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Youth seek funds for Calgary trip
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Indigenous ministry office moves
Project seeks to reach the ‘nones’
TheAnglican THE NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO
A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL
www.toronto.anglican.ca
APRIL 2020
GRACEFUL
Dancers perform during the 25th annual Black Heritage Celebration Service at St. Paul, Bloor Street on Feb. 23. For more photos, see pages 6-7. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON
Bishop chosen for global gathering World Council of Churches’ assembly to focus on reconciliation, unity BY STUART MANN
BISHOP Riscylla Shaw, the area bishop of Trent-Durham, is one of two people chosen to represent the Anglican Church of Canada at the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) 11th General Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany in September 2021. Bishop Shaw was chosen in January after a Canada-wide nomination process. The other delegate is Brendon Neilson of the Diocese of British Columbia. “I’m really excited to represent our Church and to bring the flavours of who we are with me so that other people can understand
what Canada is and the work that we’re doing here,” she says. The WCC is an ecumenical organization made up of 350 churches Bishop Riscylla Shaw representing about 500 million Christians in 110 countries. It works for the unity and renewal of the worldwide Church. At its General Assembly, held every eight years, delegates review the organization’s programs, set policy, elect members to boards and committees, learn
about each other’s work and take part in worship. About 3,000 people attended the 2013 General Assembly in South Korea. The theme of the 2021 assembly is “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.” Bishop Shaw, who is Métis, has been deeply involved in reconciliation efforts in Canada through her work as an Ambassador for Reconciliation in the Diocese of Toronto, a member of the Primate’s Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation and Justice, and a member of the national church’s Jubilee Commission. In the diocese, she is a member of the Bishop’s Working Group on Intercultural Ministries.
She is also member of the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council. “It’s such an honour to be part of the global conversation around reconciliation and unity,” she says. “I look forward to bringing a Canadian perspective, a woman’s perspective and an Indigenous Anglican perspective.” She says the assembly’s focus on reconciliation and unity comes at a critical time, as the Church and society grapple with issues such as climate change, resource extraction and the ongoing oppression of Indigenous peoples. “Church people are all over the globe and they have a huge influence, so how do we as churches come together and
talk about these really important things, recognizing that we’re also in the world? It’s really exciting.” She’s looking forward to meeting people from other parts of the world and forming lasting bonds with them. “Meeting people and sharing what we do will build a strong network that will help us down the road. The assembly isn’t about getting together and then going back home; it’s about networking so we can all advance the work that we do. One of the things about a global network is that somebody is always awake, so when we make lasting relationships in this work, we’re strengthening our human family.”
10 TIPS FOR GOING ON A PILGRIMAGE – SEE PAGE 5
2 TheAnglican
NEWS
April 2020
Youth, leaders seek support for CLAY trip Lutherans, Anglicans heading to Calgary BY STUART MANN
Nancy Hannah staffs the Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee table at last year’s Synod. Synod members played a game that raised $2,800 to send youth and youth leaders from the diocese to CLAY 2020. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON
BRIEFLY
• Trent-Durham: April 18 from 1:30-4 p.m. at St. Thomas, Brooklin • York-Credit Valley: May 2 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at St. John the Baptist, Dixie.
Parish leaders invited to workshops
Each episcopal area in the diocese is holding a half-day workshop for all parish leaders, especially those new to their positions. Parish leaders or people thinking about becoming one are strongly encouraged to attend. Invitations are extended to churchwardens, deputy churchwardens, parish administrators, treasurers, administrative staff and clergy. Here are the dates and times: • York-Scarborough: March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew, Scarborough. • York-Simcoe: April 18 from 9-11:30 a.m. at St. Margaret, Barrie.
For more information and to register, visit the Supporting Parish Leaders page on the diocese’s website, www.toronto.anglican.ca.
Workshop empowers music leaders
Grace Church on-the-Hill in Toronto is hosting “Lift Up Your Hearts: Workshop of Leaders and Singers in Small Congregations” on May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored in part by the Douglas C. Cowling Bursary in Liturgical Music, the workshop will strengthen and empower pastoral music leaders in small parishes with limited resources. The cost is $25.
Diocesan departments host conversation
The diocese’s Stewardship and Congregational Development departments invite clergy and lay people to “Come Give us a Piece of Your Mind: Grants, Money and Mission” on April 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at All Saints, Peterborough. Peter Misiaszek, David Krause and Elizabeth McCaffrey will lead an open conversation about Ministry Allocation Fund grants, Reach and Stretch grants, stewardship and Mission Action Planning. For planning purposes, contact Elizabeth McCaffrey at emccaffrey@toronto.anglican. ca or 416-363-6021, ext. 226 (1800-668-8932) with the names of those who will attend. This session will be repeated in other episcopal areas, with dates to be determined.
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ABOUT 25 youth and youth leaders in the diocese plan to travel to Calgary this summer to take part in one of the biggest Christian youth gatherings in the country. But first they need some help to get there. The group will be attending CLAY 2020, a gathering of Lutheran and Anglican youth held every two years. The event, held Aug. 20-23 at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, is expected to draw about 1,000 people from across Canada. “It will be an incredibly empowering experience for our youth to connect with others and to feel they’re not alone,” says Nancy Hannah, a member of the Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee, which is spearheading efforts in the diocese. Ms. Hannah, who is the youth ministry coordinator for YorkSimcoe and the youth and family minister at St. David’s Anglican Lutheran Church in Orillia, says it’s important for Christian youth to get together. “Connection is so important to them, because quite often their faith is not supported in other areas of their lives.” CLAY 2020 will feature worship, leadership development opportunities and social events. Participants will also learn about youth homelessness and how to advocate for change in their communities. “They’ll be able to speak as one voice from coast to coast to coast, and that will have an enormous impact,” she says. Since last year, the Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee has been encouraging parishes in the diocese to send their youth to the gathering and to financially assist those who are going. The cost per person is about $1,100, which covers registration and airfare. Participants have been trying to raise the money themselves, but for some it’s a tall order. “It’s a lot of money to ask families to come up with,” admits Ms. Hannah. “For
every youth I know who is going, finances are going to be a barrier.” To help with the costs, the committee raised $2,800 at last year’s Synod. It has also received $5,000 from the Bishop’s Company. The episcopal areas have pledged support, as have churches – even those without youth ministry. “Even though they don’t have youth ministry of their own, they’re very encouraged by what we’re doing and want to help us,” says Ms. Hannah. She says the support from the diocese, the episcopal areas and the churches has been encouraging. “It’s really great for the youth to feel supported by their Church as a whole. It means that the wider Church cares about youth and what they’re doing.” The fundraising effort is about halfway to its goal. She’s hoping that individuals and churches that haven’t already donated will do so. “The experience of going to CLAY will make an enormous difference in the lives of these young people,” she says. Donations to send youth and youth leaders from the diocese to CLAY 2020 can be made online at https://contact.toronto.anglican. ca/stewardship/anglican-dioceseof-toronto. When completing the form, write “CLAY” in the comments section and the funds will be designated to the Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee. For more information on sending youth and youth leaders to CLAY 2020, contact the youth ministry coordinator in your episcopal area: • Jillian Rush or Ian Physick i n Yo r k - S c a r b o r o u g h , yorkscarboroughyc@gmail. com or ianphysick@gmail.com. • Cormac Culkeen in TrentDurham, trent.durham.youth. ministry@gmail.com. • A l exa n d r a M c I n t o s h i n York-Credit Valley, ycv.area. coordinator@gmail.com. • Nancy Hannah in York-Simcoe, nancy@thehannahs.ca.
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Service welcomes Indigenous ministry to new home Church leaders participate BY THE REV. LEIGH KERN
ON the feast of the Transfiguration, Feb. 23, more than 115 people gathered at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square to formally welcome Toronto Urban Native Ministry (TUNM) to its new home. TUNM was established by Elders of the Indigenous and Christian communities in Toronto in 1996. It was created by the United Church of Canada to serve as a chaplaincy for Indigenous community members. The welcome service was created to spiritually support Indigenous peoples, many of whom in Toronto were displaced through the Indian Residential Schools system and forced apprehensions that took children away from their families and home communities. TUNM was established as an ecumenical initiative between the United Church of Canada and the Diocese of Toronto in 2001, which was reflected in the shared liturgy of the welcome service. Bishop Andrew Asbil presided
Weds 22 April - 13 May at 6
Evening Prayer (BCP) plus light supper at 6.30 and discussion series at 7
THE ART OF THE PRAYER BOOK Dr. Schuyler Brown
• • • •
examines John Wall’s major book Transformations of the Word. The four sessions are: Poetry and Reformation in Renaissance England Towards a Poetics of Persuasion Spenser, Herbert and Vaughan Towards a Poetics of Restoration
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TheAnglican 3
NEWS
April 2020
over the service, along with cocelebrants the Rt. Rev. Richard Bott (Moderator of the United Church of Canada), the Rev. Evan Smith (Anishnawbe, TUNM and the United Church of Canada), the Rev. Maggie Dieter (Cree, the United Church of Canada) and Bishop Riscylla Shaw (Métis, area bishop of Trent-Durham). The celebrants celebrated on four sides of the altar, speaking from the four directions as they prayed the Peacemaker Eucharistic Prayer, a liturgical resource created by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples. National Indigenous Archbishop Mark MacDonald preached, highlighting how the work of TUNM through the generations has called Indigenous, newcomers and settler peoples to lift the veil of colonial vision that feeds the “culture of
Clockwise from top left: Holy Trinity churchwarden Vivian Harrower receives a dish and spoon plaque, symbolizing the original items of a covenant between First Nations and settlers to peacefully share the area around the Great Lakes; Archbishop Mark MacDonald gives the blessing at the door of 6 Trinity Square, the new home of the Toronto Urban Native Ministry; the welcoming service at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HUDSON
money” and return to the vision of the Creator. The vision is one where humans, the land and all created beings are seen with the eyes of God, valued inherently with dignity instead of how they relate to profit as a resource. As Archbishop MacDonald preached, community members offered hollers and shouts, accenting his points and filling the church with cries of affirmation. During the offertory, members of TUNM and Holy Trinity exchanged gifts, memorializing their new relationship. William Whitla and the Rev. Sherman Hesselgrave of Holy Trinity created and presented a hymn written specially for the occasion, “God of the Blazing Sun and the Moon.” The Rev. Evan Smith presented them in turn with a carved wooden bowl and spoon,
mounted on a plaque to honour the Dish with One Spoon Covenant between the Haudenoshone and the Anishnawbe Nations, to peacefully share and sustain the life of the Great Lakes. The plaque will hang in Holy Trinity to remind all of the
ancient and recent treaties of this territory, and how we are all called to live on this land in partnership with Indigenous leaders. Following the celebration of Holy Communion, Sandra Campbell Continued on Page 11
TAKE THE LEAP WITH US. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
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44 TheAnglican TheAnglican
COMMENT COMMENT
With risen Christ, we have a second chance Our the Faith-Our Hope is changing lives
TI
he Easter message is about new life and hope came across a pastoral letfor new beginnings. The ter from the Bishop of season of spring brings Toronto to the clergy and a welcome change from the laity proposing a significold to warmer weather. This cant fundraising effort. In it he new beginning gives hope for proposed a graduated schedwhat the time ahead holds, and it provides ule of offerings to achieve a opportunities for more outdoor activities like substantial goal and an indigardening. vidual appeal to each church family in the Just as spring provides such hope and opdiocese by a member of their parish “to portunities, Easter the promise of a knock at every one’sprovides door and rouse the inrich and new life in Christ. This has been habitants to devote a small portion of whatthe gospel message forupon morethem thanto2,000 years.so God has bestowed promote After the death of Jesus, all who had been great a work.” with him or knew himJohn wondered whatthe the That letter cameoffrom Strachan, future held for them. They could not fathom first Bishop of Toronto, in January 1854! what would be like without him. Thelife Our Faith-Our Hope: Re-imagine In John’s gospel,began we are toldan that Mary Church campaign with idea I first Magdalene went to the tomb, only to proposed to Synod a decade ago. As itdisgraducover thatshape, the stone had been removed from ally took we determined that it would the Sheprogram did not go in, but ran and be aentrance. cooperative shared between the told Peter and John, who to theto tomb diocese and parishes that went responded the to find thatof the bodymany of Jesus not generosity God’s giftswas to us tothere. enIt was on seeing the empty tomb that they of gage God’s mission. We identified the goals came to believeLocal that Jesus hadBuilding risen from Strengthening Parishes, thethe dead, asfor he Tomorrow, had told them he would.Our Mary, Church Revitalizing Inon the other wastoso distraught that she heritance andhand Giving Others. remained there weeping. didclergy not recogThe Canadian North hasShe many and nize Jesus at first, until of a very familiar lay catechists in charge parishes whovoice work said to her, “Mary.”Many She was commissioned without a stipend. are isolated in comto go and that tell the that he wasissues alive. munities facedisciples traumatic pastoral It was Mary who first broke the news to including, unfortunately, the accumulatedthe disciples that she had seen the risen Lord. pain of dealing with multiple suicides. The One may imaginemade how that news was reDiocese of Toronto a grant of $500,000 ceived by Faith-Our the close friends of Jesus. from Our Hope (OFOH) to Accordfund a request from the Council of the North and Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples to hold regional circles where clergy and lay leaders could come together for mutual learning, support and refreshment. So far, 276 have participated from half a dozen dioceses. Grants ranged from $500 to $100,000. The Diocese of the Arctic, for instance, brought peo-
BISHOP’S OPINION ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY By Bishop Peter Fenty BY ARCHBISHOP COLIN JOHNSON
ing to John’s gospel, the disciples remained ple from 48 communities together. The feedlocked in a room until Jesus made his first back has been astounding. It makes a differappearance to them. In that meeting, Jesus ence in peoples’ lives. offered them peace and breathed his spirit The Anglican Chaplaincy for the Canadian upon them, as he commissioned them for Forces elected its first full-time bishop to profuture ministry. I believe that was a moment vide episcopal care for regular and reserve of transformation, and a real reason to chaplains and theirjoy families, and to military hope and not be afraid anymore. personnel across the country. It only became In our because lives, there are many things thatof possible of an initial endowment can happen that can break our spirit or $500,000 from OFOH. make us want to give up. from Fear, OFOH hopelessness, Another $500,000 grant to the despair and despondency easily beset Primate’s World Relief andcan Development us amid loss, brokenness, betrayal, illness or Fund (PWRDF) supports new work in materthe and death of someone to us. There can nal child health inclose the developing world be an emptiness, maybeinlike that which the and midwifery services remote northern disciples experienced when Christ crucicommunities in Canada. Ours is thewas largest fied. Until something reverses single gift any diocesehappens has everthat given to those feelings, we may remain doubtful, fearPWRDF in its 50+ year history. Because of ful or evenfederal paralyzed. matching government grants, that the gospel stories, those met the giftIncreated a value of over $2.5who million. Safe risen Christ allproper experienced their deliveries and health change care areinnow lives. Christ was alive andgenerosity. offered peace and available because of your hope to them. They were offered new beginParishes around the diocese have been nings,physically just like ataccessible, springtime. Our work Lord’sis bemade youth resurrection meantare overcoming sin and ing funded, leaders being trained, piodeath. Therefore, human flaw maybeen be neering ministriesevery in new contexts have corrected, overcome, and we can planed andweakness an amazing array of creative projbe redeemed. offerslocally the assurance ects have beenEaster undertaken because of that Faith-Our we can overcome thejust many obstacles, Our Hope – not because of the difficulties and challenges that lifebut presents, financial resources now available, also from time time. We live in world that at because of to a reinvigoration ofaimagination and commitment. We have succeeded in remarkable ways. While not every parish participated, the vast majority did – and achieved more than many had thought possible. Some of the parishes did not formally join the OFOH project because they were already in the midst of substantial funding efforts. Others added to their
times is cruel, uncaring, unforgiving, and seemingly void of hope or second chances. goals to meet parish capital needs and did The risen Christ makes possible for all of spectacularly well. Taking that into account, us to have second chances, new beginnings, at least $50 million in new funds has been new life and hope. contributed to ministry in the diocese and beSometimes our behaviours are not consistyond in the last seven years, over our regular ent with our values, healthy lifestyles or of offerings and FaithWorks contributions. showing neighbourliness, love and respect We are a different diocese because of that. for others. Jesus loves and values each Yes, the money has helped us fund new minand every one of us, even with our faults istries, adapt old buildings, engage in new and shortcomings. He offered to those who mission, support vulnerable people in offended and hurt him, as he does to us, Christ’s name. More than that, though, it has forgiveness, new life and hope for the future. helped build relationships between people, alTherepeople is healing and hope to bestories, experienced lowed to share personal idenin Him who camenew that leaders, we might have in tified and trained built uplife confiall its fullness. Jesus says to as he said dence, and assisted people to us articulate and to the their women who went to the empty tomb share faith. and to the frightened in the locked I have been changeddisciples by the experience. I room, “Do not be afraid” and “Shalomam more confident in speaking clearly about Peace.” afraid my faithWe andare myencouraged commitmentnot to to it. be I have disbecauseaofnew thecapacity loss of a to job, thegenerously. death of a I covered give lovedmet one,the a pending surgery, a meeting with have most amazing Anglicans, heard someone with whom you are seeking recontheir stories and been moved by their faithciliation,I have a difficult decision be madeand or a fulness. rejoiced in theto creativity new venture to be started. Jesus offers hope boldness of vision of people and parishes and guidance all situations, through the (and yes, to bein honest, occasionally disappower ofbyhis spirit.I think our church is in a pointed a few). The Good News is that is going bedifferent place because of Jesus Our Faith-Our fore usWe every andto promises to be with us, Hope. haveday begun re-imagine church. always. We have the opportunity a second I am profoundly grateful to you of and the chance, beinglike forgiven andhave being reconciled many people you who made and are with another. Let usin grasp every because opportunity making a difference our world of to experience new beginnings in the name of your faith in Jesus Christ. And I am especialHim who istoalive andleaders reigns and forever. Christ ly grateful the lay clergy in is alive! Alleluia! Have a blessed our diocese who took the initiativeand andhappy rose Easter. to it so graciously. The campaign is now officially concluded, but the allocations continue and the mission God invites us to share is still on our doorsteps. As my first paragraph noted, this was not the first financial campaign, nor will it be the last – the work of the Church is not over. Let us continue onwards in faith and in hope.
Your friends at The Anglican wish you a joyful Easter.
Serving Finlay wasora privilege Need Archbishop to sign up for, update cancel your A subscription to The Anglican?
broad inviting smile, firm handshake and the word “welcome” are the memories we have when Angela and I first met Terence Finlay, Bishop of Toronto, in the summer of 1997. I was beginning my ministry as the incumbent of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea. When we entered his office, there was a warmth and genuineness experienced by both of us in our first meeting with Bishop Finlay. He was very interested in getting to know us and our young family. We shared the stories of our Christian journeys and family life. It was a pleasure to engage with him and have a sense of the pastoral care and support he offered clergy and their families. I had no idea that six years later I would be working closely with him as his executive assistant and Archdeacon of York. I got to know Terry, as he was affectionately called, when I became a member of the Postulancy Committee and a regional dean. He gave wise counsel and offered good insight into challenging matters facing the Church. His was a calming voice and a non-anxious presence. He offered strong episcopal leadership in the diocese, both pastorally and morally. He was a model of deep faith and prayerful thoughtfulness, and was genuinely concerned about the well-being of the clergy and laity under his episcopal leadership. In the spring of 2003 I received a call from the Archbishop’s office inviting me to meet with him. I thought I was going to be invited to sit on another committee of the diocese. He
BISHOP’S OPINION BY BISHOP PETER FENTY
quickly got to the purpose of our meeting and asked if I was willing to be considered as a candidate for executive assistant and archdeacon. The position had become vacant when Archdeacon Colin Johnson was elected suffragan bishop. I was surprised when he met with me just before the clergy conference that year and offered me the position. It was a privilege and distinct honour to serve as his executive assistant and archdeacon. I got to know Terry even better and learned much from him. I witnessed the depth of his faith and his concern for every parish in the diocese. He showed compassion, particularly for the marginalized and minorities in the Church and in the wider community. Archbishop Finlay was very disciplined in his work. He worked long hours and paid attention to detail, thoroughly reading documents, letters or any material needed for meetings. It was also evident that he cared deeply for the wider Church and appreciated the importance of ecumenical relationships. One of the qualities I admired about Terry was his willingness to make time for people. He made himself available to clergy and laity who needed to meet with him. I was often asked to join him in meetings with others, and it was evident that he always listened intently. Terry was a pastor, mentor, friend and confidante. Another quality I admired in him was his humility. He engaged with people in all stations of life. He was as comfortable talking
and engaging with persons on the street corner or drop-in centre as he was with persons serving in public office. One of the challenges he faced was the Church’s position on human sexuality. While in office he upheld the doctrine and discipline of the Church. On leaving office, he officiated in a same-gender marriage, for which he had to be disciplined by his diocesan bishop, who was once his archdeacon, executive assistant and suffragan bishop. In receiving the admonition, he told his successor in office that he expected nothing less from him and that he was exercising his episcopal ministry responsibly. I believe that Archbishop Terence was leading the diocese in the direction of being more welcoming to those who were vulnerable, marginalized, voiceless and in the minority. He made a very significant difference in the life of the Diocese of Toronto. It is not surprising, therefore, to hear and read the very complimentary reflections that many have shared about their experiences of him. He exercised a servant ministry throughout his ordained life, and for that we give thanks to God for his example. I was privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to know him as my bishop, mentor and friend. The Church has been blessed to have had him as a faithful bishop. He will be missed and leaves a legacy of exemplary leadership, humility, compassion and profound faith. We are grateful to his family for having shared him with the Church and assure them of our prayerful support. We give Archbishop Terence Finlay back to his Creator God with the same graciousness we experienced of him. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.
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April 2020 June 2017
TheAnglican The Anglican is published under the authority of the Bishop of Toronto and the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Toronto. Opinions expressed in The Anglican are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. Canon Stuart Mann: Editor Address all editorial material to: The Anglican 135 Adelaide Street East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L8 Tel: (416) 363-6021, ext. 247 Toll free: 1- 800 - 668 - 8932 Fax: (416) 363 -7678 E-mail: editor@toronto.anglican.ca Circulation: For all circulation inquiries, including address changes, new subscriptions and cancellations, call the Circulation Department at (416) 924-9199, ext. 259/245, or email circulation@national.anglican.ca. You can also make changes online: visit www.anglicanjournal.com and click Subscription Centre. Annie Fenn: Advertising Address all advertising material to: Fenn Company Inc. P.O. Box 1060 King City, Ontario L7B 1B1 Tel: 905-833-6200, ext. 22 Toll free: 1- 800 - 209- 4810 Fax: (905) 833- 2116 E-mail: anglican@churchadvertising.ca
The Anglican Church In the Anglican Communion: A global community of 70 million Anglicans in 64,000 congregations in 164 countries. Archbishop of Canterbury: The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Lambeth Palace, London, England SE1 7JU. In Canada: A community of about 600,000 members in 30 dioceses, stretching from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and north to the Arctic Ocean. Primate: The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Church House, 80 Hayden St. Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2 Tel: 416-924-9192 In the Diocese of Toronto: A community of 254 congregations in 210 parishes covering 26,000 square kilometers. Of the nearly 5 million people who live within the diocesan boundaries, 376,000 claim to be affiliated with the Anglican Church, with about 80,000 people identified on the parish rolls. The diocese is home to many ethnic and languagebased congregations, including African, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, French, Hispanic, Japanese, and Tamil. The City of Toronto has a large population of aboriginal peoples. Bishop of Toronto: The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil York-Credit Valley: The Rt. Rev. Jenny Andison Trent-Durham: The Rt. Rev. Riscylla Shaw York-Scarborough: The Rt. Rev. Kevin Robertson York-Simcoe: The Rt. Rev. Peter Fenty The Diocese of Toronto: 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ont., M5C 1L8 1-800-668-8932/416-363-6021 Web site: http://www.toronto.anglican.ca
TheAnglican 5
SYNOD COMMENT
April 2020
Some things to think about before you go on a pilgrimage THE REV. CANON DAVID HARRISON
I
t haunts me still. When I finished walking the 800 km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in early June 2017, I was convinced I would never do it again. It was hard and gruelling and I was relieved to be done. But now, if given the opportunity, I’d go again tomorrow. So when the editor of The Anglican asked me to offer 10 tips for anyone planning to go on a pilgrimage this summer, I jumped at the opportunity. Here’s my list: 1. Pack lightly. I took two pairs of clothes – today’s and tomorrow’s (which was also yesterday’s). It is amazing how little we actually need to survive day by day, especially when we have to haul it all under our own steam. 2. Train for the inclines. On the first day of my Camino experience, I climbed up the Pyrenees from France into Spain. No Toronto hills prepared me for that. 3. Train for the declines. Walking downhill, especially with a pack on your back, puts a lot of force on your limbs and joints. 4. Yes, it’s true. Downhills are worse than uphills. I didn’t believe it before I experienced it. I came to dread the steep downhills of the Camino. On the first day, after getting to the
heights of the Pyrenees, I had to walk all the way down again. It was painful. 5. Go alone. True, I’m an introvert so I crave time alone. But being alone allowed me to be open to the stranger. I had holy conversations with people from around the world whom I still stay in touch with. (Ask me about my Baptist friends from New Zealand who own a lingerie store. I met Deborah in the men’s washroom.) And holy conversations with strangers that lasted 10 or 15 minutes and whom I will never hear from again.
The Camino de Santiago in Spain. PHOTO BY THE REV. CANON DAVID HARRISON
6. Prepare to get cosy. The thing I feared most was sleeping in rooms full of strangers, but it turned out to be not as big of a deal as I feared. Your sense of privacy and self change, but everyone is in it together. (Still, bring ear plugs!)
9. But it’s also the destination. When I finally arrived at the cathedral in Santiago, I felt nothing (except sore feet). Nothing. And then a friend took my photo and I said, “I’m going to send this home to my family.” And I began to weep uncontrollably.
7. Expect nothing. I went on the Camino hoping to gather material to write a book. It didn’t happen because I quickly realized that that intention was getting in the way of experiencing things in the moment. Just go.
10. When you are finished the pilgrimage, you haven’t reached your destination. My pilgrimage started at my front door with my wife taking my photo as I walked up the street to catch public transit to the airport. And it “ended” when she took a photo of me walking down our street from the subway. Front door to front door. But it hasn’t really ended. I’m still walking the “Camino,” which is “The Way.”
8. It’s the journey, not the destination. The journey (for me) took five and a half weeks. Arriving in Santiago took an hour or so. The pilgrimage is just that – a journey.
When I look at this list, I realize it isn’t just a list of tips for a pilgrimage. It’s a list of tips for life. We have too much stuff. (You should see our storage room in the basement. Ugh!) We experience times in life when we are heading upward and times when we are careening downward, and they are both challenging – but going downhill is worse. We can easily close ourselves off from the unexpected encounter with a stranger; surely our phones and headphones and social media are doing this all the time. We are all human, with the same basic bodies and needs. It’s only when we get out of the way of our own plans and expectations that God can surprise us. Our lives are journeys and it isn’t about getting to the end – except
that it is, because we have the promise of eternal life. And until our dying breath, we are still on the journey. My pilgrimage haunts me still. I’d go tomorrow (except that I haven’t trained!). I know that my next pilgrimage, even if it were the same route, would be entirely different. Different encounters, different bunk beds, different surprises and challenges (like there being “no room in the inn,” which happened a couple of times, including on the first day after having traversed the Pyrenees). And I might, again, get to the end and feel nothing. And then feel everything. Godspeed on The Way. The Rev. Canon David Harrison is the incumbent of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto.
Think twice about passing a deficit budget
I
want to share some personal thoughts with parish leaders about the idea of presenting a deficit budget at vestry time. I can appreciate that this article will be read afterthe-fact for most parishes, but the message is no less important and compelling for future years. Aside from the initial sentiment that deficit budgets should be avoided at all costs, there is a fundamental stewardship concern that arises from this situation. If the steward of a household lacked the resources to sustain operations or maintenance of the property, they would essentially have two choices: find additional sources of revenue to supplement existing income or reduce costs. In the case of a parish, it would mean asking for more from the congregation, renting
THE STEWARD By Peter Misiaszek out space or reducing program and/or personnel costs. Some parishes are in an enviable position, having prudently put aside funds for a rainy day. Inevitably, parishes encounter years where giving is reduced, or anticipated revenue is not realized. In such cases, reserve funds are invaluable. Of course, the big concern is when parishes are consistently drawing down these reserves, to the point where they are extinguished entirely. Without consideration of future needs, parishes operate at their own peril. Why not plan for a balanced budget and take the necessary steps to ensure that objective is fulfilled? This approach indi-
cates to me that a charitable organization has a plan in place to fulfill its ministry and demonstrate to donors that their gifts will be used as intended. I mention “charitable organization” for a reason. Each church is, in fact, a charity. And a charity maintains the confidence of donors when it lives within its means. If a charity is not in the habit of spending funds in a responsible and restrained manner, it may find that it undermines its trust relationship with the very people it depends on for its security. It is important to realize that the churchwardens and clergy are trustees of present temporal resources. Just as we relied on previous generations to sustain and grow ministry, so too must we position ourselves so that future generations can expect at least the same from us. And the last thing we want to do is tie the hands of next year’s budget team who are forced to pay
for last year’s expenses going forward. One final thought. We have all heard of the demographic changes that are taking place among faith communities and the apparent fiscal uncertainty facing many congregations. We are older and fewer in number. Some parishes are growing, but most are not. With this in mind, we would do well to live within our means. We can’t presume that a flood of new congregants will give at levels equal to our most faithful and generous givers. Such generosity takes years to mature, as you well know. We would do well to cultivate the gifts we currently have, without presuming what we “might” have. We would also do well to consistently message our congregants on the importance of good stewardship and proportionate giving. Peter Misiaszek is the director of the diocese’s Stewardship Development.
6 TheAnglican
BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION
April 2020
Flags representing the countries of origin of Black Anglicans in the diocese are carried in during the Procession.
Members of Worship in Dance Ministries perform during the service. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HUDSON
Recipients of Jubilee Awards, which recognized dedicated service to the celebration over the years, stand with Bishop Riscylla Shaw.
The choir sings ‘He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.’
Jubilee service celebrates Black heritag ON the last Sunday in February, about 700 members of the diocesan family and the wider community gathered at St. Paul, Bloor Street for the jubilee celebration of the Black heritage of the Anglican Church. The congregation entered the worship space to the beautiful music of the Ghanaian Anglican Church Choir and the rhythms of the steel pan. The 25th anniversary service, based on the acronym ACTION (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Intercession, Offering and News), started with a colourful procession that included the choir, clergy, the entire College of Bishops and the flags of 30 nations. The theme song of the procession was, “We’ve come
this far by Faith.” After a medley of praise, dancers from the 1996 inaugural service took everyone back to that moment when St. James Cathedral resonated with the colourful costumes and Noel Dexter’s composition of “Enter into Jerusalem.” The Rev. Canon Donald Butler spoke of racism, exclusion and other challenges that still beset Black people in both the Church and society, while Constance Kendall, ODT, reflected on reasons why we can still give thanks at the personal and communal levels. These challenges and thanksgivings were brought together when the community in prayer, led by
Br. Reginald Crenshaw, OHC, celebrated a pantheon of trailblazers, living and departed, in the Black community. They were remembered for their transformative contribution to the Canadian mosaic. As an act of offering, the recently formed Black Anglicans of Canada was inaugurated and its leadership installed by Bishop Peter Fenty. The mission of the group is to seek to increase the participation, representation, empowerment and belongingness of Black people in lay and ordained leadership roles in the full life of the Church, and to develop partnerships with the wider Black community, other racialized communities and oppressed peoples.
The “News” was shared by the Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields, the founding chair of the Black Anglicans Coordinating Committee, which organizes the service. Reflecting on the message of the Kingdom of God, the cross of Jesus and the work of compassion, he spoke of the mutual responsibility of Black and White people in working to eradicate all forms of exclusion and marginalization visited upon persons, whether they be Black, LGBTQ, Indigenous or differently abled. He said that Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God is one that seeks to deconstruct all firmly entrenched and socially stratified systems of power and reconstruct
a community of love where each person, community and culture is respected. He challenged the Black community to critically understand their reality, unveil the world of oppression, and commit themselves to its transformation. “Only you can do this,” he said. “Only when we have some clarity and common understanding about ourselves will we be able to provide the kind of space into which others may enter for the good and sake of the whole Church.” He spoke directly to the White members of the congregation, telling them that they are needed as allies, “for this is your Church as much as
BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION
April 2020
TheAnglican 7
The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields, incumbent of Holy Trinity, Thornhill, gives the sermon.
Bishop Peter Fenty installs the leadership of Black Anglicans of Canada. From left are the Rev. Jacqueline Daley, Anita Gittens, ODT, Yvonne Murray, ODT, Br. Reginald Crenshaw, OHC, the Rev. Vernal Savage and Lance Wilson, ODT. The Rev. Karen Isaacs and Harston Forde of St. Paul, Bloor Street and Fanella Hodge of St. Stephen, Downsview, receive plaques on behalf of their churches for their contribution to the service over the years.
ge of Church it is ours.” He said that just as Black people work to define themselves, their White siblings must be honest, recognize and accept that they are socialized in a system that has been built on White supremacy, a culture that positions White people and “Whiteness” as ideal. He challenged them to work to interrupt that state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggers a range of defensive behaviours, and limits any authentic engagement and community-building. The service ended as the Black Anglicans Coordinating Committee recognized the contribution of several members of the com-
munity who have worked over the years to ensure its ongoing work, and thanked the bishops, their assistants and the diocese’s photographer, Michael Hudson, for their support. In his closing remarks, Bishop Andrew Asbil reflected on the pain of racism experienced by the composer of the Negro spiritual, “Deep River,” Henry T. Burleigh, the words of which filled St. Paul’s vast edifice when it was rendered earlier in the service by Nathan Richards, a classical vocal major student at the University of Toronto. Noting the pain that still exists, and the work to be done, the bishop declared, “I’m in.”
The bishops of the diocese are presented with gifts of appreciation. From left are Bishop Jenny Andison, Bishop Kevin Robertson, Bishop Andrew Asbil, Bishop Riscylla Shaw and Bishop Peter Fenty.
8 TheAnglican
INTERVIEW NEWS
April 2020
I truly feel I am like clay in God’s hands Carlynn Reed is a dancer and teacher.
tory. But my hunger to know God was growing. At the age of 18, I went forward at a Billy Graham crusade. Someone prayed for me and gave my information to the dry church pastor who visited me and thought I was quite bright. He asked me to teach Sunday School. I did, but I knew I was a big fake. I knew nothing about the Bible and my hunger for God was still suffering. Then I met my future husband, David Reed, who at that time was active in the Pentecostal Church. Now, here was someone who actually had a confident, knowledgeable, intimate relationship with God. Our dates invariably included long interrogations on my part about God and the Church, to which David happily responded. I met with his pastor, who gave me instructions on how to pray, which boiled down to my talking (out loud) on my knees to God. For awhile my voice just bounced around the walls, until one night I knew I was within a whisper of the Holy God. A heavy curtain had been removed and I knew I was in the presence of the Divine.
Twenty-five years ago, I was teaching academic subjects and drama at a private high school in Toronto. Then a car accident radically changed my life. After a leave of absence, I managed to continue teaching part-time for a couple of years, but then had to stop because of the pressure to teach full-time. At the very moment of transition, I got a call from the Rev. Canon Kim Beard asking me if I would be available to run an adult drama program at St. Bede’s in Scarborough. I said to him, “Funny you should be contacting me at just this time.” Long story short, I worked at St. Bede’s for the next three years, growing the program into a community-wide theatre outreach. It was a wonderful collaborative and creative experience in which I was encouraged to write a lot of scripts, including full feature performances. During my time there, I continued to heal until the pain totally left my body. After Kim left St. Bede’s, I opened my drama studio, Imagiscape, in our basement, writing and directing shows for kids and adults from the community. I taught classes, coached kids for auditions, and ran improv theatre sessions. I wrote all the scripts, tailoring them for the specific kids training with me at the time. Then I got a call from the Rev. Canon Jim Garland to head up the children and young adults’ ministry at St. Paul, L’Amoreaux. For a while I tried to work for both the church and my studio, but it was too much. I finally had to let my studio work go and devoted myself to the ministry at St. Paul’s, which happily included doing theatre with kids and adults. After seven years there, I was feeling God was calling me to fine-tune my ministry and calling. By then I was getting more involved in the Toronto dance community and needed more flexibility in my schedule, so I left St. Paul’s, not knowing exactly how God was intending to organize my life and gifts. A week later, I got a phone call from St. Philip on-the-Hill, Unionville, asking me to consider leading a drama ministry there. Two weeks later I began my first group. That was eight years ago! The drama ministry at St. Philip’s has grown to three groups, ages four to 15. We also do a musical theatre camp for one week in July. I am super excited about all of this! I get the opportunity to play a significant role in the spiritual formation of kids, some of whom in the high school group have been training with me for all eight years. They perform in church on Sunday mornings every six weeks. Scripts are dramatic interpretations of the scriptures. Because of this regular exposure, the kids are well
CANADA BRIEFS Archdeaconry recommends merging five parishes
REGINA - Bishop Rob Hardwick and the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s Diocesan Council have received
Carlynn Reed performs at Chinese New Year celebrations at St. Philip on-the-Hill, Unionville in January. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON known to the adults in the congregation, and they are gaining confidence in speaking up publicly, which I believe is helping their leadership formation. Outside the church, I work on dance and theatre projects that emerge out of my own life themes and issues. Several years ago, I co-created a piece on caregiving with Jonathon Neville and Dennis Hassell, which we toured across Canada as well as parts of New England. Jonathon’s mom had Alzheimer’s and my son had a disabling pain condition which was confusing and life-stopping. At the present time, at the age of 75, I find myself interested more and more in thoughts around aging and loss, and I’m thrilled to be working with Harold Tausch, actor and dancer-in-training, who is 70 years old. Through honest dialogue, anger, tears, a generous supply of humour, and five dance pieces, we are creating a 45-minute show that we hope will be ready in the fall. We plan to perform it as a stage production, and possibly to film it as well. In this piece, we are exploring that crossroad in later life where we have to decide if we’re going to give up, coast or engage. I did not have the privilege of dance immersion and training as a child. I
a recommendation from St. Cuthbert’s Archdeaconry to merge five Regina parishes—All Saints, St. James, St. Luke, St. Matthew and St. Phillip—into one parish with a new name and common vision, starting in January 2021. Under the plan, all five parishes would worship together at one main location that is still to be determined. Satellite locations may also be established for specific ministries. The recommendation followed two years of discussions, meetings and prayer for the future of
even grew up without TV! Being an army family, we moved often from one military camp to another. I had zero exposure to the dance world, and with five kids, money was scarce. My physical outlet was sports, so I played on all the school teams. In high school, I had some small opportunities to act, and then in my senior year, our family moved again. So it wasn’t until I was a young adult that the dance world became a viable force. In the midst of going to school and having my own kids, I began a modest training program. From the beginning, I was interested in choreography and liturgical dance. When we lived in Connecticut, I formed a group called “With Timbrel and Dance” that performed throughout the diocese and at a West Point wedding. In our church, I began “The Church Street Players,” an adult, then intergenerational theatre group that also performed throughout the diocese. One year we won best play for the National Episcopal Liturgical Commission. I did not grow up in a religious/spiritual/church family. If anything, they were anti-church. But at the age of 16 I felt the hunger and began to search for God. Again, I had no guidance, so I started by getting a few philosophy books out of the library. Then I started attending a nearby mainline church. Both of these options turned out to be quite dry and unsatisfac-
the archdeaconry, which includes the five parishes. Diocesan Council finalized the recommendations in January and communicated them to parish vestries on Feb. 2. The vestries planned to discuss the recommendations in February and provide feedback. The Saskatchewan Anglican
Team visits Ghana to plan health clinic FREDERICTON - Three Anglicans from the Diocese of Fredericton
I consider my faith journey and dance/ theatre development to be inextricably intertwined. Today I am training and practicing more than I have at any other stage in my life – around 20 hours a week. Besides my own daily two-hour training sessions, I take three ballet classes and one tap class, and practice with my dance partner three afternoons every week. It takes this level of commitment to bring a level of excellence to the work. I have only gradually begun to understand this over the last 10 years. Although it can be a maddeningly slow process, it is also full of epiphanies when my body teaches me something about God and creation. Dance requires an unlimited supply of patience mixed with a ferocious hunger for elegance and strength and movement clarity. I truly feel I am like clay in God’s hands while being shaped into a more articulate artist. I thank God in wonder at each minor sign of progress. Five years from now, I hope I am creating and teaching and shaping stories through dance and theatre. I get excited about whatever scripture is currently inspiring a project. I love the Sermon on the Mount, which I have written into a movement theatre piece called Mountain Top Talk, performed in duet or group. I am moved by scriptures that speak of the confidence we have in God, as in Romans 8:38-39, or ones that speak of our clear journey with God, as in Romans 8:25, or how intricately God has created us, as in Psalm 139:14, or how we can do so much more than we realize when we are being coached by God, as in Ephesians 3:20.
visited their companion diocese in Ghana to explore the possibility of establishing a mobile health clinic in the African country. The Fredericton delegation visited the Diocese of Ho in Ghana on Jan. 12. Bishop Matthias MededuesBadohu said there was a desperate need for medical care in the rural parts of his diocese. He suggested that a mobile clinic might be a good start for providing care in those areas. On their trip, the Canadians met with their Anglican counterparts in
the Diocese of Ho as well as local Rotary Club members. A partnership is now moving forward between the two dioceses and Rotary Clubs in New Brunswick and the Diocese of Ho. A teaching hospital in Ghana is also involved. A $200,000 budget has been prepared to cover costs for a vehicle, medical diagnostic equipment and a generator. The Diocese of Fredericton hopes to raise about $30,000 US, with divisions of Rotary International covering the remainder. The New Brunswick Anglican
NEWS
April 2020
TheAnglican 9
‘Nones’ explore spirituality in pilot project Backyard gatherings include food, art, story-sharing BY STUART MANN
IN the summer of 2019, the Rev. Dr. Jason McKinney and a local community partner piloted a project that sought to bring people together to talk about spirituality. While the backyard gatherings were open to all, they were specifically designed for people with no religious affiliation – one of the fastest growing groups in society. The project, Sharing the Sacred, was a success, so much so that he is hoping it will continue throughout the year. “What made me excited was how eager people were to be part of it and engage in it,” he says. “It was very religiously diverse, but for the most part it was made up of younger, unaffiliated people.” About 29 per cent of Canadians over the age of 18 say they have no religion, according to a survey done by the Pew Research Centre in 2018. That number is expected to be higher after the Canadian Census is taken in 2021. For Dr. McKinney, the interim priest-in-charge of Epiphany and St. Mark, Parkdale and an adjunct professor at Trinity College, engaging with the religiously unaffiliated – called “nones” in church jargon – is something he is passionate about. “They are unaffiliated, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a spirituality there, that there’s no elements of religious practice in their lives.” He says it’s a group the Anglican Church cannot afford to ignore. “We’re not losing people to other denominations. We’re losing people to no religion.” A resident of Parkdale in Toronto’s west end, he is deeply involved in local efforts to foster inclusion, diversity and affordability. He is a member of the board of directors of the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust and the steering committee of the Parkdale People’s Economy. He is also a core partner in shaping the Parkdale Community Food Hub.
CANADA BRIEFS Pilgrims head to the Holy Land CORNER BROOK - Twenty Anglicans, mostly from the Diocese
For the past three years, he and Michael Burtt, the director of a local community arts company and the children’s ministry director at Epiphany and St. Mark, have been trying to bring the reality of religious people and a spiritual perspective into this non-religious, neighbourhood-based work. They have connected with people of other faiths, often using art as a way to find common ground. While engaging with people of faith, they were asked by community partners to also reach out to people without religious affiliation. “We were interested in doing that, but it’s really hard to convene people who don’t belong to a specific religious community,” he recalls. An initial event to attract people with no religious affiliation didn’t work. “It didn’t go anywhere because we weren’t working closely and bringing into leadership the people we were trying to connect with,” he explains. “We learned that if you want to reach the nones, you have to put a none in charge.” For their next attempt, that’s exactly what they did. “We worked with a young woman who was religiously unaffiliated, and it became her vision. Our role was to help implement it and bring some resources and structure to it.” The format, which became Sharing the Sacred, involved three backyard gatherings over the summer. Each gathering attracted between 10 and 20 people, many of them religiously unaffiliated. Each session included an art-making activity, food and story-sharing. Spirituality was explored during the story-sharing time, which was led by a facilitator. Each gathering had a theme and the participants were asked to share stories based on that theme. At one of the gatherings, for example, they were asked to share a story of a time when they had experienced something as sacred. The facilitators also
of Western Newfoundland, are going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on April 13-24. The group will include Bishop John Organ and his wife Irene, 16 lay and clergy members from the diocese, and a couple from Ottawa. Seven members of the group are newly ordained clergy and one is a postulant. Bishop Organ says it is important to encourage Christians, particularly clergy, to gain firsthand experience of the Holy Land and sites associated with the life of
Parkdale residents take part in Sharing the Sacred in the summer of 2019. At right, the Rev. Dr. Jason McKinney in 2017. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE REV. DR. JASON MCKINNEY AND MICHAEL HUDSON
introduced a spiritual practice, such as centering prayer, and the group practiced that. Dr. McKinney says he was surprised by the results. “In each case, people were eager to have those kinds of conversations.” He says one of the things that made the gatherings work was that they were not designed to bring people to church. “I think it would have failed if that was our intention and that intention had become known. People wouldn’t have been interested in engaging or engaging to the level that they did. We made it very clear from the beginning that we were simply opening a space for them to come as whole people, which includes spirituality.” He says it’s important for the Church to reach out to the religiously unaffiliated, even when there is no expectation that they will come to a church. “I think the call to be missional is to go out there and facilitate spiritual
Jesus. The bishop first travelled to the Holy Land in 1989 with the support of a Queen’s College scholarship. From 2012 to 2015, he and Irene lived in Jerusalem, where he served as chaplain to Archbishop Suheil Dawani of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Anglican Life
Cursillo hosts anniversary conference EDMONTON - To mark 30 years
community for the people where they are. That includes the nonreligious. We have to carve out a space for them.” During the winter, the gatherings are held in a room at Epiphany and St. Mark, which has become a community hub by sharing its space with local groups. When the weather turns warm again, they will be held in local backyards. He hopes the project will one
day serve as a training ground for young spiritual leaders who can take Sharing the Sacred to other contexts. He would also like to see a conference on spirituality and spiritual retreats for the unaffiliated. “The Church needs to focus on not just the people who aren’t here but the non-religious as well,” he says. “There needs to be some thought and energy put into how we engage with them.”
since the first Cursillo weekend in the Diocese of Edmonton, the local Cursillo community will be hosting an anniversary conference for everyone in the diocese. The conference will take place at King’s University in Edmonton from June 19-20. About 1,000 people have attended the annual Cursillo weekend during its three decades in Edmonton. The diocese has an active Cursillo group that hosts these yearly retreats along with monthly
gatherings. Cursillo, Spanish for “short course,” is a global apostolic movement that offers a primer on Christian living. At the multi-day retreat, speakers discuss the basics of the Christian faith and how to practice one’s faith in everyday life. Speakers at the anniversary conference in June will include Bishop Jane Alexander and Bishop Victoria Matthews, the former diocesan bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand. The Messenger
10 TheAnglican
LOOKING AHEAD
April 2020
GOOD CAUSE
Curlers from five churches in the Bradford area take part in the first annual Churches of Bradford Bonspiel at the Bradford Curling Club in February. The event was organized by the Rev. Dana Dickson, incumbent of Trinity Church, Bradford, her husband Stuart Bond and the curling club. It raised more than $1,000 for the BWG Community Meal, a free weekly meal for local residents. Teams came from Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christian Reformed churches in the area. At right, Ms. Dickson presents the trophy to the team from Holy Martyrs of Japan Roman Catholic Church, the winners. PHOTOS BY ED SIKKEMA To submit items for Looking Ahead, email editor@toronto. anglican.ca. The deadline for the May issue is April 1. Parishes can also promote their events on the diocese’s website Calendar at www.toronto.anglican.ca..
3041 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga. Admission by donation. MAY 9 - The choristers of St. Peter, Erindale present the Last Night at the Proms, 7 p.m. at the church, 3041 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga. During the concert, the choirmaster will be honoured for his years of service to the church.
Music & Worship MARCH 28 - Voices Chamber Choir, Sorrowful Song, 8 p.m., an evening of choral music for the season of Lent, St. Martin in-the-Fields, 151 Glenlake Ave., Toronto. APRIL 1 – APRIL 29 - Kingsway Organ Recital Series, 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., free admission, All Saints, Kingsway, 2850 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Recitals on the following dates: April 1, April 15, April 29. APRIL 5 - Holy Week Vespers, 7 p.m., Church of the Redeemer, Bloor Street and Avenue Road, Toronto. APRIL 9 - Maundy Thursday potluck supper and service, 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 10 - Good Friday Service and “Eggstravanza,” 10:30 a.m., Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 11 - The Great Vigil, Pascal Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and the first Eucharist of Easter, 8 p.m., Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 12 – Said Eurcharist, 8 a.m., Sung Eucharist, 10:30 a.m., community Easter egg hunt for young people, noon, Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 19 - Earth Day Eucharist featuring Cantabile Chamber Singers, 7 p.m., Church of the Redeemer, Bloor Street and Avenue Road, Toronto. APRIL 26 - St. Peter’s Handbell Ringers host a musical afternoon with presentations by themselves and by their guests, The Boys in B and The Ontario Men’s Chorus, 4 p.m. in the church hall at St. Peter, Erindale,
Sales APRIL 4 - Spring rummage sale with bargains on household items, clothing, linens, books, toys and more, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Grace Church, 19 Parkway Ave., Markham. APRIL 25 - Spring fair with barbecue, baked goods, books and many other treasures, plus free kids’ activities on the green, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Cuthbert’s, 1399 Bayview Ave., Toronto. APRIL 25 - Spring rummage sale, 9 a.m. to noon, Holy Trinity, 140 Brooke St., Thornhill. Clothing, linens, household items, games, toys and jewelry. MAY 2 - Annual flea market, rummage and bake sale, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ Church, Scarborough Village, 155 Markham Rd. Treasures, household items, electronics, books and more. MAY 2 - Daffodil Tea with white elephant sale, prizes, books and bake sale, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Norway, 470 Woodbine Ave., Toronto. Tickets $5 at the door. MAY 2 - Spring market bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Thomas, Brooklin. MAY 9 - Spring Fling Bazaar with bake sale, barbecue, costume jewelry, books and more, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Church of Our Saviour, 1 Laurentide Dr., Don Mills, Toronto.
Workshops & Gatherings MARCH 28 - Time, Talent and Trivia
Night with catered dinner and silent auction, 6 p.m., tickets $25, Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. MARCH 28 - Lenten Quiet Day with Bishop Andrew Asbil, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a day of quiet reflection, prayer and discussion, plus a complimentary light lunch, St. Olave, 360 Windermere Ave., Toronto. To help plan quantities of food and materials, please register at www.stolaves.ca/quietday or call 416-769-5686. APRIL 1, 8 - “God’s Care for Creation,” an opportunity to rebuild our relationship with our planet, 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 3 - “Essential Oils in the Bible” workshop, with a focus on the Sea of Galilee, crucifixion, burial and resurrection, 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity, Guildwood, 85 Livingston Rd., Toronto. APRIL 4 - Lenten Quiet Day: Sacred Pauses in a Holy Lent, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale, 2182 Kipling Ave., Toronto. Join us for a few hours of peace and quiet, and leave the hustle, bustle and pace of your life behind for a morning. Bring friends, family and neighbours. No cost to attend. Linger as you like in one of our 10 Lenten Quiet Stations. Coffee, tea, light snacks provided. Call 416-743-1993. APRIL 10 - All Saints Church-Community Centre’s Good Friday walk, The Way of the Cross in the Opioid Overdose Epidemic, begins 10 a.m. at the church and continues around the neighbourhood, stopping at places where people have died of overdoses. The walk will last about three hours and end up back at All Saints. The church is located at 315 Dundas St. E., Toronto. All welcome. APRIL 22 - “The Art of the Prayer Book,” beginning with Evening Prayer at 6 p.m., followed by a
light supper and then, from 7-8 p.m., the Rev. Dr. Schuyler Brown discusses John Wall’s major book “Transformations of the Word,” held on Wednesdays until May 13 at St. Olave, 360 Windermere Ave., Toronto. APRIL 24-25 - All are invited to the Monks’ Cell Steakhouse, a unique dining experience at St. Theodore of Canterbury, 111 Cactus Ave., Toronto. Guests are wined and dined in a mediaeval setting reminiscent of a monastery refractory. Dinner includes salad, fresh rolls, New York Strip steak or chicken cooked over an open hearth by professional chefs, apple pie and wine. Reservations open March 29. Call 416-2226198 or email monkscell@hotmail. com for tickets and reservations. Seating available Friday 6-10 p.m. and Saturday 5-10 p.m. APRIL 25 - The Toronto Diocesan Anglican Church Women’s annual general meeting and luncheon will be held at St. Thomas, Brooklin. The theme is “Hope” with guest speaker the Rev. Maisie Watson of Homeward Bound in Peterborough. Tickets $35 per person, lunch included. For further information, call 416-363-0018 or email acw@ toronto.anglican.ca. APRIL 26 - Jazz Vespers, 4 p.m., St. Philip, Etobicoke, 31 St. Phillips Rd., Toronto. Pay what you can. Amanda Tosoff on piano, Morgan Childs on drums and Jon Meyer on bass. MAY 3 - “A Night at the Oscars,” featuring bells, band and choir pre-
Your friends at The Anglican wish you a joyful Easter.
senting songs through the decades, St. John, York Mills Church, 19 Don Ridge Dr., Toronto. Red carpet walk at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. After-party with appetizers and beverages. Tickets for adults, $20; children under 16, free. For tickets and information, call 416-225-6611, visit www.sjym.ca/musicfest or email musicfest@sjym.ca. MAY 8-9 - “Episcopal Evangelism 101,” a regional workshop to teach Episcopalians and Anglicans how to be evangelists in their communities, held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Bath, New York. To learn more and to register, visit www. stthomasbath.org/evangelism-101. MAY 8-10 - The Bishop’s Committee on Healing Annual Lay Anointer Refresher Day, 7 p.m. on May 8 to 2 p.m. on May 10, at St. John’s Convent in Toronto. For individuals recommended by their clergy to be trained and equipped for the ministry of lay anointing in the parish. Registration on the diocese’s website, www.toronto.anglican.ca, closes on April 20. To attend, registrants require a letter of support from their supervising clergy in advance or at time of registration, to be sent to the Chair of the Bishop’s Committee on Healing, c/o the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger, 26 Bellehaven Cres., Scarborough, ON M1M 1H4 or by email at j.billinger@rogers. com. For more information, visit the event calendar or the healing ministries page on the diocese’s website.
April 2020
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PRAYER CYCLE FOR APRIL 1. St. John’s Convent 2. St. Matthew the Apostle, Oriole 3. St. Theodore of Canterbury 4. T he Incorporated Ministry in Flemingdon Park 5. Passion / Palm Sunday 6. Holy Week 7. Holy Week 8. Holy Week 9. Holy Week 10. Holy Week 11. Holy Week 12. Easter Day 13. Christ Church, Waubaushene 14. Good Samaritan, Port Stanton
IN MOTION Appointments
• The Rev. David Long (Diocese of Niagara), Honorary Assistant, St. Peter, Erindale, Jan. 20. • The Rev. Timothy Vickery (Diocese of Ontario), Honorary Assistant, Epiphany and St. Mark, Parkdale, Feb. 1. • The Rev. Susan Spicer, Incumbent, St. George, Pickering Village (Ajax), March 1. • The Rev. Jeffry Kennedy, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St. John the Baptist, Norway, April 1. • Jonathan Galles, Assistant Curate, St. Bride, Clarkson, May 1. • Gerlyn Henry, Assistant Curate, St. Timothy, North Toronto, May 1.
Area Bishop’s Direct Appointment Process • St. Elizabeth, Mississauga • Holy Trinity, Trinity Square • St. John the Baptist, Norway • Church of the Evangelists, New Tecumseth • St. Paul, Newmarket
Vacant Incumbencies
Clergy from outside the diocese with the permission of their bishop may apply through the Diocesan Executive Assistant, Mrs. Mary Conliffe. First Phase - Parish Selection Committee in Formation
COUNSELLING
15. Parish of Elmvale 16. Parish of Penetanguishene 17. St. David Anglican-Lutheran Church, Orillia 18. St. Athanasius, Orillia 19. Huronia Deanery 20. National House of Bishops 21. St. George, Fairvalley 22. Bishop’s Committee on Creation Care 23. Parish Administrators and Church Secretaries 24. St. James, Orillia 25. St. Mark, Midland 26. Diocesan Regional Deans 27. St. Luke, Price’s Corners 28. St. Paul, Washago 29. All Saints, Peterborough 30. Christ Church, Campbellford
(not yet receiving names): • Trinity, Streetsville • St. John, York Mills • Epiphany and St. Mark, Parkdale • St. Thomas, Huron Street • Trinity-St. Paul, Port Credit • St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea • St. Paul on-the-Hill, Pickering Second Phase - Parish Selection Committee (receiving names via Area Bishop): • Christ Church, Stouffville • Grace Church on-the-Hill (Associate Priest) • All Saints, Whitby • Parish of Fenelon Falls • Parish of Lakefield • St. Christopher, Richmond Hill (Associate Priest) Third Phase - No Longer Receiving Names: • Church of the Incarnation • St. Margaret in-the-Pines
Ordinations
• The Rev. Michael Perry will be ordained a priest at St. Peter and St. Simon the Apostle on March 25 at 7 p.m. • The Rev. Sherri Golisky will be ordained a priest at St. Cuthbert, Leaside on March 29 at 4 p.m. • The following individuals will be ordained transitional deacons at St. James Cathedral on May 3 at 4:30 p.m.: Andrew Colman, Jonathan Galles, Ger-
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Retirements
• The Rev. Anthony Bassett has announced his retirement. His last Sunday at St. John the Baptist, Norway will be March 29. • The Rev. Mary Bell-Plouffe has announced her retirement. Her last Sunday at St. John the Evangelist, Peterborough will be March 29. • The Rev. Canon Dr. Barry Parker has announced his retirement. His last Sunday at St. Paul, Bloor Street will be Sept. 13.
Death
• The Rev. Earl Gerber died on Feb. 28. Ordained deacon in 1953 by the Bishop of Toronto and priest in 1954 by the Bishop of the Arctic, he transferred back to the Diocese of Toronto in 1960, where he served as incumbent of St. Paul, Washago (1960-66 & 1987-94), St. John, Oak Ridges and Trinity, Streetsville. Following his retirement in 1994, he served as priest-in-charge of St. Mary, Sunderland, interim priestin-charge of St. James, Lisle, and honorary assistant of St. Andrew, Alliston until 2018. His funeral was held at St. Andrew, Alliston on March 7.
Recycle The Anglican.
Parishes asked to alter practices due to virus DUE to the spread of the coronavirus, Bishop Andrew Asbil wrote a pastoral letter to parishes in the diocese in early March, asking them to refrain from sharing the common cup at celebrations of the Eucharist. Presiding celebrants were to consecrate both the bread and the wine, and to consume in both kinds, but to administer only the bread to the rest of the congregation. “The Church’s ancient teaching is that the whole Christ is received whether one receives only consecrated bread or both bread and wine,” he wrote. In addition, people were advised to share words and smiles only, not handshakes or hugs, during the Exchange of the Peace. Churches that have repositories of still water such as fonts or stoops, were asked to refresh the water daily or discontinue their use for the time being. Every Anglican was encouraged to practice rigorous handwashing
and to self-quarantine at home if feeling unwell. He said the liturgical practices would be re-instated as soon as the diocese was advised that the risk of transmission of the virus had been better contained. “Together all of us can help mitigate both risk and fear in our communities by exercising this due diligence,” he wrote. The letter was to be read to all congregations on March 8. The letter is available on the diocese’s website, www.toronto. anglican.ca. “We believe that gathering for corporate worship as the Body of Christ is an integral part of, and not antithetical to, healthy living,” he wrote. “We encourage our parishioners and worshipping communities to continue to meet and offer prayers and praise to our merciful God, who in the person of Jesus offers us the gifts of hope and healing for fullness of life.”
Service at downtown church welcomes Indigenous ministry Continued from Page 3
(Mohawk, Wolf Clan, TUNM Social and Pastoral Care Worker) beat her drum and sang the Travelling Song as the congregation recessed to four stations in Trinity Square park, next to the church. We began in the west, praying over the location of Taddle Creek, a buried river in Toronto. We prayed for TUNM’s Water Festival, ministry to people who give birth, to those who cry, and for its advocacy for those without access to clean water. In the north side of the park, we prayed over the site where a community member, Byron, recently died. We prayed for all we have lost in our ministry. We honoured the ancestors of the territory, and we prayed for TUNM and Holy Trinity’s shared ministry of the Homeless Memorial. In the east, we prayed over the new home of TUNM, building #6 in Trinity Square. Bishop Asbil, Moderator Richard Bott and Archbishop MacDonald all led prayers of blessing over the
historic rectory that now houses office space for the Rev. Evan Smith, Sandra Campbell and myself. In the south, we turned to face the courthouses of Toronto, praying over TUNM’s prison chaplaincy and community reintegration support programs. The celebration and establishment of a new home for this vital ministry concluded with the Mi’kmaq Welcome Song, sung by members of TUNM and the Neechee Sharing Circle. TUNM extends its gratitude to the members of Holy Trinity, all TUNM board members, the Diocese of Toronto, the Shining Waters Regional Council, our national Indigenous ministries and the national office of the United Church of Canada for their support in establishing a new home for TUNM. The Rev. Leigh Kern is the diocese’s Coordinator of Indigenous Ministries and Reconciliation Animator.
To connect to the Diocese, visit www.toronto.anglican.ca
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12 TheAnglican
NEWS
April 2020
WARM HEARTS
People take part in a Coldest Night of the Year walk at St. Barnabas, Chester on Danforth Avenue in Toronto on Feb. 22. Participants could choose between 2 km, 5 km or 10 km walks that began and ended at the church. About 100 people took part in the event, raising $15,000 for Kennedy House Services and Shelter in East York and its after-school programs in under-served areas of Scarborough. Coldest Night of the Year is a national event to raise funds for those who are homeless. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HUDSON
A scene from Handel’s La Resurrezione.
Company stages The Resurrection WELCOME BACK
The Rev. Augusto Nunez (standing at left) and returning migrant workers have a meal at St. Saviour, Orono in February. The church held its first Spanish service of the year for the men, who will be working on local farms until November. More than 1,000 migrant workers from Latin America and the Caribbean work in the region each year. Mr. Nunez is part of a team that ministers to them through the Durham Region Migrant Workers Ministry. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE REV. AUGUSTO NUNEZ
READY TO PLAY
Members of St. Bede’s cricket team show off their new shirts in preparation for the diocese’s annual Anglican Church Cricket Festival on June 27 in Brampton. Sitting from left: Jayachandran Solomon, Onnesimus Samprabhu, Ruben Ponraj, Sunil Lamech and James Pothirajulu. Standing from left: Samson Davis, Calvin Bell, Elizabeth Calvin, Vijay James and Arun Charles. For more information about the cricket tourney, contact organizer Ranil Mendis, ODT, at rmendis1@gmail.com. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON
BY DIANA SWIFT
FOR many Anglicans, Passiontide is the most solemn celebration in the Christian calendar. And for those who want to deepen and amplify their experience of this holy time, George Frideric Handel’s baroque oratorio La Resurrezione (The Resurrection) is a good place to start. From the spine-tingling soprano aria that opens the two-part liturgical drama to the reverberations of the final chorus, the listener is swept away on a musical and poetic odyssey through nether-worldly, earthly and celestial spheres. “Handel’s expansive vision for this timeless story of rebirth is considered one of his greatest works,” says Marshall Pynkoski, founding co-artistic director of Toronto’s Opera Atelier. The company will give five performances of this liturgical drama April 11-19 at the Royal Conservatory’s Koerner Hall in Toronto. English surtitles will provide translation from the Italian. The stirring libretto was penned by the court dramatist Carlo Sigismondo Capece. Unlike the great oratorio of Handel’s maturity, The Messiah, the storyline of La Resurrezione is told not in biblical scripture but in Capece’s verse. It chronicles the well-known events from Jesus’ death and entombment on Good Friday to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Part 1 opens with a bellicose archangel besieging the gates of hell and demanding entry into the realms of
darkness. There, the angel engages in a cosmic debate with Lucifer, who credits himself for God-mademan’s succumbing to death, thereby proving Satan’s baneful power. The angel counters that Jesus’ death is a voluntary redemptive sacrifice that restores mortals to the everlasting life they forfeited with the forbidden fruit. The scene switches to earth, where Mary Magdelene and Mary Cleophas, lamenting their grievous loss, are consoled by John the Baptist, who reminds them of Christ’s covenant to return. Later, in a climactic inflexion point, the angel calls forth from hell the throngs of captive souls led by Adam and Eve, the originators of sin. Lucifer admits defeat and falls back into the underworld. Mirroring the work’s supernal and terrestrial planes, a multilevel production set will feature two staircases between the choir loft and hall floor, and two enormous pulpits for the disputations of Lucifer and the angel. Like liturgical worship, the production bathes viewers in a wave of sensory experiences, which “lift people out of the ordinary, encourage meditation, and propel them to reach toward the Divine,” says Mr. Pynkoski. A more intense encounter with Easter than Handel’s La Resurrezione would be difficult to find. For information and tickets, call 416-703-3767, ext. 222, or go online at operaatelier.com.