Fellow parishioners, this report starts with a confession… I have never looked at my involvement in this church as anything other than me 'working for the Lord' as we like to say. It just dawned on me that I have been taking it for granted all these years, but I have finally come to realize that it is indeed a glorious privilege to be a part of this ministry here at the Church of St. Stephen. On behalf of Hyacinth, Courtney and Ravi, we hope that this report will provide you with a recap (in a nutshell) of what happened in the year 2004, and, more significantly as we focus on the future, what I would like to see happening in the years to come.
PROPERTY - Rectory and Church Buildings
Last year started off as any other 'new' year, we had our various hopes and aspirations for the church. We were certainly not expecting to be bombarded with an onslaught of details that needed our immediate attention. As usual, we had very limited finances to meet the demands that were laid out before us.
At the church, we had a problem of water flowing into the building causing damp walls and mildew. We were faced with an ultimatum from the Ministry of Social Services with respect to certain structural and safety issues relating to the standards set out for the operation of the Day Care. This matter came to us just before the summer holidays, and in retrospect, it seemed almost impossible to paint walls, remove dust and grime, replace blinds and broken windowpanes in the short timeframe that we were allotted. We also refinished the stage floor, installed new tiles in the bathroom and placed new carpet in the Balsom Room. This is a brilliant example of what can be accomplished through team effort.
Many thanks for the zealous leadership of my peers Hyacinth Edghill and 'Ravi' Veerasingham who motivated some of the men in the parish and because of their collective quick thinking, expertise, commitment and hard work, we were able to meet the requirements before the deadline and are still the landlords of a much healthier daycare here on the premises.
The rectory was repainted and work was done to the bathroom. Some work on the exterior remains to be done.
PERSONNEL
In my opinion, the most difficult task we were faced with last year was to find the right person to fill the vacant youth minister's position. This was of great concern to us because of the value we place in our young people. We give thanks to God as through prayer and discernment, we managed to hire someone who is definitely committed to do this job. We found an applicant who demonstrated the qualities we were looking for to maintain the high standards set by her predecessor. From its inception, Connie Kendall had worked tirelessly to ensure that our youth group was 'on the map', so to speak. It was quite clear that we needed someone to expand the services we now provide in the community, and take our young people to a higher level of involvement while keeping them focused on the Lord. After a long and exhaustive search we hired Marie Green who has proven to be the answer to our prayers. Let the records show that we welcome, respect and appreciate your efforts Marie!
Another process that kept us on our toes for the better part of last year was finding a competent person to fill the position as Custodian. Our church is open to the public every day of the week as we accommodate the daycare and provide various services to the community. We thank God yet again for Hyacinth Edghill who demonstrated his commitment to this parish by stepping forward and offering his services in this very important area of ministry. He resigned his position as Warden on December 31, 2004. His official start date was January 1st 2005.
FUTURE GOALS
The windows of the church building are no longer suitable to keep the heat in during the winter and cool air during the summer. Our main goal this year with the help of God, is to replace all the windows in the church. Not only will this solve the problem we will also reduce our heating and hydro bills. A new carpet must now be installed in the Upper Room. There is also some work to be done to the exterior of the rectory. Given our financial situation, this all seems like a major hurdle, but we have never been a congregation to run away from challenges. We have done it before, and we will do it again. What now seems like ages ago, we rose above - a worn-out roof, vandalism, (broken windows), tattered carpeting, an out-of-date organ, faulty wiring in the building, a flooded basement, a leaking oil tank, major kitchen renovations, an aging furnace, and more recently, ongoing repairs to the rectory and a complete overhaul of our daycare facilities.
On the other side of the coin, there is such a great deal more to be accomplished in the spiritual realm of this ministry. One good example of something that could improve by a move of the Holy Spirit is the state of our finances. We have been struggling for what seems like forever as each year we are so strapped for cash that our aim is just to 'balance the books'. My desire for the future of this church is for us to come together as a congregation, do what is required of us and get out of this constant state of lack and insufficiency. I aspire that each person who comes though these doors would be so rooted and grounded in God and led by the Holy Spirit, that we will no longer have to be pleading to members for financial assistance, to support our functions, or to be consistent in their weekly attendance in the house of God.
Our situation will not change if we keep promoting the works of the flesh i.e. doing things based on how we feel. We should endeavour to spend more time focusing on the things of God; following the example of Jesus Christ. We should set our goals and pursue them and not be discouraged by those who will try to prevent us from getting ahead as we try to fulfill God's call on our lives.
I pray God's blessing on our priests Canon Stephen and Fr. Collis. This past year we have been blessed immensely with some very intense messages coming out of the pulpit. Canon, I value your leadership skills and most of all your passion for the gospel of Christ. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to speak through you. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be blessed by Fr. Collis' debut message to this church during the Christmas season will have no reason to doubt that God is using both these clergymen in a mighty way.
As we launch into this new year, I encourage each and every one of you to love and respect each other, take authority over the things that come against you and those you love, know who you are in God, stand on his promises, believe that with him nothing is impossible, and you will never be defeated.
I look forward to a year of growth within the church in every sense of the word, and I pray that the Lord will not only answer our prayers but open the windows of heaven and release prosperity, abundant health and healing upon this congregation this year and always.
The members of the Advisory Board serving during 2004 were:
Fenella Hodge (Chair)
Allan Austin
Hyacinth Edghill(Peoples' Warden )
Steve Clarke
Beverley Brown(Rector's Warden )
Norman DaCosta
Ravi Veerasingham (Deputy Peoples' Warden)
Suzette (Kathy) Legall
Courtney Gonsalves (Deputy Rector's Warden)
Iris Linton
Maraval Odlum(Synod Representative)
Foster Odlum
Andrea Brosgall(Synod Representative)
Tamra Palmer
Ericka Martin (Alternate Synod Representative)
Leroy Patterson
Patricia McIntosh-Keyi(Treasurer)
Kathy Lippoczy-Chalmers(Secretary)
Staff:
Canon Stephen Fields (Rector)
Marie Green (YouthMinister)
Fr. Collis Machoko (HonoraryAssistant)
Fanella Hodge served as chair of the Board, and Kathy Lippoczy-Chalmers as Secretary. Five new members joined the Board: Andrea Brosgall, Courtney Gonsalves, Kathy Legall, Iris Linton, and Tamra Palmer. Father Collis Machoko was granted permission by the bishop to assist Canon Stephen and, thus, attended Board meetings.
After the February 2004 Vestry meeting, meetings of the Advisory Board were held in the months of March, April, June, September, and November (2004) and January, 2005. Meetings were held on Sundays and commenced at 12:15 p.m. with a Bible Reading, led by Canon Stephen, and ended at approximately 2:15 p.m. During the year, we received the following reports:
Treasurer’s: The financial statements for the period ending the month prior to the meeting date.
Rector’s: This report provides the members with an update of Canon Stephen’s activities and any information that may be relevant to our ministry. Not withstanding the other reports that are submitted, it is meant to serve as the basis for the discussion and planning.
Wardens’: A Report on issues relating to the Administration and Property.
Youth Minister’s: A Report on The Downsview Youth Covenant Program for 2004/05.
Fundraising: Report from the Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
A Report on Christian Education
Visits
At our June meeting a welcome was extended to Bishop Anne Tottenham. She had some helpful information regarding screening of personnel for the day-care, the restructuring of parishes, support for parishes doing outreach work, and how other parishes can co-operate financially (e.g. by banding together, they can get discounts on heating).
Father Collis Machoko became a regular attendee of the Board meetings, as a result of the diocese granting him permission to assist Canon Stephen.
Our Work
During 2004, the Advisory Board discussed and made recommendations on a number of issues. Our work included the following:
Continued support for the work of the Downsview Youth Covenant
Members of the Board and other parishioners attended Credit Valley Area Ministry Day on Saturday March 27th, 2004. The year’s Theme was “Parish Life”. Workshops included Workshops included Welcoming Newcomers, The Parish as A Community of Healing, Youth Are Important, Encouraging Worship With Children, Leading the Prayers, St. Paul's route in Turkey as he spread the Word,nd much more.
Supported the Sunday School program and other Christian Education initiatives
Support for the Women’s Group and their work with the Sickle Cell Association
Addressed issues of Health and Safety for our staff and all who use our facilities
A formulation of a Sexual Misconduct and Screening Policy.
Motions From The Board
The Advisory Board invites Vestry to pass the following resolution.
Signing Officers
That the Wardens and Deputy Wardens and Treasurer be the signing officers for the ensuing year.
Sincere thanks are extended to all the members of the 2004 Advisory Board who gave of their time to support the church’s ministry.
Synod is the governing body of the diocese, comprising bishops, clergy and laity, which make decisions on policy and all matters vital to the exercise of the church's mission. Representatives to Synod were busy in 2004 as they gathered on 4 occasions.
The first gathering was in the format of a consultation. The diocese embarked on a year long process to discuss the issue of same sex blessing and the process was approved at the last session of Synod. On May 6th, Clergy, Lay members and Wardens in our area were engaged in this process.
Two Electoral Synods were held during the year. On June 12th, The Rt. Rev. Colin Johnson, a Suffragan (assistant) Bishop of the Diocese (area Bishop of Trent-Durham) was elected as Diocesan Bishop, on the third ballot, to fill the vacancy created following the retirement of Archbishop Terence Finlay. The other candidates were Rt. Rev. George Elliot, The Rt. Rev. Ann Tottenham and The Very Rev. Douglas Stoute. On November 13th, The Rev. Canon M. Philip Poole was elected, on the third ballot, to fill the vacancy created, following the election of the Diocesan Bishop. The other candidates were The Ven. Peter Fenty, The Rev. Dr. Wendy Fletcher, The Rev. Richard Miller, The Rev. Andrew Sheldon, The Very Rev. Peter Wall and The Rev. Dr. Canon Patrick Yu.
As required by legislation governing corporations in Ontario, the annual meeting of financial synod was held on November 27th to appoint the auditors for 2005 and to accept the 2003 Financial Statements. On the same day a special synod on Same-Gender blessing was convened.
Among the highlights of the meeting were
a)Defer any decision on same sex unions.
b)That any parish may request from the bishop to be a parish designated to bless same sex unions; and the granting of such permission be at the discretion of the bishop.
c)Petition the Government of Canada to use its constitutional, notwithstanding power to annul the same sex judicial decision so as to remove this judicial precedent.
The vote to defer passed by a margin of three hundred and twenty (320) to two hundred and ninety six (296) with seven (7) abstentions. Soon afterwards, Synod approved a motion, that it affirms the integrity and sanctity of committed adult same sex relationship. By voting in favour of the motion to defer, Synod did not vote on the second and third motion. In the interim, a committee will be established to look at what the next steps are and how the diocese and Parishes will respond. How the diocese will reach out to gay and lesbians and others who may be hurt by the decision to defer.
These topics bring not only many different points-of-view and mixed emotions but also create strong emotional responses. Our challenge during this time is not to shy away from our emotions and perspective and hope that it all goes away/ or consider it someone else's issues. Let us respect and honour each other's viewpoints and listen as intently as possible for the voice of God. Throughout the process, the diocese will provide information and updates on a regular basis through its web site and in the Monthly newspaper, The Anglican. Let us continually pray for one another and the Anglican Church through this process. Remember the bishops, clergy and laity who will be making the decision.
Maraval Odlum & Andrea Brosgall (Lay representatives)
Ericka Martin (Alternate Lay Representative)
In the year under review, the choir continued its ministry of providing music for regular worship and special services.
In January of 2004, after a three-week break, the adult and junior choirs returned for regular worship.
Even though some practices had to be postponed due to inclement weather, the choir director was able to implement plans for the first half of the year.
This included choosing and selecting music for the Lenten season, seasonal anthems and solos.
Tapes with the selected music were distributed to adult choir members to assist in the learning the various tunes. I am pleased to report that for the first time, we included excerpts from Handel's Messiah in our Holy Week and Easter services.
Throughout the year, a variety of types of music was included in our worship and we were pleased to encourage some of our talented youth to participate in the variety offered: They were Julian Asiedu on Saxaphone, Marc Fields on piano, vocal solos Ellen Asiedu, Folami Keyi, Khalesha Linton, Ethel Quarcoo, and Crystal Walker. In addition we were blessed to have Father Leonard accompany us on drums in winter and Ms. Joy Lapps, who played a few musical selections on the steel pan.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Black History Service
Some choir members again participated in the annual Black History service held on February 29, 2004 at St. Paul's Cathedral. At this service, the choir director was honored for her music ministry with Black History services during the years 2001 to 2003.
World Day of Prayer
When the annual World Day of Prayer service was held, the music for this event was prepared by the women of Panama. Frances Asiedu and the choir director sang a duet in English and Spanish featuring one of the songs from Panama.
Revival
The revival culminated in a grand concert held on May 30, 2004 with the following artistes - Adult and Youth choirs of St. Stephen's church, The Cherubic Singers, The Willowdale Male Chorale, Voix Antillaises, Marc Fields and Julian Asiedu, Folami Keyi (soloist), the Alexander Family (live band), and the a cappella group REECH.
Organ Recital
For a long time, Mr. John Bryan wanted to make a financial contribution to the Ministry at the Church of St. Stephen. This desire was finally realized on July 11, 2004. The concert was well attended. In addition to Mr Bryan's organ performance, I conducted the visiting choir Voix Antillaises. The music was very well received because there were many favorable comments on the evening's presentation.
NEW CHOIRISTERS
The Adult and Youth choirs resumed rehearsals in September 2004, and new music for the Christmas season was introduced. Tapes of music for the four (SATB) sections of the choir were made and handed out. We were pleased to welcome back Ms. Elizabeth Maclean to the soprano section and Valerie Cadogan to the alto section.
During my annual vacation in October, Mr. Marque Smith and Ms. Andrea Greenidge accompanied the congregation at services. During my absence, Mrs. Lucy Fields agreed to act as Choir Director and assisted the visiting organists at rehearsals.
YOUTH CHOIR
The youth choir continued to sing periodically during services. This year we saw active participation from 16 young people. Their major accomplishment was singing in two part harmony. They continue to improve in vocal techniques and gain confidence as they perform.
Lucy Fields who has worked with the youth choir for 7 years has indicated that she is unable to continue working with the children in 2005.
INTO 2005
The two main goals for this year are:
To perform a greater variety of music to cater to the varying tastes in our church community. However, this can only be realized if we have more voices joining our choir to strengthen the alto, tenor and bass sections. All that is required is the commitment to learn music and attend rehearsals.
The production of a CD.
It is hoped that during the New Year 2005, the choirs will continue the hard work of making music to the glory of God.
CONCLUSION
I would like to thank all the choristers, soloists, youth and their parents for their support of the music ministry of our church this past year.
St. Stephen's Sunday School continues to be a welcoming place where our children experience the love of Christ and are spiritually nurtured in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment. This is particularly evident in the Pre-school age group, our largest class, which is made up of children who were baptismal candidates just a few years ago. Added to this is the unprecedented support and assistance that we receive each Sunday from several of our mothers and fathers. They join us in witnessing the spiritual growth of their own children as we fellowship through, prayer, song and activities.
Despite not having purchased a curriculum for Sunday lessons this calendar year, we are working steadily to familiarize our children with God's Holy Word and give them opportunities to express their praise and thanksgiving through music, crafts and special events such as Children's Sunday and the Christmas Pageant.
The fundamentals of the Bible and how it is used in worship will be the focus for the older, more discerning children this year. It is important for us to help them make the transition from the cradle to the pew so that their learning can become more relevant to their spiritual journey. They use the Bible each Sunday to learn and uncover scriptural truths.
While we recognize our mandate as a church to facilitate our children's learning of Bible stories and scriptural truths, it is vital that parents, caregivers and stewards of God's word assist us in ensuring that Bible teaching and discussion takes place at home during the rest of the week. We invite everyone to share his or her vision of Sunday School and Christian education with us. What should our children be learning at Sunday School? How best can we prepare them together for the life ahead? How are you preparing them for confirmation?
Tell us how we can be of assistance. What about those creative ideas? Are there any suggestions for a children's library, a newsletter, opportunities for fellowship with other churches, for service to our community?
What is your vision for your child's Sunday School experience?
Let us work together to ensure that we do as Jesus instructed when he said; " Feed my lambs".
During the year 2004, our group has been blessed by God's grace, enabling us to enjoy a year of strengthened faith, hope, trust and compassion. Our study group meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Balsom Room) and the theme this year was "Genesis" (really hard study). We devoted some Wednesdays to simple prayer vigils (talking to God about our concerns) and these took place at different members' homes.
Our outreach ministries continue- a monthly hymn sing at Downsview Acres, visitation of the sick and shut-ins, accompanying seniors to their doctors, purchasing of groceries etc. Our carol singing continues. We've joined with the Black Creek Seniors Group, of which I am a member, for this occasion (42 of us) sharing joy at Sheridan Mall and seniors' homes.
I wish to thank all the members for their unending support, fellowship, prayers and encouragement to me. That's what this special group is all about, caring for each other.
A very meaningful time to us is celebrating our monthly co-operate Eucharist on the 3rd Sunday of each month. I'm happy to announce God has called 2 parishioners to join us this-year. Welcome!
God bless you all and remember us in your prayers.
