Clergy Notes — Holy Cross, September 15, 2024

This past Wednesday, our bible study group reflected on 1 Corinthians, specifically how our faith is rooted in ‘the foolishness’ of the cross.

What wonderful, rich language St. Paul uses! And how fitting for us today in this age of reason, when we are very likely to have colleagues and friends and neighbours who wonder whether we, rational reasonable people, ‘really believe in all that stuff?’ Indeed, it may be tempting for us to brush it off or to avoid that uncomfortable conversation altogether, but I would urge us all to think twice before doing so.

Several participants gave examples in their lives of how their acquaintances, just by observing their behaviour, became curious about their faith. Yes, they claimed, people thought them odd for going to church, or believing ‘that stuff’ but – even if they could not explain WHY they did so – over time, the witness of their lives made a difference for those around them.

How wonderfully fitting that we also celebrate three baptisms this week, and what a testimony to them in the beginning of their new life as part of Christ’s body! For, even when – inevitably – the patina of their newborn faith wears off and the refined silver of discipleship begins to emerge in its place, the reminder that our Christian lives as a whole are witnesses to Christ’s glory, will be refreshing and sustaining.

May they, with all the baptized, find fresh strength and hope in Christ crucified: the foolishness of God which is wiser than human wisdom.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, September 15, 2024.

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Clergy Notes — 16th Sunday after Pentecost, September 8, 2024

We are now one week into the Season of Creation; a time set aside each year when the Anglican Church gives particular attention, through prayer and action, to its Fifth Mark of Mission:

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Last year, dozens of people in our Deanery joined together on a truly epic pilgrimage day: several walked the entire journey from parish to parish, and many others welcomed the pilgrims at each station for prayer and refreshment. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the diversity of our Deanery: from city streets to parks; busy roads and quiet pathways, noticing God in all we encountered. It was also a joy to connect with people from our neighbouring parishes; to remember the wider Church of which we are a part, as well as the various neighbourhoods to whom we are called to share God’s love.

Although very worthwhile, it was also a very LONG day! So, this year, on Saturday, September 28, we are planning a somewhat shorter walk connecting three of the parishes in our Deanery. More details will follow, but it would be good to mark the date on your calendar, and try to come out for some (or all!) of this year’s event, if you can.

May we all be renewed in our call to be active participants in the care and nurture of the earth that nurtures and sustains us so faithfully, and which God loves so much.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, September 8, 2024.

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