Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
The Faces of Jesus
This edition of News From the Pews
features the likeness of Our Lord from
the inspiration of artists of all ages.
The image above is an icon in the
Byzantine style, traditionally used
in Eastern Orthodox churches.
Anglican and Greek Orthodox have a
close association, especially in
Toronto.
What did Jesus really look like? I like
to think of him as Jewish, or typically,
Semite, with black or dark brown hair.
Through the ages, however artists
have presented the Lord as European,
blue eyes, dark brown, light brown,
even fair haired. Painters and
sculptures have depicted him in other
racial characteristics, black, Asian or
brown. Symbolically,
it makes sense, as Jesus is the Saviour
of all peoples, races and nationalities.
In this issue of News From the Pews,
I have selected a variety
of interpretations, some popular
today, some not often encountered.
I do this to show that the Son of God
shares the characteristics of all
of us truly catholic, or universal.
As a spiritual exercise, one could go
to Google or Firefox, type in “The Face
of Jesus” as we did for this essay.
In the Ten Commandments, we are
told “No images!” Why do we have
them? The reason is simple. During
the early centuries of Christian faith
we adhered strictly to the Hebrew
tradition. We discovered, however,
that to spread the faith, we needed
to teach. Early Christians were not
the educated or wealthy,
but the illiterate poor. Early on,
the Greeks developed the now
familiar Icon, such as that shown
here. Later,in Europe, Illiterate
Christians could not read Latin,
consequently, the Church taught
the Jesus story through
the medium of stained glass.
With the same purposes in mind,
other means such as Christian
symbols, became teaching tools.
The written word was preserved
in Christian monasteries until the
invention of the printing press.
Christos
2
A Message from
our priest and friend,
Shelley McVea“Trust in the
living God who giveth us richly all
things to enjoy” `- 1 Timothy 6:17
As Canadians, we are blessed by God
in the richness of our four seasons.
Although some of us might like to
limit winter to three days rather than
three months, still, there are rewards
with each season. As we head into
many peoples' favourite time of year, I
pray that you will have opportunity to
relax and enjoy unhurried time with
your families and friends. I encourage
you, if you have the opportunity, to
get out into nature and enjoy our God's
glorious creation. Many theologians
have said that we see God most clearly
in three ways: God's living word
(Jesus Christ), God's written word
(Scriptures), and God's painted word,
creation. May you have time this
summer to enjoy all three.
Some of us will be in Toronto for most
of the summer, so I remind you that
we'll continue our weekly Sunday
services (10:00 a.m. rather than 10:30
a.m.). Join us if you are able to. Often
we get a good number of guests
throughout the summer and we hope
to welcome them warmly to our
fellowship. If you visit other
congregations over the next few
months, bring them our blessings.
Maybe they will have some liturgical
practices that you will find
meaningful, and can share with us.
Some of my favourite downtime is
usually spent with my nose stuck in a
book (I know that dates me; many of
you are using eReaders). If you have
time over the next few months, here
are a few of my favourites that I have
read recently. These particular ones
are written by fellow brothers and
sisters in Christ. For those who enjoy
their spirituality with a light touch and
a quick wit, try Anne Lamott's latest :
Small Victories, Spotting Improbable
Moments of Grace. She makes me
glad to be a believer. Bryan
Stevenson's gritty, heartrending, and
glorious Just Mercy-Justice and
Redemption, outlines his work with
inmates on death row in Alabama. I
could not put this book down. Finally,
a novel. Bestselling author Ted
Dekker has written a wonderful
adventure story about the desert
princess Maviah. Fighting for her life
and her kingdom, she encounters one
who offers her a different kingdom,
not of this world. The book is called
3
A.D. 30. Its sequel A.D. 33 is out in
June. All these books are available in
the Toronto library system..Finally,
as we head into summer, let's
remember to pray for each other, and
for St. Saviour's. Prayer is the bond
between us, even when we are away
from each other. It strengthens our
love for one another, and opens the
way for God's kingdom to grow.
It is truly an all-season endeavour.
Thou art the Way, to thee
alone, from sin and death,
we flee; and he who would
the Father seek,
must seek him Lord, by Thee.
Colleen Newell ,
a Ministry in music
As it says in Psalm 22:3,
" ...He inhabits the praises
of His people”. When I sing
and play music, I feel,
and perceive the embrace
of God. This verse makes
sense of this for me,
because I started writing
music to verses of scripture
as soon as I could play
the guitar.
The gift of music is
intimately tied to my faith
and love of Christ, His love
for me,and my abilities as
a musician and composer.
It starts with a song between
my Lord and me when no
one else can hear. I need
this touchstone to keep my
spirit in tune with God's love
for me. I sing from my heart,
my head and my soul,
and music allows me an
outward
expression
of an inner reality.
Writing songs before
the Lord allows me
a place for my spirit
to be nurtured by private
adoration; honey for
the soul, but without
an opportunity to use this
gift in a community, it would
not develop to its fullest.
Being with you on the 2nd
Sunday of the month, and at
other times in my life, when
I have had the tremendous
opportunity to share my gift
with the body of Christ,
this experience has grown
my faith like nothing else.
In times of joy and suffering
I can turn to this tool
to communicate my
emotions with God, and
4
in return receive comfort
and strength.
I thank God, that through
Christ, the Spirit gives me
the inspiration to develop
and share my music ministry
with you all at St.Saviour's.
Agnus Dei,
Lamb if God,,
that takest away the sib of the world,
grant us thy Peace.
A beautiful Moment
with Ingrid Mac Donald
I want to share with you the story
of how the Lord brought me
to St. Saviour’s.
Long ago on a Sunday afternoon
in September I was out walking
my old dog Jessie.As we passed the
church we met Reverend Shelley who
offered a pet blessing to Jessie. We
accepted and stopped a few minutes
for the blessing and a chat.
Months passed and the memory
of that encounter stayed with me, as I
reflected on Shelley's evident kindness
and spirituality.
My brother-in-law, Michael and I
were at that time attending another
larger church in the neighbourhood
but we had not made friends
or connections there.
We talked about the possibility of
coming to St. Saviour’s but only if we
both would be accepted for who we
ar e,meaning that Michael's
intellectual disability and my sexual
orientation would not be barriers to us
becoming full members of the
congregation.
So we gave St. Saviour’s a try and
wow, did we ever not need to worry
about not being accepted. this small
beautiful church, we were welcomed
with genuine love, affection and
curiosity.
In time we became fully integrated
into community life. Michael served
as a greeter and attended bible study
and men's breakfast. I was very glad
to share my accounting skills by
taking on the treasury.
Later when Michael got cancer, we
benefited from the support and prayers
our church community and when
Michael died, his funeral
at St. Saviour,s was a testament
to how many people here knew him,
loved him and considered him
a friend.
So when I look back and think of all
the goodness that came into our lives
following from the time I stopped
while walking my dog, I am in awe of
the way the Lord works and I remain
5
truly grateful.
Ingrid MacDonald
Planting Our Urban Orchard
Growing Food and Community
at St. Saviour’s Urban Orchard
It seems a small thing, just growing
some plants, but it turns out to be a
quietly powerful message of
generosity and abundance the Church
is giving. Passers-by comment on the
changes every time I garden at the
Urban Orchard. People say hello,
attracted by the blossoms, and
intrigued by the edible hedge and the
fruit plants. “You mean, we can just
come and eat the fruit?”
Yes, you can. Right now, you can
harvest chives, sage, and rhubarb -
but be sure to leave some for others.
Asparagus should be ready next year,
and the currants and haskaps are
fruiting; even the kiwi made it
through the winter!
One young father came by to warn
me that some kids had thrown glass
into the garden. While his baby boy
delighted in the colourful tulips,
he picked out the glass so I wouldn’t
get cut. It was so kind of him.
Another neighbour is going to treat us
some of his marvelous dahlias for fall
colour.
Gradually the community is becoming
aware of the garden, starting to
connect with it, and even protect it. I
believe the garden will bear fruit for
us all in many ways.
The big battle is with grass in the beds
– but not where Luis is trying to grow
it! Hope to move those mulch piles
soon. Watering duties will be a bit
easier thanks to the Church buying
some soaker hoses. Bill has been very
helpful with watering this spring, and
Doreen has already sown some of her
lovely annuals.
Meanwhile, back at the plant
incubator, seedlings are almost ready
for the garden – melons, tomatoes,
6
cucumbers, lettuce and more. Grow
with us!
Virgine Gysel
Jesus, an Afro Interpretation.
There is an Afro depiction
of Jesus on the Cross
at St. Michael’s Anglican Church,
St. Claire Ave. West, Toronto
In Christ there is no east or west,
There is no north nor south,
but one great fellowship of love,
throughout the whole wide earth.
Our Ministry In the Anglican Church, we are all
ministers. The ordained ministry are
those whom we recognize as Bishops,
Priests and Deacons. Their ministry is
sacramental, and well defined. We of
the laity, however, have our own
ministries to perform. We are readers
or leaders in prayer; we are musicians
or sinners; we serve as teachers
or as servants at the altar. Each one of
us has a ministry
in the Body of Christ.
We are all invited to enrich our own
spiritual experience with a
personal ministry. At St. Saviour’s we
are always in need of volunteers to
help with Sunday School, Chancel
Guild, Servers at the Eucharist;, or
visiting shut-ins or in hospital,
transporting seniors to church on
Sundays, communications telephone
or computer; community gardening ,
outreach, or many other ways to give
back what we have received of the
Lord’s blessing. Feel free to speak to
Shelley, any of the wardens, or others
among the greeters.
See page 9 for more opportunities for
involvement in the life of the parish of
St. Saviour.
7
Ministry of the Word
The ministry of the Word in the
Anglican Church is most often
preached from the Pulpit. The Word is
delivered as a homily or sermon,
based on the Sunday Gospel. From
time to time the preacher selected a
text from the Old Testament, but
always associated with the theme of
the Gospel. The symbol on the
antependium, shown above, is of the
Holy Trinity. The Anglican sermon is
often proclaimed in “The Name of the
Father, of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.”
Service Times
Sunday Eucharist- 10:30 a.m.
(10:00 a.m. July and August)
Sunday School at the same
hours
Morning Prayer
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. (except
July and August)
Centering Prayer
First Thursday @ month
7:00 p.m. at the Home
of the Rev. Shelley McVea
Priest and Editor
Easter Sunday, 2015
8
Do you know the
Anglican song?
I am an Anglican,
True as can be;
not high chuech,
or low church,
but Protestant
and Carholic,
and Free;
Not a Luth’ran,
nor a Presby,
nor a Baptist
flecked with foam,
I am an Anglican,
just one step from Rome.
I am an Anglican,
Via Media, my home!
Aurthor unknown.
Probably in hiding. Hehehe!
Ask Bob,
and he will
sing it for you.
Music, Music, Music! Have you met Karen? Karen Price is
the lovely lady behind the organ
console most Sundays. Besides those
gorgeous hymns from the Hymn Book,
Karen provides the musical settings
we use to accompany the Eucharist.
Karen shares responsibility for
the selection of hymns with Graham,
Colleen and, of course, Shelley. It is
amazing what she accomplishes, since
our old organ is in need of a complete
overhaul.
Our music team also includes Graham
at the keyboard, singing vocals from
a variety of Christian sources.
On Second Sundays, we have
the pleasure of singing Christian songs
provided by Colleen and her crew
of folk musicians. Music provides
inspiration for every taste. This is our
ministry of music for St. Saviour’s.
Please note When there are five
Sundays in the month, Eucharist will
be celebrated in the beautiful
language of the Book of Common
`Prayer, 1549 – 1962.
9
Men’s Breakfast Our host, Graham Fisher, with
Richard Dela Cazada, and Rick
Jackson – chefs, together with
Isiah and Jonah,, supervisors
There is nothing like bacon and eggs,
toast and hot coffee to get a bunch
of guys together on a Saturday
morning at St. Saviour’s. It happened
on May 16. When, organized by
Richard Dela Cazada and , and
Jackson, together with Graham Fisher,
rebooted our successful Men’s
Breakfast. About fifteen men
attended, filling the hall with laughter,
jokes and puns,, assisted by the antics
of Isaiah and Noah Dela Cazada.
At the close of breakfast,
an inspirational film was shown,
but due to technical difficulties,
not everyone could appreciate it.
The next breakfast will be Saturday,
June 17, at 8:30 a.m.
The Men’s Breakfast is part of our
outreach ministry, and deserves
the support of all of us. But sorry,
girls, just for guys.
Please do get involved
Enrich your your spiritual experience
as a Christian at St. Saviour’s by being
part of our church family. You may
join the church school staff; care for
the altar or sanctuary on the Chancel
Guild; visit shut-ins or those in
hospital;, or assist as a Greeter or take
up the offering.
One may also become a lector or
intercessor as part of the Sunday
worship. Men or women, young or old
are also encouraged to join the
Servers; Guilt to assist in the
ceremonies or the liturgy – light the
candles, carry the Cross, or otherwise
assist the celebrant of the Eucharist.
These ceremonies are not daunting,
and they can enrich one’s worship
experience.
If you like gardening, there is ample
opportunity to join the little band of
workers, Caring for the plants and
shrubbery, trimming, weeding,
watering. –wonderful ways to offer
your talents to the Lord..
OUR Urban Orchard is becoming
a garden of beauty. Volunteer,
and be a part of it. There are many
ways in which we can offer our talents
to the Lord.
10
Majesty For he shall reign forever!
How often, when we hear Handel’s
Hallelujah, and he shall reign
forever!.” It was these words from
Holy Scripture that inspired the
sculpture,
Christ the King.
Natasha Surely everyone knows Natasha!
She rarely misses Eucharist on
Sundays; reads the Scriptures in
church; assists in Sunday School
when needed;; may be seen helping
in hospitality; and we must all have
tasted her yummy chocolate cake!
But who is she?
Natasha was born and baptized in
Brampton, Ont., raised Roman
Catholic, attending various Catholic
schools, but didn’t become interested
in Christian faith, until a friend
introduced her to Kennedy Road
Tabernacle, where, in her teens,
Natasha discovered what being
a Christian was all about. She
attended college in Ottawa, and upon
returning home, became involved in
the United Church, coming to Toronto
in 2008., when her spiritual journey
brought her to St. Saviour’s. Among
us, Natasha finds the right mixture of
spiritual and social awareness in
Shelley McVea.
Living and working in Toronto,
Natasha became aware of our serious
homeless funaway children. Today,
she vcolunteers at Coveenant House,
a Catholic ministry to homeless youth.
In the Runaway Prevention Program,
Natasha helps in sending out letters
to school boards, for example, but
especially at Christmas, sorting
clothes for the kids, or assisting with
events. This is ministry that Natasha
is very concerned about. On Sunday
mornings, when one might see
Natasha scurrying off before the end
of the Eucharist, we now know what
she is up to! Bless you, Natasha! And,
O yes, Keep on providing the fruits
of compassion in the name of Jesus.
11
Bob Sargent, 90
an Autobiographic Profile
Everybody knows Bob, so why does
he need a profile? Well, not
everybody, and those who do may be
surprised with the rest of his story.
Bob was born in Newburyport, Mass.
in 1924 to Sam and Beulah Sargent.
He excelled in voice; as boy chorister
in the Episcopal Church in his home
town. He studied history at Boston
University, preparing for the Episcopal
ministry’
Bob failed in the attempt at holy
orders, but served the church in the
retail business as manager of the
largest Episcopalian book store in
the United Sates, completing that
endeavour n Toronto, Ontario from
1969 to 1989, as manager of Anglican
Book Centre for 20 years!
Bob came to St. Saviour’s in the
1980s, when Jim Ferry was rector.
Together, they intiduced our parish
to the newly published red hymn
book, and the Book of Alternative
Cervices. He was our organist and
choir director under Fr. Jim and Al
Gearing, then he resigned to dance
his way around the world by sea.
At one time Bob was crew member on
the QE2.
After the retirement of Al Gearing
as our rector, pastoral problems
at St. Saviour’s caused many people
to leave. Some went to St. Nicholas’
Birchcliff, while Bob attended
St. Mary Magdalene, in downtown
Toronto, until the arrival at
St. Saviour’s of The Rev. Shelley
McVea, when he returned.
Bob married Helga Pfefferman,
of New York, in 1959, the same year
as the death of his Dad. Helga passed
away in 1986 after a long illness.
Her final liturgy was held
at St. Saviour’s. Our white funeral pall
was given in her memory.
In his retirement, Bob changed his
career to social dancing, and spent
four fascinating years dancing with
single ladies on cruise ships, visiting
many ports over the world. Because
he had been a history major, travel to
Europe, especially to England meant
much to him. Bob is very happy in
journalism as a hobby – creating
“Bob’s Bugle”! Praise the Lord for the
computer! Visiting Westminster
Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral
strengthened his devotion to the
Anglican Church.
Today, Bob spends much of his time
to producing. “News From The Pews”.
12
.
Do you remember where
you were confirmed?
I do. It was in 1938, in this lovely 18th
Century styled church, St. Paul’s in
Newburyport, Mass. I had been a boy
chorister there, server, and later
baritone among the men. The parish
was established as Queen Anne’s
Chapel in 1711. In those days it was
a chapel of the Church of England,
becoming the Episcopal Church after
the American Revolution. It was the
parish of Edward Bass, 1726-1803,
first Bishop of Massachusetts,
memorialized by a gold mitre atop
the church’s bell tower.
A coincidence, of course, but I seem
to have had an Anglican identity from
earliest years, as the house I was
brought up in was the birthplace
of Thomas March Clark,
fifth Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island,
1854-1892.
Our First Townhall
Meeting After the Sunday
Eucharist, when we had gathered for
coffee or tea, we were called us to
order for our first informal townhall
meeting. The purpose was
to share ideas and suggestions, even
criticism of our new season’s
program, with questions and
discussion.
Some time was taken on the question
of outreach to the community. Shelley
outlined the several facets that we
have, especially the Bread of Life
Program that has been most
productive.
Some time was spent on the issue of
deportment during the administration
of Communion; that chatting amongst
some of us at a time when many of us
are concentrating our thoughts and
prayers on the Divine Mystery
unfolding at the Altar.
Some discussion was made
concerning possible projects
celebrating our forthcoming 125th
Anniversary next year. The Executive
Committee will be welcoming
suggestions. Some discussion was
given to the Exchange
of Peace in the liturgy. Lets please
remember that we are exchaging
the Lord’s Peace, not engaging in
chit chat. A hug or kiss between the
elderly can be beautiful, but lets not
be carried away!
13
WORSHIP AT st. SAVIOUR’S
The priest and people of St. Saviour’s
cordially invite baptize3d Christians
from whatever traditi0on to worship
with us as we celebrate the Eucharist
Sunday BY Sunday at 10:30 a.m..
During July and August, however, we
worship at 10:00 a.m. Our liturgy is
taken from the Book of Alternative
Services. On the fifth Sunday of a
month, the Eucharist is celebrated in
the language of the Book of Common
Prayer.
Our organist is usually Karen Price,
and on the second Sunday of the
month, music is provided by folk
musicians, directed by Colleen Newell.
Visitors are always invited to join us
after Eucharist for coffee or tea,
snacks and fellowship.
Children are always welcome
at the Altar of St. Saviour’s.
Children are invited to take
Communion with their parents. In the
summer, when there is no Sunday
School, supervised activit5y is held for
them in the Narthex.
When our priest is on holiday, we may
have a visiting celebrant This August,
we will be hosts to The Rev, James
Ferry, a former incumbent.
Occasionally, we also enjoy the
ministry of The Rev, Ravi Kalison
of the Church of South India.
How is your church history?
Ever hear of Charles Inglis? During the American war for
independence, Charles Inglis was the
priest incumbent, Church of England,
at Trinity Church, Broadway and Wall
Street, New York. Loyal to the king,
he fled to Canada, settling in Nova
Scotia, where he became first bishop
of the Anglican Church in Canada not
sent from England. 1734-1816 ,
Canada Post honoured Charles Inglis
with a postage stamp in 2004.
Now you know!