Every SJYM. St John s York Mills Anglican Church

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2 The Link is published four times per year by St John s York Mills Anglican Church. Items for inclusion are subject to editing and should be submitted to thelink@sjym.ca. Related highresolution digital photos may be submitted as well. Next Issue: Winter Copy deadline: October 7 for a November mailing Editor: Laura Peetoom Designer: Catherine Bryant We re glad you re here. SJYM is a vibrant and thoughtful community of people at various stages of faith. Everyday life is challenging; we allow the spirituality of the Christian faith to speak into both our difficulties and our joys. Sunday mornings at SJYM we offer worship without barriers. Come as you are. Refreshments are available in the foyer from 10 a.m. on, and you can join in at any point, coffee in hand. Bring your questions we re all learning! And it doesn t stop Sunday at noon. We believe that growth only happens when we keep exploring the scriptures and the life of faith. So, we are always creating new weekday opportunities to learn and work together. Every SJYM 9:00 The Sacred Table Traditional Anglican Holy Eucharist, nourishing the experienced Christian with sacrament, word and music. 10:00 Refreshment for body and soul as people mingle to catch up on news and share milestones on the journey of faith. St John s York Mills Anglican Church 19 Don Ridge Drive Toronto, Ontario M2P 1H3 Phone: Fax: welcome@sjym.ca Intermission 10:30 The Open Door Vibrant worship with a casual atmosphere and a focus on song, prayer and teaching. Children are welcome to a worship and learning program especially for them. 11:30 The Forum An opportunity to ask questions and discuss answers, especially for those who are challenged by the idea of church.

3 Rector s Reflection From Generation to Generation Dear St. John s Family: I write this in anticipation of our 200th anniversary celebrations. On Sunday, September 18, Archbishop Colin Johnson will be presiding as we receive the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant- Governor of Ontario; our MP Rob Oliphant and Councillor Jaye Robinson; former rectors Rev. Dr. O Neill and Rev. Hiscock and other former clergy of St. John s and their families; parishioners past and present, and many others to our Service of Thanksgiving, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It is my sincerest hope that you may be able to attend! The day begins with re-creation of an early 19thcentury service of Morning Prayer. It will be abbreviated, as it was the custom then to worship for two or three hours including an hour from the pulpit! (I can only dream. ) The Thanksgiving Service with Holy Eucharist at 10:30 will be followed by a splendid tea an opportunity for all to renew acquaintanceship, reminisce,... and consider how our forbears managed to sing along to that barrel organ. The life of St. John s has certainly evolved over the centuries, from when Loyalist Seneca Ketchum began worship services in the log cabin on his farm in Bedford Park. By 1816 that small cadre of worshippers were ready to step out in faith. Their house church had expanded, especially with the return of soldiers after the War of 1812, and was now meeting in a schoolhouse somewhere near The Miller Tavern (or the Jolly Miller, as some may remember!). It was the personal faith of devout lay leaders like Ketchum that made it possible to imagine calling on the services of the mighty and dynamic Rev. Dr. John Strachan, Rector of St. James. He agreed to travel north to provide a proper order of Divine Worship one Sunday afternoon a month. But he needed a sanctuary for the purpose, and the community went to work raising money. History changed forever when Joseph and Catherine Shepard offered the land we now call home for a mere five shillings (a little less than a pound sterling). Shortly thereafter, on September 17, 1816, a corner-stone was laid by Lieutenant-Governor Francis Gore and prayers for the new Mission were offered by Rev. Strachan. Thus, the parish church of St. John s York Mills was born. 200 years on, we are still worshipping God in the same location albeit in a different building. The brick church of 1843 has been expanded many times, most recently in But past builders preserved the even earlier past by reusing some original wood beams, still visible in the narthex below the tower bell. This illustrious history stirs us to think about and build toward the future Church. After considerable fundraising and prayerful deliberation we, the people of St. John s, are stepping out in faith once again, this time to re-invigorate our neighbour, the parish Church of St. Leonard s at Lawrence and Yonge. I find it interesting that this project is happening very close to the original farmlands of the original settlers of the region, people like Seneca Ketchum himself. We may find it necessary to open up our homes, just as the founders of St. John s did well over two centuries ago. And (in the absence of Strachan!) we have brought in a missioner to help us re-establish the parish under the leadership of the people of St. John s York Mills. I cannot think of a greater legacy to those hard-working souls who founded our Church than to step out in faith, as they once did, to start another community of faith where God s name can be honoured and proclaimed. I look forward to welcoming you to worship at St. John s and also solicit your prayerful help in building the Kingdom of God beyond our borders and well into our third century. I believe the need is even greater today than it was in Let us journey into the future to honour our past. To God be the Glory; great things He has done from Generation to Generation. Rev. Canon Dr. D.V. MacDonald Rector St. John s York Mills

4 Deacon Catherine s Diary RZIM Summer School 2016! One of the highlights for me this summer was attending the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry summer school at Trinity Western in Langley, BC. This was a one -week, intensive course: Sunday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The speakers were very challenging and included Andy Bannister, who has visited SJYM, and Abdu Murray, who will be visiting later this year; we also heard from the uplifting and enlightening Anna M. Robbins, Margaret Manning Shull, Mike Licona and others. We had daily Bible studies and learned how to dig deeper into scriptures and interpret the stories. Summer school was a great follow-up to a week-long trip from Calgary to Banff that included stops at Lake Louise and Jasper and a Via Rail voyage through the Rockies. What a lovely way to appreciate God s creation Beautiful BC, indeed! The Centre for Excellence in Christian Education (CECE) The CECE is offering for sale its collection of Godly Play materials and resources about $2500 (U.S.) worth and are prepared to take best offer for the set. These materials are used in the Montessori-based children s worship program introduced in Young Children and Worship by Sonia Stewart and Jerome Berryman. If you have questions or an offer, please contact ckeating@sjym.ca. Outreach As you know, SJYM has been actively supporting Sandy Bay Primary School in Jamaica. The Children s Ministry has joined in through the pen-pal program and prayer. We are hoping to extend this initiative by partnering with Education Beyond Borders, an organisation that goes into schools to work with teachers on enhancing instruction and student achievement. (Go to for more information.) In early September I was able to go to Sandy Bay to help the principal start the process from her end. I am grateful to Michele and Glen McDonald for making this possible. Toronto Children s Ministry Conference 2016 We greatly appreciate having had the support of the parish in sponsoring past conferences on location at SJYM. CECE continues to work with Wycliffe Serves in planning this year s conference, Building Foundations for Faith, which will be held on Saturday November 5 at Wycliffe College. The list of presenters is strong and has something for a variety of interests and needs. Check the following for updates: the Wycliffe Serves website the CECE blog thecece.org the SJYM Children s Ministry Facebook page The Link Winter edition

5 The Learning Journey As I think of learning, I see either a nutshell cracked open or an onion being peeled, for both are images for me of how we learn. Sometimes there s a burst of a realized truth that is freeing and other times it s the gradual unpeeling of layers of understanding and/or experience. It might come through a book, film, scripture study or service project. It could happen alone or in dialogue with others. As school starts it feels like a new year What will I study? How will I grow? Where will your learning journey take you? At SJYM we offer both formal and informal learning opportunities. Will you join a small group or our Children s Ministry? Will you study one of the books in the Good and Beautiful series? Is there an opportunity for you with the Outreach Ministry, Music Ministry, Welcome and Hospitality Ministry? There are many choices. I look forward to hearing what you are learning this year. Will it come in a burst or a gradual unfolding or both?! Rev. Anne Crosthwait Associate Rector Run like a winner. (I Cor. 9:24) What if you could train in your faith the way athletes train for the Olympics? Over the summer, clergy, lay leaders and members of SJYM have been envisioning a more intentional program of Christian education. Its goal would be gold medal disciples individuals who know Christ and are equipped to make Him known actively, in their daily lives and in the Kingdom work they do. Using resources and groups already in place in our church, the training program unrolls as follows. Where are you in your training? Are you ready to move to the next stage? Do you need to unlearn some old habits and take on some new, more effective ones? Stage 1: Regular church attendance Stage 2: SJYM Orientation (Half-day) A Saturday morning meeting for newcomers and those wanting a fresh start. Learn about one another, our leaders and life at our church. Stage 3: Rooted in Christ (6 weeks) Clergy and lay leaders outline and discuss the basic tenets of the faith. For both new and curious Christians. Stage 4: Growing in Christ (2 3 years) Members clarify their understanding and strengthen their spiritual discipline, with the guidance of clergy and lay leadership. Each book/study group builds on the one before:...just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live your lives in him, ROOTED AND BUILT UP in him, strengthened in the faith Colossians 2: 6 7 The Good and Beautiful God The Good and Beautiful Life The Good and Beautiful Community Stage 5: Cultivating Christ (Lifetime) Members worship regularly and take leadership in meeting with fellow Christians for study, prayer and service.

6 Recognizing that we re at different stages with different learning styles and interests, SJYM offers a variety of faith-growing opportunities this season. Rooted in Christ (Stage 3) Christianity 101 For those who would like an introduction to or review of the basics of our faith. When: Second & fourth Weds. evenings beginning September 28 Commitment: 5 sessions Leaders: Max & Paul Growing in Christ (Stage 4) Good and Beautiful Groups For those who would like to explore what it means to be a follower of Christ in today s world. We use as our guide the Apprenticeship Series by James Bryan Smith. Please note the prerequisites. Good and Beautiful God When: Weds. evenings beginning Sept 21 or: Thurs. mornings (biweekly) beginning Oct 27 Commitment: 10 sessions Leader: Anne+ Good and Beautiful Life (pre-requisite: G&B God) When: afternoons Commitment: Leaders: Mon. evenings (biweekly) or: Weekday (TBD) (biweekly) 13 sessions Drew+ (Mon); Olivia & Michele (weekday aft.) Good and Beautiful Community (pre-requisite: G&B Life) When: or: Commitment: Leaders: First & third Weds. evenings beginning Sept. 21 Thurs. mornings (biweekly), beginning Sept sessions Paul & Myrna (Weds); Anne+ (Thurs) Cultivating Christ (Stage 5) Compass Groups Compass Groups are usually devoted to scripture study. They meet in homes or at the church. The Book of Isaiah When: or: Duration: Hosts: Mon. evenings (biweekly) Tues. mornings September May Tim+ (Mon); Joan (Tues) The Common Lectionary When: Weds. evenings, second & fourth of the month Duration: September May Hosts: Sylvia McConnell & the Nelleses The Gospel of Matthew When: Mon. at 12:30 p.m. Duration: September May Hosts: Bev Salmon & Deacon Catherine Men s Supper Club This season, we ll begin with Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. When: Second Tues. evening of the month Duration: September June Leader: Drew+ & Max

7 Women s Study Group Attend the first meeting of this new group and help decide what we ll study. When: First Tues. evening of the month beginning October 4 Duration: Contacts: Hidden Wholeness October April Laura & Catherine For those who learn best in a reflective environment. Explore Parker Palmer s book on living an integrated life. When: Fri. afternoons beginning Oct. 7 Duration: 10 weeks Leader: Anne+ The Lychgate Group With roots in the ACW tradition, this group meets monthly for learning, fellowship and service. When: Duration: Contact: Second Thurs. evening of the month September May Pamela Ministry & Service As well as running itself, SJYM runs ongoing ministries, at home and overseas, which can always use helping hands. We also support ministries in the community in which our members are involved. Outreach: Refugee settlement, Sandy Bay Primary (Jamaica) support & fundraising, Downsview & Flemingdon Park Ministries Barnabas Ministry (monthly community breakfast) Prayer Team, Flower Guild, Welcome & Hospitality Teams Youth & Children s Ministries Music & AV Tech Teams Finance, Property & Churchyard Committees Contact the church office for more information. Family Life For those who are looking to share the joys and challenges of life. At various times during the coming year (as needed) we will offer: Parenting courses Marriage course DivorceCare GriefShare Contact: Tim+ Questions? Interested? Please contact: Anne Crosthwait (G&B, Hidden Wholeness, general) acrosthwait@sjym.ca Drew MacDonald (Good &Beautiful) dmacdonald@sjym.ca Tim Taylor (Compass, Family Life) ttaylor@sjym.ca Paul Heersink (G&B, Christianity 101) pheersink@gmail.com Max Dionisio (Men s Supper Club, Christianity 101) max.dionisio@gmail.com Pamela Smith (Lychgate Group) pamelaj001@rogers.com Bev Salmon (Compass) bevsalm@hotmail.com Olivia Lee (Compass) molhdl@rogers.com Joan Patterson (Compass) jmpatterson@bell.net Sylvia McConnell (Compass) sbmc@bell.net Cliff Nelles (Compass) nelles29@rogers.com Laura Peetoom (Women s study group) lpeetoom@sjym.ca

8 NEW Women s Study Group For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them. Matthew 18:20 Praying for the Church For all of us, it is a privilege and a responsibility to pray for the many programs being offered here at St. John s and to pray for those involved, that they be empowered and guided by God s Holy Spirit in the fulfillment of their responsibilities. Along with individual prayer, however, every Tuesday a faithful group gathers to pray in the children s chapel from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Each member of the group has some association with different activities and programs and brings special insight in prayer that the rest can support or expand on far beyond what any of us could manage independently. Every aspect of church life is covered and, over the course of a few months, every parish family is remembered in prayer. Jesus said, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. There is definitely a power in praying together and a very real sense of blessing. On September 13 at 11:15 the prayer group will begin meeting again, following a summer break. We invite any parishioners who are able to join with us and share in the sense of blessing. Anne Dixie, Doreen Handley, Joanne Lang, Olivia Lee, Diana McVitty, Joan Patterson, Sandy Russel, Jane White Men s Supper Club Returns! Gentlemen, please join us in the Garnsworthy Room On the Second Tuesday of Every Month Next meeting: October 11 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of dinner, discovery and discussion. We begin this season with Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. If you plan to attend, it is appreciated if you can send a note to Max at max.dionisio@gmail.com to help us organize the meal. A new women s group is forming and if you would like to be part of it, please come to a planning meeting on Tuesday, October 4 in the Marsh Room (7:00 p.m.). We d like to go beyond Bible study to learn and discuss what current Christian writers have to say. Suggestions include: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, by Nabeel Qureshi Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey Bring your suggestions and let s decide together! The Lychgate Group This group has been meeting since 1978 for fellowship, learning and service. We meet on the second Thursday of the month and guests are always welcome to come and see what Lychgate is all about. We regularly feature interesting discussions and guest speakers, with an occasional outing. Next Meeting: October 11: The Lions Foundation of Canada: The Dog Guides Training Program Plans for 2017 include a visit to the Ismaili Centre and guest speakers Sister Sarah Jean, SSJD, on praying the rosary, and her Excellency Mrs. Sharon Johnston, author of a historical fiction trilogy. Please contact Pamela Smith at pamelaj001@rogers.com for more information.

9 Children s Ministry The Dig In curriculum combines discussion, videos, crafts and games to engage children in exploring the Bible and applying it to real-life situations. During The Open Door on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., Children JK/SK to Grade 6 are invited to gather in the Children s Chapel for worship, music, and Bible stories. Followed by small group exploration of the story in activities, craft projects and discussions that are age appropriate. A nursery room is open for those up to three years old and their parents. If you prefer, a small room at the back of the sanctuary is also open for parents and children up to two years old. Have you met Jeanny? We are very happy to announce the hiring of Jeanny Sarah Hwang as Children s Ministry Coordinator at SJYM. Jeanny (pronounced Jenny ) has a passion for helping young people to build a personal relationship with Jesus, to learn how to love and forgive self and others, and to grow their faith in a healthy and positive environment. After earning a Bachelor s degree in Christian Education, Youth and Family from Tyndale University, she further pursued a Master of Divinity from Tyndale Seminary. Her ministry experience includes preaching/teaching, administration, leadership, curriculum/training development, generational reconciliation, and pastoring. In her free time, Jeanny loves cooking, listening to music, home decorating, watching movies, reading, playing sports and hanging with friends and family. She began her role with some informal meetings with parents and parishioners before her official start date of September 1. Now plans for the year are well underway. For more information about Children s ministry programs and how you can participate, contact Jeanny at jhwang@sjym.ca or through the office at From Anne s Desk One Sunday, before The Open Door, one of our children was sitting in the sanctuary in a chair with some books on his lap. He saw me walking down the aisle and greeted me with a bright, Hi Anne! I stopped and returned his greeting; then, he looked me in the eye and said, How are you today? I checked in with myself for a moment and then responded, Thanks for asking. I m really well this morning. Sundays usually feel like a party to me and I m looking forward to the party we ll have together today. He burst into a big smile. Me too! I really like the party here too! Wow a child who loves to come to church! I think that child is reflective of what many of us feel, both children and adults. Our Sundays are interesting, thoughtprovoking, reverential, heart-moving, door-opening and simply fun. What words would you use to describe our Sunday gatherings? If you haven t been recently, I hope you ll return this fall and then return again with a friend in hand. Some of the words we ve been considering to describe ourselves are a diverse church or a place where you can be yourself. There is room for all at God s banquet. Come and join the party. Hope to see you soon and hear you share your Sunday words with me. On alternating Mondays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., join Anne + TIM for confirmation classes. Explore what it means to be Christian in an Anglican context and prepare for confirmation in January. Option: Arrive at 5:00 to make soup! DREW for a Q&A. Explore what the Bible has to say about life, culture, friends and more!

10 Are you choosing extra-curricular activities? As we begin a new school year, families also choose what to be involved in after school. An article I read recently reminded me of why our free handbell and handchime programs are so good for our children. Music study from an early age supports language acquisition social development. It teaches self discipline, cooperation and interpersonal skills and builds community. We in the bells and chimes also know it s fun, energizing and full of laughter. And we would love to have new children join us, especially in Chimers. Here are the details: Chimers are from grade 3 up and our Rockin Ringers from grade 6/7 up. They both meet on Mondays from 6 to 7. Parents and grandparents usually wait and read or chat with one another and then come to the practice rooms at 6:55 p.m. to hear our progress. Siblings are welcome to accompany parents and bring their homework. Brass Ringers are quite experienced young adults. If you have music skills on another instrument and want to give bells a try please join us Sundays after church, usually 11:45 to 1 or 1:15 p.m. Our Ingram Ringers are a dedicated group of adults with many years experience who meet on Monday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Programs have already begun but it is not too late to join in! Please call with questions. Our program wouldn t be possible without parental support and encouragement and the volunteers who work with the youth. Janet Benedict will look after the chimers again this year and Catherine Orser will assist her. Stephanie Brander and Carolyn Parkes will assist with the Rockin Ringers. And, of course, none of this happens without God s help and blessing, as well. Looking forward to another year of music with people who mean so much to me, Carolyn Coming in December

11 St. Leonard s Update From our Churchwardens In September, many of us reflect upon the windingdown of summer and our past vacation activities. Others at St. John s York Mills are looking ahead to the challenge of revitalizing the neighbourhood parish church of St. Leonard s. Through many processes that began more than a year ago, in 2015, the proposal and plan for this project has taken shape. Diocesan financial assistance was granted in June 2016, and we could begin to put our plan into action by formally engaging a Missioner. Part of the process has been crafting a model for the St. John s-st. Leonard s partnership. Our ultimate goal is revitalization the rise of a new and strong St. Leonard s that is capable of sustaining itself. St. John s project team, in concert with the leadership at St. Leonard s and coaches from the Diocese, worked with the Minster model of governance, in which two congregations each retain their own identity, yet one is guided and cared for by the other. This model aligns with our partnership vision, which is to offer pastoral ministry and administrative support to the existing St. Leonard s congregation, while at the same time growing a new congregation with resource priority being given to the fresh expression of this church. This partnership clearly fits with St. John s evangelical commitment to actively reach beyond its immediate parish community. Our archival records speak to a pioneer history of outreach and renewal. This is very important to keep in mind as we celebrate our bicentennial. For example, it has been recorded that in 1847, St. John s was already supporting three mission stations in Leaside and Davisville, where services were held in parishioner s homes. It is appropriate, then, that our Missioner is taking a neighbourhood approach. Rev. Dr. Guy Chevreau, with his wife Kerry, has settled in North Toronto and is already at work in the St. Leonard s neighbourhood: walking, observing, praying...and preparing to receive whoever the Holy Spirit sends us. Dr. James Parrish, Churchwarden Dr. Guy Chevreau and his wife, Kerry. About Our Missioner Dr. Guy Chevreau had been serving in Baptist churches for 14 years, as a youth minister and pastor, when he decided to pursue doctoral studies at Wycliffe College. His first post was as senior leader of a multi-staffed suburban church, where he led a team in discerning a vision and ministry priorities for a church plant. This has since become the focus of his ministry in the Church universal, across denominations and in over 280 churches in 33 countries. Three of his nine books are particularly inspired by this work: Share the Fire: Grace-based Evangelism; Vital Signs of a Healthy Church; and It s Not Fair: Grace That Both Offends and Befriends. Guy has this to say about his role as Missioner to St. Leonard s: As a continuous learner, I have devoted myself to the study of renewal, mission, church growth, church planting, the Mission-Shaped Church, and the reviving and releasing work of the Spirit. In re-mandating St. Len s, I feel called, gifted, and anointed for this next phase of ministry. Welcome, Guy and Kerry!

12 Outreach Neighbourhood News Breakfast with Barnabas Our Barnabas breakfast was one of the few feed-thehungry programs in the city that continued throughout the summer. Attendance was near-capacity each month. When Premier Kathleen Wynne attended the Social Justice Meeting arranged by the Outreach Committee last May, we were able to convey to her some concerns expressed by our Barnabas guests and organisers. The universal issue was the acute shortage of affordable housing. Other concerns include the withdrawal of funding to relief programs as well as the need to increase income levels for those struggling to survive. Our Barnabas program is able to thrive due to generous donations from St John s congregation members and the dedicated work of our volunteers. A new fundraising initiative will be launched this fall, in honour of our 200th anniversary and in memory of former Barnabas co-ordinator Joanne Ingram. We will be selling packages of greeting cards illustrated with Joanne s beautiful photos, and all proceeds will go to Barnabas. Please support this initiative by stocking your own card collection or buying a few sets as gifts for others. For more information about Barnabas, and/or to help with the breakfast on the last Wednesday morning of each month, please contact Bev McLeod or Bev Salmon through the church office. From time to time, we all need a little help with a lift to an appointment, a meal or two, or a grocery run. Such needs often come to our clergy s attention and it would be great to have a list of volunteers on whom they can call. If you can provide a meal, a ride or some time to run an errand, please let the office know by calling or dropping by. Outreach Around the World Refugee Update We have three refugee resettlement projects in the works: a partnership with a community group; supporting a neighbourhood family in reuniting with family members; and bringing to Canada an Anglican priest and his family, who fled their home in Burundi and are waiting in Uganda while paperwork for a student visa is completed. The big news is the arrival in Canada of the Colombian family being sponsored by North York Moms & Dads. Hector, Veronica and Medigzon arrived in late July and we have been working alongside the sponsorship group to help get them accommodation and other necessities of life in Canada. Catherine Bryant was drafted into service on the fly to recall the Spanish she acquired while working in Latin America several years ago. Thankfully, she was able to help explain the accommodation options to the family! The other two families are still in the process of working their way through the visa application process. Unfortunately that means that Rev. Pierre will not be here in time for the start of school in September; he has been offered a place and a scholarship at Wycliffe. However, we still carry on in hope and faith. Perhaps he can begin in January! Rev. Timothy Taylor Rev. Pierre and his beautiful family

13 Notes from Malawi If you really wish to find or test yourself, throw yourself into a situation you would have never in a million years chosen, and then own it and live it. Parishioner Damien Benedict has been working toward becoming a master builder with Habitat for Humanity. This summer he went to Malawi to earn his final qualifications and, of course, to help more families in need move into brand-new, sturdy homes! Here are some highlights from his account of the experience. DAY 1 10,000+ bricks makes one home in Malawi. Build me two, they say. Challenge accepted! Let s turn this pile into something someone can call home! DAY 2 The women in this country work so hard and are always smiling. Hard to imagine with 10kg or more of water compressing your head and spine. They make it look so easy! You go, girls! LATER Our send-off crew! Can t tell if they are just excited and don t want us to leave, or are chasing us out of the village. But they make each of us feel like celebrities! Such love that transcends any language barriers and is nothing short of pure joy! DAY 3 We showed up and they said Thank you for the two homes you are building for us! Today we responded with You are most welcome. But let s build you three!" DAY 5 A bit overwhelmed tonight. We visited my last home. I was excited to see it and the family I had left there almost three years ago. I left slightly deflated and saddened. Yes, I had made a difference in one family s life but the harsh reality of this country is something else. To be the head of the family and barely 19, raising your 5 younger siblings on your own, is heartbreaking. But the fact that she recognized me and was still grateful for everything brings tears to the eyes. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. DAY 10 Apparently the kids have been watching us. They are building their own mini houses. DAY 14 We came to Malawi from across Canada, 12 individuals on a mission to build houses for poor, marginalized families. We failed! Instead we were treated like celebrities, taken in as part of a loving, caring and blessed community, given the opportunity to forge deep and meaningful relationships, play simple games with children and adults alike, and become part of something much bigger than anyone of us could ask or hope for. DAY 15 Words cannot begin to explain the mixed bag of emotions we all feel as we drive away, the bitter-sweet tears of joy and parting. Tionana mauwa! Zikomo! Zikomo Kwambiri! May tomorrow s dawn be brighter than today s! Until tomorrow, when we shall meet again! Postcard from Jamaica See page 4 for Deacon Catherine s notes on her September trip to Sandy Bay, Jamaica. Deacon Catherine at Sandy Bay School with principal Miss Simpson

14 Mark Your Calendars Oct. 2 Oct. 29 Guest speaker at The Open Door. A wonderful opportunity to ask scholar Abdu Murray questions about Islam. Organ Recital at 4:00 p.m. Patrick Dewell and his colleague Elizabeth Anderson fill our sanctuary with music. Followed by a wine and cheese reception! Nov. 10 Vimy Evening. A reception at 6:45 is followed by noted historian Ted Barris and a student winner of the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, speaking about the importance of the Battle and the Memorial to all Canadians. Celebrated Vimy Memorial sculptor Walter Allward is buried in our churchyard! More Anniversary Projects The 2016 Anniversary Photo Directory is in the works and should be available in October/November. Time Capsule: Later this fall we ll be unearthing a hidden time capsule and viewing its contents. Then, we ll squirrel away our own. What should it contain? Send your suggestions to lgrasley@sympatico.ca. Book of Prayers: What did you pray at bed- or mealtimes with your family when you were growing up? We d like to know! Make your submissions to the office or by to lpeetoom@sjym.ca. 200 Years at St. John s York Mills Our brand-new anniversary book, two years in the making, is going to print! 200 Years at St. John s York Mills, written by local historians Scott Kennedy and Jeanne Hopkins and edited by parishioner Sylvia McConnell, has gone to the publisher for typesetting and design. It will be printed and bound in September and first editions will arrive at the church in October. The new book begins where Audrey Graham s previous book left off, in It also includes highlights from the past, retold with new information and images. The book s 344 pages contain over 250 photos, in colour and black-and-white. The story told is not just St. John s but that of North Toronto, making it interesting to everyone who enjoys history in general and local history in particular. Copies are limited so we suggest you act early, as soon as order cards are released in September. If you are out of town, you can send a cheque for $50 to the office, made out to St. John s York Mills with anniversary book on the memo line. Be sure to include your contact information name and address so we can notify you when your book is ready for pick-up. Any further questions may be addressed to the editor, Sylvia McConnell, at sbmc@bell.net.

15 ABDU MURRAY For most of his life, Abdu Murray was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur an and Islam. After a nine-year investigation of the major world religions and views, Abdu discovered that the historic Christian faith alone can answer the questions of the mind and the longings of the heart. Abdu has spoken to diverse international audiences and has participated in debates and dialogues across the globe. He has appeared as a guest on numerous radio and televisions programs all over the world and hosts Embrace the Truth with Abdu Murray, a radio show heard on WLQV AM 1500 in Detroit and worldwide on the internet and podcast. On October 2 at 10:30 we will welcome him to SJYM, courtesy Ravi Zachariah International Ministries. Expect a compelling message and eloquent answers to your questions. This is a great opportunity to invite neighbours or friends to church!...the 200th Anniversary Committee! Small in size but powerful in effect, this committee has been working since early in 2015 to help us celebrate our milestone anniversary in style. As Linda Grasley and Doug Hart met to plan, they were inspired by the phrase, Remember, Reflect and Rejoice. They ve recruited a host of volunteers, clergy, staff members and partners to help carry out events and projects such as Doors Open, guest speakers, anniversary publications and the upcoming Vimy Evening. Details they ve attended to personal include inviting former clergy and dignitaries (including the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario!) to attend our celebrations on September 18. Thank you, Linda and Doug, for ministering to us and helping the St. John s York Mills community to remember our past, reflect on our blessings, and look forward to our third century with rejoicing! C O M I N G S O O N! VIMY EVENING Thursday, November 10 6:45 Welcome reception 7:30 Presentation by Ted Barris, Historian and award-winning author In honour of Remembrance Day and the approaching centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we welcome Ted Barris and a student winner of the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, who will speak from personal experience and knowledge about the importance of this event and location to Canada s identity. Our partner for this evening is The Vimy Foundation, which will be sharing news about the planned education centre at the Canadian Vimy Memorial in France. Ted Barris is an accomplished author, journalist and broadcaster. As well as hosting stints on CBC Radio and regular contributions to the Globe and Mail and National Post, Barris has authored 16 non-fiction books and is a full-time professor of journalism at Centennial College in Toronto. He has also written a weekly newspaper column The Barris Beat for more than 20 years. Reprints of 150 Years at St. John s by Audrey Graham are available in the church office for $25; there are only 20 left so hurry in if you re interested. You can also browse through the copy on the reception desk in the foyer, to the left of the sanctuary doors.

16 Contemplative Fire is a community rooted in prayer, study and action. We draw from the broad Christian contemplative tradition and seek to be fully present to the kingdom of God right here and right now. As our name implies we enjoy the mystery and paradoxes of life of being both contemplative and on fire. We welcome you to join us on this journey the last Sunday of the month as we gather for worship at the Church of St Leonard (Yonge and Lawrence), beginning with silence at 4:00 p.m. We offer an experiential encounter with scripture and a contemplative communion meal. We usually finish about 6:00 p.m. New Offering The second Friday of the month at the Church of St Leonard we ll be lighting some FIREWORKS! What gets you fired up? We ll have a short talk on specific relevant topics which will conclude with a question that is taken into small group for discussion and then brought back to the larger group. We ll use a contemplative dialogue approach and the evening will be woven with silence. Discussion topics might include: Assisted dying Non-violence in a violent world Your suggestions Upcoming Events September 25 Worship gathering September 29 Spirit Cinema October 7 Hidden Wholeness October 14 FIREWORKS! What gets you fired up? Spirit Cinema and book sale Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen is a documentary of the complex and compassionate life of a man who helped shape modern spirituality. His many books explore the human communion of frailty and brokenness while identifying and addressing the pressing spiritual needs of today. Please join us in watching and discussing this thought-provoking film. St. John s York Mills Thursday, September 29th 6:15 p.m. Book Sale and refreshments 7:00 p.m. Film, followed by discussion All are welcome to this Contemplative Fire fundraiser. Suggested donation is $ Also, donate your gently-used spiritual books and then browse our Book Sale to see what s new to you. All titles $5! For more info contact Manuela at info@contemplativefire.ca Over ten weeks we will reading this book by Parker Palmer, which explores how to live an integrated life and grow to be fully ourselves. Questions? Please speak to Anne+ or contact Manuela at info@contemplativefire.ca. St John s York Mills Anglican Church 19 Don Ridge Drive Toronto, Ontario M2P 1H3 Phone: Fax: welcome@sjym.ca