At this time last year, we were on the threshold of the celebration of our 50th year of ministry. The focus time of our celebration was from May to November, from a Prayer Vigil to the Administration of the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation. Between these two events, much happened. I will highlight these later in this report.
In my report at last Vestry, I used the five categories of ministry, which I exercise as defined in our Together In Ministry exercise in 2001. They proved to be a useful framework for reflection on my ministry. This year, I will use the categories, which were identified, as our parish ministry areas in that same exercise. There will be some aspects that may fit into two or more categories. Where they appear, it is a matter of choice.
BAPTISM COORDINATOR: In the spring, I appointed Frances Asiedu to the role of Baptism Coordinator. Frances has been assisting me previously as she led one of the preparation classes for parents and godparents. In addition to leading a baptism seminar, she was asked to:
Be the first contact for persons desiring baptism
Distribute application forms as required
Supervise the completion of the application forms
Ascertain from parents that the intended sponsors/godparents are practising Christians and accept the practice and validity of infant baptism
If necessary, meet with sponsors/godparents to confirm the information obtained above.
AREA MINISTRY DAY: Several members of our church attended the annual Credit Valley Area Ministry Day on Saturday, March 29th. This theme was "Bread For The Journey". This is an opportunity for us to meet with other Anglicans in our area and explore issues which relate to our work and ministry. At the conclusion of the day, our parish received the FaithWorks Award for being the parish in our deanery (Humber Deanery) to make the biggest contribution to the FaithWorks appeal in 2002.
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES:: The Christian Education Committee, led by Jacqueline Daley, organized three learning opportunities during the year.
Wednesdays in Lent: Members were invited to a series entitled “The Cross Bearers”. This was a look at the life stories of five characters implicated in the passion of Jesus: Mary, Mother of Jesus, Joseph, Father of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the sinful woman, Joseph of Arimathea.
Friday Nights At The Movies: On the Friday nights in Lent, members of were encouraged to view a movie and discuss the movie themes in light of Jesus’ passion, resurrection and the Christian life.
20-Minute Workout: On Sunday mornings between services (10:00-10:20) members participate in a short Bible Study. With the departure of Jacqueline Daley, Bev Brown and Steve Clarke have been ably facilitating these sessions.
Wednesday Bible Study with Ena Hordatt: A faithful few continued to meet on Wednesday evenings to explore the Bible. This group, ably lead by Ena Hordatt lost some membership through relocation and / or ill health. I am thankful to God for their faithfulness and commitment. They take this work beyond their meeting space and share with the seniors of Downsview Acres, for the monthly hymn sing, as they are able. This group could and will disappear unless others join in this important work.
The Circle of Prayer and Study (COPAS) meets on Tuesday evening. This group, led by me, prays, shares and study Holy Scripture. During the year we completed our exploration of the Books of The Acts of the Apostles and The Epistle to The Romans.
I continue to be disappointed with the general response of the congregation to the opportunities provided for Christian Education. It is my sincere prayer that there will be a turn around in the near future.
Sunday School: This is where it all begins. This is where it must begin. I am grateful for the commitment shown by all who commit their time and love as they share in the development of the little Christian minds in our parish family. Fanella Hodge and her supportive team of teachers, teaching assistants and other volunteers are doing a great job for our church. They need your support, in prayer and person. I encourage you, as you are able to lend the necessary support.
REVIVAL 2003: Revival 2003, like the previous revival experiences, for those who made the time to be present at our fourth Revival, it was another wonderful experience of the Holy Spirit. One member, who attended for the first time remarked, “I was glad I came”. Fr. Charles Davidson, who was originally identified, as our preacher was unable to come to us having began a new ministry in March in Florida. Fr. Peter Fenty, who at the time was the Incumbent of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea, accepted our invitation to be our preacher. We are thankful for his ministry.
We concluded our weekend with a well attended concert, "REECHING The Youth". Artists included REECH, The Toronto Children Concert Choir and Earlyn Alexander. My sincere thanks are tendered to all who played their part in ensuring a successful weekend.
SANCTUARY REARRANGEMENT:
During the Summer, the Advisory Board supported the proposal to rearrange the sanctuary and agreed that Vestry would be asked to affirm this action. The new layout is intended to serve four basic purposes.
Central to our worship is the celebration of the Eucharist. The focal point is the ALTAR. This redesign brings the altar into a more central place in the midst of the gathered community on a raised platform.
The choir is placed in a better position to lead the music of worship (3 tiers)
The font (the place for baptism) is given a prominent place
The raised platform will provide greater utility for performers at concerts and other presentations.
I am grateful and appreciative of the work which Foster Odlum, Fitzgerald Grant and Leroy Patterson did on this project. I am also thankful to Bev Sneyd and Gina Carter who contributed to the refinishing of the exposed floor. I invite Vestry to ratify this rearrangement.
ALTAR GUILD:
At the end of 2002, Irene Canfield and Betty Thompson informed us that they were relinquishing their service on the Altar Guild. For almost 25 years, they did much to enhance our worship through this ministry. In the spring, we celebrated their service, presented them plaques to mark the occasion. Sadly, as we came to the end of our 50th anniversary celebrations, Betty was called to our Lord’s nearer presence.
During the year, seven new members, Dorothy Barnett, Wendy Cottle, Angela Gonsalves, Sherlene Jagdeo, Cynthia Patterson, Jean Phillip and Ratchel Ravindran joined the Guild. At the end of the year, Constance Kendall relinquished her role as coordinator of the Guild. Wendy Cottle has agreed to serve in this role. I invite your prayerful support for her.
TWO SPECIAL SERVICES:
Healing Service: Sunday, October 19th was the day of our annual Healing Service. Archdeacon Peter Fenty was our guest preacher. We also welcomed Mayoral candidate, Barbara Hall to that service.
Remembrance Sunday: Once again on Remembrance Sunday, we remembered the sacrifices of the war dead and celebrated the lives our departed loved ones. Commander Hugh McEwen was our speaker again this year. He was assisted by Allan Austin during our wreath laying ceremony.
EPISCOPAL VISIT:
Bishop Ann Tottenham, our Area Bishop, made her pastoral visit to us on Sunday, November 23rd, and administered the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation to 13 candidates.
YOUTH
Julian Asiedu
Lauren Linton
Monique Richards
Marlon Bobbsemple
Ethel Quarcoo
Frank Stoute
Luke Fields
Alexandra Richards
Rawle Stoute
ADULTS
Allan Austin
Margaret Hynes
Torette Knight
Orphtee Quarcoo
SERVERS:
One of the defining marks of the Anglican Church is the presence of servers at the altar. I am thankful to the nine young people who make up our Servers’ Guild. They are Julian Asiedu, Ryun Clarke, Luke & Marc Fields, Fenton Jagdeo Jr., Lauren Linton, Quincy McPhie, Tristan Paul and Ashanthi Ravindran. They make every effort to be present and perform their duties. Others are invited to join the guild.
DIOCESAN SCREENING POLICY: Our Diocese continues to work to develop a screening policy to ensure the provision of a safe environment for all who benefit from our ministrations. The wardens and some members of the Advisory Board attended one of the workshops organized by the diocese during the year. Kathy Lippoczy-Chalmers and Nadeen Murray are assisting us as we continue to do our part to ensure compliance with this policy.
SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS): SARS affected life in our diocese. Our Diocesan Bishop wrote a Pastoral Letter issuing directives to assist us in reducing the risk of infection. These directives saw temporary changes in the way we did things during our celebration of the Eucharist. The Holy Communion was administered in “one kind” and there was no physical contact during the “The Peace”.
Some members of the clergy in our diocese were forced into voluntary quarantine after discovering that they were exposed to the virus having visited a hospital or home. After consultation with our Area Bishop, Wardens and members of the congregation, I suspended such visitations for a while. I have since resumed my visitations.
YOUTH JUSTICE FORUM: In November, I had the opportunity to attend a forum where we discussed the key legislative provisions of the new Youth Criminal Justice Act. This act replaces the Young Offenders Act. Present were Honourable Justices David Cole and Assistant Crown Attorney, Lauren Marshall, Duty Counsels and other personnel whose work bring them into contact with young people who find themselves in the criminal justice system. It is important to note that the Act anticipates much support from community organisations, like the church, which can serve to divert individuals from the horrors of the criminal justice system.
OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD: Over the years, we worked closely with the staff of Parks and Recreation in the Chalkfarm community. Staff and organisational changes in the recent past impacted our relationship. I have again made contact with the staff at 180 Chalkfarm Drive and we are exploring ways in which we can share in the life of that community again. It is my hope that these areas will become a focus of our new outreach initiative.
YORKVIEW LIFE CENTRE: We continue to be a presence at the Yorkview Life Centre celebrating a monthly Eucharist with the residents. I am thankful for the support which Bernadette Edwards gave in the past as she visited with me. Now Nellie Greenidge has undertaken that ministry. She, like Bernadette, offers care, support, and encouragement to the seniors, many of who are suffering the effects of old age and all that it brings.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY BOARD: At the session of Synod held in November, I was elected to serve as a member of the Social Justice And Advocacy Board. This recently constituted Board works to advocate Christ’s message to influence social policy and social reality, so that our diocese becomes a credible, powerful voice for the poor and marginalized of our society. The Board works to empower individual Anglicans, parishes and church leaders to be advocates for social justice.
DIOCESAN COUNCIL: I was appointed by the Archbishop to serve for a further two years as a member of the Diocesan Council. The focal purpose of the Diocesan Council is "planning and managing". It acts on behalf of the Synod between sessions and meetings of the Synod.
DIOCESAN CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE: I continued to represent the Area of The Credit Valley as a member of the Diocesan Chaplaincy Committee. This committee supports Chaplains in the hospitals and other institutions where they serve.
OTHER COMMITTEES: I continued to serve on the organising committee of the annual Romney Moseley Memorial Lecture, which is sponsored by Trinity College and the Local Planning Committees as we assist in the organizing of the third Conference on Afro-Anglicanism scheduled for July, 2005.
50th Anniversary: 2003 will be remembered for our 50th anniversary celebration. I am thankful to the planning committee, comprising Jenifer Fowler (Chair), Fanella Hodge, Connie Kendall and Hugh McEwen who invested much time and energy on this project. Our celebrations were a great success. The final aspect of our anniversary, the souvenir journal, will soon be available. The following activities were planned for the celebration.
Jubilee Vigil: Our anniversary celebrations began on May 2nd with a prayer vigil. Following the vigil, the youth spent some time into the night sharing a time of fellowship.
Children’s Celebration: There was a special children’s service on May 4th. It was a joy seeing our Sunday School children showcasing their talent. The presence of our children is a constant reminder that the provision of a Sunday School was the catalyst for the establishment of our parish.
Youth Barbecue: On June 22nd, our Youth Group organized a Barbecue for the parish family.
Memorial Mass: On September 21st we welcomed back The Rev’d. Canon Tim Grew, former Incumbent and his wife, The Rev’d. George Taylor (a former honorary associate priest) and his wife, the daughters of The Rev’d. Canon Frank Fry (first Rector), their children and grandchildren, and many former members and their families, to join us as we celebrated the ministry of our departed founders and members.
Banquet: Our Banquet was a superlative occasion. In the presence of our Area Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d. Ann Totettenham, we recognized the ministry of six members for their contribution to our ministry. They were nominated by fellow members. They are as follows.
Frances Asiedu - Christian Education and Formation
Ena Hordatt - Evangelism and Outreach
Nellie Greenidge - Fellowship
Constance Kendall - Pastoral Care
Foster Odlum - Property Management and Administration
Beverley Brown - Worship
Tamra Palmer was the recipient of a special Youth Award. Special Awards were also given to Gina Carter (secretary), Bev Sneyd, Joyce Lewis and Dorothy Barnett.
Jubilee Mass: Our anniversary climaxed with the visit of our Archbishop, The Most Rev’d. Terence Finlay who was our celebrant and preacher on the occasion. A full church also heard greetings from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien and our outgoing mayor, His Worship Mel Lastman.
Jubilee Concert: Weather conditions prevented Mr. John Bryan, our Organ Recitalist from making his connecting flight to Toronto. This resulted in the postponement of the jubilee concert. This concert will now take place in July.
Anniversary Songs: Two hymns were composed for this special occasion by Arlene August, my wife, Lucy, and I. They capture the energy of the past and present and look with hope to the future. They have been reproduced elsewhere in this Vestry Report.
These celebrations were a source of blessing and inspiration to many. We thank God for the opportunity afforded us to be a part of this special part of his church.
FUND RAISING COORDINATOR: I am happy to announce that Allan Austin and Kathy Legall have volunteered to co-chair our Fundraisng Team. I invite every member to support them as we seek to provide the necessary funding for our ministry.
CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSITY: In my report to the Advisory Board at our November (2002) meeting, I said the following: "I am concerned that the same persons are being asked to organize all of the fundraising events in our parish. I want to suggest that we celebrate our diversity, while at the same time raise funds and involve more persons. I want to suggest that members from islands/countries……be encouraged to organize a fundraiser (food & culture) on a monthly basis. Since the 50th anniversary will be celebrated next year, we might not be able to organize all. Perhaps we may want to pilot a few nights." The members of our Barbadian community and The Eastern Caribbean States organized two successful evenings. I thank them for this work and look forward to similar events in the future.
NEW HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR: Cynthia Patterson accepted my invitation to serve as the Coordinator of our Ministry of Hospitality. With a committed band of assistants, she graciously provides for our fellowship. A sincere word of thanks is reserved for Nellie Greenidge who has been doing this work for many years. She continues to assist Cynthia.
WHITSUNDAY OFFERING/DISCRETIONARY FUND: At our last Vestry Meeting, I announced that I intended to forego the automatic increase in stipend so that the saving to the parish could be diverted to assist those in need. I invited members of the congregation to contribute a matching amount to my Discretionary Fund. My decision was rescinded by diocesan authorities that pointed to the impact such a decision would have on my pension in later years. Though accepting the increase, I deposited it to my Discretionary Fund. I am please to announce that the Fund was well supported through the gifts of many in their Whitsunday Offering envelopes. As a result, I was able to respond to several needs as they arose. My thanks are tendered to those members who made this possible. I again invite the Vestry to support the Whitsunday appeal.
NURSERY: Through the efforts of my warden, Hyacinth Edghill, and Foster Odlum (former warden), our nursery room was completed. Space is now available for the little children and nursing mothers. Several soft toys have been donated to the nursery. Volunteers are still needed to supervise the "little ones". We do not expect one person to be engaged in this ministry every Sunday.
YOUTH:
Rector’s Award: There were two candidates nominated for the 2003 award, Marc Fields and Tristan Paul. The recipient this year was Marc Fields. Members of the congregation are invited to observe the demeanour, participation and interest of our youth in the worship and life of our community of faith and then submit the names of those young members (with reasons for their nomination) whom they think should be considered for the award. Nominees are then invited to an interview with the Wardens, the Chair of the Advisory Board and me before a winner is selected.
The Eric Campbell Award: The recipient of the 2004 award, given by the St. Stephen’s Women’s Group, was Lauren Linton. Candidates were requested to submit a hand written essay describing their vision of The Church of St. Stephen in 50 years, paying special attention to the worship, children, youth, seniors, the building, grounds and the community around St. Stephen's. The other participants were Dike Clarke, Ethel Quarcoo and Frank Stoute.
Youth Ministry: Our youth continue to be faithful and to care for each other as we care for them. Their meetings for YouthTalk on the first and third Sundays are useful opportunities for learning and for sharing their common concerns, in light of the gospel. With the departure of Connie, an opportunity has been created for others to share of themselves and their experiences with our youth.
OUR THREE PRIORITIES: As part of her program as a Student Assistant, Jacqueline Daley was required to prepare a report on our ministry. Members of the Advisory Board have an opportunity to discuss the report, which was presented to the congregation and to them at a one of their regular meetings. At the end of our discussion, we identified three priorities for the parish, as we go forward: Christian Education, Youth and Outreach.
In the area of Christian Education, our aim will be to:
Ensure that Christ-centred, age-appropriate and relevant Christian Education programs are available to all members of the church community.
Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness the Christian Education programs.
Ensure that teachers, facilitators and the congregation are trained and supported.
Organize, lead and facilitate Christian Education programs
Ensure that church community, seekers and local (unchurched) communities are aware of Christian Education programs.
Our aim for ministry with our youth will be to:
Enable the youth through fun and culturally relevant activities to discover the person of Jesus.
Evangelize by encouraging the youth to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Mentoring them in their faith.
Equip them to use the gifts that God has given them to reach our world with the gospel.
As we engage in Outreach, we will seek to:
Disseminate information and programs about our church
Identify a need or program in our community and establish ways in which our parish may share or respond
Liase with the Diocesan Office on issues relating to the Outreach Ministry of the Diocese
It is my hope that more members of our church will share in this exciting enterprise.
On Easter Day we said "au revoir" to Fr. Oscar and Enid Agard who relocated to Kingston, Ontario. The ministry of The Agards was a gift to us. I am thankful to the Archdeacon for always making himself available to assist in SO MANY ways. We also thank them for their parting gift of the new Intinction Set, which we dedicated on Whitsunday.
Jacqueline Daley, parishioner and Student Assistant, left us on May 4th to go to St. Paul L’Amoreaux for a summer internship. This is part of her preparation for the ordained ministry.
At the end of May, we said "au revoir" to John Walters who relocated to his native Barbados. John was a faithful member of our church and, for some time, a member of the Advisory Board. We are thankful for all he has done in support of our ministry.
At the end of the year, Connie Kendall, our Youth Minister accepted an appointment at All Saints’ Church, Kingsway. I pay tribute to Connie for her many years of service to the youth of our church and community. She has been a major influence in the lives of our youth. We wish her God’s blessing in her future endeavours.
RECOGNITION OF MINISTRY & THANKS: At the opening service of the 150th Synod of the Diocese of Toronto, Archbishop Finlay named me as a Canon of the Cathedral of St. James in recognition of my contribution to the parish and the diocese. This is a humbling experience, for all I ever wanted and still want to be is a faithful priest. I am thankful to God and the people of St. Stephen who have been part of this contribution.
With this, I tender sincere thanks to ALL who support my ministry, and that of my wife, Lucy, and sons, Marc and Luke. In particular, I tender my thanks to the following:
Nellie Greenidge for responding to the appeal for volunteers to assist in the office during the summer.
Bev Sneyd who assisted for the entire period of the secretary’s holiday. She was truly an asset during the period.
Fr. Isaac Kawuki-Mukasa who served as our supply priest during the month of August. I am thankful for the readiness which Frances Asiedu demonstrated when she gladly agreed to lead Morning Prayer on August 10th when Fr. Isaac was unable to be present.
The Wardens.
Advisory Board
Youth Ministry
Christian Education Leaders,
Parish Secretary and Volunteers
Organist and Choir
Servers and other Eucharistic Ministers
I pray your continued prayers and support as I continued to uphold you in my personal prayers.
