Commemorative Edition

Transcription

1 January 28, 2018 Sunday News Commemorative Edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE MCC Toronto and Brent's ministry have been a central part of my life. I had been out for about six months when I first met Brent. He invited me to church and I attended the first service on Bathurst Street thirty-seven years ago. Eventually, I became involved with the community helping to prepare hot dinners that we had before service. I also assisted with the music and established the Counterpoint Community Orchestra. Brent and I settled down rather quickly during his hunger strike in he was a cheap date. I was with him through his disruption of the legislature and through the early days of protesting police actions against the gay community. I encouraged him to complete his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. I was also with him through the AIDS crisis in which our church helped about 90 people each year. I was with him when he performed the first Gay marriages at MCC Toronto and was delighted to witness his appointment to the Order of Canada. I enjoy going to church on Sundays because I love helping with the music program and having a front row view of all the incredibly talented musicians who are guided by Diane Leah. Equally important are the social gatherings that have provided us with a tremendous amount of support and fellowship. I look forward to continuing friendships as we now move to being Pastor Emeritus and Spouse. Definitely, I am excited about what the future will hold for us. John Sproule - MCC Toronto

2 Offertory Order of Service Receiving a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut in the smash hit Mamma Mia was a highlight for Louise Pitre, Canada s first lady of musical theatre, in a career that spans theatre, television and concert stages across North America and Europe. In addition to headlining the Toronto, Broadway and US touring company casts of Mamma Mia!, Louise is known for her signature performances as Fantine in Les Misérables (Toronto, Montreal and Paris) and the title character in Edith Piaf. In 2013, Louise premiered her first self-produced, selfpenned one-woman show entitled On The Rocks with Diane Leah at the piano at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto. Catch Louise next at MCC Toronto on February 17 th, in her Judy Garland tribute concert, Chasing Rainbows. Please read Louis s full biography on our website. Music Director: Diane Leah Associate Director: Jeannie Wyse At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Welcome Prelude All You Need Is Love Call To Worship Processional This Is The Day Opening Prayer Senior Pastor Farewell Anthem Total Praise Prayers of the People Sacred Readings Lessons for Life Fought the Good Fight, Finished the Race, Kept the Faith Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson Time of Reconciliation Anointing, Flow Through Me Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing Holy Ground Medley Here I Am Lord Jesus Prayer Offertory House of Love, performed by Louise Pitre and Richard Belzile Gathering Our Gifts Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Holy Communion Give Us This Day I ve Got Peace Like A River When Peace Like A River Hallelujah (Cohen) Because You Live Commemoration of Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes Retirement Benediction Closing Words Closing Song We Are The Church Alive Website: info@mcctoronto.com

3 First Reading Second Reading 2 Timothy 4: 1-2, 5-8 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his dominion, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which Christ, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Matthew 22: Thought of the Day When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, You shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. A Sunday School Teacher decided to have her class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. Bobby was excited about the task, but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. Bobby was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my shepherd... and that's all I need to know!"

4 Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson is the former Moderator (global leader) of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). She was elected to that position in 2005, following the retirement of the Founder of MCC, Rev. Elder Troy Perry, and in July 2010, she was re-elected for a term of six years. Rev. Wilson found MCC in 1972, and became a pastor at the new MCC church in Boston, as well as an activist in the community. She was ordained in MCC in Dallas, Texas, in She served as pastor of Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida, from 2001 to 2005 and was previously the pastor of MCC Los Angeles now Founders MCC from 1986 until 2000; the church founded by Rev. Troy Perry in Rev. Wilson joined MCC as Associate Pastor of MCC Boston in 1972 at 22 years of age. She served as Pastor of MCC Detroit from 1975 to She was elected Elder of MCC in 1976 and served as the denomination s Vice-Moderator from 1993 to In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Rev. Wilson to the President s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Their work culminated in a report of recommendations to the President: Building Partnerships to Eradicate Modern-Day Slavery. Following President Obama s reelection in 2013, Rev. Wilson gave a Scripture reading at the Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and was the first openly gay clergy member to participate. Rev. Wilson is a popular preacher and speaker. She also writes poetry and is an avid birdwatcher. She resides in Bradenton, Florida, with her wife, since 1977, Dr. Paula Schoenwether, an artist and jeweler. Wishing you a journey of success in the next chapter of your life.

5

6 Loblaw Food Cards Happening Today Late last year, Loblaw announced a compensation program after the grocer admitted they had engaged in price-fixing practices on bread and wanted to make amends. Customers are now able to sign up to receive a $25 grocery card redeemable at Loblaw stores. Signing up for the card does not prevent you from participating in any class actions against Loblaw, but any payout would be deducted. We are encouraging everyone to sign up for a $25 food card and donate them to the church. We will share all donations equally between our Refugee Ministry participants and the Triangle lunch program. Senior Pastor Farewell 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Children & Family Ministry 11:00 a.m. Rm 109 & Triangle A Senior Pastor Reception 12:30 p.m. Social Hall Thrift Shop All morning Upstairs Social Hall Evening Elevation Service 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Happening This Week Life Long Learning Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Room 109 Expansive Spiritual Encounter Thursday 11:00 a.m. Rm 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 7:00 p.m. Social Hall Mardi Gras Pancake Dinner Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday, is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. Come enjoy the feast with us! We ll be hosting an all-ages community pancake supper on February 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. Enjoy pancakes, fresh fruit and maple syrup, mask-making, and a fun dance party. When you re ready to go home, stop in the Sanctuary to receive a ceremonial ashing with your choice of traditional or glitter ashes. RSVP:

7 Our Mutual Agreement Transitions require clear expectations to prevent misunderstandings. With that in mind, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes and Rev. Jeff Rock have developed a mutual agreement procedure. Here are some highlights: Title: Brent will assume the title of Pastor Emeritus following his retirement and Jeff will be known as the Senior Pastor. The Immediate Future: For the next 6 months, Brent will take a break from MCC Toronto for some much deserved rest and to allow Jeff to establish a pastoral relationship with the congregation. After 6 months, Brent will be greeted joyfully and be a full-fledged member of the congregation. Feedback: Brent and Jeff have a great relationship and don t want to hear complaints about each other. Weddings: Brent will continue to maintain his marriage license and be able to perform weddings. We will continue to check in with each other on a regular basis and support each another in our respective ministries. Life Long Learning Meditation Practices Advanced Tuesdays - Feb 20 th to March 20 th 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m. Location: Room 109 Facilitator: Barb McIntosh Jesus Fatwah Wednesdays - Feb 21 st to Mar 21 st 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: Room 109 Facilitator: Rev. Deana Dudley Register online: learning.mcctoronto.com

8 Memories... Brent, the first sermon I ever heard given by you totally shocked me. It was many years ago in the late 1970s. Janet, my partner, now my wife, and I climbed a staircase and entered a plain room to attend our first church service at MCC. We sat in the back of the room. The only thing I remember from your sermon that day was you saying that God loved Gays and Lesbians. I had never heard anyone talk about Gays and Lesbians in public before, let alone in a church service. And to hear you say that the Almighty loved them was shocking. It made me question whether you were an ordained minister or a charlatan. We left before the end of the service, but I often thought about that shocking statement. My spiritual journey with you at the helm had begun. What an amazing journey this has been. In the intervening years you baptised Jan and officiated at our marriage ceremony. You have been an inspiration and a guiding light to me through all these years. I want to say a truly sincere and heartfelt thank you for your guidance, lessons, activism, humour, kindness and your wonderful Brent hugs. Yes, I will, as you request, let you go, but I will never forget all you have done and I will be forever grateful for that. Thank you. -Teresa Harvey On September 20, 2003, we married at MCC Toronto and you presided over the ceremony. We are both active in the church Jen in the choir and supporting the music ministry and Lori on and off the Board. Brent we are forever connected. Embrace your next chapters and know how deeply you are loved and valued. -Lori Boyce and Jennifer Alexander Thanks for your dedication. Embrace your future. - Staff

9 In 1981, I had the honour of being a support person to Rev. Brent Hawkes in an act of civil disobedience at the Ontario Legislature at Queens Park. There was a vote on an amendment to the Ontario Human Rights Act to include 'sexual orientation' as a protected right. We knew in advance that the amendment would be defeated (...after the NDP pulled its support...even though 'sexual orientation' inclusion was generally accepted as 'party policy'). Del Mansell, Paul Murphy, and Brent Hawkes decided to take direct action in the legislature. They would handcuff themselves to the railing of the visitors gallery, and read aloud a list of groups which supported the inclusion of 'sexual orientation' in the Human Rights Code. Each of them had two support people with them to protect them, bear witness for them, and to stay with them at all times. The police, and those in positions of authority, were more violent and threatening back then. Del, Brent and Paul each had physical examinations before the protest by a doctor who would testify that they were in good shape before being taken into custody, if necessary. The bravery and courage demonstrated by these three was impressive. After the motion was defeated, Del Mansell handcuffed himself to the railing in the east gallery, and declared in a loud voice "This is a human rights OMISSION! The following groups are in support of the inclusion of 'sexual orientation' in the Ontario Human Rights code..." He then began to read from a long list of names and organizations. When Del was silenced by the security staff, Paul Murphy, at the north end of the western gallery continued to read the list, and when he was silenced, Brent, at the south end of the western gallery continued reading the list. The shock on the floor of the legislature was palpable. The speaker of the house, red-faced, called for

10 the removal of the protesters, but the security staff had to find bolt cutters to remove the handcuffs, before the protesters could be removed! Brent, Paul and Del were held in the security offices of Queen's Park for an hour and forty-five minutes, and then were let go. It was deemed by the Queen's Park security staff that the incident would be best hushed up. They suffered no harm. It was a very effective act of civil disobedience, and the seeds were planted for the amendment to pass in 1986 under the Omnibus Bill, with the NDP leading the provincial government. So, while this may be the story of a battle lost, it is also the story of a war won. Thank you for all the years of service, Brent. -Michael Ainslie My name is Rob Fountain. I have lived in Fort Lauderdale for 21 years now. Prior to that I lived in Toronto and was a member of MCC Toronto from 1979 to January I first started coming to MCC Toronto at a time when it was very difficult to come out. I was in the Salvation Army and my experience there was becoming more and more homophobic. I went to see a psychologist to help me with my mixed feelings. Dr. Froin looked at me and said, You don t have a problem with your sexuality, your church does. He handed me Rev Hawkes business card and suggested I go see him. Three weeks later I got enough nerve to go to the evening service. The church then was worshipping in the building of the First Unitarian Congregation. I walked around the block three times until I got enough strength to walk inside. Brent met me at the door. We struggled with a hug and in I went. That evening s service, the members and Brent s sermon made me know I was home! I miss MCC Toronto, my anchor. Brent comes down for a visit every year. I look forward to it. I have been truly blessed to have Brent as a pastor and friend for 38 years. -Rob Fountain

11 Triangle Cooks MCC Toronto houses an amazing high school for kids exploring their LGBTQ identity. Not only are these wonderful students treated to an enriched education program and a vibrant and supportive community, but they also get a hot lunch prepared and served to them by volunteers every day! We need a few more volunteers to make sure that the lunch program continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. If you d like to help cook a weekly meal for a crowd of about 30 hungry teenagers, please Alice Martin Ellwood: alice.martinellwood@tdsb.on.ca Jazz Vespers Our popular Jazz Vespers concert series continues in 2018 with Toronto s best jazz musicians! All shows are Sundays at 4:00 p.m. February 11 Love Vespers March 18 Jazzy St. Paddy s April 22 Earth Vespers June 10 Pride Vespers Anointing/Server Training The next Anointing and Communion Serving training will be held on Sunday February 18 th from 1:00 pm 2:30 pm in Triangle Room C. For more information please contact Vaughan Wilcox, vaughanw@primus.ca. Coming Soon Sunday January 28, 10:50 a.m. Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes retirement service Saturday February 3, 7:00 p.m. Young Adults Karaoke Night Sunday February 4, 12:30 p.m. Funerals workshop Friday February 9, 7:00 p.m. Euchre Tournament, round one Sunday February 11, 4:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers, the love edition Tuesday February 13, 6:00 p.m. Mardi Gras community pancake dinner Friday February 17, 7:30 p.m. Chasing Rainbows concert Friday February 23, 6:30 p.m. SJN Movie Night

12 NEXT MONTH February 17, :30 p.m. Buy tickets in the Social Hall MCC Toronto fundraising concert