REFLECTION
When I was in theological college, one of the first things we were taught was the importance of establishing firm routines.  I remember my theology professor's main point.  Interruptions will come, but not as often as you might think.  In the meantime, good daily routines make possible the most important things in life: like managing a cattle and grain farm, which my parents taught me; like learning a complex subject, which my teachers taught me; like maturing in the faith, which I have been taught by the ordinary saints in whose company I've had the fortune to live my life.

That, to say two things.  The first is practical.  For most of us right now, our routines have been turned on their head, but we can adapt.  Regular hours to begin and end the day; regular hours for work and play at home; regular hours to eat.

The second thing is that attention to the ordinary course of life is a special trait in the Anglican tradition, particularly through the practice of keeping the daily offices - by learning to give thanks and to pray for ourselves and others at the ordinary divisions of each day - morning, noon, and evening.

The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask,
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.

Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us this, and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.
(John Keble, from the poem, "O timely happy, timely wise.")

Which is a long-winded way to say that, half-measure as it may be, Morning Prayer will now be offered through Zoom, and you are welcome to join.

NEW NOTICES
*Morning Prayer Resumes
The regular schedule of Morning Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer resumes tomorrow at 7.30 a.m..  You are welcome and may participate by phone, mobile or internet.  It's short and simple, but a proven path and one of the gems in the Anglican tradition.

Here's the way in:
Topic: Morning Prayer
Time: Apr 1, 2020 07:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Computer Link:  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/924588539
Meeting ID: 924 588 539

One tap mobile
+17789072071,,910290351# Canada
+14388097799,,910290351# Canada

By phone:
647-374-4685 Canada
647-558-0588 Canada
Meeting ID: 924 588 539

*Our website is now clean and clear of all troubles: www.stpl.ca
My sincere thanks to Zach and the technical support we received at www.Blacksun.ca.
 
*Holy Week
Our Holy Week schedule is greatly modified this year, but we may also experience its truths more deeply.
Three simple gatherings by remote are planned:
Palm Sunday - 10.30 a.m. - The Rev'd Dr. Annette Brownlee
Good Friday - 10.30 a.m. - Fr. Ajit John
Easter Sunday - 10.30 a.m. - Fr. DeanMercer

The link to each service will be available on the website.

*CanadaHelps
In a very difficult time for churches who depend on regular services and their regular events for financial support, "CanadaHelps" is a Canadian charity that helps make online giving possible for charities, safely and securely.  We are now registered with CanadaHelps and you can find the online form on the "Giving" page of the website.  We also have forms availablefor registering with our "Pre-Authorized Giving" program.  Or, church envelopes can be mailed in or dropped off.  From what I have been told, giving has been generous in March through a very difficult season.

*Friday Night Bible Study Resumes
The online service "Zoom" offers a free service for group meetings.  People can access it using a computer, a smartphone or a regular phone.  The Friday night Bible studies on Matthew will carry on.  If you'd like to join, even if you haven't done so previously, please respond to me directly (deanmercer@hotmail.com) and I'll send you the instructions and the link later this week.  This week's lesson is taken from Matthew 21:33 - 22:46.  It is Lesson 19 in the study guide, "Matthew for Everyone" by Tom Wright.

*These notes have all been posted on our website blog:


GENERAL
*Office hours are effectively suspended, but the answering service works fine and we'll reply to phone calls and e-mail a.s.a.p..

*We are updating our email contact information as quickly as possible.  If you know someone who would like to receive these notes from me, please have them pass along their email addresses. And if not, kindly let us know.

*Of greatest immediate concern is the welfare of any member who is frail and those, young and old, who are on their own. Please check in with those you know.  Don't hesitate to contact us if you are aware of anyone in need or distress.

*A basic schedule of services continues at the church: the daily offices, Friday Bible study and a Sunday eucharist. On Sundays at 10.30 a.m., every member is invited to pause in prayer for the parish.  This can be done on one's own or you may follow along a video, found on the church website.

*The financial needs of the parish remain and your faithful support is sought - through the mail service or the Pre-Authorized Giving Program.  We now have an online means of giving through CanadaHelps, here:  https://stpl.ca/give.html

*The clergy of St. Paul's are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don't hesitate to call or write.
Church website www.stpl.ca
Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352
God bless you.
Fr. Dean Mercer+

REFLECTION
*Sunday Prayers - The 5th Sunday of Lent
The parish of St. Paul's is called to prayer this morning at 10.30 a.m..  A short video and handout are available for those who wish to follow along:
https://stpl.ca/services.html
(The website is now clear of troubles.  However, warnings still appear depending on the web browser that is used.  Internet Explorer, for example, still shows a warning.  You may ignore them or use the backup site here:  https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl)
*Sunday School Meets today - in the Cloud
Leila Knetsch, our director, along with Scholastic and Jacqueline, have organized two Sunday school zoom classes this morning at 10 am.  Well done.

*Evening Prayer via Zoom
Evening Prayer will be said this evening at 6 pm - Sunday, March 29, 2020 - and can be accessed free of charge using a regular phone, a mobile phone, or internet, by way of  Zoom (www.zoom.us).

Computer Link:  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/910290351
Meeting ID: 910 290 351

One tap mobile
+17789072071,,910290351# Canada
+14388097799,,910290351# Canada

By phone:
647-374-4685 Canada
647-558-0588 Canada
Meeting ID: 910 290 351


NEW NOTICES
*Coronavirus Updates - The Bishop of Toronto, in consultation with the provincial college of
Bishops, has chosen to suspend all public worship and other gatherings in the Diocese until
further notice - www.toronto.anglican.ca.  The Diocesan website provides regular updates.

*Diocesan Jubilee - In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, and the large financial strain on the parishes, Bishop Andrew Asbil has announced a Jubilee:
 "As a family, and in response to this time of great crisis, I can announce that the Diocese of Toronto is proclaiming a Jubilee – a time of generosity and forgiveness. For the months of April and May 2020, parishes will not be required to pay their allotment to the Diocese or to pay the costs of clergy remuneration (stipend, housing and associated benefits). It is my hope that this measure will alleviate the financial pressure that many of our parishes are under, freeing them up to carry out their ministry and to prepare for the day when their doors will open again."

*Our former website is now clear of troubles and live.  Depending on the web browser people use, some may still receive warnings.  You can either by-pass the warning or use the backup website until the warnings clear:  https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl

*CanadaHelps
In a very difficult time for churches who depend on regular services and their regular events for financial support, CanadaHelps is a Canadian charity that helps make online giving possible for charities, safely and securely.  We are now registered with CanadaHelps and you can find the online form on the "Giving" page of the website.  We also have forms availablefor registering with our "Pre-Authorized Giving" program.  Or, church envelopes can be mailed in or dropped off.  From what I have been told, giving has been generous in March through a very difficult season.

*Friday Night Bible Study Resumes
The online service "Zoom" offers a free service for group meetings.  People can access it using a computer, a smartphone or a regular phone.  The Friday night Bible studies on Matthew will carry on.  If you'd like to join, even if you haven't done so previously, please respond to me directly (deanmercer@hotmail.com) and I'll send you the instructions and the link later this week.  This week's lesson is taken from Matthew 21:33 - 22:46.  It is Lesson 19 in the study guide, "Matthew for Everyone" by Tom Wright.

*Sunday Prayers
Until the Emergency Measures are lifted, on Sunday morning at 10.30 am, the parish is called to pause and join in prayer.  A simple recording and an outline of the prayers will be available on our website.  Fr. Arthur Boers will offer the reflection.  And for anyone who does not have internet access, they can still join us at 10.30 a.m. and say the Lord's Prayer, say a prayer for their parish, and if they have a prayerbook, the Collect for the 5th Sunday of Lent.

 Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death.  Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  (The Book of Alternative Services)

 We beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer)

*Corporation and Parish Council
Please pray for the Corporation and Parish Council as we face the practical and financial implications in this Time of the Virus.  St. Paul's is a strong parish.  The Lord is faithful.


GENERAL
*Office hours are effectively suspended, but the answering service works fine and we'll reply to phone calls and e-mail a.s.a.p..

*We are updating our email contact information as quickly as possible.  If you know someone who would like to receive these notes from me, please have them pass along their email addresses. And if not, kindly let us know.

*Of greatest immediate concern is the welfare of any member who is frail and those, young and old, who are on their own. Please check in with those you know.  Don't hesitate to contact us if you are aware of anyone in need or distress.

*A basic schedule of services continues at the church: the daily offices, Friday Bible study and a Sunday eucharist. On Sundays at 10.30 a.m., every member is invited to pause in prayer for the parish.  This can be done on one's own or you may follow along a video, found on the church website.

*The financial needs of the parish remain and your faithful support is sought - through the mail service or the Pre-Authorized Giving Program.  An online means of giving is now available.

*The clergy of St. Paul's are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don't hesitate to call or write.
Church website:  www.stpl.ca
Church website (backup):  https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl
Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352

God bless you.

Fr. Dean Mercer+

Dear All: I hope you are reasonably well in these strange and unexpected times.

Perhaps you had a chance to pray with us yesterday. Fr. Dean posted a simple service on line. The site can be a little hard to track down: https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl/sermons.

Whether we want to or not, all of us are experiencing some aspects of sabbath these days. We probably have more time on our hands, perhaps are trying to think of things to do. We are not supposed to travel or to go to places where we’d mingle with other people. There are many downsides to be sure and a lot of us are worried about our jobs or futures or income or loved ones. But we can also revisit sabbath. Strangely, while many church people in recent decades stopped taking sabbath seriously, others in our culture – even those who are not religious – began to realize that we need sabbath and are advocating regular breaks from technology for example. Sabbath is a time when we set aside work and worry, set aside trying to achieve and trying to control. Sabbath is a time for us to relax into the conviction that God is finally in charge; that is why Christians traditionally worship and pray on that day. Think about how you can build some sabbath sensitivity into how you experience this enforced hiatus.

And, finally, my favorite nurse practitioner is on the front line, working with frail elderly people, and tells me that this week will be key in seeing whether Canada manages to level the surge of infections. She regularly reminds impractical me of these practical priorities: wash your hands at least ten times a day; don’t touch your face; stay six feet away from anyone with a cough or any tiny sniffle. 

Pax,
Fr. Arthur+

Annette Brownlee has written an excellent article for the Wycliffe College weekly newsletter, which you can find here:

Dear Friends,
REFLECTION
Earlier this week one of our members asked me, “How should I pray?” It’s a very good question, though my answer is modest. Pray for the obvious.

It’s one of the lessons of the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

So we pray that the spread of the Covid-19 virus might be curtailed.

We pray for success in the search for a vaccine.

We pray for all those who are caring for the ill, looking for a vaccine, and leading nations, cities and communities in an uncertain time.

It’s a good foundation. Pray for the obvious.

And remember where the prayer begins: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”

The readings for Morning Prayer this week have been about Joseph who had been cheated and betrayed by almost everyone who matters in life. And yet, at the opportune time, was elevated to the 2nd highest position in the land to help Pharoah navigate a devastating famine. And when asked by his treacherous brothers if he would take revenge upon them, he answered, “What you intended for harm, the Lord intended for good.”

It is above my pay-grade to predict the future or to understand how all this will work out. But I trust God and believe that his purposes will be accomplished for the sake of the world he loves. In the meantime, by God’s grace I am guided by the pattern of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:9–12, NRSV)

*One other thought. It’s a hard but wise maxim that we should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I’m neither a soothsayer or an economist, but already people are being laid off work and it is not clear that the recovery will be as decisive as the end of emergency measures, whenever that may be.

So for now, simplify and pull together. We can spread out when times are good. We need to pull together when times are hard. This may mean, for instance, families and friends living together under one roof, and working together to meet daily needs until the troubles lift. And unless it’s a sure thing, this is not the time for experimentation. If you’ve got a job, keep it. If you’ve got a roof over your head, stay under it. And if you’re caught in a corner, ask for help.

This is a defining moment: “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

*Sunday Prayers
Why, in the past, did so many Anglican churches have bells? One reason was that the pattern and cycle of prayer ran alongside the pattern and cycle of daily work. And so, at the sound of the bell, people working in fields, in their shops, in the homes knew that accompanying their work was the prayer of the church.

Something along those lines is our intention, tomorrow morning at 10.30 a.m.. By that time, a simple recording and an outline of the prayers will be available on our website. And for anyone who does not have internet access, they can still join us at 10.30 a.m. and say the Lord’s Prayer, say a prayer for their parish, and if they have a prayerbook, the Collect for the 4th Sunday of Lent.

Almighty God, through the waters of baptism your Son has made us children of light. May we ever walk in his light and show forth your glory in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (The Book of Alternative Services)

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)


NOTICES
A couple of things.

*A backup website has been created, and can be found here: https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl
My advice would be, don't try to memorize the site address. Simply type it in once and then "bookmark" it. Once the old site is repaired, we'll go back to it, though hopefully freshened up.

*The new website has a “blog” (upper, right hand corner) where these notes are being saved.

*We are updating our email contact information as quickly as possible. If you know someone who would like to receive them, please have them pass along their email addresses. If you would prefer not to receive these notices, kindly let us know.

*Of greatest immediate concern is the welfare of any member who is frail and those, young and old, who are on their own. Please check in with those you know. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are aware of anyone in need or distress.

*A basic schedule of services continues at the church: the daily offices and a Sunday eucharist. From home, every member is invited to join.

*The financial needs of the parish remain and your faithful support is sought - through the mail service or the Pre-Authorized Giving Program. We hope to have an online means of giving available on the website next week.

*The clergy of St. Paul's are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don't hesitate to call or write.

Church website (backup): https://deanmercer8.wixsite.com/stpl
Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352

God bless you.

Fr. Dean Mercer+

Dear friends,

For the next little while, I hope to send a daily note with a brief reflection and any notices there might be about the parish during this time of emergency measures.

REFLECTION
*One of our Wardens said to me that a time like this is a defining moment for Christians when we are called to follow and imitate Jesus Christ:
. . . to show courage when others are afraid;
. . . to be unselfish when others are tempted to hoard.
. . . to think outwardly and thoughtfully of others when many are tempted inward to discouragement and despair.

*There are a number of online resources to assist with daily prayers. Annette Brownlee has passed this link along from a group called “Cradle of Prayer” within The Episcopal Church. You can both listen to Morning and Evening Prayer as well as read along. It is well read and chanted, and is available here: https://cradleofprayer.org/

(The services are taken from the 1928 American Book of Common Prayer which are largely the same as the ones found in our own Book of Common Prayer. Both books hearken back to the 1662 English Book of Common Prayer although in both Canada and the United States, minor changes were made along the way.)

*Daily Bread is also much loved at St. Paul’s. It is available online, too: https://odb.org/

*Quite a number of churches will be streaming their Sunday service. At the moment, we are not able to provide a video stream of much quality, but we can provide a good audio recording, which we will do, and which we will make available along with a printed outline for members to follow along at home. We are encouraging as many as possible to pray together at 10.30 a.m..

That said, one of the truly good things that could come from this unexpected season would be to take up the practice of prayers said at home, particularly where that has not been the custom. Home prayers are provided in both The Book of Common Prayer (pp. 728 ff.) and The Book of Alternative Services (pp. 685 ff.).

Both the BCP and BAS are available here: www.anglican.ca/about/liturgicaltexts/.

For families who have always wanted to establish this practice at home, but have never quite known how or when to do it, now is the perfect time.

For Freedom from Worry
O LORD, who hast pity for all our weakness: Put away from us worry and every anxious fear, that, having ended the labours of the day as in thy sight, and committing our tasks, ourselves, and all we love into thy keeping, we may, now that night cometh, receive as from thee thy priceless gift of sleep; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (From “Forms of Prayer to be used in Families”, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 730.)

For Home and Family
O God whose desire is that all the peoples of the world should be one human family, living together in harmony, grant that our home, by its worship and its witness, may help to hasten the day when your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
(From “Home Prayers”, The Book of Alternative Services, p. 697.)


NOTICES
*We are updating our email contact information as quickly as possible. If you know someone who would like to receive them, please have them pass along their email addresses. If you would prefer not to receive these notices, kindly let us know.

*Of greatest immediate concern is the welfare of any member who is frail and/or on their own. Please check in with those you know. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are aware of anyone in need or distress.

*Cutelin” Farqhar, a dedicated member of the choir and parish of St. Paul’s, died on Saturday, March 14, 2020. A private funeral for the family will be held on Friday, March 20, 2020. A service in the church will be arranged once the suspension of services is lifted.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

*At 10.30 am on Sunday, March 22, the parish of St. Paul will be called to prayer. An order of service will be sent and an audio recording of the service will be provided for members to follow along.

*Website troubles - at the worst possible time, our website caught a bug. It should be fixed within a day or two.

*A basic schedule of services continues at the church: the daily offices and a Sunday eucharist. From home, every member is invited to join.

*The financial needs of the parish remain and your faithful support is sought - through the mail service or the Pre-Authorized Giving Program.

*The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.

Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com

God bless you.

Fr. Dean Mercer+

Dear friends,

REFLECTION
Over the weekend I was in Kelowna, BC, for the funeral of my sister. Twenty-seven years ago, she was diagnosed with incurable cancer. At the time, she had two sons, ages five and two. It was a hard struggle, but she fought for them in order to see them grow and mature. In fact, she lived long enough to see both of them marry and present to her four grandchildren.

She fought for the future. She did it with the stark realization that it could only be one day at a time.

As I returned to Toronto and the emergency measures, it has helped to have this on my mind. And with the uncertainty of the days ahead, to remember what is true for us all:

Day at a time, our life received as a gift from God.

In each day, as well as possible, to apply the strength and talent God has given.

At the end of each, to finish with a clear conscience and to receive the night’s rest thankfully, in preparation for our final rest.

O LORD, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOTICES

*We are updating our email contact information as quickly as possible. If you would prefer not to receive these notices, kindly let us know. If you know someone who would like to receive them, please have them pass along their email addresses.

*Of greatest immediate concern is the welfare of any member who is frail and/or on their own. Please check in with those you know. Don’t hesitate to contact us if there is any one in need or distress.

*At 10.30 am on Sunday, March 22, the parish of St. Paul will be called to prayer. An order of service will be sent and an audio recording of the service will be provided for members to follow along.

*I wrote to the clergy, staff and officers of the parish yesterday, noting that this time falls under the heading, "I’ve never done this before." For that reason, I am eager to receive any good quarantine advice and tips. Here’s one from Annette Brownlee - Coronavirus Tips.

*A basic schedule of services continues at the church: the daily offices and a Sunday eucharist. From home, every member is invited to join.

*The financial needs of the parish remain and your faithful support is sought - through the mail service or the Pre-Authorized Giving Program.

*The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.

Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com

God bless you.

Fr. Dean Mercer+

ALMIGHTY God, who art afflicted in the afflictions of thy people: Regard with thy tender compassion those in anxiety and distress; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their manifold needs; and help both them and us to put our whole trust and confidence in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, NRSV)

Monday, March 16

A note from Fr. Dean+

As most of you know, services and all non-essential meetings of the church have been suspended as part of a broad effort to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

It will take some time to sort out the effect of all this and how long the suspensions will be in place, but in the meantime, we say our prayers, we keep an eye open for family, friends and neighbors who may be in need, and we stay in touch with each other as well as we can.

(Unfortunately, the church website also caught a bug last Wednesday, but it should be back to normal within a day or two.)

The clergy are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.

Church phone: 416-499-1545
Church email: stpl@stpl.ca
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com

God bless you.

Fr. Dean+

ALMIGHTY God, who art afflicted in the afflictions of thy people: Regard with thy tender compassion those in anxiety and distress; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their manifold needs; and help both them and us to put our whole trust and confidence in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)