms.  The Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held on the final Friday of January, 2012.  If you are interested in serving on Church Council, speak to Iain Baxter.  Stay tuned for more announcements regarding this Committee and the nominations process.

Sign up for Assisting in Worship

A new signup sheet for worship assistants has been prepared.  Please sign up to share your gifts with us by reading in church, providing refreshments or giving the flowers. Thank you for sharing in our ministry in these ways.

A great Carol Service enjoyed by all!

Over one hundred people attended St. Andrew’s on Thursday night to enjoy our Carol Service.  Christmas at St. Andrew’s included carols, readings and special music and gave us the opportunity to say a sad farewell to our pastor, Peter Johnson.  Pastor Peter was presented with a card and a beautiful applique hanging as a momento of his time with us in Cairo.  He will be greatly missed by us all and we know that we have grown both in numbers and in faith during his ministry among us.  We will also miss Michele and Alex, Andrew and Liam.  We pray that God will guide them in the future and lead them into the special plans he has for them.

Video of the Carol Service, including Pastor Peter’s sermon and presentation, can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSscH25iSd0&feature=plcp&context=C31c38a8UDOEgsToPDskLouj5OfDGwcOjoJxMnUqLa

Christmas Celebration Planned for December 25th at 6pm.

Join members of our community alongside members of Cairo Christian Fellowship for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  Together, we will hold a combined service of lessons and carols on December 25th at 6pm.

Please note that St. Andrew’s will not be worshipping on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24th) this year.

Christmas Worship Schedule; Note Changes to Times

Friday, 23rd December, 10 am, Morning Worship

Saturday, 24th December, St. Andrew’s will not worship on Christmas Eve.

Sunday, December 25, 6pm, Christmas Day Service, together with the Cairo Christian Fellowship

Friday, 30th December, 10 am, Morning Worship

Sunday, 1st January.  No Evening Prayer Service.

Friday, 6th January, 10 am, Morning Worship

Sunday, 8th January.  Evening Prayer returns.

Special Christmas Offering to be Collected

Each year, St. Andrew’s collects a special Christmas offering to support a special ministry. 100% of collection is donated to this collection.  This year, St. Andrew’s Church Council has designated St. Andrew’s Refugee Services Children’s Educational Program, the refugee ministry attached to our congregation, to receive this special offering.  Please give generously to support the education of our refugee community.

Nominating Committee for Council and StARS Board

The Church Council is forming a nominating committee to help facilitate the election of new church council members to one year terms.  The Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held on the final Friday of January, 2012.  If you are interested in serving on Church Council, speak to Iain Baxter.  Stay tuned for more announcements regarding this Committee and the nominations process.

Sign up for Assisting in Worship

A new signup sheet for worship assistants has been prepared.  Please sign up to share your gifts with us by reading in church, providing refreshments or giving the flowers. Thank you for sharing in our ministry in these ways.

Note from Pastor Peter

I want to express my sincere gratitude to God and to each of you who make up our St. Andrew’s congregation.  Together, we have formed a unique and special community in downtown Cairo that has been a privilege to share with you.  You have also blessed my family in rich ways, as well.  As I depart today, I wish for you God’s presence and peace as you continue our important purpose in downtown as both a vital congregation of diverse and faithful individuals combined with strong dedicate to refugees and vulnerable migrants.

Our contact information in the United States is:

Peter and Michele Johnson (Alex, Andrew and Liam)

5217 West 61st Street Edina, MN  55436 USA

950-200-1061 (mobile)

pjohnson.cairo@gmail.com

The warmest of Advent blessings and Christmas peace to the whole of the St. Andrew’s community and each of you.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Pastor Peter Johnson

St. Andrew’s is hosting a community Christmas carols and readings service at 7pm on December 15.  Please invite your family and friends to attend this unique occasion.  Feel free to take a poster or extra leaflets available to share them with friends and the community.
 
Christmas Celebration Planned for December 25th at 6pm. 

Join members of our community alongside members of Cairo Christian Fellowship for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  Together, we will hold a combined service of lessons and carols on December 25th at 6pm.

 Please note that St. Andrew’s will not be worshipping on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24th) this year.
 
Church Holiday Decorating Saturday, December 10 at 10am

St. Andrew’s will host a church decorating morning on Saturday, December 10th at 10am.  This will help decorate our sanctuary for continuing advent festivities leading into Christmas.  All are welcome.
 
Christmas Worship Schedule; Note Changes to Times
 
Christmas at St. Andrew’s: Traditional Carols in the Heart of Cairo:  
Thursday, Dec. 15, 7pm
 
Christmas Candlelight Service:       Sunday, December 25, 6pm
 
No Sunday Evening Prayer Service on Dec. 25 and Jan 1.
 
Note:  St. Andrew’s will not worship on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th.
 
Special Christmas Offering to be Collected

Each year, St. Andrew’s collects a special Christmas offering to support a special ministry. 100% of collection is donated to this collection.  This year, St. Andrew’s Church Council has designated St. Andrew’s Refugee Services Children’s Educational Program, the refugee ministry attached to our congregation, to receive this special offering.  Please give generously to support the education of our refugee community.  The offering will be collected at the December 15 Traditional Carols service held at St. Andrew’s at 7pm.
 
Poinsettias to Decorate the Church for Christmas

Preparations for the Christmas season are underway, including decorations for our sanctuary.  Members are invited to purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of a love one that will decorate the church for Christmas.  A signup sheet is on the clip board.  The cost of each poinsettia is 30LE.
 
Nominating Committee for Council and StARS Board
 
The Church Council is forming a nominating committee to help facilitate the election of new church council members to one year terms.  The Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held on the final Friday of January, 2012.  If you are interested in serving on Church Council, speak to Iain Baxter or Pastor Peter.  Stay tuned for more announcements regarding this Committee and the nominations process.
 
Sign up for Assisting in Worship

A new signup sheet for worship assistants has been prepared.  Please sign up to share your gifts with us by reading in church, providing refreshments or giving the flowers. Thank you for sharing in our ministry in these ways.
 
Note from Pastor Peter

As my departure from St. Andrew’s approaches on Friday, December 16th, I want to express my gratitude to God and to each of you who make up our congregation.  Together, we have formed a unique and special community in downtown Cairo.  You have been a rich blessing to me and my family during my tenure as pastor.  I wish for you God’s presence and peace as you continue our important purpose in downtown as both a vital congregation combined with strong social service interests directed toward vulnerable refugees.

Christmas Carol Service 2011, December 15th at 7pm

Our next major event is the Carol Service on Thursday 15th December at 7 pm.  This will be a great time of traditional Christmas carols and readings.    It will also be one of the last services led by our Pastor Peter Johnson.   There will be a time of fellowship and refreshment in the Guild Hall following the worship.  Please invite your friends and take lots if flyers to distribute this Friday.

Christmas Decorating, 10th December at 10am

To prepare for Christmas we will meet at 10 am on Saturday 10th December to decorate the church sanctuary and Christmas tree.  This should be a fun time as we listen to Christmas music and prepare the church for the festive season!

Farewell Service!, 16th December at 10am

Friday 16th December will be our last service with our Pastor Peter Johnson.  Please try to join us as we say farewell and give thanks for the great leadership he has given us over the last two and a half years!!!

Chrismas Services

Friday 23rd December at 10am.  Normal Friday worship service

Saturday 24th December.  No Christmas Eve Service this year

Sunday 25th December at 6pm.  Join with the Cairo Christian Fellowship for Christmas Worship

Friday 30th December at 10am.  Normal Friday worship service

Sunday 1st January.  No Evening Prayer Service – resumes on Sunday 8th January at 7pm

Help to keep our newly renovated sanctuary clean and polished by volunteering for a couple hours with other members of our community.  All are welcome.

Martha Roy Plaque Dedication Friday, Sept. 30th

St. Andrew’s gives thanks for the faithful contributions of long-time member Dr. Martha Roy.  To honor her ministry among us for many decades, a plaque was placed next to the organ with the following caption:  ”In loving memory of Martha Anderson Roy (March 27, 1913 to March 8, 2011). For many years a member of this church: teacher, scholar, musician, friend and servant of the people of Egypt, disciple of Christ.  Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).”  A dedication of this plaque will be planned during worship on Friday, September 30th.

Thanks to Danna Gobel September 30

Danna Gobel departs Cairo after three years, returning to Chicago (USA).  She has served as an important staff member of Refugee Services’ management for the past year and member of the Advisory Board.  We will thank her for her service at St. Andrew’s on Friday, September 30 with a modest celebration.  Thanks, Danna, for your many contributions and every blessing to you in the future.

All Church Retreat on October 14/15 at Anafora

St. Andrew’s enjoys occasional retreats for worship, community building, and fellowship.  The Coptic retreat center of Anafora is a memorable and peaceful location for such events.  A retreat is planned for October 14th and 15th.  Discussions will be held regarding our congregation’s ministry, especially as it enters a period of transition from Pastor Peter to other pastoral leadership.  We plan to leave together after church on Friday afternoon, October 14, caravaning in personal vehicles.  We will arrive back at St. Andrew’s on  Saturday afternoon, October 15th.  The approximate cost is 100LE per person.  Please let Pastor Peter know if you need financial assistance to attend the event.

The 2nd Century Fund Supports Building Renovations

We are blessed at St. Andrew’s with a beautiful worship space that was built over hundred years ago. As we enter into St. Andrew’s second century, we have been contributing to a special appeal called the 2nd Century Fund, which will pay for building repairs and improvements such as recent projects of newly installed air conditioning, freshly painted walls and resurfaced floors in the sanctuary.  Currently, a painting project is underway in the Guild Hall.  Thank you for your contributions.  Please contribute through a special envelope in the offering plate.

Volunteer for Refugee Services Refugee Services; Material Donations

St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) is a multifaceted program for refugees of our city that include services related to education, legal counseling and psychosocial services.  If you would like to volunteer in the programs, please contact Erin Odgers-Chew at standrews.volunteer@gmail.com.

Specifically, St Andrew’s Refugee Services is looking for volunteer to manage its clothing donations.  This sorting involves four hours once every two weeks and making sure the cabinet is properly stored and tidy. Giveaways are organized once every 3-6 months, depending on the level of donations received.  Preparing for this event requires 6-8 hours.  If you feel that you could give your time to this project, please contact Erin or Pastor Peter.

Arabic for Foreigners Class at St. Andrew’s

St.  Andrew’s Refugee Services is excited to present a new Egyptian Arabic course specifically designed for foreigners living in Cairo. This course will be taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers and will be offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6.30—8.30pm.  All the profits will support St. Andrew’s Refugee Services’ educational, legal and psychosocial services for refugees. The cost of the course is 1000LE and it will begin on Monday 3^rd October and run for ten weeks.  Please contact standrews.arabic@gmail.com for further details or call Fiona on 02 2575 9451.  Fifty percent discount for those interning with humanitarian organizations!!

St. Andrew’s Upcoming Meetings
Church Council:   October 10 at 5:30pm

Advisory Board:     October 18 at 6pm (at St. Andrew’s)

Martha Roy Plaque Dedication Friday, Sept. 30th
St. Andrew’s gives thanks for the faithful contributions of long-time member Dr. Martha Roy.  To honor her ministry among us for many decades, a plaque was placed next to the organ with the following caption:  ”In loving memory of Martha Anderson Roy (March 27, 1913 to March 8, 2011). For many years a member of this church: teacher, scholar, musician, friend and servant of the people of Egypt, disciple of Christ.  Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).”  A dedication of this plaque will be planned during worship on Friday, September 30th. 
 
Church Cleanup Scheduled for Sat., September 24th at 10am
Help to keep our newly renovated sanctuary clean and polished by volunteering for a couple hours with other members of our community.  All are welcome.
 
Thanks to Danna Gobel September 30
Danna Gobel departs Cairo after three years, returning to Chicago (USA).  She has served as an important staff member of Refugee Services’ management for the past year and member of the Advisory Board.  We will thank her for her service at St. Andrew’s on Friday, September 30 with a modest celebration.  Thanks, Danna, for your many contributions and every blessing to you in the future.

The 2nd Century Fund Supports Building Renovations
We are blessed at St. Andrew’s with a beautiful worship space that was built over hundred years ago. As we enter into St. Andrew’s second century, we have been contributing to a special appeal called the 2nd Century Fund, which will pay for building repairs and improvements such as recent projects of newly installed air conditioning, freshly painted walls and resurfaced floors.  We hope to be good stewards of what we have inherited, that we might ensure that this church facility continues to share God’s love in Cairo for another hundred years.  Please contribute through a special envelope.

Volunteer for Refugee Services Refugee Services; Material Donations
St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) is a multifaceted program for refugees of our city that include services related to education, legal counseling and psychosocial services.  If you would like to volunteer in the programs, please contact Erin Odgers-Chew at standrews.volunteer@gmail.com.  Specifically, St Andrew’s Refugee Services is looking for volunteer to manage its clothing donations.  This sorting involves four hours once every two weeks and making sure the cabinet is properly stored and tidy. Giveaways are organized once every 3-6 months, depending on the level of donations received.  Preparing for this event requires 6-8 hours.  If you feel that you could give your time to this project, please contact Erin or Pastor Peter.

Upcoming Meetings
Church Council, St. Andrew’s Congregation:  October 10 at 5:30pm 
Board, St. Andrew’s Refugee Services:          September 21 at 6pm