Diocese to Green Stage - Requesting Permission for Easter Eve at St. Paul’s
On Wednesday (March 23), the Bishops announced that the Diocese will move to the Green Stage in all the Diocese, effective April 27, but with the permission of the Bishop, parishes may be permitted to do so on April 16 - Easter Eve. This is what we have requested. 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, the simple praise of God in song can be heard on Easter. 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. Lenten Wednesday Services The Lenten schedule returns to the usual routine of Lenten Wednesday eucharists at 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.. At the succeeding Wednesday evening eucharists, there will be a series of reflections on the topic, "How Are We to Have Life in Christ?": March 9 - The Dignity of the Human Person - Fr. Dean Mercer March 16 - Human Community - Fr. Kim Beard March 23 - The Church - Fr. Milton Solomon March 30 - The Ten Commandments - Fr. Arthur Boers April 6 - The Great Commandment - Fr. Arthur Boers NOTE: The Wednesday evening service will be live-streamed. Link information will be available on the website calendar and here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Holy Week 2022 April 10 - Palm Sunday April 13 - Stations of the Cross, 7.30 pm April 14 - Maundy Thursday, 7.30 pm April 15 - Good Friday, 10.30 am (English) & 3 pm (Tamil) April 16 - Easter Vigil, 8 pm April 17 - Easter Sunday Wednesday Bible Study - after the 10.30 a.m. Eucharist - has resumed. With study leader Don St. Kitts. Classes for Adult Baptism this Easter Classes for adult baptism this Easter begin on Saturday, March 19, at 10.00 a.m.. If interested, or if you know someone who might be, please contact Fr. Dean. Three Services on Sunday Mornings Resume on Easter Sunday Beginning Easter Sunday, April 17, the three morning services in English will resume at 8.00 a.m., 9.15 a.m., and 11.15 a.m., with Evening Prayer at 6.00 p.m.. Live Stream of 11.15 a.m. service begins April 17 As of Easter Sunday, April 17, the 11.15 a.m. service will be streamed live on Zoom, accessible by both internet and telephone. It will also be recorded for those who wish to view it later. The shorter weekly recording will be ended. All service information available here: https://stpl.ca/services.html 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. Nineteen attended to hear a presentation from Archbishop Mark MacDonald, bishop for all indigenous Anglicans in Canada. Also attending were Fr. Andrew Wesley, an indigenous leader in Ontario and Toronto, as well as our Member of Parliament, Jean Yip, Aris Babikian, our Member of Provincial Parliament, and Diane Duncan, Executive Director of St. Paul’s Centre, Terrace and SPLC senior services. A fine presentation was followed by a lively discussion and volunteers stepped forward quickly to assist on an ongoing planning committee. The planning committee will meet for the first time next Saturday, April 2, on Zoom. 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. Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It was a great and enthusiastic re-opening this past Tuesday. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - [email protected]. 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 and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band restarted this past week. 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 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. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom at 11.30 a.m.. By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 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 2023. Look for an information session this spring or early Fall. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. 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. The study has resumed with a study of Luke. Next week: Luke 1.1-38. 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 The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25 Grad Sunday - June 26 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; [email protected]. 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:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Safety Guidelines Updated - Reservation and Contact Tracing ended - March 3, 2022
On Thursday, March 3, the Bishops of Toronto announced that the guidelines have been updated. In brief: *Seat reservations and the checking in each Sunday (contact tracing) has now ended. *Masking remains for now, and distancing is now optional. For now, the chairs in the church will continue to be separated by one row. *We can return to a full complement of servers. *All attendees are asked to self-screen and kindly to stay at home if feeling ill. The in-person Sunday services resumed on Sunday, February 6. The church will now be open for Morning Prayer, Tuesday to Friday, for Wednesday services, and for Bible Study on Friday evenings. All other online programs continue as they were. Information about all the services is available on the online church calendar or here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Lenten Wednesday Services The Lenten schedule returns to the usual routine of Lenten Wednesday eucharists at 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.. At the succeeding Wednesday evening eucharists, there will be a series of reflections on the topic, "How Are We to Have Life in Christ?": March 9 - The Dignity of the Human Person - Fr. Dean Mercer March 16 - Human Community - Fr. Kim Beard March 23 - The Church - Fr. Milton Solomon March 30 - The Ten Commandments - Fr. Arthur Boers April 6 - The Great Commandment - Fr. Arthur Boers NOTE: The Wednesday evening service will be live-streamed. Link information will be available on the website calendar and here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Holy Week 2022 April 10 - Palm Sunday April 13 - Stations of the Cross, 7.30 pm April 14 - Maundy Thursday, 7.30 pm April 15 - Good Friday, 10.30 am (English) & 3 pm (Tamil) April 16 - Easter Vigil, 8 pm April 17 - Easter Sunday Wednesday Bible Study - after the 10.30 a.m. Eucharist - has resumed. With study leader Don St. Kitts. Classes for Adult Baptism this Easter Classes for adult baptism this Easter begin on Saturday, March 19, at 10.00 a.m.. If interested, or if you know someone who might be, please contact Fr. Dean. Three Services on Sunday Mornings Resume on Easter Sunday Beginning Easter Sunday, April 17, the three morning services in English will resume at 8.00 a.m., 9.15 a.m., and 11.15 a.m., with Evening Prayer at 6.00 p.m.. Live Stream of 11.15 a.m. service begins April 17 As of Easter Sunday, April 17, the 11.15 a.m. service will be streamed live on Zoom, accessible by both internet and telephone. It will also be recorded for those who wish to view it later. The shorter weekly recording will be ended. All service information available here: https://stpl.ca/services.html 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 Last Saturday afternoon, 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. Nineteen attended to hear a presentation from Archbishop Mark MacDonald, bishop for all indigenous Anglicans in Canada. Also attending were Fr. Andrew Wesley, an indigenous leader in Ontario and Toronto, as well as our Member of Parliament, Jean Yip, Aris Babikian, our Member of Provincial Parliament, and Diane Duncan, Executive Director of St. Paul’s Centre, Terrace and SPLC senior services. A fine presentation was followed by a lively discussion and volunteers stepped forward quickly to assist on an ongoing planning committee. 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. Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It was a great and enthusiastic re-opening this past Tuesday. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - [email protected]. 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 and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band restarted this past week. 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 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. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom at 11.30 a.m.. By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 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 2023. Look for an information session this spring or early Fall. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. 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 $11. The study has resumed with a study of Ephesians. Next week: Ephesians 5.21-6.9. 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 The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25 Grad Sunday - June 26 Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24 Baptism Preparation for Adults - Easter 2022 Baptism preparation classes for adults begin are on Saturdays at 10.00 from March 19 through April 9. If interested, please contact Fr. Dean. 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 are being completed and are now being distributed. Contact the office for questions or information - (416) 499-1545; [email protected]. 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:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Safety Guidelines Updated - Reservation and Contact Tracing ended - March 3, 2022
On Thursday, March 3, the Bishops of Toronto announced that the guidelines have been updated. In brief: *Seat reservations and the checking in each Sunday (contact tracing) has now ended. *Masking remains for now, and distancing is now optional. For now, the chairs in the church will continue to be separated by one row. *We can return to a full complement of servers. *All attendees are asked to self-screen and kindly to stay at home if feeling ill. The in-person Sunday services resumed on Sunday, February 6. The church will now be open for Morning Prayer, Tuesday to Friday, for Wednesday services, and for Bible Study on Friday evenings. All other online programs continue as they were. Information about all the services is available on the online church calendar or here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Lenten Wednesday Services The Lenten schedule returns to the usual routine of Lenten Wednesday eucharists at 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.. At the succeeding Wednesday evening eucharists, there will be a series of reflections on the topic, "How Are We to Have Life in Christ?": March 9 - The Dignity of the Human Person - Fr. Dean Mercer March 16 - Human Community - Fr. Kim Beard March 23 - The Church - Fr. Milton Solomon March 30 - The Ten Commandments - Fr. Arthur Boers April 6 - The Great Commandment - Fr. Arthur Boers NOTE: The Wednesday evening service will be live-streamed. Link information will be available on the website calendar and here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Holy Week 2022 April 10 - Palm Sunday April 13 - Stations of the Cross, 7.30 pm April 14 - Maundy Thursday, 7.30 pm April 15 - Good Friday, 10.30 am (English) & 3 pm (Tamil) April 16 - Easter Vigil, 8 pm April 17 - Easter Sunday Wednesday Bible Study - after the 10.30 a.m. Eucharist - Resumes on March 2 With study leader Don St. Kitts. Classes for Adult Baptism this Easter Classes for adult baptism this Easter begin on Saturday, March 19, at 10.00 a.m.. If interested, or if you know someone who might be, please contact Fr. Dean. Three Services on Sunday Mornings Resume on Easter Sunday Beginning Easter Sunday, April 17, the three morning services in English will resume at 8.00 a.m., 9.15 a.m., and 11.15 a.m., with Evening Prayer at 6.00 p.m.. Live Stream of 11.15 a.m. service begins April 17 As of Easter Sunday, April 17, the 11.15 a.m. service will be streamed live on Zoom, accessible by both internet and telephone. It will also be recorded for those who wish to view it later. The shorter weekly recording will be ended. All service information available here: https://stpl.ca/services.html 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/ 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. Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It was a great and enthusiastic re-opening this past Tuesday. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - [email protected]. The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] 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 and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band restarted this past week. 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 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. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom at 11.30 a.m.. By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 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 2023. Look for an information session this spring or early Fall. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. 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 $11. The study has resumed with a study of Ephesians. Next week: Ephesians 5.21-6.9. 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 The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25 Grad Sunday - June 26 Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24 Baptism Preparation for Adults - Easter 2022 Baptism preparation classes for adults begin are on Saturdays at 10.00 from March 19 through April 9. If interested, please contact Fr. Dean. 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 are being completed and are now being distributed. Contact the office for questions or information - (416) 499-1545; [email protected]. 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:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. "Daring, Deliberation, and Determination"
When I arrived at St. Paul’s, the first charge to vestry was on "daring, deliberation, and determination". The Gospel summons us to courage and boldness, just as we prayed this morning on the Ember Friday of Lent - our Lord’s promise to "pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh". Closer to home, Christian daring is our grateful obligation as we build on the courage and vision of the saints of St. Paul’s who, in the last century, refused to go down in ashes and, instead, built a flourishing modern church and seniors residence. But we must also plan and discern wisely. We can’t do everything, and so we deliberate, carefully testing new opportunities and whether or not the Lord has provided the interest and the necessary human and material resources. And when we say yes, as the Lord gives us grace to do so, with Christian determination we settle into the mission we’ve been given. This is very much on my mind as the safety guidelines are being relaxed and as of Easter Sunday (April 17), we will be returning to three services on Sunday mornings at 8.00, 9.15 and 11.15 a.m.. On the one hand, the return to form will be its own large undertaking as we resume the three Sunday morning services and restore the teams of volunteers who support them: servers, readers, intercessors, choir, sidespersons, welcomers, altar guild and Sunday School. With the return, the weekly recording will be ended and the 11.15 a.m. service will be streamed on Zoom, a recording of which can be viewed later. We already have someone to coordinate this, but other volunteers will be needed. In May and June we hope to resume the Thursday after-school reading program with a new focus on Math and English. Volunteers are now being recruited. Those two months will give us an idea where we stand and the summer months to plan for the fall. Also resuming is our large commitment to parish and community music, the steel and strings already active, and hopes for choral music by late spring or fall. And to parish and community youth through our basketball and fellowship programs. And then there are the new opportunities. Already in place is the Adzua Fellowship, a continuation of our immigrant support program, named in loving memory of Timothy and Terver Adzua. A strong support committee has already formed. Watch for a new dance program which the Fellowship has already spawned. And tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, March 12, at 2.00 pm, a public meeting will be held in the church to test the interest and viability of an indigenous fellowship at St. Paul’s that would provide a bridge for the indigenous community in Scarborough to both the senior services of St. Paul’s Centre and SPLC, as well as a bridge for young people into our youth programs. Everyone is welcome. Say a prayer and ask the Lord if he might be leading you. The presentation by Archbishop MacDonald alone will be worth it. And if the idea goes forward, we will need friends to help. Christian daring, deliberation, and determination. This is our grateful obligation here at St. Paul’s. May the Lord bless us as we reopen, return and rebuild. Safety Guidelines Updated - Reservation and Contact Tracing ended - March 3, 2022
On Thursday, March 3, the Bishops of Toronto announced that the guidelines have been updated. In brief: *Seat reservations and the checking in each Sunday (contact tracing) has now ended. *Masking remains for now, and distancing is now optional. No changes will be made until at least next week (March 13) and the seats will continue to be marked off this week. *We can return to a full complement of servers. *All attendees are asked to self-screen and kindly to stay at home if feeling ill. The in-person Sunday services resumed on Sunday, February 6. The church will now be open for Morning Prayer, Tuesday to Friday, and for Bible Study on Friday evenings. All other online programs continue as they were. Information about all the services is available on the online church calendar or here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent - Wednesday, March 2 - with Several Additions Ash Wednesday is on March 2. The Lenten schedule returns to the usual routine of Lenten Wednesday eucharists at 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.. At the succeeding Wednesday evening eucharists, there will be a series of reflections on the topic, "How Are We to Have Life in Christ?": March 9 - The Dignity of the Human Person - Fr. Dean Mercer March 16 - Human Community - Fr. Kim Beard March 23 - The Church - Fr. Milton Solomon March 30 - The Ten Commandments - Fr. Arthur Boers April 6 - The Great Commandment - Fr. Arthur Boers NOTE: The Wednesday evening service will be live-streamed. Link information will be available on the website calendar and here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. Holy Week 2022 April 10 - Palm Sunday April 13 - Stations of the Cross, 7.30 pm April 14 - Maundy Thursday, 7.30 pm April 15 - Good Friday, 10.30 am (English) & 3 pm (Tamil) April 16 - Easter Vigil, 8 pm April 17 - Easter Sunday Wednesday Bible Study - after the 10.30 a.m. Eucharist - Resumes on March 2 With study leader Don St. Kitts. War in Ukraine by Fr. Dean+ The war continues, now with nearly 1.5 million refugees in flight and a monstrous attack on Europe’s largest nuclear facility this past week. Three words. First, we pray for and support (see below) the people of Ukraine under attack and facing overwhelming and deadly odds. Secondly, we pray for the courage of Ukranian, European and North American leaders to see clearly and stand firmly. And as mentioned last week (Ray Pennings): "Their history and, more importantly, their sense of history and identity, operates longer and deeper than ours, making it easy for us to misunderstand." If you wish to read more, and from a Canadian perspective, I recommend Ray Pennings, a Christian and Canadian commentator, and the Executive Vice-President of Cardus, a Christian and non-partisan Canadian think tank ([http://www.cardus.ca)./]www.cardus.ca). His response this week can be found here: https://learn.cardus.ca/shared/webmail/682833/469908858/09e97562819984d26ec7817bb642ebb9525cc7fcb312f42fa6ffc973edf08f09 And 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/ 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. Community Youth Basketball Program Has Resumed - the long wait is over and we are up and running again! It was a great and enthusiastic re-opening this past Tuesday. For more information, contact Sarah Mair - [email protected]. The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] 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 and The St. Paul’s Steel Pan band restarted this past week. Hope is in the air. Morning Prayer on Zoom - Password Added Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m. on Zoom. Join us. Computer Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 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. Indigenous Centre in Scarborough: General Meeting with Archbishop Mark MacDonald Saturday, March 12, 2.00 p.m., at St. Paul, L’Amoreaux. Would an Indigenous centre for prayer, for residential and personal services to elders, and of programs for youth be a welcome addition for the indigenous community in Scarborough? A discussion about that possibility will be led at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at St. Paul, L’Amoreaux, by Archbishop Mark MacDonald, Bishop for all indigenous Anglicans in Canada. The idea of a spiritual centre and bridge to senior and youth services rose from a recent discussion between Archbishop MacDonald and officers from SPLC, St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Residential Centre for Seniors, and St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church. The senior residence and services serve a part of Toronto where seniors are notably "underserved". A recent demographic study, presented to SPLC, also identified a significant community of indigenous seniors within the region. The general meeting will feature a presentation by Archbishop MacDonald, followed by an opportunity for discussion and reflection. Educated at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Archbishop MacDonald has served in Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, and the southeast regional mission of the Diocese of Navajoland. Since 2007 he has served as the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop in Canada. He is a published author on a range of subjects such as youth ministry, care of creation, and native spirituality. Also attending will be Fr. Andrew Wesley, an experienced leader among indigenous people in Ontario and Toronto, with special concern for the needs of elders and youth. Due to Covid, seating is by reservation in order to provide enough room and to contact guests in the event of changes or cancellation. Seat reservations can be made by phone (416-499-1545) or online: www.eventbrite.ca/e/general-meeting-with-archbishop-mark-macdonald-tickets-256761248807 Anyone interested is welcome to attend. For more information, contact: Fr. Andrew Wesley (647-501-5753; [email protected]), or, Fr. Dean Mercer (St. Paul’s; 416-499-1545; [email protected]) Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom. By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 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 2023. Look for an information session this spring or early Fall. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. 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 $11. The study has resumed with a study of Ephesians. Next week: Ephesians 5.3-20. 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 The Spring-Summer Steel Concert - Saturday, June 25 Grad Sunday - June 26 Annual Walk-a-thon - Saturday, September 24 Baptism Preparation for Adults - Easter 2022 Baptism preparation classes for adults begin are on Saturdays at 10.00 from March 19 through April 9. If interested, please contact Fr. Dean. 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 are being completed and are now being distributed. Contact the office for questions or information - (416) 499-1545; [email protected]. 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:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Reply Forward |
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