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When you buy new a computer online direction from Apple, you are given a free option. They offer you free engraving. So when I bought an ipad from Apple about a year ago, I had a problem. I was not about to let a free engraving go to waste! But what would I engrave on my new device? Just putting my name simply didn’t seem to be enough. I wanted something that reflected my approach to life. After some deliberation I finally settled on these words:

“Scott McAndless - ‘My heart is stirred by a noble theme.’”

I chose to engrave that not merely because it fit in the allotted space and didn’t include any prohibited characters. I chose it because it reflected my approach to the writing that I do – the writing that I expected to do on the ipad.

The verse is taken from the Book of Psalms (NIV version):

It just seemed to capture my approach to writing. I do believe that God does stir the hearts of people and stirs them particularly towards noble themes – themes of truth and beauty, hope and love. My job is to be open to those stirrings and ready to record them.

God can use anything to stir us – a sight, a sound, a passage of scripture or a moment of quiet reflection. Often the stirrings that come to me are used in my sermons or scripts or in the other things that I write. But I want to use this blog as a place to put my other stirrings – especially the brief ones that God brings to mind and that I would like to share.

The Academy is presently accepting nominations for our awards gala on Sunday, June 10, 2012 (following the service).  Please find nomination slips at the back of the sanctuary.  You may nominate as many Stars as you wish in such categories as:  Best Deity, Best Disciple, Best Line, Best Crowd Member, Best Hair Stylist, or any category that you think deserves recognition!  There are ballot boxes at the back of the sanctuary for your completed nomination slip.  Any questions?  Please talk to Scott or Joni.

 Congratulations to Rick Warne on his graduation from Knox College, U of T, Wednesday, May 9th!

Anyone who is involved in ministry with babies, children and youth are warmly invited to attend our Annual TLC Workshop on Monday, May 28th beginning at 6:00 pm with gathering and refreshments.  Opening Worship will begin at 6:30 pm.  We will all begin with our annual Leading With Care orientation and then move to our choice of workshop.  The evening will end with prayer at 9:05 pm.  There is a free will offering to cover the cost of refreshments.

You can still register for this event.  There are still some seats available.  For more information please speak with Joni Smith <[email protected]>

To register online, please visit:

http://www.standrewshespeler.ca/TeacherLeaderCourses.html

Rick is graduating, after 8 years of hard work and studying!  He will graduate on Wednesday, May 9th @ 7:30 pm. at Convocation Hall, University of Toronto.  We are arranging bus transportation, so please call the office if you are interested.

Youth Membership classes are starting for those in Grade 7 & up.  If you are interested, but not quite sure what is involved please speak with Rev. Scott or Joni. Here is the schedule:

Music Day Camp; July 30 - August 3, 2012; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily.  Exploring our love of God, music and nature.

Students are asked to bring a peanut free lunch.  Snacks will be provided.

Still time to register!  Please call the office at 519-658-2652.

Science & Technology Day Camp; July 16 - 20, 2012; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily.  There is still time to register, please call the office at 519-658-2652.

Explore the Universe God has made!  through chemistry, physics, biology, health sciences and technology.

Students are asked to bring their own lunches (peanut free), snacks will be provided.