“This church acknowledges being on the traditional territories of …”

At the opening of our Sunday worship on June 18,  Cecile Wagar, Senator of the Oshawa and Durham Region Metis Council, led the congregation in a ceremony to dedicate a stone and plaque that acknowledges the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, the Iroquoian-speaking Wendat, and the 1923 Williams Treaties First Nations as the traditional owners of the land on which the church now stands and has done for 151 years. The indigenous lands marker is a symbol of All Saints’ ongoing commitment to pursuing truth, justice, reconciliation and healing for the children of God.

The All Our Relations Metis Drum Circle provided drumming and spiritual music of First Nations and Metis heritage, and the congregation processed to the front lawn and formed a circle around the stone marker for a smudging and blessing ceremony. The smudging feather and bowl were returned to the chancel steps for the service, filling the sanctuary with the scent of cedar, sage and tobacco as the Canon Vail delivered a moving homily on the Gospel call to pursue justice and the wholeness of the human family, so that we all might live in right relationships with each other and with the Creator.

Creator God,
from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name.
You have rooted and grounded us
in your covenant love,
and empowered us by your Spirit
to speak the truth in love,
and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness.
Mercifully grant that your people,
journeying together in partnership,
may be strengthened and guided
to help one another to grow into the full stature  of Christ,
who is our light and our life. Amen

A glorious Trinity Sunday at All Saints’ with the Rev. Canon Anthony Jemmott celebrating with us on the anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood 42 years ago today. Congratulations Fr. Anthony and thank you for sharing this occasion with us.

It’s a season of fresh starts and new life and beautiful sunlit mornings. Sundays at All Saints are glorious at this time of year as the sanctuary is filled with sunshine and our ministries are energized by the gospel message of God’s incredible love for humanity.

 Lots is happening at the parish. This month we welcomed our new Assistant Curate, the Reverend Molly Finlay, to our ministry team! We are so excited to have her working with and among us for the next two years.

The Annual Plant and Used Book Sale is happening on Saturday, May 27, 9am-1pm, in the parking lot at the north end of the church. And on Sunday, May 28, guest preacher (and former Associate Priest at ASW) the Rev. Beverley Williams joins us to talk about this year’s Diocesan FaithWorks campaign. Beverley is now Executive Director of the Flemingdon Park Ministry.

On Saturday, June 3, you can enjoy a high tea – complete with perfect little sandwiches and sweets – as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. If you were at last year’s tea for All Saints’ own 150^th anniversary, you’ll know this an event not to be missed. Tickets are $20 and selling out fast.

Then for Sunday, June 4 (Pentecost), the Archbishop will be celebrate and preach at the 10:00 am service when several of our parishioners, including some of our favourite teens, will be confirmed in the faith.

Saturday, June 17, the ASW Men’s Group has its next breakfast meeting, and on Sunday, June 25, the 2017 school bursary will be presented to a chosen applicant as part of the regular worship service.

So, yes, lots of special events, but every Sunday is special at All Saints and you are welcome anytime. After every 10am service, we gather in the parish hall for coffee, tea, treats, and conversation. You are invited there, too.

As the days get longer and brighter, consider spending some of your weekend with us. You will leave with renewed sense of energy and joy.