From left to right: New members – Sharon Nakabiri, Gladys Githae, Beth Kamau, Joselyn Nzayisenga, Paul Tate, and Lorraine Chipperfield;
joined by The Rev. Jim MacDonald; and Elders – Isabel Cole (Clerk of Session), Betty Taylor, Alex Szucs, Eleanor White, and Marilyn Dean.

On Sunday, October 20, 2024, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Markham held a special service of worship, marked by the Affirmation of Baptism and Public Profession of Faith, welcoming six new members into the life of the congregation. The service was filled with joy, reverence, and thanksgiving as Lorraine Chipperfield, Gladys Githae, Beth Kamau, Sharon Nakabiri, Joselyn Nzayisenga, and Paul Tate publicly affirmed their faith and joined the church as full members.

The morning began with a responsive call to worship, where the congregation reflected on God’s majesty and faithfulness. The hymns "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" and "The Church’s One Foundation" set the tone for a celebration of service and unity. During the Profession of Faith, each candidate stood before the congregation to declare their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, their rejection of sin and evil, and their commitment to growing in faith and serving both the church and the wider community.

The new members gathered on the chancel, where they were reminded of the significance of their baptism—how God, by water and the Spirit, claims, forgives, and commissions each believer to live a life of purpose. The congregation joined them in proclaiming the Apostles’ Creed, reaffirming their shared belief in the triune God, and celebrating the unity of the church.

As each new member knelt, Rev. MacDonald offered a personal blessing, praying that they would daily grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be strengthened to serve Jesus Christ with joy and perseverance. The congregation then extended the Right Hand of Fellowship, a meaningful tradition symbolizing the welcome and peace of Christ. Many took the opportunity to exchange handshakes, hugs, and words of encouragement, underscoring the sense of community that defines St. Andrew’s.

The service continued with heartfelt prayers of intercession, lifting up concerns for the world, the local community, and those in need. The hymns “Come, Children, Join to Sing” and “All Creatures of Our God and King” invited everyone to join in vibrant praise, reflecting the spirit of gratitude that permeated the worship.

“Today is a celebration of God’s faithfulness,” Rev. MacDonald shared. “We rejoice that these six individuals have been nurtured in faith and now stand with us, ready to serve as disciples of Jesus Christ. Their journey strengthens our community and inspires us to live out our calling together.”

This service not only marked a joyful moment for the six new members but also reminded the entire congregation of the beauty of faith lived in community. The addition of these members serves as a testimony to God’s ongoing work at St. Andrew’s, where all are invited to grow in faith, hope, and love.

The church looks forward to many opportunities to walk alongside these new members, as they together seek to share Christ’s love with the community of Markham and beyond.