A Message from the Dean & Wardens (May 27)
Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; you see me: because I live, you shall live also.
At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
John 14:18ff
Dear Friends,
On the Sunday after Ascension, Bishop Kevin Robertson reminded us in his homily that living in suspended time is normal for Christians. We are always caught between two realities, two ways of being, two “normals” that beckon us. The pandemic has brought that reality to centre stage in many ways. It is a difficult time, but it is not without its blessings. Like the disciples awaiting Pentecost, we are looking for that refreshing breath of new life in ministry and in our daily experience of living.
In this meantime of pandemic, we prayerfully and patiently wait. Many have been contacting the Cathedral wondering when we will go back to the way things were. It is a question without an answer right now, since there are so many variables and so much depends on how people act during this time. So, we prayerfully and patiently wait.
In this meantime, we count it as a blessing that we are able to offer weekly livestream worship, thanks to the generosity of the Diocese. It is a blessing that we are able to continue essential services of outreach to the marginalized, thanks to the generosity of our membership and Drop-In sponsors. It is a blessing that the community is finding ways to stay connected in relationship and fellowship, reminding us that we are bound together in Christ and to one another.
We prayerfully and patiently wait. We do that in a spirit of sincere gratitude for this place, for our sustaining faith and for one another.
Blessings to you all as we continue this journey together, united in the love of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. That is our vocation and our comfort as the Body of Christ.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BEATRICE!
We are delighted to let you know that Fr. Andrew MacDonald and his wife Martha welcomed their beautiful baby girl on May 20, two and a half weeks early! No doubt, this is not the only surprise little Beatrice will have for her parents over the years, but what a delightful one it is. Congratulations to Martha and Fr. Andrew, and Beatrice of course. Please keep the young family in your prayers as they settle into their new normal. Fr. Andrew will be on vacation until June 11.
COFFEE AND DISCUSSION WITH THE DEAN
Our first Zoom coffee and discussion meeting went off without a hitch on Monday, May 25. It was great to see so many familiar faces, and to chat about the Sunday sermon and our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is not too late to be part of this group. To register, contact the office. The only pre-requisite is to watch the Sunday morning service at some point prior to the discussion gathering.
2020 VISIONING EXERCISE
We are moving ahead with the first round of discussion groups regarding who we are, who God is calling us to be, and connecting these two things into a vision for the future. These discussions will take place by Zoom meeting or conference call—your choice. To be part of this exciting exercise, please register by email with Carol and Ed at mckysel@gmail.com.
ST. JAMES CEMETERY UPDATE
Further to our last update, our environmental consultants are gathering data and preparing an Emission Summary and Dispersion Modelling (ESDM) report, which is required by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). While we await preparation of this report, we have received interim approval from the MECP to resume cremations and have completed more than one dozen to date. The repairs to the south retort have been successful and the equipment is functioning well. The results of the ESDM report will determine whether we can continue to conduct cremations until our equipment is replaced.
CATHEDRAL EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROJECT
In response to the relaxation of restrictions imposed by the province, the lighting contractor will mobilize this week or next to complete the lighting project in approximately one month. Thanks to generous targeted donations from the City of Toronto and a private donor, this work is being undertaken at no expense to St. James Cathedral.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
It is only through your good stewardship that St. James can continue to meet its financial challenges ahead. Thank you to those who have continued to send their monthly donations. If you have yet to do so, please consider sending donations by cheque to 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2E9 or by using the “Donate” button on our web page. In 2019 we implemented a cyber-security program to maintain the security of your personal and financial data.
We also encourage you to sign up for Pre-Authorized monthly giving, thus insuring 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.
STAYING CONNECTED
Thank you for your love and support during this period in the life of St. James. We invite you to continue to link to the Cathedral’s website and Facebook page for updates, Morning Prayer, service listings and inspirational messages. Please remember, you are not alone.
Blessings and peace to you all,
Dean Stephen and Wardens Don & Jayne
svail@stjamescathedral.ca
wardens@stjamescathedral.ca
