Advent & Christmas 2020 - Fr. Dean Mercer
Last Friday the maximum number allowed at a church service in Toronto was reduced to 10 by provincial and city authorities, endorsed by our bishops.  Every indication is that those restrictions are going to be with us through the Christmas season.

And so, like Lent and Easter this year, we will observe Advent and Christmas closer to home.  Odd as it may seem, a lot of distractions have been removed, many which hinder our prayers.  With a view to the opportunity this presents, I have these four recommendations for Advent 2020.

First, follow the Advent Christian tradition of setting aside time for fasting and prayer.  If you don’t already have a daily pattern of prayer, try Morning Prayer on your own or with others on Zoom.

Secondly, read.  Find a good book that will encourage you, that will build your faith, that will offer you the simple pleasure of a good book.  Suggestions will be posted.

Thirdly, give.  Remember your parish.  We need everyone’s help to weather the Covid-19 storm.  But in particular, remember those hardest hit by Covid-19:  in your family, your Christian family, our brothers and sisters in need in the community and around the world.

At St. Paul’s, four ways of doing this spring to mind:
The Christmas Food Hamper program for parish members in need;
The foodbank of Agincourt Community Services;
The Angel Tree program, providing gift cards to children with a parent in prison;
A donation to Faithworks through which help is provided by the Anglican Church here and around the world.

Fourth and finally, connect and serve.  Be in touch with those who you haven’t seen in a while, with a special thought for those in our company who live alone and may be vulnerable in this long season of isolation.

And watch for details about Christmas Services.  The emerging plan is three-fold:
-to provide an online recording as we’ve done since last March;
-to gather by Zoom on Christmas Eve so that as many as possible, by phone or computer, may join together for a simple service of lessons and carols (we can sing in our homes!);
-and with plans to accommodate everyone who wishes to receive the sacrament and a Christmas blessing - though not all at once.  This year St. Paul’s will take full advantage of the 12 Days of Christmas.

(Under the “Services” tab on the church website, an Advent & Christmas page will post these recommendations and some of the materials suggested above.)November is Stewardship Month - a stewardship letter to the parish is being distributed.  Both the letter and pledge form are available on the website here:  https://stpl.ca/give.html

New Safety Guidelines
On Friday (November 20), it was announced that church services in Toronto are now limited to ten (10) people maximum.  For now, the Sunday schedule will remain the same, but those planning to attend will need to register.  The registration site also indicates if a service is full.  As always, all are encouraged to take advantage of the Zoom and online services available.

Sunday Schedule:
8.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar)
10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar)
1.00 p.m. (Chinese)
3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed.
6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar)
Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday. Sunday School by Zoom and the Sunday recording continue.

Christmas Schedule - watch for details.

Outreach Walk-a-thon
This year’s annual Outreach Walk-a-thon has finished. Forms and donations are now being received.  And if you have a picture of where you walked, send it in ([email protected]). Late submissions are still welcome and gratefully received.

S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m.

Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, December 4. Revelation 20, Lesson 20. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703

Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office).

Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.  Website: www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [email protected]; 
Fr. Dean Mercer: [email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.

November is Stewardship Month - a stewardship letter to the parish is being distributed this Sunday. Both the letter and pledge form will be available on the website here: https://stpl.ca/give.html
New Safety Guidelines
On Friday (November 20), it was announced that church services in Toronto are now limited to ten (10) people maximum for the next 28 days, beginning Monday, November 23, a limit with which the bishops have asked us to comply. For now, the Sunday schedule will remain the same, but those planning to attend will need to register. The registration site also indicates if a service is full. As always, all are encouraged to take advantage of the Zoom and online services available.
The Doors of St. Paul’s Have Re-opened
In a series of careful steps, the doors are re-opening and services and programs are being resumed - starting with Sunday Services. We are working toward the resumption of other services and programs over the next few weeks. However, because the virus remains active, safety guidelines are in effect and all online services will continue for the foreseeable future.
Four services are offered in the church. As of November 29, 10 (10) people are allowed in the church proper - main floor and balcony - at any one time. The hall, kitchen and rooms downstairs remain closed.
Sunday Schedule:
8.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar)
10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar)
1.00 p.m. (Chinese)
3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed.
6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar)
Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday. Sunday School by Zoom and the Sunday recording continue.
Christmas Schedule
Subject to the Diocesan safety guidelines, we will be offering the following in-person Christmas services:
Christmas Eve - 6 & 11pm
Christmas Day - 8 am (Tamil) & 10:30 am
Faithworks Sunday
Today has been designated as Faithworks Sunday, so please consider prayerfully if you can make a special effort to donate. This year, the "Matching Challenge Grant" means that for every increased dollar a parish contributes to FaithWorks over last years amount, the generous donor will match it with another dollar up to $100,000 until December 18th. Please consider making your donations to Faithworks prior to that date, if possible.
Thanksgiving Food Drive - ACSA.
Donations to the Thanksgiving Food drive via Outreach amounted to $1,275. Thank you to all our generous donors. Outreach has topped this up to $2,500 which we are sending to ACSA this week. The (ACSA) Outreach Committee will be reviewing further donations to all our establishments later this year.
Order for 2021 Church Calendars
We are now taking advance orders for 2021 Church Calendars at @ $5.00 each. Please email the church office at [email protected] or phone 416-499-1545 to reserve your copy; deadline for orders is TODAY. You will be advised when they have arrived.
Outreach Walk-a-thon
This year’s annual Outreach Walk-a-thon has finished. Forms and donations are now being received. And if you have a picture of where you walked, send it in ([email protected]). Late submissions are still welcome and gratefully received.
S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m.
Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, November 27. Revelation 19, Lesson 19. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office).
Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [email protected];
Fr. Dean Mercer: [email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.

Sunday Prayers
The parish of St. Paul’s is called to prayer Sunday morning to mark the 24th Sunday of Pentecost. In the English services, the preacher is Fr. Ajit John. Information about the services at the church and online is available here: www.stpl.ca/services.html
November is Stewardship Month - a stewardship letter to the parish is being distributed this Sunday. Both the letter and pledge form will be available on the website here: https://stpl.ca/give.html
Thanksgiving Food Drive - ACSA.
Donations to the Thanksgiving Food drive via Outreach amounted to $1,275. Thank you to all our generous donors. Outreach has topped this up to $2,500 which we are sending to ACSA this week. The (ACSA) Outreach Committee will be reviewing further donations to all our establishments later this year.
Faithworks
November 22nd has been designated as Faithworks Sunday, so please consider prayerfully if you can make a special effort to donate. This year, the "Matching Challenge Grant" means that for every increased dollar a parish contributes to FaithWorks over last years amount, the generous donor will match it with another dollar up to $100,000.
By the end of September we had raised $3,960 for Faithworks. In the same period last year the total was $5,845. The annual total for 2019 was $8,164. In October 2020 another $565 was donated, leaving a target of $3,640 to match last year! Are we up to this challenge??
Faithworks has requested that we report our to-date amount by December 18th, so that the donor can be informed of approximately how much their contribution will be. Please consider making your donations to Faithworks prior to Dec 18th, if possible.
Order for 2021 Church Calendars
We are now taking advance orders for 2021 Church calendars at @ $5.00 each. Please email the church office at [email protected] or phone 416-499-1545 to reserve your copy, until November 22, 2020. You will be advised when they have arrived.
S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m.
News from S.P.Y. & Sunday School - Friday night’s guest speaker, Pastor Brown, talked with our young people about Decisions that Decide Destiny, with these four points:
1. Consider your choices
2. Compare your attitude and actions with God's
3. Commit your life to God's ways
4. Count on God's protection and provisions.
Right now in the Sunday School, a series of lessons begins about the Ten Commandments with crossword puzzles, word scrambles and a cool deciphering activity.
Thank you Sarah. Thank you Leila.
Mustard Seed Grant Awarded to St. Paul’s
For the second year, our community youth outreach at St. Paul’s has received a generous $8500 grant from the Mustard Seed Foundation. Director Brian Bakke, who spoke at St. Pauls in February, was generous in his praise of the program, including how we have abided by safety standards during the Covid-19 pandemic, while adapting as quickly and as well as possible. In a hard time, thank you Mustard Seed for their encouragement and support. Well done Sarah and the whole team. And thanks to our church officers keeping things clear and organized in the background.
Outreach Walk-a-thon
This year’s annual Outreach Walk-a-thon has finished. Forms and donations are now being received. And if you have a picture of where you walked, send it in ([email protected]). We’ll create a collection of all the trails our walkers walked.
Most have completed their walks but the pandemic has caused a few interruptions. Late submissions are still welcome and gratefully received. If needed, the sponsorship form is available from the office or online: www.stpl.ca/outreach.html
And be on the watch for our "Virtual Maytime Melodies Concert" of St. Paul’s musicians, with proceeds to Outreach. For more information, contact the office or Kathy.
The Doors of St. Paul’s Have Re-opened
In a series of careful steps, the doors are re-opening and services and programs are being resumed - starting with Sunday Services. We are working toward the resumption of other services and programs. However, because the virus remains active, safety guidelines are in effect and all online services will continue for the foreseeable future.
Four services are offered in the church. 50 people are allowed in the church at any one time. The hall, kitchen and rooms downstairs remain closed.
Sunday Schedule:
8.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar)
10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar)
1.00 p.m. (Chinese)
3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed.
6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar)
Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday, as of September 13th. Sunday School and the Sunday recording will continue to be offered.
Safety Guidelines
St. Paul’s is following the safety guidelines issued by the Diocese of Toronto which can be read on the Diocesan website
Other Services, Programs and Meetings - Gradually, we plan to resume other services, programs and meetings, but safely and carefully. Watch for updates and announcements.
Summary - Due to broad cooperation across the country, the safety guidelines ensure that it is relatively safe to come back to church in the same way that it is now relatively safe to go to the grocery store, drug store, or hardware store. We are grateful to the Bishops and Diocese for their guidance. Small steps, but all in the right direction. And, as has been true all along, the situation remains dynamic. We’ll do our best to keep everyone updated.
Looking for Work - If you’re looking, or know someone who is, here’s the national job site: www.jobbank.ca
Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, November 6. Revelation 16, Lesson 16.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
Have you moved? - If you have moved recently, kindly notify the office of your new address, phone number and e-mail address. We appreciate your help.
Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office).
Contact
The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and can visit again, while observing the safety guidelines of the Diocese of Toronto. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.
Website: www.stpl.ca
Church phone: 416-499-1545;
Email: [email protected]
Fr. Dean Mercer: [email protected]
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.

Sunday Prayers - Easter Sunday
The parish of St. Paul’s is called to prayer Sunday morning to mark the 23rd Sunday of Pentecost and Remembrance Day Sunday. In the English services, the preacher is Fr. Arthur Boers. Information about the services at the church and online is available here: www.stpl.ca/services.html
A New AV Team at St. Paul’s
In September St. Paul’s received a grant to purchase equipment for audio and video recording. The grants were made available from the Diocese of Toronto for churches now having to record and stream online services and programs due to Covid-19.
However, in making our application, we were also eager to encourage our musicians and our community music program. Musicians are one of the hardest hit groups in this pandemic. To that end we proposed recording our musicians in an empty church and according to safety standards sometime during the week, and then playing the video in church on Sunday morning on our large screen TV, and adding it to our weekly recorded service. We have done this on the last four recordings and in church.
In our application, we also proposed adding a new group to our community youth music program. While the program presently includes a children’s choir, a youth choir, a string ensemble and a steel band, we would like to add an Audio-Video Team who are trained in audio/video recording, mixing and production. Nowadays, almost every musical group has need of these skills. Each skill has unique and specialized requirements. And because of the power of ordinary home computers, there is a great deal that can be done that was once possible only in expensive studios.
This idea was inspired by the generosity and encouragement of Ron Royer, the current director of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra and a great friend of our youth music program. He and his wife Kaye came to Toronto from Hollywood where he was a film score composer and producer. Kaye is a talented cellist. You can read about him here: www.ronaldroyer.com
This past Thursday, Ron led an introduction to AV production for our new team. Additionally, he has contact with doctoral students at the University of Toronto in AV engineering. All things being equal, one will be invited to supervise and teach our new AV team.
And next Sunday, November 15, you’ll see the Steel Band and their work at church and online.
Order for 2021 Church Calendars
We are now taking advance orders for 2021 Church calendars at @ $5.00 each. Please email the church office at [email protected] or phone 416-499-1545 to reserve your copy, until November 22, 2020. You will be advised when they have arrived.
Job Opening for a young person (15 -30 years) at ACSA Food Bank
The Food Bank is looking for young people to fill three contract positions at the food bank. If you are interested, a full description is available (contact Fr. Dean or the office) or contact Kirsten at ACSA ([email protected] - no phone calls). The deadline is this Wednesday, November 4.
S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m.
News from S.P.Y. - two weeks ago, Sarah invited Terry Grooms to speak to our young people. Terry is a former player in the NFL and AFL and a friend of Sarah. What a great night, and more to come. Thank you, Sarah.
Thanksgiving Food Bank Drive
Please consider a gift to the Agincourt Community Services Food bank during our annual Thanksgiving food drive. And this note - you can make your financial donation directly by contacting ACSA, or you can make it through St. Paul’s by using your envelopes and indicating that it is a "special" offering for "The ACSA foodbank". Doing it through St. Paul’s eliminates the commission fee for making a donation by credit card as well as contributing to the total gift from St. Paul's to ACSA.
Faithworks Reminder - A note from Peter Mentis, Director
. . . As we enter the final quarter of this year’s FaithWorks campaign, I’d like to give you a brief update. To date we have raised $710,000, almost half of this year’s goal of $1,500,000. On a monthly basis we are ahead of last year by almost 30%. Individual donations to date are $299,000, up by 42% over all of last year. This increase so far is due to a generous response to our appeals and the pandemic. Also, the Easter Appeal was conducted online for the first time as well as by direct mail. Thank God, people want to help!
But we are still short of our 2020 goal of $1.5 million. This final quarter is the season of parish campaigns. To give us added inspiration to reach our goal a generous donor has offered a $100,000 matching challenge grant for increases in parish contributions over last year. Will you be able to help FaithWorks take advantage of the opportunity this matching challenge grant offers us?
At St. Paul’s, last year’s total was $5850. So far, about $4000 has been raised.
Outreach Walk-a-thon
This year’s annual Outreach Walk-a-thon has finished. Forms and donations are now being received. And if you have a picture of where you walked, send it in ([email protected]). We’ll create a collection of all the trails our walkers walked.
Most have completed their walks but the pandemic has caused a few interruptions. Late submissions are still welcome and gratefully received. If needed, the sponsorship form is available from the office or online: www.stpl.ca/outreach.html
And be on the watch for our "Virtual Maytime Melodies Concert" of St. Paul’s musicians, with proceeds to Outreach.
For more information, contact the office or Kathy.
The Doors of St. Paul’s Have Re-opened
In a series of careful steps, the doors are re-opening and services and programs are being resumed - starting with Sunday Services. We are working toward the resumption of other services and programs. However, because the virus remains active, safety guidelines are in effect and all online services will continue for the foreseeable future.
Four services are offered in the church. Ninety (90) people, which is 30% of capacity, are allowed in the church proper - main floor and balcony - at any one time. The hall, kitchen and rooms downstairs remain closed.
Sunday Schedule:
8.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar)
10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar)
1.00 p.m. (Chinese)
3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed.
6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar)
Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday, as of September 13th. Sunday School and the Sunday recording will continue to be offered.
Safety Guidelines
St. Paul’s is following the safety guidelines issued by the Diocese of Toronto which can be read on the Diocesan website
Other Services, Programs and Meetings - Gradually, we plan to resume other services, programs and meetings, but safely and carefully. Watch for updates and announcements.
Summary - Due to broad cooperation across the country, the safety guidelines ensure that it is relatively safe to come back to church in the same way that it is now relatively safe to go to the grocery store, drug store, or hardware store. We are grateful to the Bishops and Diocese for their guidance. Small steps, but all in the right direction. And, as has been true all along, the situation remains dynamic. We’ll do our best to keep everyone updated.
Looking for Work - If you’re looking, or know someone who is, here’s the national job site: www.jobbank.ca
Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, November 6. Revelation 16, Lesson 16.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
Have you moved? - If you have moved recently, kindly notify the office of your new address, phone number and e-mail address. We appreciate your help.
Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office).
Contact
The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and can visit again, while observing the safety guidelines of the Diocese of Toronto. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write.
Website: www.stpl.ca
Church phone: 416-499-1545;
Email: [email protected]
Fr. Dean Mercer: [email protected]
Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.