A Message from the Dean & Wardens (December 16)
Dear Friends,
Sadly, it should come as no surprise that we will not be able to hold in-person services this Christmas. Given the projections published last week by the Ontario government regarding the number of COVID-19 infections, we want to honour the request that the people of Toronto “stay home” this Christmas. It may not be easy, but sacrifice is part of the fabric of what it means to follow Jesus.
While the popular Christmas song “I’ll be Home for Christmas” is about people joining together from afar to celebrate this wonderful season, it is a deep loss for so many that the fellowship, reunions and traditions of Christmas are not possible for many of us this year. Unfortunately, we will be home for Christmas in a different way. We know that it is for the safety of ourselves and the vulnerable in our families and communities, but it will be very strange nonetheless.
Personally, I want you to know how much I will miss you and how I long for the time when the vaccine takes root and life begins to feel more normal than not. It has been a tremendous gift of technology to be able to connect with you in your homes via live-streaming, but it isn’t quite the same. I must say, this has given me a new appreciation for the lonely and disconnected in our parish community and society. I hope each of us will think of “shut-ins” who live what we are living now as their normal. Let’s connect with them, help them know they are valued and are essential to the fabric of who we are together.
Even though we will not be worshipping the Newborn Christ in person, we are happy to offer three live-streamed services, two on Christmas Eve at 4:30pm and 7:30pm and one on Christmas Day at 11:00am. Bishop Andrew Asbil will be present for the services on Christmas Eve at 7:30pm and on Christmas Day at 11:00am, and we will do our best to make them meaningful for those of you home for Christmas. (See below for further service details.)
The following Sunday, December 27, will be David Simon’s last Sunday with us. David has served as the organist for the Cathedral since May 2019 and then as our Interim Music Director since April 2020. We wish David all the best in his future endeavors.
With prayers and best wishes, yours in Christ,
Dean Stephen Vail
PASTORAL CARE
Canon Beth Benson and the Lay Pastoral Visitors team are working on a list of people we can keep in touch with by telephone and mail. If you know anyone who is experiencing loneliness or disconnection at this time, please contact Canon Beth at bbenson@stjamescathedral.ca.
SUNDAY SERVICES
In-person services are currently suspended but you can watch the live-stream of the 11:00am service here.
ONLINE CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES
Christmas Eve Family Service: Join us online on Christmas Eve at 4:30pm for a short family service celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord! It will be live-streamed on the St. James Cathedral Facebook page here.
As mentioned, we will also be live-streaming a service on Christmas Eve at 7:30pm and on Christmas Day at 11:00am. Bishop Andrew Asbil will participate in both services. You can watch the live-stream of both services on the Diocesan Facebook page here.
CHILDREN’S BULLETINS AVAILABLE ONLINE
A note to families: St. James Cathedral subscribes to the Sunday Paper, a wonderful weekly Children’s Bulletin. It includes notes on the readings for each Sunday, and lots of fun drawings. The bulletins are available on our website, and you are welcome to print them off for the children in your household as a way of engaging them in worship.
LESSONS & CAROLS: FROM COAST TO COAST TO COAST
Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of Canada, invites you to a national service of Lessons and Carols on Friday, December 18 at 8:00pm. Your Cathedral will be involved and we hope you can attend. You can register to attend here. It is going to be a wonderful event!
SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PAST: YULETIDE IN PRINT
A Christmas virtual exhibition of rare books, “Spirits of Christmas Past: Yuletide in Print”, is now online through the University of Toronto and was curated by one of our Honorary Assistants, The Reverend Pearce J. Carefoote. It features the treasures of the Rare Book Library through a variety of themes like the Christmas Story, poetry, stories, Christmas in Canada, Christmas for children, manuscript recipes from the 18th and 19th centuries people can try, and Christmas shopping through things like the old Eaton’s catalogue. You can view this fascinating exhibit here.
COMPLINE FOR ADVENT
As we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Lord, and the coming light into the darkness of our world, join us for a service of Compline. The final session will take place this Sunday, December 20 at 7:00pm over Zoom. It will be a short family-friendly service (no more than half an hour), with candles, readings, prayers, and time for silent reflection. Email Claire at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca for the link.
VIRTUAL HYMN SING
Do you miss singing together at church? Please join us for our next Virtual Hymn Sing on Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30pm. We will use Zoom and sing from home. To receive a link, please email irenecourage105@gmail.com. We will repeat the same session on Wednesday, December 30 at 4:00pm.
A REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS FROM THE DROP-IN
During the Christmas season there are many joys and challenges that we all face but this year there are even more because of the COVID pandemic. The Drop-In will be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and we need volunteers for both days. The meals and gifts will be takeout this year, but we will be celebrating by providing a traditional Turkey Dinner. Volunteers can assist with preparing the meal, packing, serving, and cleaning up at the end of the day. There will also be a small gift to each of our guests. In addition, donations of chocolates and gloves for adult men and women would also be appreciated. Thank you for your consideration. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Biasi at 416-364-7865 x. 222 or kbiasi@stjamescathedral.ca
PSALMS STUDY – TAKING A BREAK
The weekly Psalms Study will be taking a break over the holidays. Look for news in the new year about starting back up, or email Claire at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca to be put on the email list for regular communication.
ADULT FORMATION: INTRODUCTION TO THE BEATITUDES
Interested in learning more about what Jesus taught, and what it means for how we live our lives? Beginning on January 13, the Cathedral will be offering a 4-week virtual course on the Beatitudes, following the “Pilgrim” series. The series follows a workbook, so if you’d like to register for the class, please let us know by December 31 to give time for shipping and distributing. They each cost $15, but we don’t want cost to prevent anyone from participating, and have bursaries available if you need it. You can email Claire at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca to register or with any questions, or leave a message on the clergy line at 416-364-7865 *232.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
As with most charities, these next few weeks are when we receive much of our donation income. Thank you for considering your Cathedral as you make year-end donation decisions. 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.
- 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).
- Many have been asking how to donate electronically when attending worship. We are delighted to have a QR code for that purpose, which you will find in all future 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
Don Solomon & Jayne Hobbs, Wardens
svail@stjamescathedral.ca
wardens@stjamescathedral.ca
