St. Andrew's is part of
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
Our Beliefs
" For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. "
-- Colossians 1:16 (NIV)
God Is Sovereign
God is Creator of all that is, both visible and invisible.
God is the supreme authority throughout the universe.
God is immortal, loving, and present everywhere so that everyone can know Him.
“ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ”
-- 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)
The Trinity
We trust in the one triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
Jesus Christ, God's Son, lived and died to save people from their sins, rose from the dead and will come again.
The Holy Spirit continues to be active and present in our lives and in the world.
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“ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. "
-- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
The Authority
of Scripture
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it is the most authoritative source for faith and practice. Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for us comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.
" For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
-- Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Sin
Sin separates us from God, but through death and resurrection of Jesus,
when we put our faith in Him, we are forgiven and restored.
" For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— "
-- Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Justification by Grace Through Faith
Our salvation through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments.
“ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "
-- Acts 2:38 (NIV)
Sacrament of Baptism
We see Baptism as a visible sign of God’s promise to God’s people. As children are part of God’s covenant, Baptism usually occurs during infancy. It may also be administered later in life to those who profess their faith.
The sprinkling or pouring of the water symbolizes refreshment, cleansing, new life, the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Because Baptism is seen as an act of the whole church and a sign of church membership, Baptism always happens in the presence of the worshipping congregation.
" And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me'. ”
-- Luke 22:19 (NIV)
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Communion is thanksgiving and a memorial of Christ’s life and death.
The breaking of bread and drinking of wine or grape juice, reminds us of Jesus.
We celebrate Communion quarterly and we invite fellow Christians of all denominations to participate in this sacrament with us.
“ ...everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made... ”
-- Isaiah 43:17 (NIV)
Worship
Our primary reason for existence is to “glorify God and enjoy him forever”.
We make personal prayer a priority and regularly gather to worship.
We understand worship as a conversation between God and people. Worship gives us an opportunity to praise, listen, and respond to God.
“ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. "
-- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
A People of Community
We need a relationship with other Christians to be all that God intends us to be. We value the fellowship we have when we come together. Every person matters to God. Everyone is of value and worth in God’s sight. God calls his people to be connected with a local congregation and church membership is the way we recognize and celebrate that calling.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has about 1,000 congregations with members coming from many national and racial backgrounds.
Our History
PRESBYTERIAN ROOTS
St. Andrew's is part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our roots stem from the protestant Reformation that began in the 1500’s and the teachings of John Calvin, which were later introduced into Scotland by John Knox. Knox established what came to be known as the Presbyterian Church. The name, "Presbyterian", refers to a form of ecclesiastical government by presbyters (elders).
The roots of The Presbyterian Church in Canada are Scottish, but our Canadian heritage includes the work and witness of French Huguenots (Protestant) settlers who came to Canada in the 1600s. Of course, many people have come, and continue to come, into our denomination from other branches of the Christian Church.
CHURCH HISTORY
St. Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church traces its establishment in Port Credit back to 1892, when it was known as The Port Credit Presbyterian Church. It was not until 1918 that the name of St. Andrew’s was adopted. In June, 1925, the St. Andrew’s congregation voted against a union which would have seen it merge with Methodist and Congregational Churches in Canada to form the United Church. In 1927 the building of the "Memorial" Church was approved and construction began on the present site on Stavebank Road and was dedicated and opened in the following year. In 1956 a Christian education wing and a church hall was completed. The existing church, with the completed extension, constitutes the facility which continues in use to this day.
Our Ministry
VISION
Bringing the word of God to all people
MISSION
St. Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God by bringing the Word of God to the congregation, the community and the world through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
OBJECTIVES
BRINGING THE WORD OF GOD...
* to the Congregation through:
VITAL WORSHIP demonstrating the presence and power of God.
TRUE FELLOWSHIP founded on significant and meaningful relationships.
BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION & DISCIPLESHIP grounded in biblical theology.
PASTORAL CARE & SHEPHERDING directed to the needs of the whole person.
* to the Community by:
PROCLAIMING A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
which answers the questions and issues of the culture in which we live.
EQUIPPING OUR MEMBERS to share their faith effectively.
SHARING OUR FAITH through a variety of communication techniques.
PROVIDING A VARIED PROGRAM
of social and spiritual interest which will draw people to the body of Christ & enrich their lives.
*throughout the World by:
SENDING PEOPLE to support or start ministries in Canada and around the world.
RAISING FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO AID MISSION PROJECTS
in Canada and around the world.