WALKING IN THE WAY - Christ Church St. James
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Vol 8.. Issue 5
WALKING IN THE WAY
AT CCSJ
Fall 2020
Pastor’s Ponderings
Dear friends,
In my Thanksgiving Letter to the parish I referenced my visit to the emergency department and meeting a nurse
who ended up knowing one of my very best friends from New Brunswick. Her spontaneous burst of gratitude in
thinking about our mutual friend was such a perfect expression of thanks I had to write about it.
While I was writing my letter, I knew what I had to do as soon as I was finished. I had to call my friends Albert and
his wife Wandlyn. It was such a joy to speak with them. They have always been so kind to me. I have always felt
like I could put my whole trust in them.
I could trust them to be a lot of fun and very hospitable. Whenever, Esther and I dropped by their home they
would welcome us with open arms and smiles and we would inevitably be laughing together. When Albert was
my father’s curate (training priest) he and Wandlyn would often unannounced come by the house with a pizza
and stay for hours into the night. We loved it.
I could trust Albert to pray for me. In my first week at Wycliffe College I received a letter in the mail from him let-
ting me know he was praying for me as I began my studies to be a priest. It meant a lot to me.
I could trust Albert with my deepest concerns. One night I was driving home from a long day and I was very upset
by a pastoral error I had made. I knew I needed to talk someone but I did not know who. Then I simply pulled
over to the side of the road and called Albert. He listened to me and helped me get through my anxiety. I could
trust Albert to speak clearly about God’s love and comfort in the worst moments. He preached at both my moth-
ers and fathers funerals three weeks apart. Albert’s words brought comfort and hope to us.
You may remember a long time ago there was a commercial for Canadian Tire trying to sell hockey equipment. It
starred a boy named Albert. I can’t remember all of the details but the ending had all of the other kids yelling we
want Albert, we want Albert. Well it was and is great to have Albert on my team. I have been so blessed to have a
friend like Albert.
In my preaching and teaching times lately, it seems that I have been emphasizing that Jesus is the King of the
Kingdom of God and that as followers of Jesus we are loyal servants of this King and members of this Kingdom.
If memory serves me correctly Bruce in his excellent sermon series on Mark’s Gospel, referencing Mark 1: 14-15
reminded us that the first message Jesus offered in his ministry was,” the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of
God has come near, repent and believe in the good news”. I find it exhilarating to belong to a kingdom where love is
the rule and peace will win out.
But I think it is wonderful to remember that our king is also our friend. Yes, we belong to a phenomenal kingdom
which will attain unimaginable glory in the end. But we as individuals will never be lost in the scope of the
kingdom. Jesus the king is also Jesus our friend. On the night he was betrayed unto death Jesus said to them
1
that as the Father loved him so he for us, to the point where he would followers of Jesus. This is a kind and
loved them. That is an amazing love lay down his life for us. This kind of forgiving friend.
to say the least. And he called them friendship brings a deep and pro- As I have been writing this article, it
to abide in him, to abide in him as a found joy to which St. Paul says re- has occurred to me that this has all
friend,” I have called you friends be- joice in the Lord always and again I been said before or more accurately
cause I have made known to you say rejoice. sung before, many times. What a
everything that I have heard from my We trust in Jesus because he prays friend we have in Jesus with an
father” for us. Awhile back I led a study on exclamation mark is such wonderful
I think it is fair to say that the word Hebrews. I remember the delight I news. The King is our Friend.
faith often means for us trust in Je- had relaying a key message of this Perhaps just a happy ironic
sus. We can trust because Jesus is letter. We have a great high priest coincidence but as I was writing this
our friend. If Albert could read this who has shared our sorrows, and article I received a call from a dear
letter he would be embarrassed to temptations, and can therefore sym- friend in Napanne who wanted to
no end and rightfully so because pathize with us but who also was simply say hi. We have not talked for
human friendship can never com- blameless, holy and undefiled and a couple of months at least but it
pare to Christ’s friendship but still so always lives to make intercession was good to connect and it
like my friend Albert, there are many for us. confirmed to me that writing about
reasons for this trust. We can trust We can trust Jesus when we have our friend Jesus was the right
Jesus our friend to be there for us. erred and strayed away or have a message.
We trust in him because he brings broken heart in times of personal My prayer for you is that you will be
us joy. He kept the dancing and sing- failure or sadness. Jesus forgives us able in prayer, Scripture reading,
ing going by turning the water into and gives us a clean slate entrusting worship, service for others or in
wine at a wedding feast, and by eat- us with ministry of some sort. A fellowship with others be able to
ing with folks in their homes. Jesus poignant moment in the Gospel sto- connect and give thanks for your
referred to himself as the Good ry reflecting this kindness is when trusted friend Jesus. Perhaps the
Shepherd and gatekeeper who Jesus asked Peter three times if he best way to thank Jesus is for us to
knows the names and voices of the loved him. I am sure that Peter was be friends for others, sharing joy,
sheep. That would be you and me. In devastated because he had denied prayers, forgiveness and
comparison to a hired hand who even knowing Jesus three times. But compassion.
could not care less and more specifi- in this act of compassion Jesus God bless
cally to the thief who comes to steal, gives Peter the opportunity to say
David
kill and destroy Jesus came to give three times that he loved him and
us life abundantly. He really cares entrusted him to care for the
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
2
While we have ‘re-opened, we’ve never been closed’.
Bruce Smith But now, as of September 20th, the actual doors
It certainly wasn’t the year we anticipated. Life is full of CCSJ opened again for Sunday morning
of surprises. And while we didn’t see this coming, we worship, with various limitations and covid-19
also knew that while congregations may be ‘locked precautions securely in place. As with the
out’, the Gospel cannot be contained. foodbank, we have oodles of people to thank for
making this a reality. Much work has gone into
So the Bible Studies, the teaching programs, the
this, and much prayer and reflection.
prayer meetings, the Café Church, TNT, the youth and
children’s ministries, Refugee meetings, Stonegate Meanwhile, we will continue this ‘mixed
Circle of Friends Gathering and the actual morning economy’ approach to Sunday morning worship,
worship services all continued, online. both in person and online. And the study
programs will continue online for the time being,
Additionally, while we could not actually go into the
due to the understandable restrictions and
Keele Correctional Center as per usual for ministry,
concerns due to the pandemic.
we could still send in meals and clothing and words of
hope and affirmation via the Chaplain. Likewise with In all of this, it may encourage us to remember
our efforts with The Dale Ministries: hundreds and that when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, the
hundreds and hundreds of muffins were delivered church continued to grow and flourish. He simply
from CCSJ members, along with oodles of excellent had to find a new way to minister. He did it
clothing for people in need. And support for the through letter-writing (what we know as epistles).
children being sponsored by World Vision and 2000 years later, we continue to be ministered
Compassion Canada through Café Church continued, to by Paul through those letters. Every crisis is a
thanks to a little jar in the actual Café. People from all gospel-opportunity. This one is no exception.
walks of life have contributed towards helping care
for these little ones in Kenya and Columbia.
And what can be said about the FoodBank: it never
skipped a beat. Some ministries simply cannot be
done ‘online’. How can we ever begin to thank each
and every volunteer who has helped to keep these
wheels turning? Words do not come close.
3
A Prayer for Joy and Hope
Father, please restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Remove the spirit of heaviness
from me, and refresh me with a spirit hope. Please grant me joy and peace, and
renew my strength. Protect me and my family from trouble, Lord. And give us a song
of praise for You. Amen.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you
alone.
4
Remembering Roy Bulgin
On Aug 31st 2020 Christ Church St. James lost a true friend and
in particular he shared a very large portion of my life. I met
Roy when our family first joined what was St. James at the
time. He rolled into the camping weekend in his small Boler
(small camping trailer) along with his wife Nancy, daughter
Leslee and his yellow lab Nugget. From that day forward we
developed a very strong bond.
Roy was originally from Cornerbrook Newfoundland and one of
his first jobs was that he and his father installed awnings.
During his working years in Toronto he was the Chief
Financial Officer of Toronto Western Hospital and served also
at Riverdale Hospital.
One of his passions was his love of animals. It started off with
horses and in his younger years Roy could be found in many
rodeos. He was very proficient in roping. He entered many com-
petitions in the duo calf roping event. His partner would have to
rope the head and Roy’s challenge was to rope the back feet. He
never did make a living out of that. He kept his saddle right up
to a couple of years ago.
The highlight of our relationship was putting on hundreds of
kilometers in his canoe in all types of weather. Here we experienced the true beauty of God’s creation and were
blessed in seeing all kinds of wild life including Moose, Beaver, Otter , Bear and Great Horned Owls. He was very
difficult to stump in naming a bird. One fond memory was sitting in the canoe and watching, very quietly ,a cow
Moose and her baby, less than a week old, just grazing in front of us, less than five metres away. Not all trips went
smoothly as I remember one time waiting on shore for five hours because the wind was so strong it actually
pushed you in reverse.
Roy had a keen sense of humour. If he was complimented on having come up with a good idea he would say” I am
an endless source of useless information”. If he was lifting something that was particularly heavy he would
say I am strong like bull, dumb like street car. He would look at you and out of the blue would say “Do you know
Gord , if your nose runs and your feet smell you were probably built wrong”.
You could always see Roy around the church but rarely in the church proper. Ever since I have known him he
always put others first. From helping out with numerous church projects to being a fixture in volunteering at the
food bank he was always there with a smile on his face and never wanting anything in return. He was the same in
his neighbourhood as well.
There have been hundreds of times when I would phone him up an say can you give me a hand with this or that
and 100% of the time his reply was “Sure Enough”. If you could create a friend by using a mold you would use his
mold.
I am sure that he is being taken care of very well now and the wind will always be at his back.
With great respect Gord Glandfield
5
BABIES R US...and more!
Yetka
Catherine Elizabeth Amparo Dionisio Eloise Mei Dykeman 4 Oct 2020
4 Sept 2020 5 Sept 2020 Peyman, Mehrhoush and Sammy
Max, Anne, Ru Jon, Yenny, Eden
Food Bank Birthdays
Marg and John
Jim and Elma LaForce
72nd Wedding Anniversary
6
Studio CCSJ: the beat goes on ...and on, and
on, and….
Friends, 7 months ago we never considered creating a little
weekly worship video online. But then along came the
pandemic, and in a flash Jeff Coatsworth grabbed a camera,
Pastor David grabbed a Bible and Bruce grabbed a guitar.
We dived in, having no idea where it may lead. But what has
resulted?
We have been honored to welcome and connect with many
new friends, some who have had a living faith in Christ for
quite some time, and others who just kindly joined us like
looking through a window.
Our hearts desire is to truly ‘be there’ with each and every
person who has taken the time to ‘be there’ with us in this
way. We believe, with all our hearts, that Jesus is inviting
people to come and follow him, even through this little
weekly video. And we believe people are hearing Jesus’s call
to follow.
As of Sept 20th, we are blessed with an additional weekly
offering online, as the morning service is broadcast live.
Please pray that the ‘seed falls upon good ground’ each week.
May those who share a living faith in Christ be encouraged to
‘keep close’. And for those who are simply curious or won-
dering, may seekers become finders and outsiders become in-
siders. May the Good Shepherd find the lost sheep, and bring
them home rejoicing. Amen.
7
CCSJ joins in the
mission
During the summer, we held a TNT online (Tuesday Night Together). It
proved to be the best attended gathering we had online thus far.
Our guest for the evening was EMILY SLOTEGRAAF. Emily is working with
‘Fight4Freedom’. A glance at the work:
PURPOSE:
Their purpose is to fight sex trafficking in our cities, nations, and world
MISSION:
To seek out individuals affected by sex trafficking and connect them with
support, premised on biblical principles of love, patience, and compassion
To protect the rights and dignity of individuals who are impacted by sex
trafficking
To collaborate, engage in dialogue and partner with other national stake-
holders and agencies that directly or indirectly have a passion to help indi-
viduals affected by sex trafficking
To advocate for changes and support upcoming policies that directly or
indirectly have an impact on seeing sex trafficking eradicated in the world
To provide preventative measures that will help individuals understand their
identity, value, and self worth as well as provide that support for those who
are still in situations of trafficking/exploitation
Following the meeting, a number of parishioners expressed interest in
helping with this courageous work by creating ‘gift bags’ for women who are
ensnared as street workers, massage parlors and/or strip clubs.
Under the leadership of SIEW WONG, a team is now preparing gift bags to be
used by volunteers as a means of opening conversations and relationships
with some of the women involved.
We are reminded that it only takes the slightest opening for light to shine
through. We pray that through these kind and courageous efforts to connect
with women, freedom will be sought and found.
For more information about the role of CCSJ in this ministry, please contact
Siew Wong directly at swwong44@yahoo.ca.
do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
8
CCSJ and Restorative Justice Housing, Ontario (RJHO)
Our part began a few years ago through the monthly men’s break-
fast program. 12 men volunteered to help bring meals into the
Keele Correctional Center and to befriend the men inside.
During this pandemic, we have not been able to actually take in
meals. However, monthly “Pizza Extravaganza Nights” have be-
come the norm, as the men and other parishioners have fi-
nanced an amazing ‘all you can eat’ pizza night for the residents
and the staff.
A most recent response to such a night:
K: “thanks so much for the awesome pizza dinner – there was more
than enough for everybody”
L: – “yum, thanks!!”
G: – “thanks to the chaplain and the church, very kind”
F: – “we appreciate everything that the church does for us” “we
don’t get many treats here – just from you”
S: (staff worker). – “thanks so much, what a great help”
And at the time of writing this article, an October meal plan is begin-
ning to take shape for Thanksgiving.
All this is very good, and we are thankful.
But the news is even better: a home for men being released from
prison is now up and operating in our neighbourhood. An open
house is on the horizon for our volunteers. They have also
requested we dedicate the building in the near future.
“He comes to set the captives free”. We give God praise for each
and every opportunity to be involved as a parish in Restorative
Justice.
9
CAFÉ CHURCH
Challenge: how to maintain a Café Church community without a Café.
As with most of our programs since March, CCSJ has resorted to ‘Zoom’ for online ministry and
teaching. The Café Church has been no exception.
The joy is to welcome men and women to share in the teaching aspect of the Café Church each
month, including Jon Dykeman (Chaplain to Dental and Medical Students), Jonathan Clarke
(Threshold Ministries), Andrew Ironside (with Youth Unlimited in our area) and Pete Nojd (with The
Dale Ministries, Parkdale).
We gather for fellowship, sharing in Scipture, music from Ellen and Philip Shilton and Arthur Clark,
teaching, thanksgiving and prayer.
Additionally, the Café’s commitment to continue to support two little children in Columbia and Kenya
is holding steady, thanks to a jar at Big Guy’s Little Coffee Shop set aside for this purpose, and the
generosity of many others. A letter from one of those children is below.
Where do we go from here with Café Church, in a pandemic? And for how long? We don’t know. For
the immediate future, it looks like we will not be able to gather in person due to the necessary
restrictions on numbers. We are concerned for those members who are not comfortable with
computers and are not joining in for Café Church online as a result. We deeply appreciate your
prayers concerning the challenges ahead.
Join us (on zoom) for
An Evening with Jane Anne
@
Café Church on the Lakeshore.
Thursday October 22nd 7pm
Watch for Link information in
‘Plugged In’, or contact Bruce
Smith directly
(rbsmith055@gmail.com)
10A THOUGHT from Darryl Dash (our friend at Liberty Grace, Liberty Village)
Sitting in a prison cell in Rome, about to die, Paul asked his friend Timothy for a care package. “Do your best to
come to me soon … Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry … When you come,
bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.”
2 Timothy 4:9, 11, 13)
Paul was ready to die, but he knew what would bring him comfort:
friends
a cloak for warmth
Books
Not a bad care package.
We’re called to suffer, but thank God that he sends us gifts to comfort us on the way. Our friends, warm clothes,
and good books are blessings from God.
Praise God for his gifts like these in challenging times.
A QUOTE
“He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants
books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet
he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a
man to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!
… Paul cries, ‘Bring the books’—join in the cry.” (C. H. Spurgeon)
Editor’s Note: all the more reason to make full use of our library at CCSJ and our Right Now Media resource of
over 20,000 videos.
The Dale Ministries
We have appreciated trying to find a way to ‘be there’
with our friends at The Dale Ministries all summer long.
This has meant regular ‘Muffin Patrol’ runs (as a great
team from the parish has provided oodles of muffins to
help supplement a breakfast program). It has also
meant car-loads of clothing at times.
This is a delicate work in Parkdale…a ministry without
an actual building to operate from on a daily basis.
The Anglican Church of Epiphany and St. Mark has kind-
ly provided much-needed space to prepare meals and
offer assistance on a weekly basis in the area. But as
with many street-based outreach ministries at this time,
the challenges are increasing. As winter approaches, we
can only imagine the needs ahead.
CCSJ takes this relationship seriously with The Dale Min-
istries. We will continue to ask them how we might best
assist them in their ongoing mission. Please watch this
space over the coming weeks and months.
11Helping Mongolia’s Children During the Pandemic
Peter Patterson
World Vision, the largest Christian NGO in the world, They are delighted with their new country of Canada,
has been active in providing assistance for children in but most have friends and family back in Mongolia,
Mongolia for several decades – and as one would some of whom in rural parts still live in tent-like yurts –
expect, the Covid 19 pandemic has simply made this an example of which you can see in the accompanying
more challenging. photographs, being built in the CCSJ back-forty!
Mongolia is located between China and Russia, two Although Mongolia does not have a strong public health
countries greatly affected by the pandemic – Mon- system, with few ventilators, and a hospital capacity
golia’s quite porous border with China extends for that could quickly be overwhelmed, quick action to con-
4,600 kilometres, and was closed to travel very early trol spread of the virus has kept the pandemic under
in the pandemic timeline. control. As is the case in other similar countries, these
Mongolia’s population of slightly more than 3 million very actions of closing schools, limiting travel, etc. have
people has very distinct rural and urban areas, with a created collateral consequences that negatively affect
movement toward urbanization creating larger districts the most vulnerable children – an inability to dispense
with vulnerable populations near Ulaanbaatar the usual vaccines for prevention of other fatal infec-
(the major city) and other urban areas. tious diseases, the inability to make available through
the school system meals that sustain the health of
At CCSJ we are blessed with many members from children in vulnerable families, loss of educational op-
Mongolian with differing backgrounds of having lived in portunity for girls and young women, etc.
rural and in urban settings.
Many people in this community relocated from rural areas and cannot afford to register in Ulaanbaatar. As a result
they are ineligible for social services and benefits. Almost 40% of families in Khan Uul live in extreme poverty, often
on as little as $5 a month, creating challenging conditions for children's healthy development.
In response to the pandemic, World Vision is working in 15 provinces and 9 districts of Mongolia with the poorest
households in both rural and urban areas to counter these consequences, and has distributed cash support,
emergency food, and hygiene kits to more than 7,000 families. To lessen the risk of family violence, World Vision has
also developed and distributed positive parenting and stress management materials to these families.
Our own Mongolian members, fired up by the Good News of Christ’s love, have worked with evangelistic fervor to
assist other newcomers to Canada from many different countries, as well as providing humanitarian support to those
back in Mongolia.
Just as we have accelerated our CCSJ Food Bank offerings to assist local Toronto vulnerable families during the
pandemic, we all want to do the same for God’s children living in even less acceptable circumstances – and here we
have an opportunity to achieve that through World Vision in Mongolia.
12Thursday Morning Bible Study….a faithful joyful bunch!
Neither rain nor snow, sleet or hail ….or even a pandemic! This bus has kept rolling all the way along,
even through the summer months. The Thursday morning Bible Study is a joy for the 10-15 people
signing on each week.
And here is the great news: like most of our groups (if not all) the door is wide open for those who
may wish to link in for the first time. All the is required: one hour of your day and a Bible.
We hope many more of our parishioners may be able to take the time to join in with David at 11am
each Thursday morning.
ReLaunching:
The following groups have started up again after a short hiatus. Jump on Zoom, via laptop, ipad or
telephone and join in
God Coffee and me
Matthew and Me
Watch For
The current Pilgrim course just finished, but watch for updates on the start of a new session
Wise Words from Mother Teresa
Every time you smile at someone, it is a gift to that
person.
Some enter your life as blessings, others as lessons.
If we want to love we must learn to forgive.
If you cannot feed 100 people, then feed one.
If you judge people you have no time to love them.
If you want to change the world, love your family.
Peace begins with a smile.
13The Pilgrim Course – My Experience
Saiyona Ghosh
My parents were successful in bringing me up with a secular environment
at home and till 10th grade, I also attended a convent school. Although
growing up, I have been familiar with Jesus Christ, the prayers and hymns
but have always been alien to a lot of the granular concepts.
Almost a year and a half back when I married my husband who is a
Christian, I was made to feel by many that religion would be the biggest
bone of contention between the both of us, given our different religious
upbringings. To have a social ceremony at my husband’s Church,
I also had to go through a certain process in the name of God, but I felt
rather conflicted since I did not have the correct understanding of it.
For me, the basic understanding was that God brings us together and not
divide. A lot of open discussions with Jaison (my husband) made me realize
that our practices, our concepts of God, love, hope, and religion are all
essentially the same. The interpretation was just flavored differently.
I first chanced upon Christ Church St. James when I first moved to Toronto
in September 2018. I used to live in the next lane and found myself
walking past the Church every day while on my way to work at the nearby
Starbucks. During one of those walks, on my way back from work, Jaison
and I walked into the Church on a Saturday afternoon and met the Reverend
David Smith for the first time.
Thus, began a few relationships – one with David and one with Christ Church St.
James. From there on, every interaction with David has only made me feel positive
and accepting of Christianity. The way he talks about Jesus is so relatable that I feel
less of an alien now.
I took up the Pilgrim Course this year as suggested by David and experience has
made me only more positive. The course has helped in removing the conflict that was
there in me and helped to view Christianity in a positive light. I also benefitted from
the interactions with the others who also participated in the course. The experiences
that Ellen and Ann shared made me feel that I was no different in some of my
thoughts around life in general. The occasional quirky one-liners from Rob and Pete
taught me that one can have a sense of humor while being in a religious setting – it
does not always have to be all so serious.
The most important realization of it all – the people who we allow to surround us can
make or break our concept of God, religion, love and hope and I am grateful to have
found the right kind through Christ Church St. James.
14International Justice Seminar
Registering for Jesus & Justice: The Relentless Pursuit of Justice.
We are living at a time when there is a great need to grow deeper in the understanding of
what Jesus has to say about justice. We believe that this online experience will help all of us
come closer to the message of justice that Jesus proclaimed and lived.
Here are a few things you should know about this year’s conference:
First of all, we encourage you to prepare for the conference by reading the scripture
passage that is foundational for this year’s theme. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the story of
a widow who is seeking justice and the relentless attitude she has in that pursuit. Read
the passage and think about what Jesus is emphasizing.
We want to connect with you as much as possible leading up to, during and after this
year’s event. We have a Facebook group where you can meet other participants, share
reflections on the Luke 18 passage and post questions for the presenters of the confer-
ence. Questions directed to the presenters will be asked by the emcee on October 17
during a live Zoom panel discussion.
The pre-recorded video sessions will be available on our IJM Canada website from
October 15-17, 2020. You can watch them in any order at your own pace. You will receive
an email reminder with an exclusive link in October where you can watch the videos.
You will also receive an email in October with a Zoom link to watch and participate in the
live panel discussion with our presenters on October 17.
Please share about the conference. Register at IJM.ca/Jesus-Justice using the
hashtag #JesusandJustice2020.
We look forward to being virtually with you on October 15-17.
With relentless hope,
The IJM Canada team
15Our Library and Right Now Media:
- what I have been learning
By Quilene Reyes and Muriel Henderson
As I was glowing about a video conference on Right Now Media, a question came up I thought I would
like to share in the next issue of Walking in the Way.
Here goes: the passage is Romans 8:1-11 but we are to focus on this one verse, namely Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The question: “What it
would look like if you truly believed Romans 8:1?”
My answer: the very same thing I've always wanted, namely to live each day in Peace, Joy, Love,
Happiness; - basically to consciously live in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
Another question the video conference asked: “How does the World see us (Christ Followers}?” I think
the Holy Spirit is shouting in my head this truth: yes, we are broken; we are vulnerable. And the only
one that can save us is Christ Jesus. Our call is to speak and show our devotion to Christ, in honesty,
humility and with grace.
Quilene Reyes
Editor’s Note: close to 70 of our parishioners have now taken hold of this free resource with Right Now Media. If
you are interested, please open our CCSJ website, go to our Library page, and follow this to the Right Now Media
link.
If you would like to borrow a library book here is the process for this.
Borrowing
-email your request to Sandra on the CCSJ email
-your requests will be forwarded to Muriel
-Muriel will pick the items requested, sign out to you and deliver to Sandra
-Sandra will let you know the items are ready for pick up at the church.
-We will need contact information name, phone #, email, street address on pick up
Sandra is in the office Tuesday to Friday. As the church is locked most of the time please
arrange with her approximately when you will come for pick up.
Email address is:christchurchstjames194@gmail.com phone # 416-251-8711
Returning
Please keep in mind the usual limit of 4 weeks on borrowing books and return on time!
Books can be returned by drop off to the church office or church mailbox. Please leave a
message at the church phone # if there is a drop off so it can be retrieved quickly.
There will be a 5 days hold on all returned books before re-shelving or signing out again to
someone else, as a COVID protection strategy.
A final note: We are working at having online browsing access very soon to our library data! We will let
you all know via a Plugged In email once this is functional!!!
16CCSJ LIBRARY UPDATE
Muriel Henderson
Last issue I mentioned that we have a number of books donated by Adele Hartman's family. I have
added what we can use to our library collection and have some books still remaining. I
want to give CCSJ members who would like to have some of these books to make a choice of any
that you would be interested in having.
Due to COVID we can't display for browsing and taking at church in person so here are photos of the
books & titles for you to see.
If you are interested please let Sandra (at the office) know and she will arrange to have the librarian connect with
you.
17For many of us the limits we have had placed on us lately have given us
extra time and the possibility of discovering a different pace.
I have picked a few books that we have in the library that might be helpful
in discovering some new ways of being and growing as Christians that we
can take with us for the long term as well as just in this COVID time.
I have enjoyed other books by Alan Fadling and this
books seems to be relevant to us now whether we are in
the fast lane still or disoriented by too much time and
not knowing how to function in a new set of
circumstances.
(from the back cover)The 2014 Christianity Today Book
Award of Merit Winner (Spirituality) “I am a recovering
speed addict.” Beginning with this confession, pastor
and spiritual director Alan Fadling goes on to describe
his journey out of the fast lane and into the rhythms of
Jesus.
Following the framework of Jesus’ earthly life, Fadling
shows how the work of “unhurrying” ourselves is central
to our spiritual development in such pivotal areas as
resisting temptation, caring for others, praying and
making disciples.
Here is a book that affirms that we are called to work
and to do work. Productivity is not a sin―it is the
attitudes behind our work that can be our undoing. So
how do we find balance between our sense of calling
and the call to rest? An Unhurried Life offers a way.
(from the back cover)
CCSJ library has Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life by Chuck
Swindoll as one volume or as 4 large print volumes each dealing
with one Season. Each 3 month section of 12 readings can be read
in any order relevant to you. Easy to pick up and read short sections
as needed, this is a very helpful book.
What season of life are you in? Are you experiencing a winter of
discouragement blowing like an icy wind through your soul? Or do
you feel the exuberance of spring renewal, the lazy warmth of
summer rest? Perhaps the winds of change have brought an
autumn of reflection in your heart. Chuck Swindoll offers 144
devotional readings that take you through each season of the year,
challenging and encouraging you to discover what's truly important
in your own life. Take time to deepen your roots in the soil of God's
love and grace. Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life is a
devotional companion that helps you grow closer to God through
every season of life, in every condition of the heart.
(from good reads online review)
18Spiritual Rhythm: Being with Jesus in Every Season of your Soul by Mark Buchanan, a highly
regarded Canadian author also uses the idea of “seasons” in discussing spiritual growth. It
is quite different in it's format. Here is the online review from Good Reads
“Abide in me,” Jesus tells us, “and you will bear much fruit.” Yet too often we forget that
fruit needs different seasons in order to grow. We measure our spiritual maturity by how
much we do rather than how we are responding to our current spiritual season.
In Spiritual Rhythm, Mark Buchanan replaces our spirituality of busyness with a spirituality
of abiding. Sometimes we are busy, sometimes still, sometimes pushing with all we’ve got,
sometimes waiting. This model of the spiritual life measures and produces growth by
asking: Are we living in rhythm with the season we are in?
With the lyrical writing for which he is known, Mark invites us to
respond to every season of the heart, whether we are flourishing
and fruitful, stark and dismal, or cool and windy. In comparing
spiritual rhythms to the seasons of the year, he shows us what to
expect from each season and how embracing the seasons
causes our spiritual lives to prosper.
As he draws on the powerful words of Scripture, Mark explores
what activities are suitable or necessary in each season—and
what activities are useless or even harmful in that season.
Throughout the book, Mark weaves together stories of young
and old, men and women, families, couples, and individuals who
are in or have been through a particular season of the heart.
As Mark writes, “I pray that this book meets you in whatever season you’re in, and prepares
you for whatever seasons await. I pray that it helps you find your voice, your stride, your
rhythm, in season or out. Mostly, I pray that you, with or without my help, find Christ
wherever you are. And that, even more, you discover that wherever you are, he’s found
you.” ( from the online Good Reads review)
Another book by Mark Buchanan I'd suggest is The Rest
of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath. This is
worthwhile considering what Sabbath could look like in
the midst of our COVID circumstances.
Widely acclaimed author Mark Buchanan states that
what we've really lost is "the rest of God-the rest God
bestows and, with it, that part of himself we can know
only through stillness." Stillness as a virtue is a foreign
concept in our society, but there is wisdom in God's own
rhythm of work and rest. Sabbath is elixir and antidote. It
is a gift for our sanity and wholeness--to prolong our
lives, to enrich our relationships, to increase our
fruitfulness, to make our joy complete. Jesus practised
Sabbath among those who had turned it into a dismal
thing, a day for murmuring and finger-wagging, and he reminded them of the
day's true purpose: liberation-to heal, to feed, to rescue, to celebrate, to lavish
and relish life abundant.
The gift of Sabbath is essential to our full humanity and faith, says Buchanan.
Far from being some starched and dour day only to be endured, Sabbath is a
day wide and bright, brimming with laughter, enough to lend beauty to all our
other days. Readers will be changed forever by this pivotal book. (from Good
Reads' online site)
19Over 70? 12 Tips to Consider.
- a person reflects on aging
I asked one of my friends who has crossed 70 & is heading to 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in
himself?
He sent me the following very interesting lines, which I would like to share with you ....
#1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started taking care
myself as well.
#2. I just realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
#3. I now stopped bargaining with vegetables & fruits vendors. A few pennies more is not going to burn a
hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
#4. I pay my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder
for a living than me
#5. I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them
walk down the memory lane & relive the past.
#6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone
perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
#7. I give compliments freely & generously.
#8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than
appearances.
#9. I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any
race.
#10. I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof,
whereas with relationships I will never be alone.
#11. I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.
#12. I am doing what makes life meaningful. I am responsible for making the most of each day. Gratitude is
a choice. You can be thankful at any time; just choose to be!
Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can't we practice this at any stage
and age....
20THE LIGHTER SIDE
JUST SMILE ...
It makes them
wonder what you're
up to.
2122
23
24
Jane Anne Murray: a pillar of cloud by day
My parents John and Sheila Murray came to CCSJ I had settled into High Park living. When my mother
around 1990 after our home church- The Church of the couldn’t get up my front stairs to my house in 2012, I
Epiphany - amalgamated with Saint Mark’s to become sold and moved into the area - Mystic Pointe. Lo and
Epiphany Saint Mark’s in Parkdale. behold I could walk to church again.
As a baby in a bassinet, I attended The Church of the For the last three years I’ve been saying to myself that I
Epiphany from age 1 week...Church was our life and still moved into the area to be with my parents. Since they
is. We worshipped together as a total family, including have not lived or been in the area for the last seven
the grandparents, up until 1981 when three out of four years, I started to position myself to move closer to my
passed away at the same time. family and two nephews. I started looking three years
ago. Finally in March I found the condo and town I
We were used to driving a distance into church and
wanted to retire to: Elora! My brother moved into that
other activities all week long. There was no youth group
area three years ago from Oakville and has been
at church the Epiphany when I was a teenager, so we
attending Saint Johns Anglican. I may consider
formed a youth singing group called Solid Foundation.
auditioning for the choir there.
We sang our way around the province at various
Anglican churches. While my dad is still in Kipling acres (until we move him
to Wellington Terrace in Fergus) I will be back-and-forth
In 1990 after living in the states for a number of years
to the city frequently.
and attending Spring Garden Baptist Church upon my
return in 1981, we all decided to worship as a fami- I have rebuilt my 42 year practice of Marriage and Family
ly together again. We chose Christ Church Saint James. Therapy using my new postal code and focussing on
Kitchener, Cambridge, Elora, Fergus, Orangeville and the
I remember telling the pastor at the time (Merv Mercer)
surrounding smaller towns. I’m so excited to be able to
that I just wanted to attend, take it all in, and reacquaint
continue to help people change their lives and rescript
myself with the Anglican Church. I was invited into a
their stories.
fellowship study known as “the Salt Group”. I’ve attend-
ed since in 1991. I am very grateful for the support, Family is always family. CCSJ is family and will remain so
fellowship, learning and meetings that we have had over in my heart. Thank you!
the years, sharing our spiritual journeys and growing
together....and eating!
Highlights of 30 years:
* Easter vigils in the middle of the night on Saturday: “Could you not just watch and wait for one hour?” During my
one hour one Easter in a storm, a tree fell on my property and would’ve completely crashed my car had I not been
in the sacristy praying during my one hour vigil...3-4 a.m.
* putting on a fundraiser and raising the money for making and furnishing the Fellowship Room, which is now the
International Room.
* prayers of the people and serving communion...prayers at the back.
* parish committee… it was a privilege to contribute an opinion on various and many projects the church might
undertake.
* It was a growing experience and privilege to serve on the Refugee Committee and to help set up a home for
Peyman and Mehrnoush when they first arrived to Canada. Grabbing donations, raising the money required for
them to live for the year and following their journey to Canada on the committee was a learning time for all.
* Doing my ‘every other month sandwich-stint’ for the food bank always gives me time to reflect and pray as I made
and delivered them for the volunteers. I think I’m known as “the salmon sandwich Queen“
* My trip to the holy land with some other parishioners from CCSJ was a dream come true, after so many years of
belief in Jesus. Walking where He walked and reliving the history was mind blowing. It has totally affected my Chris-
tian life since.
* Fellowship with the ladies who lunch and meet on Tuesdays has been a treasure. I love the input, the fun, the
sharing, and of course the lunch. That group has blessed me beyond measure and provided relief in the middle of
my working day.
* Cafe Church! I do love Cafe Church. Baking, praying and contributing to this unique community has blessed me
beyond belief. I learned that I’m better praying for others than asking for prayer.
* As my parents have continued to age and required more and more help and could not attend church, CCSJ has
been my backbone and family. Your support of my mom and dad has been incredible - over the top actually - with
notes and prayers and visits. I give thanks for all the support I have had during this last 13 years. You are the best!
25The Oyster
There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.
It was only a grain,
But it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they’re so plain.
Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?
Did he curse at the government,
Our Mongolian Congregation worshipping at Cry for election,
Camp Konionia And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?
No – he said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.
Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny – stew.
And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now the tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?
What couldn’t we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.
Author: Unknown
CCSJ Children’s Ministry sharing God’s Love with chil-
dren of FoodBank via Summer Activity Bags
26A Day at the Beach (submitted by Quilene Reyes)
Thank you Father, Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit for being here with us this day, each day, and
always
Such a Beautiful Creation it is here by the waterfront beach, with sails sailing far
away and sounds of many little children's chatter and laughter in front of me. Admiring, you are
beautiful.
A little one is in awe the hot sand under their tiny feet as he slowly steps
through towards their siblings where others are all scattered in little packs with their mom close
by And there I See You....Bless Be My Lord!"
Where 2 or 3 are gathered….
27Its Apple time again
CRABAPPLE JELLY
All proceeds to the CCSJ Camp Fund
Get your Jar now!!
Limited quantities!!
$6.00 per jar
Contact Bruce @ rbsmith055@gmail.com
Or the office
“MASKS For GOOD“ NEED YOU!!!!!!
“MASKS For GOOD”: A collaborative campaign between Martin Luther Church, Re-
deemer Church, and Stonegate Ministry to produce and distribute face masks for our
neighbors, especially for those most vulnerable
“MASKS FOR GOOD”: will produce and distribute masks to foodbanks, shelters, and
other key locations allowing us to hear the voices of those we meet, and learn more
about the needs of our communities
If you are able to donate or cut fabric, sew masks,
or bike around town to transport materials,
We Need You!
NEEDED: PEOPLE TO SEW MASKS
Please contact Ariane @ ariane.oelkrug@me.com.
or
Samantha Coelho @ Samantha@stonegateministry.ca
28Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
*Sunday Morning All programs, 1 2 3
Worship As Permitted except Morning
Worship and Food
Worship opportunities also Bank via Zoom.
available on CCSJ Facebook See ‘Plugged In’ or
page and YouTube contact office for
connection info
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Noon Prayer SG Circle of Noon Prayer Bible Study Noon Prayer Food Bank 10:30
12:00pm Friends 12:00pm 12:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm
God, Coffee Noon Prayer
and Me 3:00pm 12:00pm
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Thanksgiving Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Noon Prayer
* Harvest Sunday Dinner for 12:00pm 12:00pm Bible Study 12:00pm
Morning Worship 9:00 ‘The Keele’ SG Circle of 11:00am
and 11:00am Friends 12:00pm Noon Prayer
God, Coffee 12:00pm
and Me 3:00pm
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
* Morning Worship Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Study
9:00 and 11:00am Noon Prayer 12:00pm 12:00pm 11:00am Noon Prayer
12:00pm Food Bank Noon Prayer 12:00pm
SG Circle of 1:00pm 12:00pm
Matthew and Friends 12:00pm
Me 1:00-3:00pm Café Church
God, Coffee 7:00pm
and Me 3:00pm
OCTOBER
Bishop’s Teaching
Series 7:30
Prayer: What,
Why, How?
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
* Morning Worship Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Study Noon Prayer
9:00 and 11:00am 12:00pm Noon Prayer 12:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm
12:00pm
Matthew and Food Bank Noon Prayer
SG Circle of 1:00pm 12:00pm
Me 1:00-3:00pm
Friends 12:00pm Bishop’s Teaching
God, Coffee Series 7:30
29
and Me 3:00pm Prayer: What,
Why, How?Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
* Morning Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Noon Prayer
Worship 9:00 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm Study11:00am 12:00pm
and 11:00am Matthew and SG Circle of Noon Prayer
Me 1:00-3:00pm Friends 12:00pm Bishop’s Teaching
Series 7:30 12:00pm
God, Coffee Prayer: What,
and Me 3:00pm Why, How?
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
* Morning Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Study Noon Prayer Food Bank 10:30
Worship 9:00 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm
and 11:00am Matthew and SG Circle of Noon Prayer
Me 1:00-3:00pm Friends 12:00pm 12:00pm
God, Coffee
and Me 3:00pm
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
* Morning Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Study Noon Prayer
Worship 9:00 12:00pm Noon Prayer 12:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm
and 11:00am Matthew and 12:00pm Food Bank Noon Prayer
Me 1:00-3:00pm SG Circle of 1:00pm 12:00pm
Friends 12:00pm Cafe Church
God, Coffee 7:00pm
and Me 3:00pm
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
* Morning Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Bible Study Noon Prayer
Worship 9:00 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm
and 11:00am Matthew and SG Circle of Food Bank Noon Prayer
NOVEMBER
Me 1:00-3:00pm Friends 12:00pm 1:00pm 12:00pm
God, Coffee
and Me 3:00pm
29 30 31 * Sunday Morning All programs
Worship As except Morning
* Morning Noon Prayer Noon Prayer Permitted Worship and Food
Worship 9:00 12:00pm 12:00pm Bank via Zoom.
and 11:00am Matthew and SG Circle of Worship See ‘Plugged In’ or
opportunities also contact office for
Me Friends 12:00pm available on CCSJ connection info
1:00-3:00pm God, Coffee Facebook page and
and Me 3:00pm YouTube
30You can also read
