Trinity- St.Paul Tidings

Transcription

1 Trinity- St.Paul Tidings Lent/Easter 2017 It s Spring! And We re Celebrating 150 Years - All Year! Join in and Make This A Time to Remember to Attend Special Lent and Holy Week Be sure our Services and Other Special Events Throughout the Year In This Issue Letter from Rev. Page No. Susanne Trinity-St.Paul Anglican Church Port Credit 26 Stavebank Road, Mississauga ON L5G 2T5 Direct: office@trinitystpaul.ca Website:trinitystpaul.ca facebook: Trinity-St-Paul-Port-Credit Incumbent: Rev. Susanne Mckim The Rev. Trevor Finney Trinity-St.Paul Tidings Editor: Margaret Parker... 2 Services, Events, Register, Wardens Message... 4 Something Old, Something New... 5 Cartoons & Oddments... 6 Communications... 7 How did we Celebrate? Contemplations 1

2 of a Curious Cleric March, 2017 Dear Friends, As we walk alongside one another in the season of Lent, we re reminded of how much we need one another in the Christian community. The temptation to show up on Sundays only to be nourished on a personal basis no longer exists, as worldwide evidence demonstrates. To keep a community viable and vital, we need the gifts, resources, talents, intelligence, energy and loving participation of every member. We re in the midst of a lot of positive change in this parish. Repairs and renovations have begun in earnest, and the Capital Projects Committee is working closely with our project manager Carlos Nunes. We look forward to the improvements in structure and to the beauty of the stained glass windows being installed. The Bell has arrived from St. Paul and we are thrilled to be finding it a place of honour. There are other changes too. We have five new regular members, just in the last few months. Also, more peoples are participating - some as readers, chalice bearers, fund raising assistants or Chancel Guild members. This is a wonderful sign of life. It s also a great opportunity for personal growth and even joy. There s an indescribable sense of contentment that comes from giving oneself to help out. I invite you to pray about what God might be calling you to do to invest in the furthering of God s kingdom of justice, peace and equality in our corner of the city. In this new start with which we have been blessed, we dare not forget that it is but a start. As churches close and amalgamate all around us in all denominations, we must see this new beginning as a call to deeper faithfulness. To become complacent at this point would be a huge mistake, if we want to continue church life as we know it. In order to sustain our life together into the future, we must work together prayerfully and intentionally. To help us do that, we re planning a Parish Retreat where we ll share ideas of what s most important. We ll look at what the theologians tell us about what church is in its various forms, and we ll see where we fit into those forms - where we might grow, and where we might be making mistakes. One of the things I ve witnessed in this community is that, apart from one small group, there has been very little interest in Bible studies, prayer workshops or Advent/Lenten reflection groups. This is something we can look into at the Retreat, in exploring what it means to be church - what it means to be followers of Christ in our context. Every once in a while, it s good to ask ourselves hard questions in response to Jesus teachings. My friends, in order to grow, we must be discerning about why we gather together, and we must pay attention to what we re looking for and what our fellow members are looking for. We need to form our answers in a Biblical and theological foundation and create shared goals. Look for more information about the Retreat in the Spring. In the meantime, I again invite you to call me anytime ( to express your opinion, to discuss any issue that concerns you, to ask question or just to talk. As I always say, whispers in dark corners don t accomplish anything - I welcome your concerns and comments. That round table in my office is a theological statement that says we will work everything out together in mutual respect and Christian love. May we continue to be thankful for the blessings of this new beginning. Ever since the people of God were liberated from slavery and travelled to the promised land, we have been a people of hope. As we approach the passion and resurrection of our Lord, we continue to live in hope for the new life Easter promises. Thank you for your presence, and for all that you give to this community! 2

3 Rev. Susanne Holy Week and Easter Services... Lent is a time for reflection, introspection, prayer and study. It s a time to become a little more self-aware - to think about the things that weigh us down and keep us from a full and life-giving relationship with Christ. Riley Anne Thompson-Lavigne February Shane John Thompson-Lavigne February 29, 2017 Friday, April 14 - Good Friday 10 am: Reading of the Passion; Veneration of the Cross and Reflection Sunday, April 2 - Lent 5 8:30 am: Said Eucharist 10 am: Sung Eucharist. Sunday, April 9 - Palm Sunday 10 am: Blessing of the Palms & Procession, Sung Eucharist. Thursday, April 13 - Maundy Thursday 7 pm: Communion, Washing of Feet, Stripping of the Altar And in June... be sure to Attend... Sunday, June 4 - Feast of Pentecost 8:30 am: Said Eucharist 10 am: Wear red to welcome the Holy Spirit. Sung Eucharist Parish Register Deaths - Doreen Griffiths - January Baptisms - Sunday, April 16 - Sunday, June 11 - Easter Day 10 am: We celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Bring bells to ring. Easter Hat Parade! *Be sure to return your kans & boxes for Kans for Kids. Trinity Sunday - Everyone is invited to our 150th Anniversary! 8:30 am: Said Eucharist 10:am: Sung Eucharist followed by Parish Luncheon and Celebration. 3

4 I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars. Og Mandino A Message from our Wardens... As Wardens, money is always on our minds, so it was with some happiness that we were able to record a surplus from 2016 in our Budget statement for There were many reasons for this, but as we approach our 150th anniversary with expenses for repairs and construction soon to come in, we can reassure parishioners that along with the Capital Fund Dowery from St. Paul s, the bills will be paid. (Contact a warden for a copy of the 2017 Vestry Report available at the church office.) completion by our 150th anniversary celebrations in June. We can t emphasize enough that if there are any concerns during the construction period, please let us know. We do thank those who have come forward to express their ideas/thoughts... this is your church! Please understand that we address every issue but also have to weigh out advantages and disadvantages in accommodating everyone. Meanwhile, our church carries on with many exciting events. Our St. Patrick s Day dinner was a smash hit - the best one yet! And we thank Barbara Coolen and her team for all that wonderful food and fun. Please watch for announcements in the church bulletin, the on-line Happenings and this Trinity-St. Paul Tidings for further events and services. And join in when you can. We thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, At Vestry, we were delighted to welcome Dan Slipp as Deputy Warden. A resident of Port Credit and member of Trinity-St. Paul, Dan has become involved in a number of ways and has proposed some new and improved ideas for the church. Welcome Dan! Angie Kealey Rector s Warden Chris Corlett Deputy Rector s Warden Judy Tutty People s Warden Margo Mould Deputy People s Warden The finances of the parish were reviewed at Vestry and passed. Here, we must thank Bev Giamou for producing a clear and easily understood budget statement. Thank you Bev! And congratulations to all those who took on additional roles in the long list of committees and groups. The Capital Project (since the amalgamation of Trinity-St. Paul took place) is well under way. Carlos Nunes, the Project Manager is working closely with the Capital Project team as committee members continue to meet and review the status of progress. It s exciting to visit the church midweek while new flooring is laid, painting is done and much more. Then, as if by magic, Sunday mornings, the pews are back in place ready for the service to begin. On Monday, work begins all over again. We are all looking to Dan Slipp Deputy Warden Planning a Meeting? We have a spot for You... Whether it s about business, or a mothers with tots group. yoga sessions, art classes, baby or bridal showers, lunch and a movie, dinners, banquets, dances, etc., Trinity-St. Paul has a room for you. We can accommodate from 10 to 125 people, have an elevator lift, kitchen, flip chart, and video screen. There is available space to meet your needs. Contact Judy Tutty for rental inquiries, 4

5 Keep up to Date With Trinity-St. Paul... Visit Facebook: Trinity-St. Paul, Port Credit Something Old and... Something New! You ll Love Easter Truffles! Due to construction dust, our church confectioners felt it would be a good idea to forego the time consuming job of making Easter Eggs in the parish kitchen. Instead, they are planning to make truffles off site. Well, we just know that everyone loves chocolate truffles. They will be ready for sale on Sunday, April 2nd and 9th, at the special price of 6 for $5.00. Don t miss this Easter special! cooked and prepared the feast. In all 136 plates were served. And... $1,800 profit was realized for the church! Cemetery Spring Cleanup Date is Saturday April 22nd As temperatures go up and down in our uncertain spring, we wait for a good time to clear away debris in our cemetery. Alan Zimmerman and his crew of rakers and weeders will have a large task ahead of them. Please offer your help in preparing our cemetery garden for the coming seasons. Rain date April 29th. Kans for Kids... For over 20 years, parishioners have supported the Kans for Kids Lenten Campaign. Funds raised from your contributions are used to provide summer outdoor experiences for youth in the Port Credit area who would appreciate and benefit from this opportunity. Please consider taking a Kan or box this Lent. They are available at the back of the church. (Due to construction, you may have to look around for them!). It s easy, - just fill with your spare change (bills are most readily accepted too). Please return Kan or box on Easter Sunday. For more information, contact Barbara Gadsby ( ) St. Patrick s Dinner a Huge Success... On Saturday, March 18th, the Main Hall and the River Room were full of happy people. Everyone was enjoying the superb dinner of traditional corn beef and cabbage with carrots and creamy, cheesy potatoes, followed by ice cream bars and shamrock cookies. A very special thank you must go to Barbara Coolen and her group of Irish assistants who The Compass... Caring for our Community Many people might be surprised by the number of persons, who through no fault of their own struggle on a fixed income, have a disability, have no job etc. have little to feed themselves and their families. Through the Compass, Trinity-St. Paul and 16 other churches in the area provide food and other necessities donated by parishioners. each week. 5

6 In the months of June to September, our parish and that of St. Andrew share Wednesday night BBQ s. Often, as many as 90 persons attend. Other good things provided by the Compass include ESL classes, cooking classes, money management, computer skills and much more. Right now, we can help stock shelves with nonperishable foods, necessities such as tooth paste, soap, laundry detergent, women s personal products, face and hand creams - all the items, you yourself would find it difficult to do without. Earl Driver and Chris Corlett are our contacts and will answer any questions you may have. and you will be part of a joyful parade came Easter Day, April 16th, 2017! Big Boys Breakfast Club... Ladies! Join in the Easter Hat Parade... Members of St. Margaret s Guild began this tradition a few years ago to bring colour and joy and a breath of spring to our annual Easter service. Be it a beret or fascinator, made of silk or straw, plain or covered with ribbons and flowers, or just felt and funky. it Men! Take note: On the first Thursday of the month, you are invited to join the Big Boys Breakfast Club at the Sunset Grill. Lakeshore Road at Front Street. Informants say it s a great time of coffee and conversation. The next get together is on Thursday, April 6th at 7:30 am. Chancel Guild Prepares for Easter... 6

7 During the ongoing construction, members of the Chancel Guild will do their best to make our church look beautiful. Your donation towards plants and flowers would be much appreciated. Just leave an envelope marked easter Flowers on the Offering plate. Indoor Yard Sale! Saturday, May 6th, :30 am - 2 pm It s time to put all those books, CD s and collectables together - stuff you don t need anymore but somebody else might. Bring them to Trinity-St. Paul on coming Sundays for our Spring Sale on May 6th. (Please - no clothing). Please call Leslie Manns at or lesliemanns@aim.com. Church Memories Looking Back at Communications... Since nearly everybody went to church on Sunday in days gone by, it was not really necessary to send out newsletters. Week to week, Sunday services were on the signboard out front. The lettering was permanent because there were rarely any changes to routine and besides the rector made his announcements from the pulpit. However, the Sunday bulletin was eventually introduced to keep parishioners informed about coming events. Churchgoers made a point of delivering them to shut-ins and neighbours. Then somebody decided that an occasional newsletter should be prepared and mailed. Usually, the rector wrote a letter and a few coming events appeared on the back page. In the 20 s, The Rev. Henry Earle prepared a Parish Magazine. In an early Vestry Book, it is noted that the Rector inquires if the publication is satisfactory and he is assured that it is. Later, in the 40 s, the Rev. Mr. Buley sent out foolscap sheets of information. Then in the 50 s came a new publication. The Trinity News appeared in June, It was small, with a stylized drawing of the new church building complete with a Salisbury Cathedral type spire on top of the present tower. This version of the parish letter lasted five issues and was again replaced by more foolscap-sized publications, which were mimeographed and often difficult to read. But, on October 4, 1954, the Rev. Jack Langstone urged parishioners to join in a special Thanksgiving Service on Harvest Sunday. He writes, We of Trinity Church have much for which to thank God. Set as we are in close proximity to one of the richest agricultural areas of the province, we see how bountifully the land has yielded her fruits. Then too, we are now able to watch week by week the growth towards completion of God s House, our spiritual home in the parish. It too is, I am convinced, a good gift of God for which we may well thank him. Change the season from Thanksgiving to Easter and we might remember that sentiment for today s Trinity-St. Paul parish. Sometimes, a parish priest could be fairly long-winded. Some parishioners may remember the multi-paged, single-spaced letters from Fr. Henry Harper. In 1979, the Communications Coordinator became an elected office of Vestry. Four newsletters were prepared and mailed every year. Each contained a letter from the rector, news of the parish, coming events. Contributions from parishioners were also encouraged. All of which continues to this day. 7

8 Production of all this information relied heavily on an old IBM typewriter (with a mind of its own) and an ancient Gestetner (see illustration) that worked only when it felt like it. Illustrations were all drawn by hand on stencils, though occasionally if we could afford the $5.00, we might have an electronic stencil made. Then an anonymous donor gave funds for a stencil maker. Oh, happy Day! Then came a new Gestetner and new typewriter and ultimately a photocopier! Could it be any better than this? Absolutely! The original Trinity s Yesterdays - the history of our church was produced in on a first Macintosh computer. In 2017, the Trinity-St. Paul Tidings is written on a computer, sent to Judy Tutty, who in turn sends it to all members of the parish who have computer access. For everyone else, copies are printed for distribution. Judy also prepares her monthly Happenings on her computer and sends it out the same way. After 150 years, in a world where churches are closing due to low attendance, modern communications help keep us together and informed. Margaret Parker (Parts taken from Trinity s Yesterdays 1992) How Did We Celebrate? 50 Years Ago... Who could forget 1967? Canada s 100th Birthday was celebrated in verse and song. Who can forget Expo and Ontario Place, and all the exciting events which took place all year. Trinity Church, Port Credit celebrated too. Although, we don t seem to have much actual history of parish events for that year, we do know that there was a concerted effort to save artifacts and records. The Rev. G. P. Parson, inducted in 1958, served the parish for ten years. As the Centennial approached, plans were made for Trinity Sunday. On May 14th, three services were held - Holy Communion at 8 am, Morning Prayer at 10 am with Lt.Col The Rev. Canon Joseph Cardy, Chaplain of the Canadian Armed Forces and a native of Port Credit, preaching the sermon. At 7 pm, the Right Reverend George B. Snell, Bishop of Toronto, conducted a service of Confirmation. 25 Years Ago... Parishioners were full of ideas for our 125th Anniversary in A history was written. Commemorative plates were sold. But the really big event was a celebration luncheon held on Trinity Sunday at the Port Credit Yacht Club. Care had been taken to invite former members, many who had moved away as well as current families and individuals. Among special guests were the former Bishop of Edmonton, the Right Reverend. John Langstone and Mrs. Langstone.. As Rev. Jack Langstone, he had been rector of Trinity, Port Credit from 1950 to 1958 and was a driving force behind building the stone church. Among other guests were Anthony and Augusta Adamson. Tony was a well-known architect, historian and UofT professor who influenced much of the interior design of the church. 8

9 Other guests who came were former members of the Anglican Young People s Association. There were many who had met their future husbands and wives at Trinity and were able to celebrate a joyful AYPA reunion. For our special party on June 11, 2017, we will welcome our new Area Bishop, the Right Reverend Jenny Andison. And we hope that all parishioners will invite former members to come and join us. What Do You Remember? Most of the history written here is from Trinity, Port Credit, but we want former members of St. Paul s Lorne Park and St. Nicholas, Lakeview to bring us your photos and memorabilia to add to our archives. It s an important way of bringing our histories together. It prevents valuable information from being lost. It helps the next generations to prepare for future milestones and it helps us in 2017 to unite as one church Come work for the Lord. The labour is intensive, the hours are long and the pay is low, but the retirement benefits are out of this world. 9

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