News & Events

Pastor’s Letter for Sunday, May 7

Dear Friends,

Throughout the season of Easter, we read from the Book of Acts and the First Letter of Peter. While seemingly two different texts from the New Testament, both works speak to the Church’s mission to go out into the world and proclaim the good news. Today’s selection from Peter’s letter emphasises this quite strongly: we have been drawn into the Body of Christ in order that we “may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light”

The work of the Church is always directed outwards. We come to this space to be nourished and sustained for the purpose of serving God’s people and creation. Our celebration of the Liturgy and participation in the breaking of bread enables us to be Christ to others. Here we are formed, nourished, and commissioned to serve the world.

The early church took serious the gospel mission Jesus entrusted to them. Several Greek and Roman writers of the time remarked on the early church’s generous and lavish hospitality to all. In many places, the generosity of the Christian community became a draw for those hearing the gospel for the first time. Clearly the early disciples’ way of life spoke deeply to the people of their day, for many longed to experience the joy and love as experienced in the early church.

Many still hunger for deep and meaningful relationships, with God and with each other. I often hear from people who visit the church of how challenging they find life today. Many are lonely, others are stressed and anxious about work and finances, and still others feel the weight and pressure of everyday life. While the Church isn’t as prominent today as it was in the past, people still come to churches seeking solace and comfort and to know that they belong and are important. My prayer is that all may find a warm and gracious welcome here, and that we are inspired and renewed in our mission to love and serve all God’s creation.

Peace,

Don+

Ministry News & Events

Fr. Don Away from Office, Available for Pastoral Care

A couple of years ago the Bishop of Toronto granted to all priests who served during the pandemic a two-week with one Sunday away sabbath leave for study, prayer, and rest. Clergy are required to complete the leave before August of this year. As such, Fr. Don will be away from the office most of this week. He will be available for pastoral emergencies and will continue to celebrate Thursday and Sunday liturgies. He will take his Sunday leave later in summer.

Join Us for Thursday Morning Prayer at 9:30

Pray with us the Daily Office. Each Thursday we pray the office of morning prayer from the Book of Common Prayer in the church and livestream it on our Facebook page. We invite you to join us and allow the words of the Psalm to wash over you.

Join Us for Thursday Eucharist: 5:30 p.m. Thursday Evenings

All are welcome to share with us in a simple and informal celebration of Eucharist each Thursday at 5:30. Come spend a little time of quiet reflection and discussion with your friends.

Church Not Open Thursday — Only for Services

Unfortunately the church will not be open this coming Thursday. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Do join us for morning prayer at 9:30 and Mass at 5:30.

Vex the Vicar and Lunch: Sunday, May 14, 12:00 p.m. (Ministry Centre)

All are welcome to join us for a light lunch and a time for thoughtful and fun conversation about faith and life. Bring your questions and see if you can’t vex our pastor and join us on Sunday, May 14, at noon.

Drop us a note at don.beyers@saintanne.ca to let us know if you plan to come. That way we can make sure we have enough food.

Joint Ascension Day Eucharist and Potluck Supper: Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m., St. John's, West Toronto

All are invited to share with our partnering parishes (St. Mathias, Epiphany-St. Mark, and St. John's, West Toronto) in a joint celebration of the Eucharist for the Vigil of the Feast of the Ascension on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. The Liturgy will take place at St. John's, West Toronto, just a short walk north of High Park subway station. 

In addition to liturgy, you are invited to share in a potluck supper. In the coming days we will share with you what food items you can bring. 

We hope to see you at this wonderful celebration!

Sign-up Today and Help Out with Our Community Dinner: May 21 at 5:00

Many community members and neighbours depend upon our monthly community dinner. We could really use your help and support to prepare, serve, and clean-up after each dinner. If you are able to help, email Juli at juli.brown@saintanne.ca.

Join Us for Another Lay-led Eucharist: May 24, 7:30 p.m. Ministry Centre

We are again offering another lay-led Eucharist celebration on May 24 in the Ministry Centre. All are welcome to this thoughtful time of prayer and reflection.

Get Your Tickets Today for the Strawberry Cabaret: 2:00 and 7:00 June 17

Join us June 17 at either 2:00 or 7:00 for a strawberry cabaret in support of St. Anne's. The St. Anne's Music and Drama Society will be performing a fully staged production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s curtain-raiser Trial by Jury and a star-studded second half consisting of many of our favourite G&S numbers. We will be serving delicious strawberry shortcake along with tea and coffee to make this an extraordinary outing! Free tours of the Group of Seven artwork will be offered in the church one hour before each performance. Purchase your tickets by visiting the St. Anne’s Music and Drama society website: https:// www.stannesmads.com

Worship Schedule for the Week of May 7

Sunday, May 7: Fifth Sunday of Easter (White)

10:30 Eucharist

Tuesday, May 9: Easter Feria (White)

2:00 Prayer Service at St. Anne’s Place

Thursday, May 11: Easter Feria (White)

9:30 Morning Prayer 

5:30 Eucharist

Help Support St. Anne’s

Your financial support of St. Anne’s enables us to serve hundreds of people each year through service events, education programmes, concerts, and prayer and worship. It also enables us to sustain and maintain this wonderful building. Learn more about how you can support our ministry by visiting https://www.saintanne.ca/support.