St. Andrew's United Church of Cairo

Christmas at St. Andrew’s: Traditional Carols in the Heart of Cairo, Thursday, Dec. 15

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

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.

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)

Fall Schedule Resumes: Bible Study and Sunday Worship
St. Andrew’s has resumed the Friday morning Bible Study.  Lead by a variety of people and following the weekly Bible readings from the worship service, we deepen our community and faithful understandings of God’s written word.  All are welcome to the Bible study which beings at 11:45 after fellowship each Friday.  Also, our Sunday evening service at 7pm has resumed.  Join us for a contemplative service each Sunday evening featuring scripture readings, prayers, contemplative songs, and a short message of hope and peace in Christ for our lives. 
 
Falucca Ride in Maadi (TGIF) at 6:00, Friday, Sept. 16th
As our church community comes together again this fall, you are welcome to come to a community felucca ride in Maadi.  Please come at 6pm this afternoon at the TGIF and we will hire a boat together.  If you need directions, please talk to Pastor Peter or Iain Baxter.  You are invited to bring a dish or drinks to share.

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

Announcing the Resumption of Fall Schedule: Bible Study and Sunday Worship
On September 9 St. Andrew’s will resume its Friday morning Bible Study.  Lead by a variety of people and following the weekly Bible readings from the worship service, we deepen our community and faithful understandings of God’s written word.  All are welcome to the Bible study which beings at 11:45 after fellowship each Friday.  Also, St. Andrew’s announces the resumption of our Sunday evening service at 7pm on September 11.  Join us for a contemplative service each Sunday evening featuring scripture readings, prayers, contemplative songs, and a short message of hope and peace in Christ for our lives.

Martha Roy Plaque Dedication

The year internship of Intern Pastor Paul and Stephanie Schick came to a close the past Friday, August 5, during which Paul preached his final sermon among us.  We give thanks for the meaningful contributions Paul has made to the life of our congregation in his worship leadership, development with others of our Sunday evening contemplative service and several small group fellowship opportunities.  We have been blessed by his presence and ministry.

We also give thanks for Stephanie’s ministry among us as well, volunteering as a science teacher in St. Andrew’s Refugee Services’ Children’s Education Program.   Stephanie made an important impact among the administrators, fellow teachers, and most importantly, the students.

During their final week in Cairo, Paul and Stephanie had a chance to do some last minute touring.  Visiting the Bent Pyramid of Dashur, Paul took his last chance to ride a camel for the first time.

Christ’s blessings and peace be with them as Paul resumes his studies at Wartburg Seminary in the United States.

This past Saturday, about twenty members of St. Andrew’s took part in a visit to the historic monasteries of St Anthony (the birthplace of monasticism) and St. Paul’s in the Eastern desert. During our visit we were hosted by various Brothers from these communities who graciously shared stories about the spiritual path of monasticism which began in these communities over 1,600 years ago! Visiting these sites was also an opportunity to witness some beautiful religious artwork.

Many buildings in these monasteries were adorned with several hundred years worth of beautiful artwork, each of which told different stories about the Christian faith. We give thanks to God for joining St. Andrew’s community with the Brothers of St. Anthony’s and St. Paul’s in friendship and prayer!

The 2nd Century Fund is Underway!
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 are launching an appeal called the 2nd Century Fund, which will pay for building repairs and improvements. We hope that as we seek to be good stewards of what we have inherited, we might ensure that this place continues to share God’s love in Cairo for another hundred years! Inside Friday bulletins, you will find envelops in which you can place any special donations for the 2nd Century appeal. If you are interested in details about improvement plans, please see Iain Baxter or Anne Shalaby.

Final Friday Bible Study of Summer, This Friday at 11:45
Join us this Friday for Bible study after fellowship in the conference room. We will once again be studying the passages from the Friday’s worship. This will be the final Bible study for these summer months. Bible study will restart this coming Fall.

St. Andrew’s Evening Prayer Will be on Hiatus During the Summer
We will not be holding Sunday evening services for the remainder of the summer. Thanks to all of those who participated in this special time of worship and prayer.

Summer Language Course to Be Offered By STARS
St. Andrew’s Refugee Services is excited to present a new Egyptian Arabic course specifically designed for foreigners living in Cairo. There will be two courses, one for intermediate and one for pre-intermediate, which  will be taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers and will be offered two evenings per week from  6:30—8:30pm.  All profits from this course will go directly to StARS to support essential educational, legal and psychosocial services for refugees. The cost of this 10-week course is LE1000.00 and it will begin during the week of June 19th.  A placement test will be given to all those interested in participating. Please contact standrews.arabic@gmail.com for further details or call Fiona on 02-2575-9451.

Volunteers Needed at St. Andrews Refugee Services
Make a difference in someone’s life today! Sign up with St. Andrews Refugee Services (STARS) as an English tutor for the summer 2011 term!

STARS’ Adult Education Program is looking for volunteer English tutors  2-8 hours/week. Tutoring is held Mondays-Thursdays from 4-6pm. We ask for a commitment of only 1 day a week. English Tutors will assist current students at StARS with conversation practice, homework, and/or answering basic English questions per student’s request. No prep time needed.

Please contact Erin Odgers, Volunteer Coordinator at standrews.volunteer@gmail.com or ask her after church for more information.

You know the Spirit, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. John 14:17-18

One of the worst feelings in the life of faith is the feeling of abandonment, the feeling that trusting in God doesn’t make a difference. It’s only human to feel this way from time to time. We feel this especially when prayers seem to go unanswered and faithfulness seems to go unrewarded. Other times, doubt seems to emerge out of nowhere amidst the more ordinary times of life. Whenever these feelings of disillusionment emerge, they leave us feeling abandoned, forgotten, or even orphaned. And yet often, in the midst these feelings of abandonment, God suddenly appears and reminds us that Christ will not leave us orphaned, and we remember that there is a deep purpose to the life of faith after all.

I recently visited a girls orphanage that two of our members, Benjamin and Veronica, have been volunteering at since last summer.  I wandered this home for girls aged 3-18 with my very gracious host Ben, and interacted with these children as they studied, ate, and played. They were a bit shy of me, as they had never seen a pastor who looked anything like I do, but you could see the love that was present in this big family.

This experience of seeing children becoming embraced in a home served as another reminder to me of what the life of faith is really about: giving and receiving God’s love in Christ. We can describe faith in as complex way as we want, but ultimately that’s it.

Christianity and faith has its critics, and certainly deservedly so at times, because we Christians sometimes behave in ways that are not very Christ-like. But when people and communities earnestly follow in Christ’s model of self-giving love, beautiful, life-changing things happen, and faith begins to make a positive difference in the world!

We can pray that we would recognize God’s Spirit abiding in our neighbor, as we seek to build a community that reminds people that they are never alone as beloved children of God.

God’s Peace,
Intern Pastor Paul Schick

Community Announcements

Church Falucca Ride this Friday, the 24th, 5-7pm
All are invited for a falucca ride together on the Nile, this Friday, May 27th.  It will be from 5-7 and we will set sail from TGIF in Maadi.  People are encouraged to bring food or drink to share for this time of relaxation and fellowship.

Friday Bible Study continues this week at 11:45
Join us for Bible study after fellowship in the conference room. We will once again be studying the passage from today’s worship.

St. Andrew’s Evening Prayer, this Sunday at 7 pm
Join us Sunday evenings at 7pm for St. Andrew’s Evening Prayer, a contemplative worship service. The final gathering for this service will be Sunday, June 12th.

StARS Education Programs are Looking for Teachers  
Give the gift of education by volunteering at St. Andrews Refugee Services as an English tutor or teacher for the summer 2011 term! StARS’  Adult Education Program is currently looking for dedicated, motivated and creative people to volunteers as:

English tutors: 2-6 hours/week.

English teachers: 1.5 hours/day for 2 days/week, to teach conversational      English.

Dual English & Arabic teacher: Teach a combined English/Arabic class for 18-24 yr olds.

If you have enthusiasm, motivation and a desire to share your skills with others, and are able to commit from May 23rd till the end of July, please email your CV, together with an indication of the volunteer position that you are interested in to Erin Odgers, Volunteer Coordinator:   standrews.volunteer@gmail.com

Camboni Community’s  Festival of Peoples and Nations
Members are cordially invited to join the Cordi Jesu Community (one block southeast) on Saturday, May 28 at 10:00 am-6:00 pm, as they host a festival whose aim is to encourage acceptance of differences and cherishing of commonalities.  The festival will include a juried photo exhibit capturing diversity in Egypt, varieties of foods, and  crafts/workshops for children and adults.