PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 5 Church helps Church makes The early days with vaccinations generous gift of FaithWorks

TheTHE NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF AnglicanA SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL www.toronto.anglican.ca MAY 2021 Church honours workers on front lines Parishioners delighted to be recognized

BY STUART MANN

THE Church of the Nativity, Malvern held a service in March to honour parishioners who are essential workers on the front lines during the pandemic. The service, which was held on- line, honoured more than 30 parish- ioners, including nurses, a police officer, postal workers, personal From left, service organizers Arienne Johnson, Donna Lovell-Mannick and Noreen support workers, mechanics, teach- Callendar stand in front of The Church of the Nativity, Malvern. The church gave ers, childcare workers, a gas station frontline workers a certificate and a card, and a young member of the congregation equipment technician, grocery store showed her appreciation through her artwork. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON clerks and a TTC worker. “They’re going out there on the front lines every day for us, so I thought, ‘Let’s show them that we appreciate them and the hard work they do,’” said Donna Lovell- Recipient’s name Mannick, who came up with the idea for the service and helped to organize it along with Noreen Callendar and Arienne Johnson. The service featured a Power- Point presentation that showed the names and occupations of the workers. In some cases, the per- son’s photograph was shown as well, some of them wearing their face mask and uniform. They re- ceived a certificate from local MP Shaun Chen and also a certificate from the church, created by Shauna Callendar, that thanked them for their courage and dedication. They were also given a key chain with the Lord’s Prayer on it and a card. The workers were delighted to be recognized and many of them shared their certificates with their co-workers when they returned to work the next day. “They were so happy that people remembered them,” said Mrs. Lovell-Mannick. The Sunday morning service included hymns, prayers for es- sential workers, a homily by the Rev. Pam Prideaux, a poem by nurse Emma Cloney, a solo singing of The Blessing by Joseanne Job, artwork by two children of the parish, and a special selection of music by organ- ist Valentina Sadovski. Afterwards, the honoured workers expressed service was an amazing experi- workers as well. “You have to let “They are going the extra mile there was a coffee hour where the their thanks and appreciation. ence and urged other churches to people know they’re appreciated for us, we have to pray for their local politicians spoke and some of Mrs. Lovell-Mannick said the honour their essential and frontline and they’re not alone,” she said. protection.”

GIRL RAISES FUNDS FOR NEEDY – SEE PAGE 3 Ray Lai, a help seniors the church of their if necessary. member of sign up for their help to make appointments, Photo courtesy Grace Church, vaccination appointments and then drive of Grace Church, Markham, built shots. Other for the seniors, them to get their Markham a website to volunteers at notify them shots as well

2 TheAnglican NEWS May 2021 Church helps seniors with vaccinations Website, volunteers make process easier

BY STUART MANN member of the church who created the website. “The government was HUNDREDS of seniors in Markham announcing a lot of changes at the are signed up to receive their anti- time and it was quite challenging coronavirus vaccinations, thanks to book an appointment online, so to a ground-breaking initiative at we felt we could help.” Grace Church, Markham. Word about the website spread Ray Lai, a member of Grace Church, Markham, built a website to help seniors sign up for their vaccination shots. Other volunteers In early March, the church through local churches, social me- at the church help to make appointments for the seniors, notify them of their appointments, and then drive them to get their shots launched a website where seniors dia and word-of-mouth. It soon as well if necessary. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACE CHURCH, MARKHAM could sign up to book a vaccina- became a runaway success, filling a tion. The church would then book need in the community. As of March making phone calls and providing just parishioners.” cess of the project. “We’re just an appointment on the senior’s 24, 2,300 seniors had signed up to rides. Staff of the Stouffville Public Mr. Lai says a lot of seniors in helping. We saw a gap, a need, and behalf, call them up to confirm receive a shot and 1,500 appoint- Library are also helping out. the community are grateful for the we filled it. We’re just serving the the appointment and offer to drive ments had been made for them. “It has really become a grass- work that is being done on their community.” them there as well. To handle the demand, the roots ecumenical program,” says behalf. “A lot of them don’t know He says other churches can do The church launched the website, church has recruited a team of the Rev. Canon Nicola Skinner, where to turn so they contact us. something similar. “Anyone can www.markhamvaccinates.com, to volunteers from the parish, other incumbent of Grace Church. “It’s a Some of them don’t have cars, so run something like this. It doesn’t make it easier for seniors to get churches and the wider community great witness to the church looking they’re very grateful for a ride.” take much to set up a website, get their vaccinations, says Ray Lai, a to help with booking appointments, after the neighbourhood and not He takes no credit for the suc- a list together and help people.” Three honoured by Archbishop of Canterbury

THREE Anglicans who have served in Bishop of Toronto, and the Rev. a particular heart for those who U.S.A. – following Lambeth 2008 and offering hope to those strug- the Diocese of Toronto are among Canon Dr. Isaac Kawuki-Mukasa, have not yet heard the name of through to 2020.” gling in the midst of the crisis. the recipients of the Archbishop of the retired Africa Relations Liaison Jesus, and for his mentoring and Canon Kawuki-Mukasa received “This year’s Lambeth Awards Canterbury’s 2021 Lambeth Awards, for the Anglican Church of discipling of Christian leaders.” The Cross of St Augustine “for recipients, not all of whom are which recognize outstanding con- were honoured by Archbishop Archbishop Johnson received extraordinary efforts and lead- Christians, embody this spirit tributions to the Church and wider Justin Welby in early April, along The Cross of St. Augustine “for ership in sustaining communion of service – not just during the society. with 34 others from across the extraordinary efforts and lead- through initiating ongoing dia- pandemic but, for many of them, Dr. John Bowen, professor emeri- Communion. ership in sustaining communion logue amongst bishops across the through decades of faithful work. tus of Evangelism and the retired Dr. Bowen received The Alphege through initiating ongoing dia- Anglican Communion – especially I commend them and their efforts director of the Institute of Evan- Award for Evangelism and Witness logue amongst bishops across the Canada, Africa, the U.K. and the and look forward to the time when gelism at Wycliffe College, Arch- “for his attractive articulation of Anglican Communion – especially U.S.A. – following Lambeth 2008 we meet to celebrate their contribu- bishop Colin Johnson, the retired the love of God for all people, with Canada, Africa, the U.K. and the through to 2020.” tions to society.” Archbishop Welby said: “Dur- Bishop , the cur- ing the pandemic, we have seen rent Bishop of Toronto, said he just how vital the contribution was delighted by the news. “The of churches is to the fabric of our Church both here and across the YOUR ANGLICAN CEMETERIES & society. As well as finding creative Communion has benefitted enor- ways to worship together safely, mously from their contributions CREMATORIUMS IN THE G.T.A. churches have been feeding the and I am so thankful for their work (NON-DENOMINATIONAL, NON-PROFIT) hungry, reaching out to the lonely over many years.” Mary G. Griffith B.A., M.B.A., J.D. Maclaren Corlett LLP Barrister & Solicitor (Ontario) 3500 – 2 Bloor St. East, Attorney & Counselor-at-Law (New York) Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Wills, Trusts & Estates, Business, Real Estate Tel: (416) 361-3094 St. John’s Dixie St. James’ St. John’s Norway Light On The Hill: Fax: (416) 361-6261 Cemetery & Cemetery & Cemetery & St. John www.maclarencorlett.com E-mail: [email protected] Crematorium Crematorium Crematorium The Baptist 737 Dundas Street East 635 Parliament Street 256 Kingston Road 12125 Yonge Street, Mississauga Toronto Toronto Richmond Hill DIRECTOR OF CHORAL MUSIC L4Y 2B5 M4X 1R1 M4L 1S7 L4E 3M4 St. John’s Elora in the is seeking 905.566.9403 416.964.9194 416.691.2965 647-286-8026 a Director of Music to lead one of Canada’s only fully www.stjohnsdixie.com www.stjamescathedral.ca www.stjohnsnorwaycemetery.ca www.makingjesusknown.com professional church choirs. St John’s choral music program has a strong regional outreach, online presence, Most of our properties offer: and recording discography. This is an exciting opportunity Casket Graves, Cremation Plots, Niches & Scattering Gardens for a choral leader who can work collaboratively with parish leadership to inspire excellence in the expression along with the following services: of an Anglican musical tradition and practice for singers. Memorial Markers, Monuments, Inscriptions, Memorial Trees with Plaques and Pre-Need Services For a full job posting visit www.stjohnselora.ca PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF INTEREST OR VISIT OUR WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BEFORE JUNE 15, 2021. May 2021 NEWS TheAnglican 3 Gift supports frontline ministries Parish moved by plight of others

BY STUART MANN

A parish that has been changed by the pandemic is providing much- needed financial support to front- line Anglican ministries that are under-resourced. St. Timothy, North Toronto originally earmarked $10,000 in its budget to help St. Stephen in- the- Fields, Toronto, which provides hot meals and other services to hungry and homeless people in and around Kensington Market. “We were very aware that the pandemic has affected the most vulnerable the most negatively,” explains the Rev. Canon Dr. Eric Beresford, incumbent. “As a church, we began to ask ourselves, ‘How do we find ways to be really gen- erous?’” As the gift was debated at St. Trish Beck of St. Timothy, North Toronto presents a cheque for $15,000 to the Rev. Maggie Helwig, incumbent of St. Stephen in-the-Fields, Toronto. Also in picture are, from Timothy’s vestry meeting, the left, Carol Logan, the Rev. Canon Dr. Eric Beresford, the Rev. Andrea Budgey, Janet Nichols and Elizabeth Loch. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON amount started to climb, eventu- ally reaching $50,000. “There was a Saints Church-Community Centre, Mr. Cameron says the gift is unu- Monday to Friday, since the pan- members. “The decision reflects will to do more,” says Trish Beck, Toronto Urban Native Ministry, sual for St. Timothy’s. “Tradition- demic began, regularly attended a grassroots sense of who we are, who had proposed the original St. Bartholomew, Toronto for its ally, we ask people to contribute to by an average of 30 people. “People who want to be and our willingness amount. “It was fantastic.” outreach programs to Regent fundraising campaigns, to give to can’t pray together like that over to take risks to be that.” The money will be coming out of Park, and the Diocese of Misha- FaithWorks or to volunteer. But such a long period of time without The Rev. Maggie Helwig, incum- the parish’s endowment funds, the mikoweesh, located in northern this was different. It was about being changed,” he says. “The daily bent of St. Stephen’s, thanked St. largest part of which were given to Ontario and Manitoba. looking at the blessings we have act of putting our lives in God’s Timothy’s for the gift. “I began my St. Timothy’s by the late Reginald Bruce Cameron, a member of and saying, ‘There’s a lot of people hands is affecting and shaping us. ordained ministry as a curate at St. Soward, a former parishioner who the church’s outreach committee, who don’t have rainy day funds’ and That has been one of the pandemic’s Timothy’s, and I have very fond was active in the Anglican Church says the pandemic has prevented how can we help them?” gifts to us.” memories of the people there. I’m at the local, diocesan and national St. Timothy’s parishioners from Although the $50,000 is a one- The church has also been going delighted that we’ve been able to levels. “We’re very lucky to have helping others in the usual ways, so time gift, St. Timothy’s is hoping through the diocese’s MAP (Mission maintain a relationship, and that this endowment to help others the gift was one way of overcoming it will be the start of a partner- Action Planning) process, which they have supported and engaged in these terrible times,” says Ms. that. “We were looking for ways to ship between the church and other helps churches to look outward with the outreach programming Beck. get energized,” he says. ministries. “We’re hoping to build and engage with the surrounding at St Stephen’s for years. This The funds are being given to un- The church usually holds a com- relationships and learn from them,” community. As part of connecting exceptionally generous gift will der-resourced Anglican churches munity lunch and a fundraising says Canon Beresford. with its neighbours, St. Timothy’s help to keep us going through the and ministries that help margin- bazaar, and parishioners help out He believes one of the reasons plans to invite them to give to the additional expenses of providing alized people. Fifteen thousand at Moorelands Camp and at food- for the church’s outpouring of gen- frontline ministries as well. food, shelter, and social support dollars has been given to St. Ste- banks, but the pandemic has put erosity is its daily Morning Prayer He says the gift says a lot about to our marginalized community phen’s and the rest will go to All those efforts on hold. service, which has been held online, the character of St. Timothy’s members during COVID-19.” Girl raises funds after seeing homeless

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Mackenzie Hennigar downtown Toronto. Saints, so her mother sent an elec- is doing her part to help alleviate All Saints, a church and an out- tronic transfer instead. Mackenzie the suffering of Toronto’s home- reach ministry of the Diocese of is looking forward to the day when less people. Toronto, provides a drop-in space she can visit in person. While in the car with her mother, and programs for some of the city’s Dana said she is very proud of Mackenzie saw some people on the most marginalized people, includ- her daughter. “She noticed a prob- sidewalk asking for money. She ing the homeless. lem and took action and that says asked why they were doing that, Mackenzie and her mom visited a lot,” she said. and her mom Dana replied that All Saints’ website and watched The Rev. Dr. Alison Falby, priest- they were homeless and needed videos about how All Saints helped in-charge of All Saints, thanked the money to survive. the homeless and others. Then Mackenzie for her efforts. “I was When they got home, Mackenzie Mackenzie started asking people very moved to hear that Mackenzie decided to “make a charity” and to for money – family members, her had been thinking about people in donate the money to an agency that teacher, her school’s principal and need during an especially challeng- helped the homeless. She talked daycare staff. She raised $150. She ing time. When I asked one of our to her great-grandmother, Mary also sent every donor a thank-you folks how I should thank her, he Mann, a member of St. Martin, note, telling them where the money said I should tell her that her heart Bay Ridges in Pickering, who told would be going. is a blessing to our community and her about the work of All Saints Due to the pandemic, she couldn’t that she should stay who she is. I Mackenzie Hennigar, 7, plans to visit All Saints Church-Community Centre in Toronto Church-Community Centre in give the money in person to All couldn’t have said it better myself.” when the pandemic restrictions are lifted. PHOTO BY DANA YOUNG 4 TheAnglican COMMENT May 2021 Getting out of our boxes – or letting each other out?

od is good! Genesis BISHOP’S OPINION complacency – in bringing the gospel into 1:27: “Humankind was the conversations where people are divided TheAnglican created as God’s re- By Bishop by inequity and injustice, where people are The Anglican is published under flection: in the divine hungry and poverty-stricken? When we feel G the authority of the Bishop of Toronto image God created them…” like that inequity is somehow far from our and the Incorporated Synod of the from the Inclusive Bible. understanding of our relationships with one own context, take a look at where many of Diocese of Toronto. Opinions expressed What categories do you use another – also created in the image of God. the COVID-19 transmissions are found, and in The Anglican are not necessarily those to describe yourself? Keep What would it take to let yourself be fully ask why? Who is the population? Why hasn’t of the editor or the publisher. checking your assumptions, reconsidering and completely loved by God? It comes back there been an emphasis on vaccinations and Canon Stuart Mann: Editor your perspectives – how many different cat- to Sunday School, with the song that teaches healthcare provisions there? We have much ______egories does it take before you start thinking us: “Jesus loves me, this I know – for the Bi- ongoing reconciliation work to do within Address all editorial material to: of yourself across a broad spectrum? This ble tells me so.” In being courageous to love, our own Church and in our land. How can The Anglican is a colourful way of thinking, and it invites we can tap into the deep honesty, respect and we learn to relate across our human differ- 135 Adelaide Street East us to expand our careful classifications to wisdom required of us to uncover our un- ences, as equals? When we are constricted Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L8 expose the jagged limits of their usefulness. conscious racism that infiltrates our culture by thinking that there is a finite amount of Tel: 416-363-6021, ext. 247 Toll free: 1-800-668-8932 As we explore our own human identities, and our language. Simone de Beauvoir once honour, money or status to go around, then Fax: 416-363-7678 often it becomes clear that we need to do said: “It is in the knowledge of the genuine people in positions of power and privilege Email: [email protected] more inner work, learning to love ourselves conditions of our lives that we must draw our are often scared of somehow losing it. Jesus – for when we are able to “hide” our pains strength to live and our reasons for acting.” is the dynamos – the “power” that blows up Circulation: For all circulation inquiries, and shames from God, we find ways to turn I give great thanks to God for the humble that argument – the last shall be first, and including address changes, new subscriptions and cancellations, away from other people’s pain. It seems to leadership of our clergy, congregations and the first shall be last. In resisting a sense call the Circulation Department at be a human trait to project onto others our parishioners as we work in the diocese to of false certainty, we can seek patterns and 416-924-9199, ext. 259/245, own understanding of ourselves as created dismantle racism – which is itself institu- clarity – outside, beyond, across and maybe or email [email protected]. in the image of God. Something shifts, when tional, systemic and structural. Racism is a even without any boxes or categories. Rac- You can also make changes online: we use love – language to describe the image reality in our human condition – therefore ism, sexism and other prejudices will be visit www.anglicanjournal.com of God – unconditional Love – no matter what also reality in the power dynamics and poli- much harder to justify when we allow our- and click Subscription Centre. you have done – as in the Gospel story of the cies that govern our congregations and com- selves, and especially encourage one another Annie Fenn: Advertising father who ran out to meet his prodigal son – munities. As our Anglican Church in Canada to see beyond the categories/buckets/slots welcoming him with love and radical forgive- was founded in a colonial landscape, where we maintain as a culture and as individuals. Address all advertising material to: Fenn ness before the son even had a chance to say can we identify racist policies, and how can As Christians, we are an Easter People! And Company Inc. P.O. Box 1060 a word to his dad. If we can love ourselves we use our power to change and guide poli- we are called, even in the midst of the cares King City, Ontario L7B 1B1 so radically, and let ourselves be so wildly cies in our Church and in our government? of life, to recognize our created-ness in the Tel: 905-833-6200, ext. 22 loved by God, we can come to a different Can we be intentional in working against image of God, who is Love. Toll free: 1-800-209- 4810 Fax: 905-833-2116 Email: [email protected]

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. , Church House, 80 Hayden St. Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2 Tel: 416-924-9192 ______National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop The Most Rev. Mark MacDonald 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 language-based 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. ______Trent-Durham: The Rt. Rev. Riscylla Shaw ______York-Scarborough: The Rt. Rev. Kevin Robertson EASTER DINNER ______Sue Savage, Anne Truax, Katherine Knowlton and the Rev. Sue Curtis package York-Simcoe: The Rt. Rev. up hot meals at All Saints, Penetanguishene on Easter Day. The church handed ______out meals to about 100 local residents. The meals included ham, scalloped The Diocese of Toronto: potatoes, vegetables and dessert, all of which was donated by members of the 135 Adelaide St. E., community. ‘It was amazing how people rallied around to help,’ says the Rev. Eileen Toronto, Ont., M5C 1L8 Steele, incumbent. After serving the meal, the church had five hams left over, 1-800-668-8932/416-363-6021 which were donated to a shelter in Midland. PHOTOS BY THE REV. EILEEN STEELE Web site: http://www.toronto.anglican.ca May 2021 COMMENT TheAnglican 5 FaithWorks: how it all began

“What good is it, my broth- There were to be four slide projec- ers and sisters, if you say tors at Synod, and I agreed to put the you have faith but do not stories together. I cut articles from the have works? Can faith save Toronto newspapers. There was a picture you? If a brother or sister of furniture sitting curbside in the rain: is naked and lacks daily the only possessions of an evicted family. food, and one of you says And one of a man in a sleeping bag on a to them, ‘Go in peace; keep steam vent in front of our new, shiny City warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do Hall. I needed 60 articles, which I found in not supply their bodily needs, what is the only one week’s worth of papers. Then I good of that? So faith by itself, if it has wanted stories of our outreach programs. no works, is dead. But someone will say, I spent hours in the diocese’s Archives ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show The FaithWorks logo was introduced to Synod in 1996. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the and had to go back 10 years to find 40. me your faith without works, and I by my diocese’s outreach appeal. Outreach was under the radar then. works will show you my faith.” Synod came, the lights dimmed, the James 2:14-18 share a portion of the gifts, to provide taken. This would require new Synod music started and images flashed across seed money for local outreach projects? office staff, and with God’s grace, Richard the four screens – all different but all the BY WARD McCANCE, ODT What if we gave our episcopal areas a Garnett became our first director of Stew- same. It lasted for two minutes. The music portion, too, to seed larger projects that ardship Development. ended with a boom, and four FaithWorks t is the 25th year of FaithWorks in our sister parishes could create together? Something was still missing, however logos flooded the room. The lights came diocese, and it is well worth celebrat- If we shared these stories, they might – a name. It had to inspire. We spent up and John, Tom and I explained how ing. It may be of interest to know how inspire other people to take action. several meetings struggling with this. I FaithWorks came to Synod, and Richard IFaithWorks came to be. We then thought about other outreach was walking to Union Station after one explained how the program would run in In 1995, the diocese had a Treasury programs such as Anglican Houses, The meeting when it hit me. I actually froze the parishes. After a break, Synod voted Board, made up of volunteers, that was Primate’s World Relief and Development and almost got trampled by other com- and FaithWorks became a reality. It was responsible for, among other things, Fund (PWRDF) and Anglican Appeal. muters. Our next meeting was in two 1996. creating a budget for the Synod Office. We Parishioners were torn – which program weeks – I could hardly wait. I spent the At the break, someone asked if I did were struggling to cover expenses with- was most deserving? We thought that we time sketching the logo: Faith had to be this for a living, pointing at the screens. I out having to raise parish assessments. should wrap the other programs into this airy, with spaces for light, reaching up, looked at the people in the room and said, We examined the Community Ministries new one. In a meeting with the Anglican with a cross in the center. Works had to “We all do.” She smiled. After the vote, a department’s budget, which funded the Houses team, their concern was that be grounded, solid, industrial-strength. Synod member approached John, Tom, diocese’s major outreach programs such donations might shrink. We then sug- Can you see it? and I and asked, “Did you ever think that as The Dam, Flemington Park Ministry gested that they take a leap of faith with I brought copies of the sketch to the FaithWorks would not happen?” Tom and others. We thought we might fund us – that together we would be stronger. next meeting and passed them out. I took replied, “Never!” Ever. them from freewill offerings rather than They agreed. Shortly thereafter, Anglican a deep breath – was this a dumb idea? Cheryl Bristow, Ebert Hobbs and using parish assessments. Houses became Leap Of Faith Together Five mouths opened, then smiled. Faith- Richard Parton joined our team to help We then applied the Anglican Church’s (LOFT). Works was born. Well, almost. with the first campaign in 1997, assem- Rule 101: when in doubt, form a com- Our next meeting was at the national Richard was ready to go, but we bling posters, parish brochures, the blue mittee. So three of us (myself, Tom Abel church’s office, to see if the Anglican explained that we had to present the pro- envelopes and taking care of thousands of and John Howard) created the Steward- Appeal and PWRDF would join us. We posal to Synod. Richard said, “You need other details. And the rest is history – and ship Development Committee. Our first met Suzanne Lawson, who was so excited the parishes to vote on this? How do you the present and future. question was: how will the new program by this that she not only agreed, but get anything done?” John replied, “Quite I will not likely live to see FaithWorks appeal to parish families? The diocese’s joined our team. What a Godsend! Susan well, actually.” I remember the discussion turn 50, but it will happen – because of outreach programs were not well known. Graham-Walker also joined us from the about Synod: how do we present Faith- our works of faith, and because our faith We looked to the Bible for guidance – the diocese’s Program Resources department, Works to Synod? How could it appeal to works. stories of Jesus’ healing and giving. Tell to help give us much-needed guidance. Synod members? Answer: tell the stories, the stories, we thought. The new program had to be ongoing. of course. But there were hundreds of Ward McCance is a member of St. John Beyond the outreach programs, we Every year, an appeal would be needed, stories, and we only had 45 minutes. Then the Evangelist, Port Hope and a member thought about our parishes: could we with new stories told and new initiatives show them the stories, we thought. of the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. Parishes respond to anti-racism vestry motion

BY ELIN GOULDEN only the tip of the iceberg. This year, for At St. Olave, Swansea, members of the of the Christian family not only feel that the first time, the Incumbent’s Return youth group took turns on Zoom speaking they are part of the Church, but also that ast November, the form included the question, “Did your to the motion and putting it into the con- they have a collective role in reimagining College of Bishops congregation pass a Social Justice Motion text of current events and biblical faith. and sustaining it.” approved the Social at your last Vestry?” Based on the returns Many parishes are forming anti-racism Extrapolating from these reports, it LJustice Vestry Motion uploaded to the diocese’s database by working groups, planning book and film seems that this year’s motion has struck a “Committing Ourselves March 23, 130 parishes out of 204, or 64 study series, and inviting guest preach- chord with many parishes who are eager to Anti-Racism.” While in per cent of the diocese, indicated that ers and workshop leaders to address the to begin or expand upon this work. While most years the Social Justice & Advocacy they had passed this year’s motion. Of the topic, while some are also looking inward, the annual return gives a fuller picture Committee (SJAC) proposes the annual remainder, 36 parishes indicated that they inviting parishioners to share their own of the extent to which parishes in our Social Justice Vestry Motion, this year had not passed the motion, and data from stories of identity, inclusion and exclu- diocese engage with the motion, the nar- it invited the Bishop’s Committee on 38 parishes had yet to be uploaded from sion. Plans to celebrate Asian History rative reports provide much more detail Intercultural Ministry to draft the mo- paper returns. Month, with contributions from Asian and of the ways in which parishes make the tion, in light of the greater awareness of This is a greater number of positive re- South Asian parishioners, are underway motion their own. racial injustice, and anti-Black racism in sponses to a Social Justice Vestry Motion at St. Philip-on-the-Hill, Unionville. In ad- Several clergy reported that their par- particular, which came to the fore in 2020. than has ever been reported since these dition to learning, dialogue, and celebra- ishes had used Vestry season to reflect on The motion invited parishes to acknowl- motions were introduced! However, due to tion, a number of parishes are taking the the progress they had made on previous edge anti-Black racism and all forms of the change in how the data was collected, next steps to examine how their parish life Social Justice Vestry Motions, and had racism as a sin against God and against it is hard to say to what degree this year’s and leadership reflect the racial diversity been pleased by the work that these mo- our neighbours. It further asked parishes numbers reflect the ease of reporting, of their congregations and communities. tions had inspired in the parish. “I think to commit themselves to recognizing, and how much is due to the substance of Several commended the diocese’s effort in the SJAC motions are a really effective dismantling and eliminating racism in our this year’s motion. While data from the rolling out anti-bias/anti-racism train- tool,” said the Rev. Susan Spicer at St. secular institutions, in our Church, and in Incumbent’s Return gives a better indica- ing and looked forward to this training George, Ajax. This is indeed the goal of ourselves, and to work for the full inclu- tion of the number of parishes supporting being offered at the parish level. As the the annual Social Justice Vestry Motion sion, participation and belongingness of the motion, it cannot give a qualitative anti-racism working group at St. Anne, – for parishes to engage with a particular Black, Indigenous and other racialized description of the ways in which parishes Toronto, put it, “Together, we seek to go social justice issue and to find ways to people in all sectors of our common life. responded. However, the reports received beyond inclusion, to ensure that our faith take meaningful action on it, within their By mid-March of this year, 40 parishes directly indicate that this year’s motion in action and the spaces we cultivate are local context. in the diocese had contacted me directly was gladly received by many parishes, and reflective of the voices, experiences and to report that their parish had passed the that congregations have taken it to heart identities of Black, Indigenous and other Elin Goulden is the diocese’s Social Jus- motion. These 40 parishes, however, are and engaged with it in creative ways. racialized people, so that all members tice & Advocacy consultant. 6 TheAnglican INTERVIEW May 2021 I’ve been schooled in the ‘Book of Creation’

Shannon Frank-Epp is the communica- early adulthood, I joined Mother Teresa’s tions and Companions coordinator at the Missionaries of Charity, where I had the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine (SSJD). great privilege to journey with many of the poorest of the poor throughout the My main duties include overseeing and U.S.A. and Mexico. Upon my leaving the maintaining the Sisters’ website and order, I moved to Toronto and earned my general online presence as well as co- Master’s degree in Theological Studies. ordinating, facilitating and journeying Soon afterward, I began working for the with the people who join the Compan- Sisters at St. John’s Convent. ions program in both their residential and online forms. Growing up surrounded by nature was foundational to my faith life. I resonate The Companions program is offered deeply when the Psalms say that “Crea- in two forms: the original residential tion declares the glory of God.” Creation or “in-person” program where the does indeed declare and impart wisdom, Companions live and work and pray and I have been richly blessed because of with the Sisters at the convent, and it. As Celtic spirituality so beautifully puts an online form which we have called it, I have been schooled in the “Book of “Companions Online.” Creation.” In addition to nature, my faith has been deeply formed by the liturgy and Companions Online is an 11-month contemplation, especially on the Mysteries program that has been developed of the Incarnation and the Eucharist. As specifically for people who are work- to important people along the way… there ing, have families or who are in school. are too many to mention. Mother Teresa In this program, Companions have the and the Missionaries of Charity is certainly opportunity to become “monastics in the one, my childhood parish priest is another, world,” living a Benedictine rhythm of Shannon Frank-Epp (left) joins Companions in the chapel of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in as well as many friends and family. prayer, work, study and recreation within 2020. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUDSON an intentional online community. Online Five years from now, I will hopefully Companions learn to develop practices to others, and learning to live in inten- me is working with the Sisters and other still be working at SSJD! that support and nurture their spiritual tional community. They also cultivate an staff and journeying with the Compan- life from their homes. appreciation for the values of prayerful- ions. I wouldn’t call this a challenge, but I actually don’t have a favourite Scrip- ness and service, deepen their rootedness let’s just say it was an adventure moving ture passage. The residential or “in-person” Com- and spiritual intimacy with God and each the tail-end of last year’s residential Com- panions program invites women aged other in community, discover a personal panions program over to Zoom! Both Companions programs offered by 21 and up to live with the Sisters for path to spiritual growth and transfor- the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine are 11 months to explore an expression of mation and discern individual gifts and I was born in and raised in the free of charge. More information about the contemporary monasticism rooted in vocations. foothills, on the threshold of Kanana- program in both its forms can be found by the Anglican tradition. The Companions skis Country, amid farm animals and visiting the Sisterhood’s website, www. develop a rhythm of life that includes pub- There are many parts of my job that I mountains, rivers and wheat fields. ssjd.ca, and searching “Companions lic and private prayer, engaging in service enjoy. I’d have to say that the best part for Having discerned a call to religious life in Program.” Forgiveness stretches far and wide

BY MURRAY speaks about forgiveness often to practise forgiveness without rest of the Circle team, I felt ap- more likely to do monstrous things.” MacADAM and weaves this quality into his end (Matthew 18:22). He drives prehensive. But as we met and got The message of forgiveness along instruction on how we should pray the point home in the following to know each other, I felt more at with accountability upon which FORGIVENESS: it’s a (Matthew 6:9-13). passage in the parable about the ease. I quickly learned that the CoSA the Circles program is based ties quality drilled into All of us have been hurt by oth- unforgiving servant. program is anything but a “get out in with Christian faith, he says. us as essential for ers. It’s not easy to forgive a wrong- Forgiveness, however, like so of jail free” card. The program’s “Jesus was always going to those our Christian faith. doer. Yet Jesus underscores the much of Christian faith, is not only accountability element is front and pushed to the margins and saying It’s at the heart of importance of forgiveness in the about our individual lives. It has centre. An ex-offender must show what you did wrong doesn’t define our relationship with God and with famous episode where he says we a communal dimension as well. sincere willingness to work on his you.” Mr. Harvey has spent time others. We see plenty of references should be prepared to forgive not How do we practise forgiveness challenges. He also lives under with many former inmates and has to forgiveness in the Bible. Jesus seven times, but 77 times – in effect, as a society? many conditions affecting his life, found their willingness to repent One way is by forgiving ex-of- including whom he can associate beautiful and Gospel-based – as I fenders. The concept of restora- with, where he can go and his access have, when listening to Andy own MULTI-PURPOSE TOWNHOME FOR LEASE tive justice, in which communities to the Internet. I soon realized that up for his harmful actions. try to repair the hurt caused by Andy is determined to leave his mis- Nonetheless, forgiveness is far crime, is an important example of takes behind and he acknowledges from easy. When I find it tough this. Indigenous people have been the harm he’s done. In fact, Andy to forgive, I say the Lord’s Prayer practising this kind of community- began looking for programs that slowly, pondering the words, “As we based justice for generations. More could help him re-integrate into forgive those who trespass against recently, a Mennonite-inspired society while he was still in prison. us.” I also meditate on the rap-style program called Circles of Support For the Rev. Christian Harvey, reflection in a powerful song called and Accountability (CoSA) strives executive director of the One City Forgive, by folksinger Trevor Hall: to put this belief into action. A Peterborough community agency small group of volunteers walks that sponsors the CoSA program in Forgive everything that has ever alongside a former inmate deter- my city, a key element is that this happened mined to turn his life around (and initiative tries to re-integrate sex Life is everything we can imagine we are usually talking about males offenders back into society – or to Laid out in patterns of pain and in these cases). welcome people into the community passion For the past several months, I’ve who have always been isolated, You cannot control it so keep your been working with a Circle group never feeling they were part of compassion involved with an ex-offender I’ll call the community. If someone is fur- There are no accidents Andy. When first asked if I’d join his ther isolated after release from jail, And there are no factions circle, I hesitated. Andy spent time they’re more likely to re-offend. There is no “us” and “them” $2200 monthly. Spacious 3 level! Walkout from living room to in prison for sex-related crimes and “The narrative from much of And only forgiveness can make deck w/garden views! Large rec room! 3 bedrooms, 1-4 piece & 1-2 as a survivor of sexual assault as a society is that sex offenders are that happen. piece bath. Carport! On the grounds of St. Margaret in-the-Pines, child, I wondered if I could find it in monsters,” notes Mr. Harvey, a dea- Scarborough. Suitable for offices, social housing or food bank. my heart to forgive Andy. I prayed con at St. John the Evangelist in Murray MacAdam is a member Patricia Murray, Broker, Royal Lepage Connect 416-284-4751 about it and decided to give it a try. Peterborough. “When you’re told of St. John the Evangelist, When I first met Andy and the repeatedly you’re a monster, you’re Peterborough. May 2021 AnglicanClassifieds 7

TO PLACE AN AD CALL 905.833.6200 ext. 22 OR EMAIL [email protected] REAL ESTATE COUNSELLING PRAYER CYCLE FOR MAY Award-winning DAVID A.S. WRIGHT real estate in Toronto 1. St. Martin, Bay Ridges (Pickering) for over 25 years B.A. M.Div. 2. New Curates of the Diocese of Registered Toronto Psychotherapist 3. St. Martin, Courtice Carolyn 4. St. Matthew, Oshawa McIntire Smyth 5. St. Paul on-the-Hill, Pickering • Pastoral Counsellor 6. St. Paul, Uxbridge 7. St. Peter, Oshawa 2 Sales Representative • Individual / Couple 8. St. Thomas, Brooklin Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage Psychotherapy 9. Oshawa Deanery • Psychoanalysis 10. Wycliffe College Helping Sellers obtain 11. Trinity College the best prices for • Supervision / 12. Christ Church, Bolton 1 their homes. Consultation 13. Ecumenical Dialogues of the Anglican Church of Canada 416.925.9191 204 St. George Street 14. Christ Church, Brampton I look forward to hearing 15. Holy Family, Heart Lake 3 from you. Toronto, Ontario M5R 2N5 (Brampton) Tel. 416-960-6486 16. North Peel Deanery 17. St. Hugh and St. Edmund from Terrilee Kelford, the chair 18. St. James the Apostle, Brampton of Cornerstone Landing Youth 19. The Postulancy Committee Services and co-chair of the Al- IN MOTION • St. Luke, Creemore 20. The Postulants of the Diocese CANADA liance to End Rural and Remote • Prince of Peace, Wasaga Beach 21. St. James, Caledon East Homelessness. She created three Appointments 22. St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea housing units for youth where • The Rev. Bonnie Skerritt, Parish Selection 23. Intercultural Committee and there had been one by renovating Incumbent, St. Paul, Lindsay, Committee Process Bishop Kevin Robertson, Diversity BRIEFS a single house into two units and May 1. First Phase - (not yet receiving Officer installing a third “tiny house” on • The Rev. Canon Kimberley names): 24. St. Jude, Bramalea North Parish plans more the property. Mr. Davis hopes to Beard, Honorary Assistant, St. • St. George, Allandale, Barrie 25. Christ Church, Scarborough housing using emulate Ms. Kelford’s success by Paul, L’Amoreaux, Dec. 1. • Parish of Lloydtown 26. Grace Church in Scarborough 1 creating an adult version of her • The Rev. Bob Bettson, Interim 27. Holy Trinity, Guildwood existing buildings project – finding and renovating Priest-in-Charge, St. Matthias, Second Phase - (receiving 28. Thanksgiving for the 25th OTTAWA - The parish of St. James, housing and, where suitable, adding Bellwoods, March 15. names via Area Bishop): Anniversary of FaithWorks Perth, is developing a plan to create a tiny home to a property. • The Rev. Jennifer Weetman • N/A 29. Nativity, Malvern badly needed affordable housing us- Crosstalk (Evangelical Lutheran Church 30. Theological Colleges of the ing existing buildings. The initiative in Canada), Interim Priest- Third Phase - (no longer Anglican Church of Canada is based on the successful housing 31. New Hope Anglican Mission Diocese expands in-Charge,, Church of the receiving names): of four Syrian refugee families in tradition of Bible Transfiguration, Toronto, • St. Matthew the Apostle, the town of 6,000 from 2015 to 2019. 2 March 19. Oriole Members of St. James played a proclamation • The Rev. Johanna Pak, Interim • St. John, York Mills significant role in that effort, with EDMONTON - For a few years now, Priest-in-Charge, St. Mary • St. Paul on-the-Hill, Pickering York-Credit Valley many volunteering their time and Christians from various churches in Magdalene, Toronto, April 17. • The Rev. Robert Hurkmans, donating money. High Prairie, Alberta have joined in • Claire Latimer-Dennis, Celebrations Incumbent, Trinity, Streets- While that program was suc- a Holy Week Bible Reading Procla- Assistant Curate, St. James of New Ministry ville cessful, many in the town felt that mation. St. Mark’s Anglican Church Cathedral, May 10. (Dates pending) • The Rev. Pam Prideaux, more should be done to help exist- has led the way, organizing volun- • Micah Latimer-Dennis, Trent Durham Incumbent, St. Joseph of Naza- ing residents in need. “There are teers in the continuous reading Assistant Curate, Grace • The Rev. Alvardo Adderley, In- reth, Bramalea more than 800 on a waiting list aloud of God’s Word from Passion Church on-the-Hill, May 10. cumbent, the Parish of Fenelon in Lanark County for affordable Sunday until Maundy Thursday. Falls & Coboconk York-Scarborough housing, more than 70 of whom Readers came to the church to read Vacant Incumbencies • The Rev. Peter Gachira, Incum- • The Rev. Andrew MacDonald, are women and some children flee- and took breaks only in the hours Clergy from outside the diocese bent, the Parish of Lakefield. Priest in Charge, St. Nicholas, ing from violence who are on a from midnight to 6 a.m. each day. with the permission of their • The Rev. Shelly Pollard, Incum- Birch Cliff. special priority list,” says the Rev. This year, thanks to the online pos- bishop may apply through the bent, St. Martin, Bay Ridges, • The Rev. Andrew Kaye, Incum- Kenneth Davis, incumbent of St. sibilities, the Diocesan Executive Assistant, Pickering. bent, St. Margaret in-the- James. Local people experiencing hosted the proclamation on Zoom Canon Mary Conliffe. • The Rev. William Roberts, Pines, West Hill. homelessness are being housed from 1 p.m. on Passion Sunday to 5 Priest-in-Charge, St. Mark, Port temporarily in motels. p.m. on Maundy Thursday, with no Bishop’s Direct Hope. York-Simcoe Mr. Davis is working with Da- breaks – 100 hours of non-stop read- Appointment Process • The Rev. Jennifer Schick, • The Rev. Eyad Ajji, Priest- vid Kroetsch, chair of the parish’s ing of God’s word. The benefit of - (receiving names): Incumbent, All Saints, Whitby. in-Charge, Evangelists, New outreach committee, to present a the virtual reading was that people • St. James Cathedral, vicar • The Rev. Bonnie Skerritt, Tecumseth. concrete plan on behalf of the par- could participate from anywhere. • St. Anne, Toronto Priest-in-Charge, St. George, • The Rev. Ian LaFleur, Incum- ish to a virtual town hall meeting The Messenger • St. Cuthbert, Leaside Newcastle. bent, St. Stephen, Maple. organized by the advocacy office of the town’s Table Community Breakfast program Food Centre. marks milestone 3 Mr. Davis is under no illusions and the Reaffirmation of Ordina- len, the Rev. Wilner Dangawen, the that the initiative will be easy. It ST. CATHARINES - February tion Vows of Bishops, Priests, and Rev. Canon Dr. Philip Der, the Rev. will be more complicated to house marked the quarter-century Deacons service on March 30 at Dr. Sonia Hinds, the Rev. Sharon Canadians with particular needs anniversary of the Community BRIEFLY St. James Cathedral. During the Johnstone, the Rev. Geoff Lloyd, — mental and physical health and Breakfast Program at St. George’s service, which was livestreamed the Rev. Sharon Melvin, the Rev. addictions, for example – than dis- Anglican Church in downtown St. due to the pandemic, Bishop An- Mona Rush and the Rev. Dudley placed but healthy refugees. He Catharines. Over 500,000 breakfasts Clergy honoured for drew Asbil read out the names of Walker. Honoured for 50 years of favours the “housing first” model have been served in the last 25 years 25, 50 and 60 years the clergy and thanked them for ordination were the Rev. Canon championed by the Canadian Alli- without missing a single morning. their dedication. Stephen Booth, the Rev. Canon ance to End Homelessness whereby The breakfast is for all comers of ordination Honoured for 25 years of ordina- Timothy Foley and the Rev. Canon safe and secure housing is com- every morning, no questions asked. Clergy who have been ordained for tion were the Rev. Deacon Aldith Dr. Murray Henderson. Honoured bined with a full range of supports. Thanks goes to the many tireless 25, 50 and 60 years were honoured Baker, the Rev. Mary Bell-Plouffe, for 60 years of ordained ministry The goal will be a multi-year volunteers who have made this at the diocese’s Blessing of Oils the Rev. Deacon Marlene Carscal- was the Rev. Doug Jacques. project to develop several units, ministry possible, as well as the the exact number to be determined. church and wider community who “I think we can make a difference have supported it financially. The The Diocese is on for people needing housing – a few church provides a simple breakfast, individuals or families a year,” he prepared by volunteers, funded Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. says. Working with Lanark County, largely by individual donors, and tenants would be selected from the overseen by a team of hands-on To connect, visit www.toronto.anglican.ca county’s long waiting list. leaders. Inspiration for the project comes Niagara Anglican 8 TheAnglican NEWS May 2021 Imagine what’s possible on your church’s land

BY SYLVIA KEESMAAT AND CHANELLE MCLEOD

IMAGINE that you are reading a story. It is a thrilling tale, with adventure, intrigue, be- trayal, deep despair and unexpected hope. Now imagine that at a certain point you turn the page and discover that you have been pulled in – nothing more is written, but you are suddenly expected to live in this story. You desperately try to remember what came before: what was the task you were supposed to complete? Who were the agents of betrayal? What is the expectation? This sounds like Alice in Wonderland, doesn’t it? Or Harry Potter entering the wizarding world, rather than the way we usually think of our lives. And yet, we do live in the story of God’s relationship with ourselves and all of creation. Each week, we hear bits of the story at church, in our own devotional reading, and ideally, we are pulled into the story, carried along by it in our own daily lives. The Bishop’s Committee on Creation Care (BCCC) has been working since last July to help Anglicans, parishes, and the diocese as a whole to better imagine how we might live out this story in relation to creation. Our world continues to grapple with the climate crisis, and the Church is realizing the many ways that we have neglected our calling to live in peace with the diversity of plants, insects, animals, and people that God created in that first garden community or community garden. The Common Table, an outreach project of In that context, the BCCC is asking par- Flemingdon Park Ministry, grows produce at ishes to spend some time thinking about the Our Saviour, Don Mills for the surrounding land, and the actual earth that surrounds community. At right, a pollinator garden at St. their churches. What other creatures live Martin in-the-Fields, Toronto. PHOTOS SUBMITTED in the soil and in the foliage? How could BY THE BISHOP’S COMMITTEE ON CREATION CARE these creatures be cared for? What needs to be done to ensure that plants, animals, tree or two? Or maybe your church only has insects and birds continue to flourish around space for a small bed of native plants or some your church? What has been lost, and what pollinator annuals in a planter. needs to be restored? What can grow there? Of course, imagining what is possible on Is there a way that you can tend the earth the land around your church is one thing. around your church and also meet the needs Turning that vision into reality can be more of the surrounding community? challenging. Where to start? This is where Perhaps your church has enough space the Bishop’s Committee on Creation Care to create beds that provide gardening op- hopes to help in a number of ways: portunities for those who have no other • Members of the BCCC are available to access to land. Perhaps your church has discuss your project both in terms of enough space to grow vegetables for those vision and in terms of practical steps. and planting tips, and COVID-19 consid- imagine our life together in a new way, and in your community who are food insecure. • Numerous parishioners from churches eration. In addition, there are links to enter into the story of healing for creation Perhaps making a pollinator garden for with established community gardens external resources providing detailed that God calls us to. Please, join us. your community is the most appropriate have volunteered to act as a resource instructions on starting a community choice. Or perhaps you have a vision for for those with questions about gardens. garden and suggestions for plants. This Sylvia Keesmaat and Chanelle McLeod both vegetables and pollinators. They are also willing to provide tours can be found at www.toronto.anglican. are members of the Bishop’s Committee Does your busy context mean that a medi- of their gardens. ca/creationcare. on Creation Care. If you would like more tation garden would be appropriate? Is it • The committee has created a toolkit that We don’t know what this summer will bring information on starting a garden on your possible to tuck a few currant or raspberry outlines the steps to starting a garden, in terms of worship and communal life in church property, go to www.toronto.angli- bushes in the shady spots around the perim- including assembling a team, plant our churches. Beginning a garden project is can.ca/creationcare or send an email to eter? Is there room for a dwarf apple or peach selection, allocating a budget, pruning one way that we can gather as a community, [email protected]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Members of The Green Team of St. Martin, Bay Ridges in Pickering and the Creation Caretakers of St. George, Pickering Village in Ajax join other local environmental activists in March to protest a plan to build on a protected wetland in Pickering. The developer later put the plan on hold. PHOTOS BY EUGENE FARRUGIA.