This past year at St. Andrew’s Church, we have embraced a spirit of worship, outreach, and connection, living out our mission to embrace and express our love for God through prayer, sacraments, hospitality, outreach and service to all.
Known for our friendly and welcoming atmosphere, we strive to share God’s love by nurturing the gifts of our congregation while supporting and celebrating the talents and needs of those around us.
One of the highlights of the year was our first-ever Art Show, which was held during the Amherstburg Art Crawl. This event brought together talented local artists and provided a wonderful opportunity for community members to connect with one another and with the church.
Our Spring and Fall Rummage Sales continued to be a blessing for many, offering affordable items while fostering fellowship among volunteers and shoppers alike. Our annual Christmas Cantata, led by our gifted choir and musical director, Matt Kulbacki, and narrated by Rev. Olwyn Coughlin once again filled the sanctuary with beautiful music that inspired hearts and lifted spirits. In the spring, Matt also held a solo piano recital, drawing a large and appreciative audience from both within and beyond our congregation. Our Friday Night Live events continued to thrive, showcasing musical talent from within our congregation as well as welcoming new performers from the wider community. We warmly encourage anyone with a passion for music to share their gifts!
We were delighted to host a Christmas Nativity Play, a cherished event that brought the story of Christ’s birth to life in a memorable way. This year’s production featured dancers from the Rivertown Dance Academy and a very special guest appearance by Carlos, the miniature donkey, who charmed everyone with his presence. Another festive highlight was the Men’s Boarding House Christmas Party, a joyful celebration that provided companionship, a warm meal, and holiday cheer to members of our community who might otherwise have felt alone during the season.
In addition to these special events, our outreach efforts included partnering with the Amherstburg Firefighters Association for their Toy Drive and continuing our support of the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. Through these partnerships, we sought to extend Christ’s love and care to those in need, especially during the challenging winter months.
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to deepening our impact within the community and providing meaningful spaces for worship, reflection, and connection. Whether through contemplative worship services, seasonal Bible studies, or our traditional and uplifting Sunday gatherings, St. Andrew’s continues to welcome everyone—those who are seeking, exploring their purpose, or growing in faith. Together, we journey as a community, sharing God’s hope, joy, and love with all.
We invite you to join us in the year ahead, whether by attending one of our events, participating in worship, or simply stopping by to experience the warmth and hospitality that make St. Andrew’s Church a special place.
—Submitted by Rev. Shirley Carleton
Community Group 2024 recap - St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
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