First Presbyterian ChurchAnnouncementsfor Sunday, September 13th, 2020____________________________________________________________

We offer our love and sympathy to Ruth Wood on the death of her husband ERIC DONALD WOOD on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. A private interment and gathering

will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Maitland. Please remember Ruth, their daughter Donna, and the Wood family in your prayers.

Moment for Mission – New beginnings and Evangelism coachesThe Apostle Paul, in his pursuit of sharing the gospel message, says that in doing so he is “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Looking ahead is not always an easy thing to do, especially in the rapidly changing environment that we live in today. For congregations, it can be a struggle to know how to continue to reach out to their communities and share the gospel in meaningful ways. The PCC has developed a network of coaches to help congregations and ministries to discover where God is calling them. Through programs like New Beginnings and the Evangelism Network, congregations can be connected with a coach

to guide them into an exciting new era of ministry. Contact Canadian Ministries canadianministries@presbyterian.ca to learn more about the New Beginnings program and the Evangelism Network. Presbyterians Sharing shares the gospel message

Near East School of Theology (NEST) Special Appeal

The Near East School of Theology, known as NEST, is located in Beirut, Lebanon. A long-standing partner of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, this small Reformed theological institution trains 90% of the protestant pastors in the Middle East, keeping alive the faith in the region where Christ was born and taught. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship attracts talented young women and men for leadership in their church and creates Christian community in a minority environment. In a region with collapsing economies, a record numbers of refugees without safe haven and violent clashes in many cities, it is a beacon of hope.

News broke on Tuesday, August 4, that a large fire in the Port of Beirut led to a devastating chemical explosion that resulted in extensive damage over much of the capital, along with the deaths of at least 137 people, the injury of 5,000 others and the displacement of some 300,000 people.

The massive chemical explosion has affected almost everyone in the city, including all eight floors and two basements of the NEST building, the glass windows, doors, panels as well as the internal wooden doors were completely shattered. Employees and workers of the school, along with a number of volunteers, have been working tirelessly since the explosion occurred to try and clean up the debris in the building. However, despite the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers, extra hired help has had to be brought in to assist with the cleaning process, and the repair work will be financially difficult.

During this worldwide crisis, Dr. George Sabra, President of NEST, reports that the devaluation of the Lebanese currency and border restrictions and fear which will reduce the number of international students, has put the seminary in a precarious situation. But he added: “We have hope that we can pull through with God’s help and the support of our network of friends. After all, this institution made it through two World Wars and crises in the region, including a 15-year-old war in Lebanon.”

You can help NEST continue to shine the light of Christ in a troubled world.International Ministries will match your gifts, both large and small, up to $50,000. Donations can be made through your regular giving envelopes. Please clearly write NEST in the ‘Other’ Line.

A FAMILY NEEDS OUR HELPWe have had a request from a family who has come to our drop-in breakfast from time to time for some assistance.  Basically, they need the following items:

men's clothing - medium and large women's clothing - medium and large Hand and bath towels, face cloths, dishtowels

If you have anything on this list that you can donate, please contact the church office 613-340-3310 to let Office Marianne

know you are coming to drop off items at the church. Item delivery to the Church Street door. Reverend Marianne will deliver any donations received to the family.Thanks for helping out!End Polio Now TulipFall Planting: This item is available for purchase from April-October while supplies last. This product will ship September-

October according to hardiness zone. Tulipa. Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years and the goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever. As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since the first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Rotarians around the world have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries and so far, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating this disease. Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan, and Pakistan. But it is crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Dutch Rotarians have led the world in using tulips to benefit this critical polio eradication project. What began as the purchase of rights to name and sell a new variety of tulip during a 2013 charity auction, this idea has blossomed into a continuing and internationally successful fundraiser. In the first few years of launching this initiative, over 1.5 million tulips were sold, generating approximately $2,000,000 US to fight polio. Thanks to the breeding and cultivation of these beautiful tulips by Dutch grower Jan Lichthart, this Rotary initiative is now is in its second year in Canada through the efforts of Vesey’s and their Rotarian member employees. The beauty of this program is that the only organization benefitting from the sale of these tulips is Rotary. Every step along the way from grower to packaging, exporter to retailer, net proceeds (approx. $18.25 per box) from the sale of these bulbs will go directly to the Polio Eradication Program. Add to this the generous matching funds by the Gates Foundation and the end result becomes triple the initial contribution. Each purchase of the End Polio Now tulip will be shipped in this very attractive gift box containing 25 of these beautiful bulbs. And before you ask… the word tulip is not misspelled… it is simply the Dutch version of the word! This lovely packaging also explains the polio program and provides detailed planting instructions. Show the world that you care and be part of this tremendous

eradication program through your purchase of this very special and life changing tulip.Height 16-20". Bulb size: 12cm+. Sold as: Pkg of 25 at $25.00 per boxIf you would like to order some tulips please contact Brenda Fisk at 613-926-2857. Brenda will coordinate with you to get your form and funds and then to deliver the tulips to you once they arrive.

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER?Harvest Sharing needs volunteers to help pack boxes and make home deliveries. Alison Robb will be doing deliveries one afternoon per week. Please call the Church Office 613-345-5014 to volunteer. Thanks.