St John’s York Mills Anglican Church 19 Don Ridge Drive

Toronto, ON M2P 1H3

Phone: 416-225-6611 welcome@sjym.ca

www.sjym.ca

Summer 2020

is published four times a year. Items for inclusion are subject to editing and may be sent to welcome@sjym.ca. We encourage the submission of related high-resolution digital photos as well.

Next Issue: Fall 2020

Copy deadline: TBD

Editor: Laura Peetoom

Connect during Summer

Online worship and teaching

Virtual Morning Prayer

(on Soundcloud)

The Open Door Online (on YouTube)

The Magnificent Bible Blanket Fort (on YouTube)

In person and online

Connect throught the Word Sunday 9:00 –9:45 am (on Zoom)

Prayer & Conversation Sunday 10:00–11:00 am In person, at a safe distance (in front of the church building)

Greetings, SJYM Family:

Welcome to this special summer edition of The Link. I am encouraged by what I have learned about you in a few short weeks. We are a resilient lot who adapt rather than being thwarted by pandemic challenges. Change continues, as you have said goodbye to a long-term rector and welcomed me into your midst (and soon will have opportunity to welcome my family as well). Your leadership team is in full swing, anticipating a return to corporate, in-person worship on 13 September. (Please mark your calendar.)

Notwithstanding the pandemic, I trust you are embracing the summer season and continuing as many traditions as you are able (and forming new ones). A number of you have let me know that you are away cottaging. Our warm days have reminded me of Charleston, where we were thankful for cooler evenings.

I understand this to be a well-read and learning-oriented church community. With plenty of summer remaining, you may want to pick-up one or more of the following books. Please let me know if you have questions about any of them.

The Ragamuffin Gospel (Brennan Manning): Manning writes on the heart of God expressed in Jesus and why this is indeed good news.

Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now (Walter Brueggemann): A refreshing and encouraging look at the nature of Sabbath and learning to rest

Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise (Thich Nhat Hanh): A provocative read from a Buddhist monk who often collaborated with Thomas Merton

What’s So Amazing About Grace? (Philip Yancey): Explore the meaning and wonder of this word, grace, tossed around churches everywhere.

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Henri J.M. Nouwen): An exploration of the nuances of Rembrandt’s masterpiece based on the familiar parable

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (Richard Rohr): A thought-provoking read to understand and engage seasons of life

God’s Peace, richard+

As many of you know I was unable to attend church for two years. I had just returned in January, and although my view was from my wheelchair in the back, I was feeling more and more part of the family. Then COVID-19 put me back in isolation.

I was praying for this isolation period to be a quick one so that once again we could be together. This time was especially hard, as I could not even have visitors, but did receive emails and phone calls.

Even though my “view from the pew” had changed I started feeling a connection through the sermons on YouTube. I was disappointed when the planned Music & Meditation service of course had to be cancelled as well. This was something I had agreed to participate in by doing a reading. Then I received an email from Patrick Dewell asking if I would like to record my reading and send it to him, as he was going to put it together with the music he was playing and upload the service to the Web. I did so, and when I listened to the complete recording I felt that I was once again wrapped in the loving arms of my church family. Thanks to Patrick’s resourcefulness, more opportunities became available.

I was also grateful to Alison Juurinen for creating the amazing children’s stories, as it was inspiring to see what the children would have been learning in class. Receiving the Friday Flash email from Laura Peetom was one more way to feel part of the community.

While our physical view has changed, our spiritual view has not. Be Well and Stay Safe!

— Kim Anderson

View from Kim’s living-room “pew”

A View from the “Pew” I’m enjoying living in nature...and appreciating God’s creation — which is flourishing and bountiful. — Jan Gardiner (Islet Lake, Algonquin Park)

“The murmer of innumerable bees”: Pollinators visit the Welcome Garden in great numbers. It’s lovely to watch!

I call them readers, Patrick calls them lectors: whatever they’re called, isn’t it wonderful that SJYM members have the opportunity to be part of our “Covid Coverage of Church” through Virtual Morning Prayer (every week) and monthly virtual concerts!

I had never recorded or emailed a voice recording until Patrick asked me to do so. It was both a challenge and a blessing to learn how contribute to our online offerings. As we look forward to opening our doors in September, I wonder what other chances there will be to innovate during this challenging time.

Thank you to all listed here — I pray that I have not left anyone out — and a special shout-out to Patrick Dewell, who has reached so many with his invitations to participate!

— Carolyn Martin Alicia Goodman

Alison Juurinen

Anna Zachariah

Anne Curtis

Blake Woodside

Brenda Parkes

Carolyn Martin

Carolyn Parkes

Catherine Bryant

Catherine Keating

Catherine Orser

Chantal Sathi

Charlotte Orser

Chris Prentice

Drew Macdonald

Elizabeth White

Ellen-Jean Dewberry

Jan Gardiner-Williams

Jane Turcot

Janet Benedict

Jennifer Harker

Jennifer Lee

Kim Anderson

Laura Peetoom

Linda Grasley

Marg Colman

Moni Burany

Nics Martino

Olivia Lee

Peter Raynham

Ron Denham

Rose Martino

Russ Carrington

Sandra Jarvis

Sharon Barney

Stephen Monk

Susanne Sutherland

Sylvia McConnell

Ted Williams

Tony Martino

Venetia Cowie

Vicki Parrish

Online Offerings

Thank you! More information on page 12

There are many places on our grounds to rest and pray in safety.

The Last (Men’s) Supper

Since the SJYM Men’s Supper group was unable to meet together at the church, we decided to give Drew a presentation send-off on June 30, 2020 that he could only dream of.

It was staged as a crazy dream of Drew presenting his superior knowledge and/or talent relating to golf, hockey, the NFL and rugby. The action was continuously interrupted by a bellhop, who read telegrams from the authors of some of the books we studied in the Men’s Supper group. After each presentation, a man with an “APPLAUSE “ sign ran back and forth so the huge audience (Bill Barnett) would know when to clap.

Just as the M.C. (Jim Parrish) was wrapping up the “dream”, the fire alarm went off. Uh-oh: not again! The dream had become a nightmare. But no — in came a fully-outfitted fireman, whom Drew recognized. Gotcha! Drew was then presented with an invoice from the Toronto Fire Department for false alarms under his watch over the last 13 years.

On behalf of all the men who attended the suppers, the actors gave Drew a number of gifts related to each of the four sports featured in the dream.

At the end, Drew woke up to the fact that he was leaving and decided to say a few words to the cast of characters.

A dreamy time was had by all.

— Brian Hull

CAST OF CHARACTERS (L-R):

Jim Parrish (MC), Hugh Moore (NFL ), Chris Prentice (NHL), Brian Hull (golf), Rev. Drew MacDonald, Damien Benedict (rugby), Wayne Minett (bellhop), Bill Barnett (audience), Doug Hart (dispenser of gifts), Peter Atkins (fireman), Max Dionisio (applause sign)

Scenes from a past Men’s Supper

Group meeting —

good times!

It’s your St. John’s Worship Band here, comin’ at ya

live! Well ... virtually, in this case.

But in all seriousness, we have been searching for the best way to reach out to you, our beloved members of SJYM, to let you know that we are here to serve you during these most tenuous times.

Know that you are not alone ... you are in our hearts and prayers! Even though we aren’t able to gather as one in God’s house, we hope and pray that you are singing your hearts out with us at home, while watching The Open Door Online; but more importantly, that you are experiencing worship in any way that the Spirit leads you!

God bless you all; we miss you and await the day that we can all be

together again. ❤

Until then, catch ya online!

Moni Burany

Top: The Banditos at “Church by the Bay” in Port Rowan, Ontario, Summer 2019. L-R: Tony Martino, Ambrose Swanston, Moni Burany, Rob Ellis, Carol Redstone, Brian Hull Above: Joseph and his good buddy the Pharaoh.

Band Beat KidsTown Capers

Life among the finger puppets …

Who could have anticipated that this summer at the church would have turned out so… weirdly? I certainly did not expect to be spending my time creating a little felt Hollywood, but I am definitely having a good time doing it. Thank you all for your letters of support – I appreciate them so much!

— Miss Allison

Top to bottom: Miss Allison and the mischievous Craft Rabbit; the Holy Family flees to Egypt; the Marys at Pentecost; we are all grafted onto the True Vine, Jesus!

One Hot Day in June …

SJYM “Drive-by Goodbye” — Sunday, June 21, 2020

Photos by Martin Block

Are You Finding Prayer a Challenge? Try Soaking by Simone Nieuwolt

This has not been an easy season. Wearied by disappointment and struggling in the heat, I have found the spiritual practice of “soaking” in the shade of my yard to be just right.

“Soaking” is short for “soaking in the presence of God.” It is a passive form of prayer, which allows God to minister to us in whatever way God chooses. As with all all prayer, it is the intention that makes it a spiritual practice. In soaking prayer, we quiet ourselves down and make ourselves ready to receive what God has for us.

To begin soaking, lie down in a comfortable position.

I love to hear the sounds of nature around me and lying on my lawn chair in the shade is just about my favourite place.

Next, invite the Holy Spirit to help you experience God’s presence.

When I first started this practice I worked far too hard to make something happen. The point is to experience God’s grace in rest and peace. Sometimes you will hear God speak to you or bring insights to mind. It is also likely you will feel very little except more peace, which can come from settling your body and mind. You may even fall asleep — not a bad thing, since most of us are sleep deprived!

Give yourself about 20 minutes just to soothe your restless mind; even 30 minutes, at the beginning of your practice.

I have found soaking easier than meditation so I do it for longer.

Soaking can be done quietly or with music. The music

may be with or without words.

There is a whole genre of Christian music called soaking music! A quick Youtube search will reveal lengthy pieces of instrumental music that is repetitive, monotonous, and soothing. I will often soak to this kind of music when I am feeling drained. (Sometimes I will also play this music when drawing or crafting.)

Soaking music with words is helpful if I want to focus on prayer and worship. Favourite artists are Julie True, Misty Edwards and Laura Woodley Osman, whose album “Home” is available for free on Youtube. Musical taste is personal; I recommend whatever music lifts you up spiritually. The intention is to bring you closer to God.

Soaking as a practice originated in 1994 during the Toronto Blessing, at the airport church now called Catch the Fire. John Arnott, the church’s pastor at the time, noticed that people seemed to gain spiritual benefit from lying on the floor (Arnott, Manifestations and Prophetic Symbolism, 16-17). A quick Google search will reveal criticism of this

method, the primary one being that it focuses too much on having an experience of God. This is a valid point, since we often fall into the trap of using our feelings as a quality indicator for our worship. Emotions are sometimes a part of time with God but not always; what counts is our intention. God knows our heart, and if we truly want to focus on being present with God and enjoying God’s company, this practice can be as effective as any other. For me, soaking has been most fitting during this tiring and stressful season. •

Sprouting Seeds by Chantal Sathi

Dear members of SJYM,

My name is Chantal Sathi and I currently lead the Alpha Online summer session. My family and I started attending St. John’s in 2010 and I was the Children’s and Youth Minister from 2012 to 2016. In April 2017, members of St. John’s helped to cover a portion of my tuition fees to study theology at the University of Oxford. This support planted planted “financial seeds” in my life and I would like to give an update on how they are growing. I hope that what I share here will inspire you to dream big!

On April 2, 2020, I had a dream where the word “board” appeared three times. I woke up and thought it was idiotic. The next day I received an email from Oxford University with an update on its COVID-19 vaccine. At the end of the email was a question: Can you fill an empty seat? Nominations for Oxford’s Alumni Board are welcome until April 14. The Alumni Board consists of 20 global thought-leaders who advise Oxford University’s Alumni Department on ways to engage its extended, worldwide community in its work and goals. There are three meetings a year, in England.

This was my reaction: “There’s the word “board” again — but this is ridiculous; there is no way I have a chance!” This was a chairos moment — an opportunity to make a choice, to confront the mental limitations I placed on myself or relinquish an opportunity that could change my life forever. I mustered up the courage and submitted my application. Six weeks later I

received an e-mail saying that had had made it to the top 18 global nominations and would proceed to the first round of interviews!

That’s when I realized Jesus was trying to communicate with me through that dream in April and wanted to transform my heart to combat fear. Life is full of

choices, and the greatest achievement is making the 18-inch journey from the head to the heart. That is how you discover eternal love and cultivate a purpose-driven life. When you walk with Jesus, the odds will always be in your favour!

As of July 1, 2020, I have become the only member under 30 to sit on the Oxford Alumni Board. During the summer we’ve been asked to give our input on Oxford’s future £5 billion capital campaign. I’m in the field of international development and sport; however, I studied theology. This has given me the skills to comprehend every moral and cultural framework in the light of Jesus’ teachings

— the best asset a person can obtain. You may be sure that I will be striving to exercise “Godly wisdom” in the work I do for the Oxford Alumni Board.

Thank you to those who planted financial seeds in my life back in 2017. Those seeds have now given me a volunteer opportunity that will impact the world and I pray that Jesus will use me in this arena to bring Him glory.

Blessings, Chantal

ALPHA Online

SJYM was one of the first churches in Canada to offer an Alpha course online. It began in May and concludes at the end of July. Many people signed up, from all over the world! Deacon Catherine, who co-hosted with Chantal Sathi, asked the small-group leaders to share their experience of this new iteration of a fabulous program.

When asked to join the Alpha team I felt some reluctance. Do I have time? Will I be able to engage people in conversation? Does God really want to use me?

I had some doubts.

So, I prayed. I also asked friends who had some Alpha experience, which helped. The more I gave the fears and “should I” to the Lord, the less anxious I became about it. The Lord brought to mind people to invite. The focus for getting involved became more about others and less about me.

Now, I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be part of Alpha. I felt led to invite friends and a relative and was so delighted when they agreed to join. It’s a great joy to co-labour and pray with the team leaders each week. What a blessing it is to share this spiritual journey with others, seeing people searching, questioning, stretching and considering a relationship with God. Seeds are being planted and watered. We pray for these new seeds that they grow closer to God each day.

— Sam Paonessa

This is the third time I have participated in an Alpha course at St. John’s and it is always wonderful to see people’s eyes and hearts open up to the spirit of the Lord. The Alpha course addresses many of the questions surrounding Christianity for people with no faith, people who are from other faiths and even people who have attended church their whole lives. Leading small groups for Alpha is something to look forward to every week, in order to hear people talk about their personal lives and how Christ has made them a better person.

— Paul Harlock

When my small group started in the first week, each person had a different reason for being there. Ultimately it is a spiritual journey in which hopefully each person grows. As a host of a small group, you take on the role of guide, friend and confidant as you hope to bring each person to a greater spiritual understanding. We look at who Jesus is; how his life is historically well documented; why and how to pray and why and how to read the Bible: all questions that most people ask. I have been blessed to learn that my small group members have found the course very enjoyable and have grown spiritually more than ever. As a host, I too have grown spiritually. But I also have the immense joy of knowing that I have helped people come to know Jesus more intimately. — Sharon Barney

The Alpha Online leadership team (L to R, from top left): Chantal, Deacon Catherine, Sharon, Peter & Sylvia, Sam, Paul, Para

In the online Alpha course hosted by SJYM, our small group has been blessed with lively and wide-ranging discussions.

Most of the members are grounded in Christian teachings, and this has shaped our discussions. On the topic of sharing the word, for example, some of us shared how we had come to faith and how varied church congregations had influenced us. Our stories and insights have sparked curiosity and are reinvigorating personal faith.

One of our small-group members is not Christian but is curious. Sadly, I think she may feel like a first-year student who has stumbled into a senior theology class — something that group leaders need to be mindful of.

At the time of writing we are preparing and praying for the final two sessions. These will make up the online version of the Holy Spirit weekend, which is is traditionally the high point of Alpha.

– Peter Raynham

Are you being

called to lead?

We are planning some small-group study opportunities

for this fall.

Speak to

richard+ or Deacon Catherine

if you would like to lead, help to lead or organize a small group.

Guidance and mentorship

always available!

www.sjym.ca

SJYMChurch

Patrick Dewell here, your friendly neighbourhood organist! I pray this message finds you in good health and good spirits.

Since the suspension of worship back in late March, I’ve been busy creating weekly online worship services for the SJYM (and wider) community to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Equipped with my Anglican prayer books, smartphone, laptop, and practice organ, I figured out how to build a website and publish pre-recorded Morning Prayer services. (Check it out at virtualmorningprayer.com!) A number of SJYM members have assisted me in this endeavour by providing recordings of the appointed scripture passages. Your enthusiasm and willingness to participate in Virtual Morning Prayer, whether actively or by listening in, really demonstrates how much we all care about worshipping God and about the spiritual well-being of our church community. (If you are interested participating, please email at patrick.dewell@gmail.com; I’ll provide you with a script and some guidelines on how to make a recording!)

I’ve also been organizing monthly online organ and poetry concerts, in which every component is recorded in partipants’ own homes. Our first hour-long virtual concert, Music & Meditation (published April 6) features organ music and sacred poetry for Holy Week. Our second, two-segment virtual concert, Stained Glass, Scripture & Song (published May 11) is an audio-visual tour of the stained glass of our church, using images paired with scripture passages and hymns.

Our third and most recent concert, Music & Celebration

(published June 15) explores the themes of creation and

resurrection through a series of inspiring organ pieces and inspired

Christian poetry. Each of these concerts is still available on Soundcloud

(soundcloud.com/patrick-dewell) and will be linked to the church’s

website in the coming weeks.

These unprecedented times have irrevocably changed how musicians “do” music and, likewise, how we all worship. Online offerings are just one way of connecting us to one another and I’m ever-grateful to the members of SJYM for their willingness to explore and embrace alternate modes of expressing who we are as a community of faith. As a card-carrying Anglican, I confess that I don’t always have an easy time adapting to change; however, I find renewed strength and encouragement from you, the people of St. John’s, as I watch you adapt to and learn from all the changes that have been thrown at us these past four-plus months. I give thanks for your love and support!

— Patrick

P. S. In an effort to boost morale among the staff of SJYM during the pandemic, I created a series of hand-drawn caricatures that I affectionately refer to as “The Saints of St. John’s.” It’s truly amazing what a Sharpie marker and a few hours of focussed concentration can achieve....

Dewell’s Doings

Guess who’s who? Drawings © 2020 by Patrick Dewell