E-Connections – June 3, 2021
Dear Friends,
The horrific discovery of the remains of more than 200 innocent children on the grounds of a former residential school in our country has brought shock and shame to us as a nation. While this atrocity lies in history, it highlights a legacy of racism that still affects our society and Church. Racism is an insidious sin, which we as Christians are called to eradicate in the name of gospel justice.
It is timely that the Diocesan Social Justice and Advocacy Motion for 2021 highlights the reality of attitudes of racialization towards persons of colour and others. At our Annual General Meeting in March of this year, Vestry passed a motion which set into action a group that would work out how we would specifically respond to this motion. Following the great work of the Anti-Racism Working Group, a meeting was called for Monday, May 31 to finalize our goals with respect to the above. What follows is the decision made by that meeting, beginning with the motion itself.
The Parish of St. James Cathedral acknowledges that Anti-Black racism exists in our society and in our Church, and that it and all forms of racism against Black, Indigenous and other racialized people are a sin against God and against our neighbour. We commit ourselves to the recognition, dismantling, and elimination of Anti-Black and other forms of racism in our secular institutions, in our Church, and in ourselves, and to work for the full inclusion, participation and belongingness of Black, Indigenous and other racialized people in all sectors of our common life.
In light of this acknowledgment of the above motion, and in keeping with this commitment, our parish undertakes to do the following:
- To continue to strive to make St. James Cathedral a place where everyone has/feels a sense of belonging, no matter their background, race or colour.
- To provide the following educational opportunities in anti-racism and training to enrich our knowledge of each other:
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- Hold discussion sessions/forums throughout the year on topics highlighting accomplishments of people of different ethnicities.
- Host panel discussions/speakers for significant dates like Emancipation Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racism, and others.
In addition to the above, those gathered for the meeting asked leaders in the parish to ensure that the racial diversity of our city and community is reflected in liturgies, leadership and staffing. Also, it was agreed that the Cathedral would continue with anti-racism training for staff as well as running the related program that the Diocese of Toronto is developing for use in parishes.
I am grateful to the Working Group and members of our parish who gathered this week for this important task. If you have any ideas about movies, books or articles dealing with the experience of racism that might be helpful moving forward, please send them to me at svail@stjamescathedral.ca.
We are all equal and beloved children of God, and I wish you the blessings of the Risen Christ.
Dean Stephen Vail+
PASTORAL CARE
Lockdown can be a lonely experience for many members of the Cathedral. Not only does it take away the opportunity for in-person worship, it adds the burdens of isolation and disconnectedness to so many who live alone. If you know anyone who would benefit from a call from our pastoral care team, please be in touch with Canon Beth Benson at bbenson@stjamescathedral.ca.
CONNECTING WITH ST. JAMES
SUNDAYS
Live-stream the service every Sunday at 11:00am on the Diocesan Facebook page.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
Join us for Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom each Sunday at 12:30pm. If you have not already registered to attend, send an email to the office and you will receive the link each Sunday to join Coffee Hour. Bring along your favourite coffee, tea, or other refreshment!
CONTINUING EACH WEEK
- Sermon Discussion Group on Zoom with The Reverend Dr. David Danner, one of our Honorary Assistants: Mondays at 10:00am; email the office to receive the link
- Morning Prayer: Tuesday and Thursday mornings on the Cathedral Facebook page; you can also find them posted on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel
- Virtual Hymn Sing on Zoom: Email irenecourage105@gmail.com to receive information, dates, and the link; the next sessions take place on Tuesday, June 8 at 7:30pm and Wednesday, June 16 at 4:00pm
ORGAN RECITALS
St. James Cathedral has presented lunchtime organ recitals on Tuesdays for many years. We are delighted that these concerts have resumed virtually and will take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm. Please note that the next recital takes place on the Tuesday, July 13, the second Tuesday of the month. The concerts will be presented via the Cathedral Choir Facebook page, allowing everyone to have an excellent view of the instrument and performer.
The organ is a fine four manual instrument dating from 1863, composed of four manuals and 5,100 pipes. Further details are available on the Cathedral website.
Did you miss an Organ Recital? You can still access it on the Cathedral Choir’s Facebook page.
Organ Recital Schedule
Tuesdays at 1:00pm via the Cathedral Choir Facebook page
*Please note: The July recital takes place on the second Tuesday of the month.
July 13: Stefani Bedin (St. Basil’s Roman Catholic Church and doctoral candidate U of T)
August 3: Nick Veltmeyer (past Wayne Vance Organ Scholar at St. James Cathedral)
*Please note: The September recital takes place on the second Tuesday of the month.
September 14: Gordon Mansell (Music Director and Organist at Our Lady of Sorrows Church)
Re-Opening Update
As outlined in Reopening Ontario, the reopening plan released by the provincial government, indoor worship services at a 15% capacity will be allowed in Step Two. We will likely be in Step Two in early-to-mid July, if vaccination rates and key health indicators are met. The Dean and Wardens are discussing our next steps at their June meeting and will keep you posted once a clear plan that meets civic and diocesan protocols in in place. We look forward to the time when we can meet in person for worship services again!
Be Surprised by the Spirit – Register by June 7
Anglicans across Canada have been invited to gather in small groups to reflect on what we have experienced and discovered in our churches and in our personal lives over the past year in the pandemic. We are organizing a series of conversations over the next several weeks around prayer, scripture reflection and shared stories. Each week we will focus on a different theme, including music, drama and art; gardening; online learning; online worship; serving those in need; and keeping in touch with family and friends. For now, mark your calendar every other Wednesday starting June 16th. You will be able to choose a morning or evening timeslot. Do join us Wednesday at 10:00-11:00am or 7:00-8:00pm. Depending on the number of registrants, we may modify the format in conversation with those who have expressed interest. If you would like to join us in conversation, please register by June 7th. Email info@stjamescathedral.ca for the zoom link.
Questions? Contact The Reverend Claire Latimer-Dennis at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca or Canon Beth Benson at bbenson@stjamescathedral.ca.
Summer Reading Groups
Looking for some good fiction to read this summer? Join Reverend Claire in reading two novels.
On July 18, we’ll meet to discuss In this House of Brede by Rumer Godden, a story about a professional woman joining a cloistered Benedictine Community in England.
On August 22, we’ll discuss Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin, the story of a teenage boy living in Harlem in the 1930s, his family, and their church.
Please email clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca if you’re interested in reading one or both of the books!
Vestry Meeting Minutes
At the Annual Vestry Meeting on March 14, 2021, the question was asked if it would be possible to circulate the meeting minutes shortly after the meeting. As it is normal practice to publish the minutes as part of the following year’s vestry materials, it was agreed that the Cathedral would consult with the Diocese as to how best to proceed. Following the meeting, the Diocese, as well as Cathedral Council, were consulted. We can now announce that this year’s Vestry Meeting minutes are now available for any voting member who would like a copy of them in advance of next year’s Vestry Meeting. To request a copy, email info@stjamescathedral.ca.
Talking about Music – A Series of Recorded Interviews
Music plays a vital part in our worship. Our Music Director, Thomas Bell, has begun a series where he will be speaking to individuals who have extensive experience of the musical life of our church. His first interview with Archbishop Linda Nicholls is posted on the St. James Cathedral Choir Facebook page. She discusses her deep love of music – both in the church, and as a pastime – and reflects on the role that music plays in the wider Canadian church.
Joyful Giving 2021
We have concluded our 2021 Joyful Giving Appeal. We received responses from 95 households in the congregation. On behalf of the Dean, the Wardens and the Cathedral Executive, we want to say a most sincere Thank You to all those who sent in their Giving Cards. Several of you also indicated that you were increasing your annual donation, which is particularly appreciated in this difficult year.
Knowing that we have your support, whatever the level, makes planning our yearly activities and outreach so much easier. We are truly grateful for your commitment to St. James. Thank you.
Financial Stewardship
We are exceedingly grateful to those of you who continue to support us financially. If you would like to make a donation, here are the ways to do that:
- Mail a cheque to 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2E9.
- Use the ‘Donate’ button on our website.
- You can now hand-deliver your offerings to the Cathedral Centre: A secure mailbox has been mounted in the Church Street vestibule at the entrance of the doors at 65 Church Street. The doors are open from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday.
- Sign up for Pre-Authorized monthly giving, thus ensuring a vital stream of income for the Cathedral. Please note that at any time you can stop or change the PAG amount by emailing the office.
- Make a gift of securities (see details here).
- We are delighted to have a QR code for donating electronically which you will find in all bulletins. Simply scan with your phone camera and donate! You can also donate here.
Staying Connected
We invite you to continue to link to the Cathedral’s website or Facebook page for updates, Morning Prayer, service listings and inspirational messages. Thank you for your love and support during this period in the life of St. James. Please remember, you are not alone.
Blessings and peace to you all,
The Very Reverend Stephen Vail, Rector of St. James Cathedral & Dean of Toronto
Joan Peters & Jayne Hobbs, Wardens
svail@stjamescathedral.ca
wardens@stjamescathedral.ca
