A Message from the Dean & Wardens (September 17)
“Say what you mean and mean what you say …”
That is something I used to say to my children when they were growing up. It was about authenticity, but it was also about accuracy. I should have said it to myself last week. Why? Because a number of people have been hurt and confused by something I said in E-Connections regarding attendance at worship during the Amber Phase of re-opening in our Diocese. I am very grateful to the parishioner who has brought this to my attention. Let me explain.
Here’s what I said: “It is imperative that people experiencing any symptoms or suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19 not attend in-person worship. Also, if your age or health mean you are more at risk, it is recommended that you remain at home. The 11:00am service will continue to be live-streamed for the foreseeable future.” The sentence in italics is the one that has caused the hurt and confusion. It sounds like we are forbidding people over a certain age from attending in-person worship, and that simply isn’t the case.
Here’s what I meant to say: Everyone who is well and has not been exposed to COVID-19 is welcome to attend in-person worship. However, we are in the Amber Phase of re-opening, and amber is a signal to be vigilant and cautious. So, we are asking people who are in the high-risk categories due to age or health conditions to exercise caution when making decisions about in-person worship. That’s what I meant to say.
Why do we want you to be cautious? Because we care about you; I care about you. The virus is still out there and people are getting sick at increasing rates in our area of Ontario. So, please be careful and follow all the protocols the Bishop has put in place for in-person attendance. If you don’t feel safe to attend, we are committed to connecting with you through the live-streamed service and we look forward to when you can come in person. If you do feel safe, please register each week if you are pretty certain you can be there. See the links below for details.
And know that, above all, you are a valued part of our community and we want to keep you and those you love safe because we care.
Dean Stephen+
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.
VIRTUAL HYMN SING
Are you missing singing the hymns during our church services? If so, please join us for a virtual hymn sing. We will repeat our September 15 session on Wednesday, September 23 at 3:30pm. Session four is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29 at 7:30pm. If you would like to receive a link to our Zoom meetings, please email Irene at irenecourage105@gmail.com. We send links to all who registered for earlier sessions as well. Looking forward to singing together!
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
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. Here it is! Simply scan with your phone camera and donate!
You can also donate here.
STAYING CONNECTED
Our next regular edition of E-Connections will be published next week. 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
