Welcome! Scroll through the notes below to see what’s happening this fall in the way of fellowship and faith formation, and to learn about ways to be more involved in the mission of ministry of the church. See also UPCOMING SERVICES for regular Sunday services and special worship celebrations
Get details on the new church directory, including photo sitting dates.
Antipasto, Pear Amber & Sweet Pepper Thursday (yum!) – September 28, at 10:00am and 6:30pm
St. Margaret’s Guild (SMG) will be working in the church kitchen on Thursday morning, making a second batch of Antipasto. This involves a great deal of chopping, so the more hands the better. Many hands make the job easier! ESPECIALLY since we are also going to chop Pear Amber, which sits overnight to be cooked on Friday. We are adding an evening session, 6:30pm, for this week as well. We will get started on our Sweet Pepper Jelly. Anyone is welcome to join us!
For more information contact Janet Duke, 905-668-7975 or janetduke@nullrogers.com
In recognition of National Indigenous Day on Sept. 30th, we are inviting parishioners to wear Orange shirts on Sunday October 1st. If you don’t have a orange shirt, Giant Tiger is selling orange shirts by Two-Spirit Ojibway artist Patrick Hunter.
100% of proceeds from the sale of this shirt are donated to Indspire’s Learning from the Past Fund, which provides bursaries to Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing an education in Indigenous Studies and Languages.
The custom shirt is available now at your local Giant Tiger and online at www.GiantTiger.com.
Please also plan to attend the Sunrise Morning Prayer Service at 7:00am on September 30th in the breezeway courtyard in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
(In case of poor weather, service will be in the church).
Truth & Reconciliation Field Trip to Alderville Black Oak Savanna – Thursday, October 5
Join with members of the parish Truth and Reconciliation Group for a guided tour of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna (North of Grafton & Rice Lake). This is another step on the path to reconciliation for individuals and the church, to meet, experience the hospitality of, and learn from, the Alderville community with whom we, through Crown representatives, signed the Williams Treaties 1923 and Settlement Agreement 2018. Cost is $20/person. Click here for all the details.
“Curry on Christ” – Tuesdays at 7:30pm, October 3 to November 14 (excluding Oct 31)
An in-person learning series based on the writings and sermons of the insightful and entertaining Bishop Michael Curry. Individually themed sessions led by Mthr Jennifer, Deacon Joanne, and Lay Ministry Leaders Jacky and Arleane, exploring what Bishop Curry says, and what we think, and what the world and the Scripture are telling us, about being called, trusting God, nourishing ourselves, caring for others, and generally going out and about in the world as people of faith.
The first session, led by Mthr Jennifer, will focus on the keyword “come.” We have all been given the invitation to Come to Jesus. Together we will look at Michael Curry’s backstory – what brought him to faith and how that invitation weaves through his preaching – and we’ll reflect on how that speaks to us and our own stories and faith influences.
Weekly meetings will be in the boardroom.
All-Ages Fun Fridays are back! Mark your calendar because
October 13th is going to be Games Night, and November 10th will be a Movie Night.
Our Home and Treaty Land Book Study – beginning October 19th
Join other Anglicans in the Diocese for a talking circle on the book Our Home and Treaty Land by Raymond Aldred and Matthew Anderson. Nanockashee Jake Charles from the Chippewas of Georgina Island is the Indigenous Participant. Zoom sessions begin on October 19th and continue on October 26, November 2, 9, 16, and 23. For the zoom link please register with Kelly Clarke by email at admin@nulltrinityaurora.ca or phone 905-727-6101 x 26.
Books available for purchase online or to borrow from the All Saints church office – contact Maria in the office to pick up a book (allsaintswhitby@nullbellnet.ca)
Ways to Be More Involved
All Saints has 35+ ministry groups for you to get involved with! Plus loads of events and committees where you can contribute your talents. There is a place for you! For example,
- Men’s Group meets the 3rd Saturday of every month in the parish hall.
- St. Margaret’s Guild (Women’s Group) meets Thursdays for fellowship and fundraising projects
- Choir rehearses every Thursday
- Parent and Tot Drop-In (stories, songs and fellowship) happens on the 4th Thursday of every month from 10-11:30am
- Youth Group (ages 12-17) meets the last Friday of every month at 7pm.
- Young Adult Ministry (20 and 30-somethings) meets once a month, alternating between Sat. breakfast and a mid-week potluck supper
- Rainbow Alliance Group is 2SLGBTQ+ working group for education and social events
There’s also current volunteer opportunities with the Knitting Club, Chancel Guild (for Sunday set up and flower arranging); Digital Vergers (Sunday worship tech team), Deacon’s Cupboard Food Bank, and the Community Garden. Reach out to group leaders or contact one of All Saints clergy to learn more about ways to offer your time and talent.
This month, courtesy of the Stewardship Team, you can check out some ministry groups and committees in detail right here!
Serving through Giving
All Saints relies on donations to accomplish its ministry work in the community. Please consider donating through Canada Helps or sending a request to become a pre-authorized giver. The church also has many special projects and ongoing campaigns to help encourage financial or material donations. Consider the following
Reconciliation with our Indigenous Siblings
As a congregation we continue to educate ourselves on the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the work to date towards reconciliation.
Land AcknowledgementWe acknowledge that our church is built on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Iroquoian-speaking Wendat, and 1923 Williams Treaties First Nations. We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land.Water Project
Alongside our educational pursuits, All Saints has also committed to praying for and raising funds for The Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh (Big Beaver House) in Northern Ontario in partnership with PWRDF. In 2022 funds are being raised for a purchase of a new water truck in Kingfisher Lake.
Kingfisher Lake has a population of 500 people on reserve, most of whom access water through tanks attached to their homes and a water delivery system from the treatment plant. Roads are rough, wear and tear on the vehicles is significant, repair parts are hard to come by, and the population is growing. A new water truck will significantly increase the reliability of clean, running water in this community.
You can read more about this and donate by visiting https://pwrdf.org/WATER-PROJECT/
Other Online Educational Resources
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- The TRC Final Report (2015)
- 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation report
- calls 71-76 about Missing children and burial information
- Anglican Church of Canada’s Reconciliation Toolkit
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- CBC’s 10 books about residential schools to read with kids
- “Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts” documentary
- “We Were Children” documentary
- “Indigenous Canada”, online course offered by the University of Alberta
