The Alpha Film Series begins on Saturday, September 30 from 9:30-11:30am and is open to anyone in the community – whether you’ve never been in a church or whether you attend regularly. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Christian faith. The series lasts for 8 weeks and gives you the opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. In each session there’s food, a short talk, and discussion in small groups. Please email Rev. Carol or Katharine to sign up.
Pastoral Statement from Archbishop Johnson
Read the statement in full below or as it was originally sent by clicking here.
PASTORAL STATEMENT
on Commitment to Diverse Theological Positions in the Diocese of Toronto
by the Most Reverend Colin R. Johnson
Archbishop of Toronto
and endorsed by the Bishops Suffragan of Toronto,
the Right Reverend Peter Fenty, the Right Reverend Riscylla Shaw, the Right Reverend Kevin Robertson, and the Right Reverend Jenny Andison.
From the earliest expressions of an Anglican way of living out the Christian faith, there has been diversity. That diversity has historically taken many forms, from tension, conflict and violence, to coexistence, indifference, and eventual synthesis. Whatever the witness of the past, however, the Diocese of Toronto is committed to reflecting our own diversity in a way that avoids the conflictual examples with which we are, alas, too familiar.
We believe that there have been positive forms of difference that have allowed the church to flourish in many places and with many people, not only within Anglicanism, but elsewhere. It is this aspect of our heritage that we have valued in this Diocese, and as Bishops of this Diocese, it is a value we wish to affirm strongly and preserve faithfully. Unlike in some periods and places of Anglicanism, here at least our unity does not imply uniformity in all things.
My pastoral decision as Archbishop to make provision to permit the marriage of same-sex couples in prescribed conditions is set within a broader process of discernment within the Anglican Communion and the whole Church. This is complex, multi-faceted, and unsettling. All churches are dealing with these matters, some more publicly as we are, some internally, but it is a discussion that is global. The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches, with whom we share the historic episcopate, although we are not in communion with each other, and most of the Provinces of the Anglican Communion, remain unchanged in their teaching of the historic Christian understanding of marriage as a sacramental covenant between one woman and one man. Some other churches, including Lutheran Churches and Old Catholic Churches with whom we share full communion and a number of Provinces of the Anglican Communion, have adopted changes to include couples of the same sex. There are also divergent views about how people and institutions can and should respond in a period of change when the parameters of those changes have not been fully agreed. The history of Anglicanism as well as of the wider Church has shown that matters of the faith, including those governing sexual morals, are not straightforwardly, consistently or unanimously divided into important and not-so-important. It will undoubtedly take a very long time to come to consensus and may not do so.
In the Diocese of Toronto, we have formally and informally discussed issues of sexuality for nearly 50 years. When our General Synod in 2007 received the St Michael report, it adopted a resolution that same sex commitments have significant doctrinal implications but not at the level of core doctrine, that is, something needing to be held by all as a matter of salvation. A second motion was passed affirming that this is not a communion breaking issue. Obviously, this last motion expresses a hope, not a prescription, since matters of conscience cannot be legislated or coerced. I take the St. Michael report to open the possibility of a newly expanded understanding of marriage but, as a corollary, I believe it implicitly affirms the continuing Christian authenticity and legitimacy of those who hold a traditional understanding of marriage and the faithfulness of the theology and practice that support it.
In fact, the norm for the Church continues to be the marriage of couples of opposite sex. The Anglican Church of Canada is currently in a discernment process to include the marriage of same-sex couples. Until that decision has been finalised, and as an interim pastoral response, as Bishop of Toronto with canonical authority and responsibility for the pastoral care and oversight of this Diocese, I have permitted a small number of priests, licensed to the cure of souls in a community, to preside in their parish at the marriage of a same-sex couple in certain limited circumstances. Both priest and congregation must concur that this ministry will be offered. No one will be obligated to act against their conscience. Neither parishes nor individual clergy will be required to celebrate marriages contrary to their convictions.
Not all welcome this new development: some because it goes too far, some because it is not enough.
We recognize there are theological and cultural differences across our diocese and within parishes which are strained by both the limits and permission represented in blessing same sex relationships and more specifically marriage.
I wish to reiterate – and this is unanimously affirmed by the Area Bishops – that there is and will be a continued and honoured place in all aspects of diocesan life for those who do not agree to the provisional arrangements for same sex marriages. Theirs is an authentic, sustainable conviction that bears significant and historic weight. It remains a coherent theological and biblical position within our Anglican tradition.
As Bishops we endorse unequivocally the principle that the Diocese of Toronto must honour and safeguard the diversity represented in its parishes and clergy, including those holding to an historic understanding of Christian marriage, so as to maintain the highest degree of communion possible, and together participate in the mission to make the crucified and risen Christ known in the world. We are personally committed to continue the face-to-face conversations that will foster this. This diversity will continue to be reflected in the selection, ordination and appointment of clergy, and in the lay and clerical membership of committees and councils of the diocese. It will also include the honoring of clergy conscience in the celebration and blessing of marriage.
We have seen that there is diversity within parishes that are generally opposed to same-sex commitments, just as there is in parishes that are generally in favour. There is a rich breadth of life in our parishes, with parishioners who are theologically astute, prayerful and deeply committed Christians legitimately holding differing convictions. We are in very different places and have been formed in very diverse contexts, theologically, spiritually, scripturally, experientially. The diversity of our diocesan community is a precious gift, challenging as it might be. It is vital to maintain this as it enriches not diminishes our common witness to the faith in a variety of ways. Though such witness is rooted in differing interpretations and understanding of Holy Scripture and the tradition, these are now within the contemporary spectrum of Anglicanism. They need to be engaged if we are to learn and grow together in fuller maturity in Christ.
All of us need to extend to each the most generous Christian charity that Jesus our Redeemer calls us to exercise as we, together, seek to discern and live out God’s will. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case, and we cannot condone such lack of charity. The Gospel and our baptismal covenant call us to love one another with the love of Christ and treat each other with dignity, respect and forbearance. We need to be tender with one another, recognizing each other as a beloved child of God redeemed by our Saviour Jesus Christ, each one bearing the image of God, each one the desire of God’s heart and will.
Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, September 29, 2017
Fall Kickoff & BBQ
The Fall Kickoff will be on Sunday, September 24 at 10:30am. This service includes the Blessing of the Backpacks (special prayer & blessing for all who’ve returned to school) and is the kickoff for fall programming. This is a great opportunity to reconnect and get plugged in this fall. The service is followed by a BBQ – please bring a salad/side item or dessert to share. Please email Katharine to sign up today!
Free Community BBQ
St. Philip’s will be hosting a Free Community BBQ for all of our neighbours on Monday, May 22 (Victoria Day) from 12-2pm. There will be an bouncy castle and face painting for the kids to enjoy.
If you’re around on Victoria Day we invite you and your family to be our guest! No need to call ahead or sign up, just come on over. See you there!
Holy Week at St. Philip’s
We have planned some unique services during Holy Week in preparation for the great celebration of Easter. Each service allows us to participate in the events leading up to our Lord’s triumphant Resurrection. Marking Holy Week heightens our Easter Joy!
Maundy Thursday April 13, 7:30 PM – Participate in moving ritual hand or foot washing as we celebrate the inauguration of the Lord’s Supper, and then strip the altar in preparation for Good Friday.
The interactive family service including children is at 6:00 PM.
Good Friday April 14 – Participate in a deeply reflective service with drama at 10:30 AM.
Consider coming early for 9:30AM as families with young children actively learn more about Jesus’ costly love for the world.
Easter Vigil April 15 – An ancient service of fire and light 7:30 PM. We light the new fire outside the church and process into the darkened “open tomb” with candles and the light of Christ, in celebration of the Resurrection.
Easter Sunday April 16 – Alleluia, Christ is Risen! We joyfully celebrate Jesus’ Victory over sin, hell, death and the grave at 8:15 and 10:30 AM services.
Kids enjoy the Easter egg hunt following the 10:30 service.
Invite your friends to celebrate with us the joyful news of Jesus’ victory, and ours.
Walkathon
The Walkathon will be held on Sunday April 30, 2017 with proceeds dedicated to the refugee sponsorship, in particular our new Syrian family who arrived in late March.
The walk will originate from St. Philip’s after the 10:30 morning service, with departure at approximately 11:30am. In the spirit of fellowship both congregations are encouraged to first attend the service at St. Philip’s, located at 9400 Kennedy Road, just north of 16th Avenue.
The Walk is a loop approximately 5 kilometres in length through the neighbourhoods east of the church. Maps are available at the church, though we intend to walk together. The loop returns to the church, where lunch will be served.
You can participate by signing up to walk and getting sponsors or by making a donation online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/grace-stphilips-family-sponsorship/
All donations make online will be immediately tax receipted. All donations made to the church over $10 will also be tax receipted.
For questions, please email office@nullspoth.ca
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras dinner and evening prayer on Tuesday Feb. 28 starting at 6:30pm – tickets are available for a wonderful celebratory fellowship dinner, followed by a short evening prayer to help us shift gears for Lent. Please email Katharine at office@nullspoth.ca or call 905-477-1991 to get tickets. You can choose from a Roast Beef or Jerk Chicken Dinner. Pancakes and sausages will be served for the children.
Lent
Lent is a season of engaging with practices that help us be more responsive to God. We have planned a number opportunities to help you make your Lent a Holy season.
Imposition of Ashes- available at the Unionville Go Station starting at 7am or in worship services at the Church at 9:30 am – Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes
6:00 pm – Family Interactive Service with Communion and Ashes
7:30 pm – Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes, music by Peggy Keeler
There will be two new opportunities to join a small group for Lent. Both groups will be studying an excellent video series, “Making Sense of the Cross” by Lutheran teacher Dr. David Lose. Come journey with us as we explore the most sacred and life-giving mystery of the cross of Christ. You will learn a great deal, and your appreciation of what Jesus has done for us and all creation will grow.
Monday Evening at 7:30 pm at the Church – “Making Sense of the Cross” study led by Rev. Stephen, beginning March 6 Thursday Morning, 10:00 am
Morning Prayer on Thursdays at 10am led by Mr. Brian Suggs, followed by study of “Making Sense of the Cross,” led by Beverley Kingsbury, beginning March 2. All are welcome!
St. Philip’s is also participating in the Markham-Unionville Ministerial’s Sunday Evening Lenten Series. There will be a service for each Sunday in Lent, hosted by a different congregation. St. Philip’s will be hosting an Evensong service on Sunday, March 12 at 7:00 pm.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Come help us celebrate Chinese New Year!
St. Philip’s Camps 2017
Join the fun at St. Philip’s this summer! Registration is now open! Click below to learn more and to register.
Musical Theatre Camp – July 10-14
Summer Day Camp – July 17-21