A Message from the Dean & Wardens (December 3)

A MESSAGE FROM CANON BETH BENSON

Have you noticed how early the sun sets these days? Maybe it was the rain and snow this week but I certainly noticed the few hours of daylight as we count the days before the winter solstice on December 21.  Maybe that is why many of us decorate our homes with greenery and light candles. For me, the ancient tradition of lighting the Advent Wreath in the Cathedral and in our home is even more meaningful this year. Lifting our voice in prayer, we express our Advent longing in the darkest days: Lord Jesus, we look for your coming as the hope, the peace, the joy and love of the world. Kindle, your hope, your peace, your joy, your love in our hearts.

Our prayers remind us that real hope, peace, joy and love travel with us even when, especially when, it is hard to trust and hold on to them. The uncertainty, isolation, illness and economic hardship of this dark “Covid tide” is pressing upon all of us and many people near and far away are suffering. Perhaps we sense some similarities to the first Advent, when God’s people longed for an end to oppression, isolation and injustice. Today, we long for an end to the darkness of the pandemic and we rejoice that there is some good news, some light on the horizon. That light is a vaccine. But the truth is that even greater light is breaking in! John’s Gospel puts it this way: What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1: 3-5). No wonder we place our hope, peace, joy and love in Him even as we pray, Come Lord Jesus.

I have been deeply touched by the ministry of care and compassion that is part of the “DNA” of the Cathedral community. Many of you are connecting in new ways during this unprecedented time – a warm meal to go, a phone call, Zoom meetings or a simple card in the mail. And serving together we can reach even more people to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Thank you for your warm welcome. A priority for me in the weeks ahead will be supporting the ministry of our Lay Pastoral Visitors and reaching out to those who are seeking a connection with the Cathedral community as well as those who are feeling isolated and lonely. If you know anyone who would appreciate a call from our pastoral care team, please be in touch with me at bbenson@stjamescathedral.ca. In the meantime, please join us for a special time of prayer, remembrance and reflection on December 15 at 6:00pm, When Christmas is a Difficult Time. You will see the details, below.

May God’s peace be with you, all.
Beth+

SUNDAY SERVICES  

In-person services are currently suspended but you can watch the live-stream of the 11:00am service here.

WILL THERE BE IN-PERSON CHRISTMAS SERVICES THIS YEAR?

The short answer is that we don’t know and won’t know until very close to the date. The current lockdown measures are in place until at least December 21, and we will find out some time that day whether they are being lifted or altered. While it is doubtful, given the current numbers, that we will have in-person services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there is still a chance that we might, depending on the government’s decision. We will post an announcement and any pertinent information on December 22. If there are in-person services, pre-registration will be required.  Live-streamed services will definitely be offered on Christmas Eve at 7:30pm and Christmas Day at 11:00am regardless.

Blessings for a Holy Advent,
Dean Stephen+

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.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL FLOWERS 

Update: Due to the uncertainty of these times, we don’t yet know whether our Christmas services will be in-person or not. However, we do know that we will be live-streaming a Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day service. We would love to show our Cathedral looking as beautiful and festive as we know it can at this time of year, especially in these challenging times. As a result, we have decided that we will move forward with decorating the Cathedral with memorial poinsettias. See below for details on how to contribute:

A beautiful way to remember a loved one at Christmas is through the memorial poinsettias that will be placed in the Cathedral for the season. This year, we will also be placing poinsettias on the Altars and other settings and all names submitted will be noted on the general memorial poinsettias list in the service leaflets. Names can be emailed to info@stjamescathedral.ca or called in to the clergy extension at 416-364-7865, ext. *232. We are asking for donations of $40 (minimum) per name or per couple. Donations will be designated to the Cathedral Flower Fund and are tax-receiptable. Please indicate whether you will be making your payment for your memorial by credit card online or by cheque by mail. The deadline for submitting memorial names and payment will be Thursday, December 10.

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 every Sunday evening during Advent, 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.

WHEN CHRISTMAS IS A DIFFICULT TIME

Grief, illness, stress, financial pressures, and painful memories can make Christmas a difficult time for some of us. We invite you to attend a short service of prayer and reflection to help prepare you for the holiday in faith and hope – despite your losses. This year’s service “When Christmas is a Difficult Time” will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 6:00pm via Zoom. If you would like to participate in this virtual service, please email info@stjamescathedral.ca or leave a message on the clergy line at 416-364-7865, ext. *232. The Zoom meeting link and password will be distributed during the week of December 6, 2020.

VIRTUAL HYMN SING

Do you miss singing together at church?  Join us for our next Virtual Hymn Sing on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30pm. We will meet over Zoom to share some hymns sung by members of the Parish Choir and friends. The same hymns will be repeated on Friday, December 18 at 4:00pm. During Virtual Hymn Sing your microphone is muted when you sing, so you need not worry about how you sound. To receive an invitation, please email irenecourage105@gmail.com.

ARCHIVES

Nancy Mallett has been continuing to assist Diocesan Archivist, Claire Wilton in the creation of a major file on the Pandemic and the Church for future researchers and possible exhibition. While much of the focus is on the place of the Cathedral and Diocese within the larger community, we continue to seek input from individual parishioners on how their lives have been affected, and how they are coping.

Contributions can be very short describing one experience only, or larger and giving a more general overview. Accompanying pictures are particularly welcome with short descriptions. Do not hesitate to call Nancy with any questions at 416-920-1965 or e-mail her at nancyemallett@gmail.com.  Forward your stories on how you are coping with the pandemic directly to Claire Wilton at the Diocese Archives at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca.

FROM THE HEALTH COUNCIL – SELECTED HEALTH PROMOTION EVENTS

For your information, the following selected events will take place in December:

• National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women – December 6
• Human Rights Day – December 10

PWRDF CHRISTMAS CARDS

This year continues to be different in every way, and Christmas preparation is no exception. The Cathedral will not be able to physically supply your PWRDF Christmas Cards as usual, but there is an easy way to order directly from their website or by phone if you prefer. There are two beautiful new designs this year, and cards are available now to be delivered to your home. Please continue to support the valuable work of PWRDF with partners overseas and here in Canada during this testing time. For more information and to place your order, click here or phone Mike Ziemerink at 416-822-9083.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP 

We are exceedingly grateful to those of you who continue to support us financially. Donations have become our main source of income, as events have momentarily ceased, investment income is down, and the cemetery is slowly recovering from a period of brokenness. 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