A Message from the Dean & Wardens (November 5)
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.”
~ Genesis 1:1
The Bible begins with these words; words used by the author to express how the power of God created all that is good from a formless and meaningless chaos. I find it really helpful to remember that God’s first act was to bring order and meaning to chaos. Why? Because it seems to me that God is still engaged in that activity now and I, for one, need to be reminded of that. There are days when the world seems to be descending into disorder and chaos. Stabbings, shootings, political unrest, disease, natural disasters, hatred, religious intolerance – it is easy to begin to feel overwhelmed and as if everything is coming undone. And then I remember Genesis – how the wind, or Spirit, of God swept across a formless mess and turned it into beauty, life and love. Assisting God in that creative act remains God’s call to the Church. Empowered by God’s Spirit of love and reconciliation, we are called to be a people who continue to build what God created in the first place. Most of us will not do that in any dramatic way. It will be simple things like remembering that terrorism is not synonymous with Muslims, violence does not define society, race does not confer dignity. What shapes and defines all God’s people is God’s love for us and how faithfully we live it. I pray the whole world will work with God until chaos is fully overcome and all that remains is the peace of God, which passes all understanding.
Dean Stephen+
ON LOAN: FR. ANDREW MACDONALD
On Sunday, it was announced that Fr. Andrew has been “seconded” by Bishop Jenny Andison to serve as Interim Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Manning Avenue, until further notice. During that time, and until we hire a Vicar to replace The Rev’d Louise Peters in 2021, our amazing Honorary Assistants have offered to assist as needed. We encourage you to remember Fr. Andrew in your daily prayers as he seeks to assist the people of that fine parish. Blessings, Andrew; we miss you already!
SUNDAY SERVICE NOTES
St. James Cathedral resumed in-person services as of Sunday, September 13.
Services take place at 8:00am, 9:00am and 11:00am.
The Mandarin Ministry service takes place at 1:30pm.
Seats are limited and registration is required.
Registration will be available on the Monday prior to the Sunday services each week.
Registration will close each week at 11:59pm Saturday.
Register for a Sunday service each week here.
Watch the live-stream of the 11:00am service here.
See a full outline of the Diocesan protocols for re-opening here;
and view the Diocesan’s re-opening video here.
On September 1, a dedicated email address was launched to answer questions you might have about re-opening. Send your questions to reopening@stjamescathedral.ca.
We are looking forward to seeing you!!
THE CATHEDRAL CENTRE
Even though the Cathedral is open on Sundays only for worship, the Cathedral Centre will remain closed until further notice. This is due to staffing limitations necessitated by our decreased revenues.
ALL SOULS SERVICE
Our annual All Souls Service to commemorate those who have died has been scheduled for Saturday, November 7 at 11:00am. Due to space limitations at the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, this year’s service will take place at the Cathedral. Names of the deceased to be read aloud during the liturgy can be emailed to info@stjamescathedral.ca or called in to the clergy extension at 416-364-7865, ext. *232. Attendees will be required to register for this service. The registration portal is now up on our website at stjamescathedral.ca/allsouls/. You can also register for the service by emailing info@stjamescathedral.ca or by calling 416-364-7865, ext. *232. Please register for the service and submit names no later than Friday, November 6 at 3:00pm.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
A brief Service of Remembrance and wreath laying will be held at the Memorial Cross on the west lawn of the Cathedral at 10:15am this Sunday, November 8.
ST. MARTIN’S DAY COAT DRIVE – NOVEMBER 7–15, 2020
On a cold winter’s day in the 4th century, Martin of Tours passed a poor man on the road who didn’t have a coat. So he took out his sword and cut his own cloak in half and gave it to the man. In honour of St. Martin, whose feast day is November 11, we will be hosting a coat drive for the Drop-In! Please bring new and gently used warm winter coats to church on Sunday the 7th or 15th, or drop them off in the front alcove of the Cathedral Centre (65 Church Street) during business hours Monday-Friday. Prayer cards for St. Martin’s Day will also be available for pickup next to a coat rack.
A REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS FROM THE DROP-IN
The St. James Drop-In is looking for volunteers who can be available to come in and assist with preparing and cooking meals, and serving and cleaning up the kitchen after the cooking and packaging of the meals are completed. This is an essential service which supports some of the most vulnerable people in our community as well as long-time guests. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Fridays in flexible time slots from 9:00am until 4:30pm. If you are interested, please send an email message to Kathy Biasi, Outreach Manager, at kbiasi@stjamescathedral.ca.
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.
VIRTUAL HYMN SING
Please join us for our Virtual Hymn Sing on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30pm. We will use Zoom to sing at home. We will repeat the same hymns on Wednesday, November 18 at 3:30pm. To receive an invitation, please email irenecourage105@gmail.com.
SCRIPTURE STUDY – THE PSALMS
A weekly study of the lectionary Psalm meets on Mondays at 7:00pm over Zoom. Together we’ll reflect on the Psalm for the coming Sunday, and end at 8:00pm with a service for Compline. All are welcome, and if you’re not able to come to the Psalm study, but would like to join for Compline, that’s fine too! Please email Claire at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca for the Zoom link.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT ST. JAMES
While children’s programming on Sundays is suspended for the time being, we still want to support families in the spiritual development of their little ones. If you have children or youth in your life and would like support with resources for prayer and learning at home, email Claire at clatimerdennis@stjamescathedral.ca.
FROM THE HEALTH COUNCIL – SELECTED HEALTH PROMOTION EVENTS
For your information, the following selected events will take place in November:
- Movember – raising awareness and funds for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
- Fall Prevention Month – raising awareness about preventing falls and fall-related injuries. It encourages organizations to coordinate their efforts for larger impact by sharing evidence-based information on fall prevention. Initiatives have a common objective of keeping adults and children safe as they age.
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, (November 25, 2020). As a reminder, the Health Council and Lay Pastoral Visiting page provides links to trusted resources providing support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP – THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE
Please click here to view the Third Quarter Financial Update: January 1 – September 30, 2020.
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
