Bishop of Toronto the Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil on the devasting fire at St. Anne's Church in Toronto

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“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed,
we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
–2 Corinthians 5:1

Beloved in Christ:

Yesterday’s [Sunday’s] Epistle reading was providential and poignant for all of us in the Diocese of Toronto, as we lost one of our most beloved buildings to fire. St. Anne’s on Gladstone Avenue in Toronto was a jewel of our Church, with its priceless artwork, and architecture that allowed for glorious acoustics. It was a gathering place for the local community, for the arts world, and became a hub for generous and faithful outreach ministry. Most importantly, for its vibrant worshipping community, it was home. And so, we grieve.

An aerial view of the aftermath of the fire at St. Anne's Anglican Church. The historic church was destroyed by fire on Sunday. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News - image credit)

The parish of St. Mary Magdalene opened its doors to welcome the community of St. Anne’s to gather in the afternoon. I was fortunate to be present to offer words of encouragement and support. Mayor Olivia Chow was there, too. The Rev. Don Beyers and the Rev. Hannah Johnston were magnificent in their pastoral care. The congregation exhibited resilience and hope in the midst of their sorrow and pain. It was very moving.

The reading from 2 Corinthians yesterday references that the buildings and structures of this world are all transitory. Everything that we see now will pass away. But as people of faith, we know that God’s provision is eternal – and in our midst. God’s accommodation is not of bricks and mortar, organ and pew, glass and paint and mosaic. Our eternal home is the source of all blessing and goodness, the originator of music and beauty, of service and care, of love and community.

On Sunday morning, Mary and I were present at Christ Church in Stouffville to celebrate the confirmation, reaffirmation and reception of 12 members. Fr. Don had served as an assistant curate there. When I shared the devastating news, the reactions were deeply personal. That afternoon, one family from Christ Church made the trip to St. Mary Magdalene’s to be present and to say, we are with you. St. Anne’s, you are not alone. All 200 congregations of the Diocese of Toronto are with you, praying for you, and will walk with you through this next chapter in our life together. Words of encouragement are coming from right across the Church, from coast to coast to coast and beyond.

And the Triune God who has sustained and blessed you for over 100 years of life and ministry is with you still. May you feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit as you grieve the loss of your beautiful earthly tent, as we lean confidently into Jesus Christ’s promise that “in my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.”

In sure and certain hope,
The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil
Bishop of Toronto

An engaging talk on learning to live and walk with God

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In case you missed the Rev. Connie’s astonishing sermon from last Sunday (the whole service is here: 'Three in One ... a personal walk with Thee': Sunday service for May 26, Trinity Sunday; her sermon begins about 26 minutes in), I encourage you to!

Reverend Connie wondrously uses her own story of growing up an only child of a working mother to engagingly teach how she came, at a very young age, to rely entirely on her Heavenly Father and the Trinity He embodies.

As she explains, the Holy Trinity has never been ‘just doctrine’ to her, but her lived, personal experience.

She explains how she “felt like the luckiest little girl in the world with such an awesome Father who no one could ever take away” from her; “the only father she has ever had or needed.”

Imagine if all could learn this at such a young age … especially the fatherless (in fact or feeling).

Report on activities of the 4C's for 2023

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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
— Hebrews 13:16

By Louise Ewing, Chair, Christian Community Concerns Centre (4 C’s)

A very happy and blessed New Year to every one of you who have contributed through donation of cash or items to be sold, or through service to the Christian Community Concerns Centre [4 C’s] in 2023.

God has been an excellent provider this year, especially during this season which can be so joyous for some and so heartbreaking for others. Our Board members wanted to take an opportunity to share with you the good news about things that we have been able to provide over the last 12 months.

Being a private not-for-profit charity, the 4C’s does not receive government support. We rely solely on donations. We are truly blessed to have received several large local and anonymous financial donations enabling our food bank to meet the increased demand this past year. Every dollar donated to the 4C’s food bank goes directly to the purchase of food from our local grocery stores. Any expenses to run the food bank or the store are paid for through the income earned at the Lily Ann Thrift Store.

The food bank has also benefited this year through an increased number of food drives by local businesses to fill a truck, a cruiser, a bin, or a bag with food and/or toys. Food drives, conducted at Haliburton Foodland and Todd’s Independent, ensure that the items donated are fresh and within the ‘best before’ period. This is so VERY IMPORTANT to the organization as we are, by law, not allowed to distribute items past their due date. Such items must be sent to the landfill.

During these drives, our community can donate at the cash register when checking out, by purchasing items to donate outside the store or they can purchase already-prepared brown grocery bags inside the stores. We want you to know that the grocery stores consult with our food bank manager, Judy, to see what is needed and they, in turn, fill those bags with the most needed items at that time.

The Lily Ann Thrift Store has provided a place for everyone in the County to receive and/or purchase needed items at reasonable prices. The store is stocked through generous donations of clothing, jewelry, books, movies, music, household items and so much more. Sales provide not only funds to support the food bank, but also to share with other not-for-profits in need in our community.

Our volunteers at the Lily Ann Thrift Store spend many hours sorting through donated items to ensure that only the best reach the store! Unfortunately, broken, stained, smelly and damaged items must be discarded and sent to the landfill at a great cost to the 4C’s.

You may not know that the 4C’s (Christian Community Concerns Center) was originally developed by the churches in Haliburton, designed to be a central location where individuals could be referred for food and financial assistance! Our mandate is clear, and we will continue to develop programs to support the evolving needs of individuals and families throughout the community.

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace.”
— Colossians 3:15