*Shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde
In the wake of the terrible shootings, this humble word. And it is to recommend once again Ray Pennings, one of the senior writers at Cardus, a non-partisan Christian and Canadian think tank. His outline is as good as any I've seen.
The first is to avoid drawing one-to-one comparisons that ignore real differences between the two countries or that treats the American situation simplistically. The second is to resist withdrawing into silence and avoiding the obvious. In his list of advice, his opening puts it smartly:
"Good and evil are real. In a pluralistic society, describing them and their sources is challenging. Still, times of horrific crime are occasions to address their reality head on. It is easier to turn to the passive voice and language ("We have been struck by tragedy…"). But when the effects of sin and evil in the world are displayed with such starkness, there is a benefit to naming it clearly. Evil is real and we need to contend with its expression."
As is his concluding advice. While the offer of prayer can be a throw-away line or a cover, for most it is the truest and best thing that can be offered. Bound to Jesus Christ we are led by the One who helps us see clearly and act bravely. Bound to Jesus Christ we know "that we are not on our own and evil will not have the last word."
(https://learn.cardus.ca/shared/webmail/682833/538682048/09e97562819984d26ec7817bb642ebb9525cc7fcb312f42fa6ffc973edf08f09)
*Maytime Melodies Recording now posted.
The recording of the May 14th Maytime Melodies concert is now available for viewing. Enjoy a wonderful recital of steel pans, strings, choirs and solo performers. You can find it here:
https://stpl.ca/outreach.html
Each year the free springtime recital is used to draw attention to the St. Paul’s Outreach Program and its outreach to those in need across the city through our support of agencies like Agincourt Community Services, across the country through our support of agencies like Faithworks and the Primates World Relief and Development Fund, and around the world through programs like Bridge of Hope, the first of its kind palliative care program in northern Sri Lanka. We encourage everyone to give, and to give generously. Gifts will be received through Grad Sunday, June 26. Please mark your gift: "The Outreach Program".
*Sunday Service Recording - New Time for Zoom Replay at 11.00 a.m..
As all three services have resumed, the Sunday recording has been scaled back as the time devoted to it has now been shifted back to the three services. (The recordings with music could take 8-12 hours of preparation and involved a team of over 35 people.) That said, after a little experimentation, we can provide a simple but high-quality Youtube recording from the 8 a.m. service and have it ready for viewing and playback on Zoom by 11.00 a.m.. The playback on Zoom is offered especially for those whose contact is by telephone. Kindly note the new time for the replay. Each Youtube recording will be available on the website for several weeks.
A word - at St. Paul’s we continue to uphold and support the Christian standard of gathering together on the Lord’s Day. The Youtube recordings are not an attempt to provide an electronic alternative but rather a meaningful representation of the Sunday lessons, prayers and sermon for those unable to attend. Since the invention of television, the electronic church has been with us, but it involves a significant investment of money and people and it cannot answer the duty or replace the joy of gathering and praying together.
*Sunday School
We thank God that the children have returned to St. Paul’s for Sunday School at 9.15 a.m..
*A Single "Church Service" Zoom link for all church services
This new link applies to all English church services which are streamed on Zoom, for the replay of the Sunday recording, and including Evening Prayer on Sundays at 6.00 p.m. and Morning Prayer, Monday through Saturday:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
*Green Stage at St. Paul’s
On March 23, the Bishops began moving the Diocese into the Green Stage. This will apply in all the Diocese, effective May 22. The Bishops gave permission to St. Paul’s to begin on Easter. There are three considerations.
The first and largest is that, as was the case before Covid, individuals and families are now responsible for their own health, safety and protection. Outside of exceptional times like Covid, this is as it should be. Parishes are asked to do their best to keep things clean and to support those who mask and distance. As of Easter Sunday, we will return to the three English services on Sundays, advising those who wish to distance to attend at 8.00 am and 11.15 am.
Secondly, several things remain in place. The vaccination mandate for clergy, staff and church volunteers remains. For the time being, the practice of serving the sacrament in one kind (the consecrated bread only) will continue.
But thirdly, unmuffled the simple praise of God in song can be heard again at St. Paul’s.
We thank God for the oversight and direction of our bishops and the three levels of government.
We thank God for the relative safety of this time. We thank God for the blessed memory of all those died these last two years - all of whom we were not able to "bid adieu" as we would have wanted. And we thank God for what, by all signs, is the "beginning of the end" of Covid.
*Grad Sunday - June 26
At the 10.00 a.m. service on June 26, we will honour our high school, college, university and trade school graduates from all our congregations.
*NOTE: Summer Sunday service hours at 8.00 & 10.00 a.m. begin on June 26th and continuing through to, and including, September 4th.
*Spring Into Summer Steel Concert - June 25, 7.00 p.m.
Join us for a great evening of music and fun. Tickets: $20.
*Spring Food Drive - ACSA
Monetary gifts are now being received through Grad Sunday, June 26 for the Agincourt Community Services Food Bank. We encourage everyone to give generously.
*Furniture and accessories for Sanaz and Alireza
We are delighted to learn that the refugee couple St. Paul’s is co-sponsoring have had their application and relevant documents approved. Their arrival may be still be a while, but we thank God for this wonderful development. In the meantime, we are looking for the following: a double or queen size bed, drawers and basic stuff for the kitchen, such as pots, kettle, coffee or tea maker, plates, spoons, etc.. Contact the church office.
*War in Ukraine
For those wishing to contribute to refugee relief, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is now accepting donations to support those displaced by the war in Ukraine, here:
www.toronto.anglican.ca/news/pwrdf-accepts-donations-for-ukrainian-refugees/. Our Outreach Committee donated $2000 to refugee relief program.
*Indigenous Spiritual Centre at St. Paul’s
On Saturday, March 12, a public meeting was held to consider the development of a spiritual centre at St. Paul’s for the indigenous community in Scarborough, serving as a bridge to youth and senior programs. The original impetus was a report to the SPLC Board (Senior Persons Living Connected) identifying a significant community of indigenous seniors in Scarborough. A planning committee has been formed and begun. If interested, and for more information, contact Fr. Dean.
*In Search of Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are being collected for use at the nearby Salvation Army food bank. If you have cartons you could share, please contact Kathy Barnes.
*Sarah Mair - new Youth Coordinator for York Scarborough Area
Congratulations to Sarah Mair who has been appointed Youth Co-Coordinator for the York-Scarborough Area. It is a position she will hold alongside serving as Youth Director for St. Paul’s. Congratulations, Sarah. They recruited one of the best.
NOTE: A profile of Sarah appears in the April issue of the Diocesan Anglican.
*Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It has been a great and enthusiastic re-opening - Tuesday evenings at 6.30 p.m. at L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
*The 2021-2022 St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Season Concluded
Our parish and community youth music program has finished their season. It was our largest string group ever. They will return in September.
*Steel Pans Have Returned
Gemini Groove (Tuesday evenings) and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band (Saturdays, 12.30 noon) have restarted. Hope is in the air. Mark June 25th - "The Spring into Summer Steel Concert".
*Morning Prayer on Zoom
Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m. on Zoom. Join us.
Computer link - NEW:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
*Schedule
The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information.
*Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If
St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know.
*Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023.
Fr. Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for July 4 - 22, 2023. The next information meeting at St. Paul’s - Thursday September 15th - 7:30 p.m. - to introduce interested people to the Tanzania mission.
*S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm.
Contact Sarah for more information: splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
*Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean for $13. We are now studying the Gospel of Luke. Next Friday, June 3: Luke 5.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
*Looking Ahead
The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25
Grad Sunday - June 26 - beginning of summer Sunday service hours - 8 & 10 a.m., June 26 through and including September 4.
Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24
*Thank you for your Faithful Gifts and Offerings - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support at a time when never has it been more important. Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or quick e-mail note to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all methods of giving.
Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are visiting in homes. Don’t hesitate to call or write.
Website: www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: stpl@stpl.ca;
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com;
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.

*Maytime Melodies Recording now posted.
The recording of the May 14th Maytime Melodies concert is now available for viewing. Enjoy a wonderful recital of steel pans, strings, choirs and solo performers. You can find it here:
https://stpl.ca/outreach.html
Each year the free springtime recital is used to draw attention to the St. Paul’s Outreach Program and its outreach to those in need across the city through our support of agencies like Agincourt Community Services, across the country through our support of agencies like Faithworks and the Primates World Relief and Development Fund, and around the world through programs like Bridge of Hope, the first of its kind palliative care program in northern Sri Lanka. We encourage everyone to give, and to give generously. Gifts will be received through Grad Sunday, June 26. Please mark your gift: "The Outreach Program".
*Sunday Service Recording - New Time for Zoom Replay at 11.00 a.m..
As all three services have resumed, the Sunday recording has been scaled back as the time devoted to it has now been shifted back to the three services. (The recordings with music could take 8-12 hours of preparation and involved a team of over 35 people.) That said, after a little experimentation, we can provide a simple but high-quality Youtube recording from the 8 a.m. service and have it ready for viewing and playback on Zoom by 11.00 a.m.. The playback on Zoom is offered especially for those whose contact is by telephone. Kindly note the new time for the replay. Each Youtube recording will be available on the website for several weeks.
A word - at St. Paul’s we continue to uphold and support the Christian standard of gathering together on the Lord’s Day. The Youtube recordings are not an attempt to provide an electronic alternative but rather a meaningful representation of the Sunday lessons, prayers and sermon for those unable to attend. Since the invention of television, the electronic church has been with us, but it involves a significant investment of money and people and it cannot answer the duty or replace the joy of gathering and praying together.
*Sunday School
We thank God that the children have returned to St. Paul’s for Sunday School at 9.15 a.m..
*A Single "Church Service" Zoom link for all church services
This new link applies to all English church services which are streamed on Zoom, for the replay of the Sunday recording, and including Evening Prayer on Sundays at 6.00 p.m. and Morning Prayer, Monday through Saturday:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
*Green Stage at St. Paul’s
On March 23, the Bishops began moving the Diocese into the Green Stage. This will apply in all the Diocese, effective May 22. The Bishops gave permission to St. Paul’s to begin on Easter. There are three considerations.
The first and largest is that, as was the case before Covid, individuals and families are now responsible for their own health, safety and protection. Outside of exceptional times like Covid, this is as it should be. Parishes are asked to do their best to keep things clean and to support those who mask and distance. As of Easter Sunday, we will return to the three English services on Sundays, advising those who wish to distance to attend at 8.00 am and 11.15 am.
Secondly, several things remain in place. The vaccination mandate for clergy, staff and church volunteers remains. For the time being, the practice of serving the sacrament in one kind (the consecrated bread only) will continue.
But thirdly, unmuffled the simple praise of God in song can be heard again at St. Paul’s.
We thank God for the oversight and direction of our bishops and the three levels of government.
We thank God for the relative safety of this time. We thank God for the blessed memory of all those died these last two years - all of whom we were not able to "bid adieu" as we would have wanted. And we thank God for what, by all signs, is the "beginning of the end" of Covid.
*Spring Food Drive - ACSA
Monetary gifts are now being received - through Grad Sunday, June 26 - for the Agincourt Community Services Food Bank. We encourage everyone to give generously.
*Furniture and accessories for Sanaz and Alireza
We are delighted to learn that the refugee couple St. Paul’s is co-sponsoring have had their application and relevant documents approved. Their arrival may be still be a while, but we thank God for this wonderful development. In the meantime, we are looking for the following: a double or queen size bed, drawers and basic stuff for the kitchen, such as pots, kettle, coffee or tea maker, plates, spoons, etc.. Contact the church office.
*Service of Thanksgiving: Mrs. Sui Ning Chan (Mother of Andrew Chan and Lucy Fung).
May 26, 2022 (Thursday), 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s L'Amoreaux. All welcome. We invite you to dress colourfully to celebrate the life of Mrs. Chan. Donations to the Scarborough Health Network Foundation in lieu of flowers.
*War in Ukraine
For those wishing to contribute to refugee relief, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is now accepting donations to support those displaced by the war in Ukraine, here:
www.toronto.anglican.ca/news/pwrdf-accepts-donations-for-ukrainian-refugees/. Our Outreach Committee donated $2000 to refugee relief program.
*Indigenous Spiritual Centre at St. Paul’s
On Saturday, March 12, a public meeting was held to consider the development of a spiritual centre at St. Paul’s for the indigenous community in Scarborough, serving as a bridge to youth and senior programs. The original impetus was a report to the SPLC Board (Senior Persons Living Connected) identifying a significant community of indigenous seniors in Scarborough. A planning committee has been formed and begun. If interested, and for more information, contact Fr. Dean.
*In Search of Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are being collected for use at the nearby Salvation Army food bank. If you have cartons you could share, please contact Kathy Barnes.
*Sarah Mair - new Youth Coordinator for York Scarborough Area
Congratulations to Sarah Mair who has been appointed Youth Co-Coordinator for the York-Scarborough Area. It is a position she will hold alongside serving as Youth Director for St. Paul’s. Congratulations, Sarah. They recruited one of the best.
NOTE: A profile of Sarah appears in the April issue of the Diocesan Anglican.
*Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It has been a great and enthusiastic re-opening - Tuesday evenings at 6.30 p.m. at L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
*The 2021-2022 St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Season Concluded
Our parish and community youth music program has finished their season. It was our largest string group ever. They will return in September.
*Steel Pans Have Returned
Gemini Groove (Tuesday evenings) and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band (Saturdays, 12.30 noon) have restarted. Hope is in the air. Mark June 25th - "The Spring into Summer Steel Concert".
*Morning Prayer on Zoom
Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m. on Zoom. Join us.
Computer link - NEW:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
*Schedule
The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information.
*Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If
St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know.
*Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023.
Fr. Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for July 4 - 22, 2023. The next information meeting at St. Paul’s - Thursday September 15th - 7:30 p.m. - to introduce interested people to the Tanzania mission.
*S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm.
Contact Sarah for more information: splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
*Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean for $13. We are now studying the Gospel of Luke. Next Friday, May 27: Luke 5.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
*Looking Ahead
The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25
Grad Sunday - June 26 - beginning of summer Sunday service hours - 8 & 10 a.m., June 26 through and including September 4.
Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24
*Thank you for your Faithful Gifts and Offerings - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support at a time when never has it been more important. Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or quick e-mail note to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all methods of giving.
Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are visiting in homes. Don’t hesitate to call or write.
Website: www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: stpl@stpl.ca;
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com;
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.

Mother’s Day
At Sunday services this weekend we give thanks for all our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and aunties with the gift of a carnation as a token of our love.
*Sunday Service Recording - New Time for Zoom Replay at 11.00 a.m..
As all three services have resumed, the Sunday recording has been scaled back as the time devoted to it has now been shifted back to the three services. (The recordings with music could take 8-12 hours of preparation and involved a team of over 35 people.) That said, after a little experimentation, we can provide a simple but high-quality Youtube recording from the 8 a.m. service and have it ready for viewing and playback on Zoom by 11.00 a.m.. The playback on Zoom is offered especially for those whose contact is by telephone. Kindly note the new time for the replay. Each Youtube recording will be available on the website for several weeks.
A word - at St. Paul’s we continue to uphold and support the Christian standard of gathering together on the Lord’s Day. The Youtube recordings are not an attempt to provide an electronic alternative but rather a meaningful representation of the Sunday lessons, prayers and sermon for those unable to attend. Since the invention of television, the electronic church has been with us, but it involves a significant investment of money and people and it cannot answer the duty or replace the joy of gathering and praying together.
*Sunday School
We thank God that the children have returned to St. Paul’s for Sunday School at 9.15 a.m..
*A Single "Church Service" Zoom link for all church services
This new link applies to all English church services which are streamed on Zoom, for the replay of the Sunday recording, and including Evening Prayer on Sundays at 6.00 p.m. and Morning Prayer, Monday through Saturday:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
Green Stage at St. Paul’s
On March 23, the Bishops began moving the Diocese into the Green Stage. This will apply in all the Diocese, effective May 22. The Bishops gave permission to St. Paul’s to begin on Easter. There are three considerations.
The first and largest is that, as was the case before Covid, individuals and families are now responsible for their own health, safety and protection. Outside of exceptional times like Covid, this is as it should be. Parishes are asked to do their best to keep things clean and to support those who mask and distance. As of Easter Sunday, we will return to the three English services on Sundays, advising those who wish to distance to attend at 8.00 am and 11.15 am.
Secondly, several things remain in place. The vaccination mandate for clergy, staff and church volunteers remains. For the time being, the practice of serving the sacrament in one kind (the consecrated bread only) will continue.
But thirdly, unmuffled the simple praise of God in song can be heard again at St. Paul’s.
We thank God for the oversight and direction of our bishops and the three levels of government.
We thank God for the relative safety of this time. We thank God for the blessed memory of all those died these last two years - all of whom we were not able to "bid adieu" as we would have wanted. And we thank God for what, by all signs, is the "beginning of the end" of Covid.
Maytime Melodies
The 17th annual Maytime Melodies takes place next Saturday evening (May 14) at 6.30 p.m.. The Covid cloud still lingers so the evening will be leaner than usual but still a wonderful night featuring the St. Paul’s Steel band, the Community Youth String Ensemble and a great array of choral and solo performers. Admission is by donation which can be made at any time over the next couple of weeks, helping us support the good and ambitious outreach projects of our Outreach program. We urge everyone to give and to give generously. A Youtube recording will be available in the following week.
Changes! More Notes from Fr. Dean
This year, Easter Season at St. Paul’s looks a whole lot different and better than it did a year ago, with several changes now taking effect.
*Back to the Pre-Covid Schedule
As of Easter Sunday, Sunday morning services in English will return to the ordinary schedule of 8.00, 9.15 and 11.15 a.m., with Sunday School resuming at 9.15 a.m..
*Safety guidelines
St. Paul’s was given permission by the Bishops to enter the Green Stage of safety guidelines which makes distancing and masking optional. However, the decision to apply this across the Diocese has been postponed until May 22. At St. Paul’s, we will proceed unhurriedly. No one is discouraged from either masking or distancing at any time and at the 8.00 a.m. and 11.15 a.m., distancing will remain in effect.
Wonderful News - Prayers Answered for Sanaz and Alireza
This past week we were delighted to learn that the refugee couple St. Paul’s is co-sponsoring have had their application and relevant documents approved. We learned this week that their arrival may be still be a while, but we thank God for this wonderful development, for the guidance and wise counsel of AURA, for the members of the co-sponsorship committee at St. Paul’s, and for the faithfulness of the family’s sister in Toronto.
War in Ukraine
For those wishing to contribute to refugee relief, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is now accepting donations to support those displaced by the war in Ukraine, here:
www.toronto.anglican.ca/news/pwrdf-accepts-donations-for-ukrainian-refugees/. This past week, our Outreach Committee donated $2000 to refugee relief program.
Indigenous Spiritual Centre at St. Paul’s
On Saturday, March 12, a public meeting was held to consider the development of a spiritual centre at St. Paul’s for the indigenous community in Scarborough, serving as a bridge to youth and senior programs. The original impetus was a report to the SPLC Board (Senior Persons Living Connected) identifying a significant community of indigenous seniors in Scarborough. A planning committee has been formed and begun. If interested, and for more information, contact Fr. Dean.
In Search of Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are being collected for use at the nearby Salvation Army food bank. If you have cartons you could share, please contact Kathy Barnes.
Sarah Mair - new Youth Coordinator for York Scarborough Area
Congratulations to Sarah Mair who has been appointed Youth Co-Coordinator for the York-Scarborough Area. It is a position she will hold alongside serving as Youth Director for St. Paul’s. Congratulations, Sarah. They recruited one of the best.
NOTE: A profile of Sarah appears in the April issue of the Diocesan Anglican.
Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It has been a great and enthusiastic re-opening - Tuesday evenings at 6.30 p.m. at L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Resumes with the Strings
Our parish and community youth music program has re-started, with string practice at 4.30 pm. A great group. Our largest string group ever. Registration at practice.
Steel Pans Have Returned
Gemini Groove (Tuesday evenings) and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band (Saturdays, 12.30 noon) have restarted. Hope is in the air.
Morning Prayer on Zoom
Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m. on Zoom. Join us.
Computer link - NEW:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566347435?pwd=WnhpMDJQRkxjMEV3d2pMU0FCa0JuUT09
By Phone:
Meeting ID: 865 6634 7435
Passcode: 501805
647-374-4685
647-558-0588
Schedule
The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information.
Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know.
Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023.
Fr. Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for July 4 - 22, 2023. The next information meeting at St. Paul’s - Thursday September 15th - 7:30 p.m. - to introduce interested people to the Tanzania mission.
S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm.
Contact Sarah for more information: splcyouthministry@gmail.com.
Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean for $13. We are now studying the Gospel of Luke. Next Friday, May 13: Luke 4.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
Looking Ahead
Maytime Melodies - the Roger Lillie Springtime Recital - Saturday, May 14, 6.30 p.m..
The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25
Grad Sunday - June 26 - beginning of summer Sunday service hours - 8 & 10 a.m., June 26 through and including September 4.
Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24
The Annual Stewardship Letter and 2022 Pledge Card is now available - from the church office or online: https://stpl.ca/give.html
Vestry Report 2022 - The final edition of the 2022 Vestry Report is now available here:
https://stpl.ca/applications-forms--reports.html
The 2022 Offering Envelopes are Now Available for Pickup at the Church
St. Paul’s 2021 Income Tax Receipts - by Mail & E-mail!
Tax receipts for 2021 have been distributed. Contact the office for questions or information - (416) 499-1545; stpl@stpl.ca.
Thank you for your Faithful Gifts and Offerings - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support at a time when never has it been more important. Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or quick e-mail note to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all methods of giving.
Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [mailto:stpl@stpl.ca;]stpl@stpl.ca; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:deanmercer@hotmail.com;]deanmercer@hotmail.com; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.