Minute for Mission
Throughout scripture, music is part of how people express joy, hope, grief, and praise. From the Psalms to songs of celebration and courage, music has long helped people connect with God, one another, and themselves. At First-St. Andrew’s United Church in London, Ontario, two music programs, the “Treblemakers” and “Reverberations” programs, help children and youth discover that same gift today. For many young people, music is more than something to listen to. It can build confidence, reduce stress, strengthen learning skills, and create a sense of belonging. But as the cost of living continues to rise, many families are finding it harder to afford opportunities like music lessons, instruments, or arts programs for their children.
First-St. Andrew’s music programs help to ensure young people do not miss out. Open to children and youth aged 3 to 17, the weekly programs offer a welcoming space where participants can explore music, creativity, and community together for a low fee. Each gathering begins with a shared meal, providing nourishment before children move into activities like singing, handbells, chimes, and drama. The impact goes far beyond learning notes or rhythms. Programs like Treblemakers and Reverberations help young people develop confidence by trying new things and performing together. They encourage teamwork, creativity, and self-expression while offering a safe place and a reliable meal. Music also supports cognitive development, memory, focus, and emotional well-being—benefits that can shape a child’s growth.
For some families, programs like this may be among the few accessible extracurricular opportunities available to their children. By lowering financial barriers and creating an inclusive environment, First-St. Andrew’s aims to ensure every child has the chance to grow and shine. In a world where many young people are carrying stress, isolation, or uncertainty, spaces of creativity and belonging matter deeply. Through music, meals, laughter, and shared experiences, children and youth are discovering not only new skills, but also confidence, friendship, and joy. Through Mission and Service, we support communities and ministries that nurture young people in body, mind, and spirit. Together, we are helping create spaces where children and youth can discover their gifts, build confidence, and know they belong.
– Thank you –
Refugee Project
Nov 17, 2022
As we watch with disbelief a war waging in the Ukraine and over 600,000 being displaced in under one week fleeing the bombs, we appreciate the greater need that exists to welcome refugees. Our faith calls us to respond and through this ministry, we try to answer this call. Our Lenten Project for this year was our St. Paul’s Refugee Campaign, to raise funds for our work with refugees. As you know, we are working with St. Mark’s Anglican/Lutheran Church to sponsor a family from Syria who just last week arrived here in Canada. We are also working with a local Afghani family in co–sponsoring six members of their family who have fled Afghanistan and the have now arrived. With the invasion of Ukraine, we know that there are now many more refugees who have fled their homes and we have no idea if they will be able to safely return to their own country or not.
To donate to our Refugee fund, please make your cheque payable to St. Paul’s United Church and clearly mark on the memo line of the cheque that is for the Refugee Fund. If you are making an e–transfer or donation online through our website, then please indicate that it is for this fund. Thank you
Scott Warnock, Executive Director of the Huronia Community Foundation, presents a cheque for $2,000 to Ken Woods, of St. Paul’s Refugee Committee.
_______________________
St. Paul’s United Church in Midland is in the process of sponsoring a family from Afganistan, and is also assisting St. Mark’s Anglican – Lutheran church as they are sponsoring a family from Syria.
St. Paul’s has a long history of sponsoring refugees going back to the 70s with the sponsorship of a family fleeing Vietnam after the war.
All funds raised will be used to cover the costs of supporting the refugee families once they arrive in Canada, for the sponsorship period of 12 months.
Refugee Programs
We asked Rev Martin Giebel, from St. Mark’s, for an update on the Ismail and Maghrebi families which is included here.
The Ismail family (from Syria): all the children are in school, enjoying it and making progress both in English and academically. The father is employed. Regarding the son who is still in Germany, his application is now at the Vienna visa office – it’s progressing.
The Maghrebi family (from the Ukraine): everyone doing well. They are now in their own apartment.
The Maghrebi family are in touch with the Ismail family and Rev. Martin visits both regularly. The two mothers, Jihan and Svitlana, are forming a friendship even though both hardly speak any English – they ‘understand’ each other.
Everyone takes ESL lessons. Rev Martin is trying to establish in-person ESL in Midland.
We have a Travel Date for the family from Afghanistan; for now, it is for late October (no names and dates are included for their safety). We are making efforts to bring them to Canada as soon as possible as the situation where they are is very dangerous; we are very concerned.
We are all grateful for the safe arrival of all refugees; please pray for those who are still waiting to travel to Canada, and safety.
This family has arrived and more information will be forth coming.