Special Meeting of the Congregation – Sept. 27th, 2025
St. Peter’s held a Special Meeting of the congregation on September 27th, 2025. The purpose was to bring the church into compliance with recent changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act 2010 (ONCA). We needed to approve Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, amend the Church’s Constitution and Bylaws, and authorize the Congregational Council to purchase Director’s Liability insurance.
We are pleased to share that the meeting went very smoothly and was a great success! Thanks to strong in-person attendance and proxy voting, members approved all resolutions presented by the Board.
English-Language Family Service – Sunday, September 28th, 2025
Our fall programs began with a special family service led by Deacon Karl Paju, accompanied by organist Chung Lee.
The service was well-attended, with many young families present to witness a joyful occasion – the christening of Hailey Sri Keelmann. Deacon Paju spoke about new beginnings and shared his intention to guide the congregation through the foundational principles of understanding the Bible.
St. Peter's Thanksgiving Service – Sunday, October 5th, 2025
St. Peter’s October 5th Thanksgiving service offered much to be grateful for – both personally and as a congregation.
The service was led by Bishop Ove Sander, visiting from Estonia, alongside Reverend Ando Kass, and Deacon Karl Paju. Music was provided by our organist Erik Kreem. Scripture readings were delivered by Alice Jupe and Allan Seim.
We were especially thankful for the debut performance of our newly-formed choir, under the direction of Erik Kreem.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals recognized for their invaluable role in preserving and revitalizing our beloved church.
During the service, the new Congregational Council (juhatus) received a blessing from Bishop Sander.
Each year the EELK Consistory recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions towards the work of the church and its mission. In an editorial for the E-Kirik, a bishop noted that when he reflects on the many parishes he has visited, he thinks of the faithful people who quietly and consistently support parish life without seeking recognition. It was precisely these kinds of dedicated individuals that Bishop Sander honoured during the Thanksgiving service.
Fotogalerii
Deacon Karl Paju was presented with a book of meditations and a keychain from Rome, in recognition of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year.
Thomas Arget received a handmade wooden cross from Finland.
Letters of Appreciation (tänukirjad), quoting the verse “Who sows generously will also reap generously” (Kes rohkesti külvab, see ka lõikab rohkesti), were presented to: Väino Einola and Rev. Ando Kass.
Letters of Commendation (aukirjad), quoting the verse “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (Teenigu igaüks teist selle andega, mille ta on saanud, kui Jumala mõnesuguse armu head majapidajad), were presented to: Vivi Kivi, Maie Lees, Lia Pikkov, Anu Randmaa and Helmi Viksten.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals recognized for their invaluable role in preserving and revitalizing our beloved church.
The service was followed by a hot thanksgiving luncheon at which we heard from our visitors, the Rectors and education leaders of Estonian universities of applied sciences.
St. Peter's 77th Anniversary English-language Service – Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Lots of activity at St. Peter's today as we commemorated the 77th anniversary of the congregation and 70 years within our own building.
The service was led by Reverend Ando Kass and Deacon Karl Paju with our organist Erik Kreem. Visiting from Estonia was accordionist Henrik Hinrikus who performed “Kesk õitsvaid lilli” and “Valss Saaremaalt.” Scripture readings were by Väino Keelmann and Kristina Leis. During the service, the “mudilased” with their parents of the “Moms, Pops and Tots” group, participated in the service.
Karl's sermon centered on Love and he told us that bible scholars agree that God created the world. What we don't know, however, is why. Karl surmised that it was done for love, for as today's scripture reading from Matthew 22:34-40 says, love is the most important of commandments.
The new Ushering and Welcoming Committee (teenistuste toimkond) was blessed into service. We thank everyone who has volunteered to help and welcome more members to volunteer to help with services, candle lighting, ushering, collecting donations, etc.
We invite families to join the Moms, Pops, & Tots group (“mudilased”) and our Sunday School which meets once a month. The next get-together will be on November 16th, but all are welcome to join us at our Christmas Craft Sale and Cafe on Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to be confirmed next spring, please register with the church office. Our new choir is also in full swing and welcomes new singers. We practice every Wednesday evening in the nave from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Photos: Anne Keelmann & Tiiu Roiser
