We were unable to cancel our regular order of Palm fronds, and  to save them from going to waste, we are making them available for pick up.  Using appropriate social distancing and hand-washing protocols,  you may pick up a frond outside the office and breezeway doors from Saturday (April 4) afternoon through Sunday (April 5). Please help yourself … while supplies last.

Some parishes are encouraging parishioners to put the frond or any kind of greenery on the door of their house or in a front window, as a symbol of our spiritual connection as we enter into the Holiest of Weeks.

If you are feeling crafty and want you can make your own palm cross, here are some “DIY” on how to do it:

Make a palm cross: print instructions

Make a palm cross in 2 minutes: video

Welcome

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our third Sunday Service during the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevents us from meeting together physically in church. I hope you find this mixture of prayers, readings, and sermon a meaningful substitute and that you will feel able to worship God in your home knowing that other members of the All Saints’ family will be joining you. I realize not all of us will be worshipping at the same time but at least we will all be following the same service. I pray that all of you will be able to feel God’s love and presence as we all go through this period of separation.

For Palm Sunday, it is possible many of you are joining in a live version of the sermon being celebrated by zoom on your laptop, phone, or other devices. Digital directions (i.e., the zoom invite) to our Palm Sunday service at 11:00am on April 5 will be circulated by parish email. 

Greeting

Dear friends in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s paschal mystery. On this day our Lord Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph. The people welcomed him with palms and shouts of praise, but the path before him led to self-giving, suffering, and death. Today we greet him as our King, although we know his crown is thorns and his throne a cross. We follow him this week from the glory of the palms to the glory of the resurrection by way of the dark road of suffering and death. United with him in his suffering on the cross, may we share his resurrection and new life. Amen.

Collect

Let us pray:

Assist us mercifully with your help, Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy into the celebration of those mighty acts whereby you give us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn:  “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty” (vs. 1-3) #182

(For personal viewing: King’s College, Cambridge)

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark all the tribes ‘hosanna’ cry;
Thine humble beast pursues his road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, Ride on in Majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die!
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
The wingèd squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Readings

• The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Chapter 27: 11-54)

Sermon

May my words be in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Amen.

Right, let’s stop everything right there. You have just listened to The Greatest Story Ever Told, a sequence of events which changed the course of world history like no other event has done … for Jesus’s death on the cross is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice a human being could do for his fellow human beings. Not only that, it is the one single act in the history of the world where God, through the Son, defeats the devil and all the sin of the world, is now borne by Jesus on his shoulders as he suffers the agonizing death on the cross – as Isaiah predicts of the suffering servant, “wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquity.”

As we gather in the quiet of our own homes, let us reflect on those people who conspired to bring this horrendous event about – some of them well-known favourites like Pilate, the High Priests, Peter and his denials, and Judas Iscariot. But what about ordinary people like you and me – the servant girl quizzing Peter, a man carrying a jar of water to lead the disciples to the place for the Last Supper, the prison guard who loses an ear, all those standing up to give false testimony, a man who offered Jesus a drink on the cross, the centurion doing his duty but recognizing who Jesus was after witnessing his death, and the women at the foot of the cross. All of them ordinary people caught up in this greatest event in world history and all playing their part.

But what were those people doing just five days before? They were doing exactly what we’ve done today – welcoming Jesus as King on a donkey, waving their palms, shouting Hosannas and praising God for sending them this man called Jesus as their Messiah to lead them out from under the yoke of Roman rule. And yet in less than a week that love turned to hate, cheering changed to a cruel cross, the joyful waving of the crowds turned to mockery, the hurling of insults and attempts at harming Jesus, the shouts welcoming him as King turned to shouts of “Crucify Him!” A day of joy turned into a day of immense sadness. In just a few days all these changes took place.

An astonishing turn around; but, thankfully, there was to be another more astonishing still. For on Easter Day Jesus was to change it all back again. Hate was replaced by love, the tears at and after the cross were replaced by cheers of awe and wonderment following The Resurrection. The mocking of the crowds gave way to tsunamis of happiness, sadness was replaced by joy, the one who had been killed was worshipped as Lord of Lords and King of Kings!

Palm Sunday and the events leading up to Jesus’s death remind us how quickly people can change – ourselves included – and how short-lived our love and faithfulness can be. But it reminds us also that the love of God shown in Christ never changes; that however much we may fight against his will and however faithless we may be, his love and purpose will endure for ever. And that purpose will always have at its fulcrum ordinary men and women. Like those involved in the death and resurrection of Jesus and like all of us gathered here, separated and yet so much together. Filled with the Spirit, we are called to follow in their footsteps and witness to that loving purpose of God in our generation. Amen.

Hymn: “My Song Is Love Unknown”  (vs. 1-3)  #184

(For personal viewing: Sylvia Burnside & the New Irish Orchestra)

My song is love unknown;
My Saviour’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they may lovely be.
O who am I,
That for my sake,
my Lord should take
frail flesh, and die?

He came from His blest throne,
Salvation to bestow:
But men made strange, and none
The longed-for Christ would know.
But O my friend!
My Friend indeed,
Who at my need
His life did spend!

Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day,
Hosannas to their King.
Then: Crucify!
Is all their breath,
And for His death
They thirst and cry.

Prayers

Almighty God, whose Son was crucified yet entered into glory, may we, walking in the way of the cross, find it is for us a way of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and ever-living God, in tender love for all our human race you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take our flesh and suffer death upon a cruel cross. May we follow the example of his great humility, and share in the glory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Gracious God, the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son, makes us pleasing in your sight. Alone we can do nothing, but through his sacrifice, may we receive your love and mercy.

We finish our prayers by saying the great family prayer Jesus taught us:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father…

Hymn: “O Sacred Head, Surrounded”  (vs. 1-3)  #198

(For personal viewing: Jack Marti & Elisabeth Montague)

O sacred head surrounded
by crown of piercing thorn;
O royal head so wounded,
reviled and put to scorn:
death’s shadows rise before you,
the glow of life decays,
yet angel hosts adore you
and tremble as they gaze!

Your youthfulness and vigour
are spent, your strength is gone,
and in your tortured figure
I see death drawing on:
what agony of dying,
what love, to sinners free!
My Lord, all grace supplying,
O turn your face on me!

Your sinless soul’s oppression
was all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain:
I bow my head, my Saviour,
for I deserve your place;
O grant to me your favour,
and heal me by your grace.

The Blessing

April 2, 2020

Over the next few days, we are going to hear a lot about Judas Iscariot and his betrayal of Our Lord. Many of my clergy colleagues’ sermons will paint Judas in bad colours. Phrases like “he had Jesus’ blood on his hands,”“he sent his Master to His death,” and “through his greed or resentment or disillusionment he became guilty of the greatest crime in history” will be used and they will point to the Gospels backing them in their opinions. All four evangelists unite in placing this act of Judas in the “very important” category of events which contributed to the death of Jesus. Thirty-three times this “act of betrayal” is mentioned in all four Gospels and each time it is seen as being critical in the Passion of our Lord.

Right from the start of my Christian journey in my late twenties, I have always struggled with the above assertions. Early on I learnt that the Greek verb used simply meant “to hand over” rather than the more negative “to betray,” and I just don’t believe the events of Easter would not have happened if Judas had not handed over Jesus to the Jewish authorities. As I said on Tuesday our Lord was in a “stature of waiting” throughout these awful days and His death was planned and inevitable and not due to any actions taken by Judas or anyone else involved. They were merely pawns in God’s hands.

My other reasons for not accepting Judas’ action as being of major importance lies in the actions of the other disciples and those of ourselves. Was Judas any more sinful than Peter denying Jesus three times, than the three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane ordered to stay awake and keep guard but slept, or than the whole bunch when they forsook Jesus and fled from The Garden? And what about ourselves? Through Lent we have been looking at our shortcomings and failings. When we look at them, can we really say we are more sinful than Judas? I have no doubt he lives in all of us – especially me.

Let us pray:

Father, as we approach the events of Holy Week and Easter, grant us, we pray, the wisdom to rise above the demands of the Judas within us all and follow the way of Jesus in bringing love, joy and peace to this world which is consumed by the worries and anxieties of the COVID19 pandemic.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who are sick either with the virus itself or suffering mentally as a result of worry and those who have been bereaved.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Come Holy Spirit, fill us with your grace, with your enthusiasm for life and with a real sense of joy and satisfaction in serving you.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Your wardens, along with Fr. Geoff and the Pastoral Care team, continue to meet weekly via video and phone to see how we can best serve the needs of our parish community in these difficult times. We will continue to send updates via email and post information on the All Saints’ Facebook page and parish website.

Many thanks to Arleane Ralph for creating a new page on our website labelled Together Apart. Here you will find a weekly Sunday service prepared by Fr. Geoff for you to follow at home, on-line prayer and worship resources, etc.

If you would like to be added to our email list, there is now a link to the email sign up form on the Together Apart page on the website. Thanks to the magic of our web designer, if you complete it you will automatically be added to the mailing list.

If you are interested in signing up for auto-debit (even temporarily in these troubled times), a pre-authorized giving form will soon be available, also on our Together Apart webpage. Despite the many closures, the bills still find their way into our mailbox. Thank you to the many folks who have donated via the website “donate button” or who have mailed a cheque.

We are working hard to keep our parish family connected and exploring ways to see if we can live stream services on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Watch this space for more information. We are also reviewing the parish lists to see who among our parish family may be isolated and in need of a friendly phone call or someone to shop for them.

There is always good news and kindness amongst all the negatives. Our Deacon’s Cupboard food bank is continuing to operate thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers (with new procedures in place to keep both volunteers and clients safe.) And just the other day the Salvation Army told us they had “a few things for your foodbank.” Well, the “few things” completely filled Roy’s truck! Don’t forget, if you want to donate to the food bank, we are having a “drive though” donation day on April 8^th between 10 and noon. Come to the parking lot, pop your trunk and a volunteer will take your donation.

Blessings to all. Keep the Faith. Wash your Hands. Pray for each other.

Your wardens, Roy, Sheila, Tim and Karen

A Message from the Wardens and Pastoral Team

of All Saints Anglican Church, Whitby

March 14, 2020

Today the Wardens and Pastoral Team met to plan for the coming weeks. We hope to continue to reach out to the congregation via email in the coming days and weeks to keep everyone abreast of these difficult times.

Services and Events
As you are aware all Anglican services across the Diocese are now cancelled for the time being. In addition, the following events at All Saints have also been postponed or cancelled:

• Choir Practices
• Tuesday Lenten Study
• Thursday morning Bible Study
• Book Club Meetings
• Margaret’s Guild Meetings
• Men’s Group Meetings
• Church – Open for Prayer Thursdays

The celebration of life service that was scheduled for this week has been postponed at the family’s request. More details will be forthcoming. We will be working with the Food Bank team this week to assess how we will be able to go forward.

Though our regular Sunday Services have been cancelled, St. James Cathedral Choral Matins will be celebrated by livestream by Bishop Andrew Asbil this Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. from the Diocese of Toronto Facebook page. Other livestream worship surfaces are also available; select from a list of livestream worship services. Though we will be apart, please consider joining together digitally.

Church Office Hours and Staff
Maria will be working from home during this time. She will checking phone messages and email during the normal office hours and will redirect any calls to the appropriate clergy or Warden. She can be reached at allsaintswhitby@nullbellnet.ca or via the Church Office number, number 905 668-5101. With the exception of our regular rentals, the church will be closed. Though Rob will be available from home, he will continue to ensure that the building is secure and cleaned where and when necessary.

Pastoral Care
Our pastoral team will continue to reach out during this time; however, they will be arranging for phone visits rather than home visits. For pastoral emergencies, please call the Church Office.

The Wardens and Pastoral team will continue to be in contact with the Diocese during the evolving situation. We will be keeping the congregation updated as new information is available. Please feel free to contact us or call the church office should you have any questions or concerns.

Wardens Roy, Sheila, Karen and Tim

March 14, 2020

Pastoral Letter to the Clergy & Congregations of Trent-Durham

Dear Friends in Christ ~ grace to you and peace this day.

I am lifting you up in prayer without ceasing. God is faithful and present to us, hears our cries and our pain, our joys and our longings. I appeal to you to remember to praise and pray to the Holy One of Blessing, who loves each and all of us, pursues us, encourages us, accompanies us and especially does not forsake us. We are beloved. Thanks be to God.

In these unfamiliar times, we should be prepared for disruptions – over the coming days, weeks and months. So I write to encourage you to hold fast to your faith, to know that you are beloved of God … Read more

Effective Sunday March 15, the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, including the Diocese of Toronto, is cancelling all corporate worship and all other gatherings in our church until further notice.

Diocesan Bishop announces cessation of worship services (March 13, 2020)

Letter from Archbishop Anne Germond about public worship services (March 13, 2020)

We hold our province in prayer during this anxious time, remembering especially those who are suffering from infection; researchers and doctors who are combatting the virus; health care officials and policy-makers, frontline workers and caregivers, and all those who may feel anxious or vulnerable. We trust that Christ, the Great Physician himself, will bring strength, comfort and healing to all.

See the Diocesan COVID-19 Updates for previous statements on this rapidly unfolding situation.