1

The Faces of Jesus

This edition of News From the Pews

features the likeness of Our Lord from

the inspiration of artists of all ages.

The image above is an icon in the

Byzantine style, traditionally used

in Eastern Orthodox churches.

Anglican and Greek Orthodox have a

close association, especially in

Toronto.

What did Jesus really look like? I like

to think of him as Jewish, or typically,

Semite, with black or dark brown hair.

Through the ages, however artists

have presented the Lord as European,

blue eyes, dark brown, light brown,

even fair haired. Painters and

sculptures have depicted him in other

racial characteristics, black, Asian or

brown. Symbolically,

it makes sense, as Jesus is the Saviour

of all peoples, races and nationalities.

In this issue of News From the Pews,

I have selected a variety

of interpretations, some popular

today, some not often encountered.

I do this to show that the Son of God

shares the characteristics of all

of us truly catholic, or universal.

As a spiritual exercise, one could go

to Google or Firefox, type in “The Face

of Jesus” as we did for this essay.

In the Ten Commandments, we are

told “No images!” Why do we have

them? The reason is simple. During

the early centuries of Christian faith

we adhered strictly to the Hebrew

tradition. We discovered, however,

that to spread the faith, we needed

to teach. Early Christians were not

the educated or wealthy,

but the illiterate poor. Early on,

the Greeks developed the now

familiar Icon, such as that shown

here. Later,in Europe, Illiterate

Christians could not read Latin,

consequently, the Church taught

the Jesus story through

the medium of stained glass.

With the same purposes in mind,

other means such as Christian

symbols, became teaching tools.

The written word was preserved

in Christian monasteries until the

invention of the printing press.

Christos

2

A Message from

our priest and friend,

Shelley McVea“Trust in the

living God who giveth us richly all

things to enjoy” `- 1 Timothy 6:17

As Canadians, we are blessed by God

in the richness of our four seasons.

Although some of us might like to

limit winter to three days rather than

three months, still, there are rewards

with each season. As we head into

many peoples' favourite time of year, I

pray that you will have opportunity to

relax and enjoy unhurried time with

your families and friends. I encourage

you, if you have the opportunity, to

get out into nature and enjoy our God's

glorious creation. Many theologians

have said that we see God most clearly

in three ways: God's living word

(Jesus Christ), God's written word

(Scriptures), and God's painted word,

creation. May you have time this

summer to enjoy all three.

Some of us will be in Toronto for most

of the summer, so I remind you that

we'll continue our weekly Sunday

services (10:00 a.m. rather than 10:30

a.m.). Join us if you are able to. Often

we get a good number of guests

throughout the summer and we hope

to welcome them warmly to our

fellowship. If you visit other

congregations over the next few

months, bring them our blessings.

Maybe they will have some liturgical

practices that you will find

meaningful, and can share with us.

Some of my favourite downtime is

usually spent with my nose stuck in a

book (I know that dates me; many of

you are using eReaders). If you have

time over the next few months, here

are a few of my favourites that I have

read recently. These particular ones

are written by fellow brothers and

sisters in Christ. For those who enjoy

their spirituality with a light touch and

a quick wit, try Anne Lamott's latest :

Small Victories, Spotting Improbable

Moments of Grace. She makes me

glad to be a believer. Bryan

Stevenson's gritty, heartrending, and

glorious Just Mercy-Justice and

Redemption, outlines his work with

inmates on death row in Alabama. I

could not put this book down. Finally,

a novel. Bestselling author Ted

Dekker has written a wonderful

adventure story about the desert

princess Maviah. Fighting for her life

and her kingdom, she encounters one

who offers her a different kingdom,

not of this world. The book is called

3

A.D. 30. Its sequel A.D. 33 is out in

June. All these books are available in

the Toronto library system..Finally,

as we head into summer, let's

remember to pray for each other, and

for St. Saviour's. Prayer is the bond

between us, even when we are away

from each other. It strengthens our

love for one another, and opens the

way for God's kingdom to grow.

It is truly an all-season endeavour.

Thou art the Way, to thee

alone, from sin and death,

we flee; and he who would

the Father seek,

must seek him Lord, by Thee.

Colleen Newell ,

a Ministry in music

As it says in Psalm 22:3,

" ...He inhabits the praises

of His people”. When I sing

and play music, I feel,

and perceive the embrace

of God. This verse makes

sense of this for me,

because I started writing

music to verses of scripture

as soon as I could play

the guitar.

The gift of music is

intimately tied to my faith

and love of Christ, His love

for me,and my abilities as

a musician and composer.

It starts with a song between

my Lord and me when no

one else can hear. I need

this touchstone to keep my

spirit in tune with God's love

for me. I sing from my heart,

my head and my soul,

and music allows me an

outward

expression

of an inner reality.

Writing songs before

the Lord allows me

a place for my spirit

to be nurtured by private

adoration; honey for

the soul, but without

an opportunity to use this

gift in a community, it would

not develop to its fullest.

Being with you on the 2nd

Sunday of the month, and at

other times in my life, when

I have had the tremendous

opportunity to share my gift

with the body of Christ,

this experience has grown

my faith like nothing else.

In times of joy and suffering

I can turn to this tool

to communicate my

emotions with God, and

4

in return receive comfort

and strength.

I thank God, that through

Christ, the Spirit gives me

the inspiration to develop

and share my music ministry

with you all at St.Saviour's.

Agnus Dei,

Lamb if God,,

that takest away the sib of the world,

grant us thy Peace.

A beautiful Moment

with Ingrid Mac Donald

I want to share with you the story

of how the Lord brought me

to St. Saviour’s.

Long ago on a Sunday afternoon

in September I was out walking

my old dog Jessie.As we passed the

church we met Reverend Shelley who

offered a pet blessing to Jessie. We

accepted and stopped a few minutes

for the blessing and a chat.

Months passed and the memory

of that encounter stayed with me, as I

reflected on Shelley's evident kindness

and spirituality.

My brother-in-law, Michael and I

were at that time attending another

larger church in the neighbourhood

but we had not made friends

or connections there.

We talked about the possibility of

coming to St. Saviour’s but only if we

both would be accepted for who we

ar e,meaning that Michael's

intellectual disability and my sexual

orientation would not be barriers to us

becoming full members of the

congregation.

So we gave St. Saviour’s a try and

wow, did we ever not need to worry

about not being accepted. this small

beautiful church, we were welcomed

with genuine love, affection and

curiosity.

In time we became fully integrated

into community life. Michael served

as a greeter and attended bible study

and men's breakfast. I was very glad

to share my accounting skills by

taking on the treasury.

Later when Michael got cancer, we

benefited from the support and prayers

our church community and when

Michael died, his funeral

at St. Saviour,s was a testament

to how many people here knew him,

loved him and considered him

a friend.

So when I look back and think of all

the goodness that came into our lives

following from the time I stopped

while walking my dog, I am in awe of

the way the Lord works and I remain

5

truly grateful.

Ingrid MacDonald

Planting Our Urban Orchard

Growing Food and Community

at St. Saviour’s Urban Orchard

It seems a small thing, just growing

some plants, but it turns out to be a

quietly powerful message of

generosity and abundance the Church

is giving. Passers-by comment on the

changes every time I garden at the

Urban Orchard. People say hello,

attracted by the blossoms, and

intrigued by the edible hedge and the

fruit plants. “You mean, we can just

come and eat the fruit?”

Yes, you can. Right now, you can

harvest chives, sage, and rhubarb -

but be sure to leave some for others.

Asparagus should be ready next year,

and the currants and haskaps are

fruiting; even the kiwi made it

through the winter!

One young father came by to warn

me that some kids had thrown glass

into the garden. While his baby boy

delighted in the colourful tulips,

he picked out the glass so I wouldn’t

get cut. It was so kind of him.

Another neighbour is going to treat us

some of his marvelous dahlias for fall

colour.

Gradually the community is becoming

aware of the garden, starting to

connect with it, and even protect it. I

believe the garden will bear fruit for

us all in many ways.

The big battle is with grass in the beds

– but not where Luis is trying to grow

it! Hope to move those mulch piles

soon. Watering duties will be a bit

easier thanks to the Church buying

some soaker hoses. Bill has been very

helpful with watering this spring, and

Doreen has already sown some of her

lovely annuals.

Meanwhile, back at the plant

incubator, seedlings are almost ready

for the garden – melons, tomatoes,

6

cucumbers, lettuce and more. Grow

with us!

Virgine Gysel

Jesus, an Afro Interpretation.

There is an Afro depiction

of Jesus on the Cross

at St. Michael’s Anglican Church,

St. Claire Ave. West, Toronto

In Christ there is no east or west,

There is no north nor south,

but one great fellowship of love,

throughout the whole wide earth.

Our Ministry In the Anglican Church, we are all

ministers. The ordained ministry are

those whom we recognize as Bishops,

Priests and Deacons. Their ministry is

sacramental, and well defined. We of

the laity, however, have our own

ministries to perform. We are readers

or leaders in prayer; we are musicians

or sinners; we serve as teachers

or as servants at the altar. Each one of

us has a ministry

in the Body of Christ.

We are all invited to enrich our own

spiritual experience with a

personal ministry. At St. Saviour’s we

are always in need of volunteers to

help with Sunday School, Chancel

Guild, Servers at the Eucharist;, or

visiting shut-ins or in hospital,

transporting seniors to church on

Sundays, communications telephone

or computer; community gardening ,

outreach, or many other ways to give

back what we have received of the

Lord’s blessing. Feel free to speak to

Shelley, any of the wardens, or others

among the greeters.

See page 9 for more opportunities for

involvement in the life of the parish of

St. Saviour.

7

Ministry of the Word

The ministry of the Word in the

Anglican Church is most often

preached from the Pulpit. The Word is

delivered as a homily or sermon,

based on the Sunday Gospel. From

time to time the preacher selected a

text from the Old Testament, but

always associated with the theme of

the Gospel. The symbol on the

antependium, shown above, is of the

Holy Trinity. The Anglican sermon is

often proclaimed in “The Name of the

Father, of the Son, and of the Holy

Spirit.”

Service Times

Sunday Eucharist- 10:30 a.m.

(10:00 a.m. July and August)

Sunday School at the same

hours

Morning Prayer

Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. (except

July and August)

Centering Prayer

First Thursday @ month

7:00 p.m. at the Home

of the Rev. Shelley McVea

Priest and Editor

Easter Sunday, 2015

8

Do you know the

Anglican song?

I am an Anglican,

True as can be;

not high chuech,

or low church,

but Protestant

and Carholic,

and Free;

Not a Luth’ran,

nor a Presby,

nor a Baptist

flecked with foam,

I am an Anglican,

just one step from Rome.

I am an Anglican,

Via Media, my home!

Aurthor unknown.

Probably in hiding. Hehehe!

Ask Bob,

and he will

sing it for you.

Music, Music, Music! Have you met Karen? Karen Price is

the lovely lady behind the organ

console most Sundays. Besides those

gorgeous hymns from the Hymn Book,

Karen provides the musical settings

we use to accompany the Eucharist.

Karen shares responsibility for

the selection of hymns with Graham,

Colleen and, of course, Shelley. It is

amazing what she accomplishes, since

our old organ is in need of a complete

overhaul.

Our music team also includes Graham

at the keyboard, singing vocals from

a variety of Christian sources.

On Second Sundays, we have

the pleasure of singing Christian songs

provided by Colleen and her crew

of folk musicians. Music provides

inspiration for every taste. This is our

ministry of music for St. Saviour’s.

Please note When there are five

Sundays in the month, Eucharist will

be celebrated in the beautiful

language of the Book of Common

`Prayer, 1549 – 1962.

9

Men’s Breakfast Our host, Graham Fisher, with

Richard Dela Cazada, and Rick

Jackson – chefs, together with

Isiah and Jonah,, supervisors

There is nothing like bacon and eggs,

toast and hot coffee to get a bunch

of guys together on a Saturday

morning at St. Saviour’s. It happened

on May 16. When, organized by

Richard Dela Cazada and , and

Jackson, together with Graham Fisher,

rebooted our successful Men’s

Breakfast. About fifteen men

attended, filling the hall with laughter,

jokes and puns,, assisted by the antics

of Isaiah and Noah Dela Cazada.

At the close of breakfast,

an inspirational film was shown,

but due to technical difficulties,

not everyone could appreciate it.

The next breakfast will be Saturday,

June 17, at 8:30 a.m.

The Men’s Breakfast is part of our

outreach ministry, and deserves

the support of all of us. But sorry,

girls, just for guys.

Please do get involved

Enrich your your spiritual experience

as a Christian at St. Saviour’s by being

part of our church family. You may

join the church school staff; care for

the altar or sanctuary on the Chancel

Guild; visit shut-ins or those in

hospital;, or assist as a Greeter or take

up the offering.

One may also become a lector or

intercessor as part of the Sunday

worship. Men or women, young or old

are also encouraged to join the

Servers; Guilt to assist in the

ceremonies or the liturgy – light the

candles, carry the Cross, or otherwise

assist the celebrant of the Eucharist.

These ceremonies are not daunting,

and they can enrich one’s worship

experience.

If you like gardening, there is ample

opportunity to join the little band of

workers, Caring for the plants and

shrubbery, trimming, weeding,

watering. –wonderful ways to offer

your talents to the Lord..

OUR Urban Orchard is becoming

a garden of beauty. Volunteer,

and be a part of it. There are many

ways in which we can offer our talents

to the Lord.

10

Majesty For he shall reign forever!

How often, when we hear Handel’s

Hallelujah, and he shall reign

forever!.” It was these words from

Holy Scripture that inspired the

sculpture,

Christ the King.

Natasha Surely everyone knows Natasha!

She rarely misses Eucharist on

Sundays; reads the Scriptures in

church; assists in Sunday School

when needed;; may be seen helping

in hospitality; and we must all have

tasted her yummy chocolate cake!

But who is she?

Natasha was born and baptized in

Brampton, Ont., raised Roman

Catholic, attending various Catholic

schools, but didn’t become interested

in Christian faith, until a friend

introduced her to Kennedy Road

Tabernacle, where, in her teens,

Natasha discovered what being

a Christian was all about. She

attended college in Ottawa, and upon

returning home, became involved in

the United Church, coming to Toronto

in 2008., when her spiritual journey

brought her to St. Saviour’s. Among

us, Natasha finds the right mixture of

spiritual and social awareness in

Shelley McVea.

Living and working in Toronto,

Natasha became aware of our serious

homeless funaway children. Today,

she vcolunteers at Coveenant House,

a Catholic ministry to homeless youth.

In the Runaway Prevention Program,

Natasha helps in sending out letters

to school boards, for example, but

especially at Christmas, sorting

clothes for the kids, or assisting with

events. This is ministry that Natasha

is very concerned about. On Sunday

mornings, when one might see

Natasha scurrying off before the end

of the Eucharist, we now know what

she is up to! Bless you, Natasha! And,

O yes, Keep on providing the fruits

of compassion in the name of Jesus.

11

Bob Sargent, 90

an Autobiographic Profile

Everybody knows Bob, so why does

he need a profile? Well, not

everybody, and those who do may be

surprised with the rest of his story.

Bob was born in Newburyport, Mass.

in 1924 to Sam and Beulah Sargent.

He excelled in voice; as boy chorister

in the Episcopal Church in his home

town. He studied history at Boston

University, preparing for the Episcopal

ministry’

Bob failed in the attempt at holy

orders, but served the church in the

retail business as manager of the

largest Episcopalian book store in

the United Sates, completing that

endeavour n Toronto, Ontario from

1969 to 1989, as manager of Anglican

Book Centre for 20 years!

Bob came to St. Saviour’s in the

1980s, when Jim Ferry was rector.

Together, they intiduced our parish

to the newly published red hymn

book, and the Book of Alternative

Cervices. He was our organist and

choir director under Fr. Jim and Al

Gearing, then he resigned to dance

his way around the world by sea.

At one time Bob was crew member on

the QE2.

After the retirement of Al Gearing

as our rector, pastoral problems

at St. Saviour’s caused many people

to leave. Some went to St. Nicholas’

Birchcliff, while Bob attended

St. Mary Magdalene, in downtown

Toronto, until the arrival at

St. Saviour’s of The Rev. Shelley

McVea, when he returned.

Bob married Helga Pfefferman,

of New York, in 1959, the same year

as the death of his Dad. Helga passed

away in 1986 after a long illness.

Her final liturgy was held

at St. Saviour’s. Our white funeral pall

was given in her memory.

In his retirement, Bob changed his

career to social dancing, and spent

four fascinating years dancing with

single ladies on cruise ships, visiting

many ports over the world. Because

he had been a history major, travel to

Europe, especially to England meant

much to him. Bob is very happy in

journalism as a hobby – creating

“Bob’s Bugle”! Praise the Lord for the

computer! Visiting Westminster

Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral

strengthened his devotion to the

Anglican Church.

Today, Bob spends much of his time

to producing. “News From The Pews”.

12

.

Do you remember where

you were confirmed?

I do. It was in 1938, in this lovely 18th

Century styled church, St. Paul’s in

Newburyport, Mass. I had been a boy

chorister there, server, and later

baritone among the men. The parish

was established as Queen Anne’s

Chapel in 1711. In those days it was

a chapel of the Church of England,

becoming the Episcopal Church after

the American Revolution. It was the

parish of Edward Bass, 1726-1803,

first Bishop of Massachusetts,

memorialized by a gold mitre atop

the church’s bell tower.

A coincidence, of course, but I seem

to have had an Anglican identity from

earliest years, as the house I was

brought up in was the birthplace

of Thomas March Clark,

fifth Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island,

1854-1892.

Our First Townhall

Meeting After the Sunday

Eucharist, when we had gathered for

coffee or tea, we were called us to

order for our first informal townhall

meeting. The purpose was

to share ideas and suggestions, even

criticism of our new season’s

program, with questions and

discussion.

Some time was taken on the question

of outreach to the community. Shelley

outlined the several facets that we

have, especially the Bread of Life

Program that has been most

productive.

Some time was spent on the issue of

deportment during the administration

of Communion; that chatting amongst

some of us at a time when many of us

are concentrating our thoughts and

prayers on the Divine Mystery

unfolding at the Altar.

Some discussion was made

concerning possible projects

celebrating our forthcoming 125th

Anniversary next year. The Executive

Committee will be welcoming

suggestions. Some discussion was

given to the Exchange

of Peace in the liturgy. Lets please

remember that we are exchaging

the Lord’s Peace, not engaging in

chit chat. A hug or kiss between the

elderly can be beautiful, but lets not

be carried away!

13

WORSHIP AT st. SAVIOUR’S

The priest and people of St. Saviour’s

cordially invite baptize3d Christians

from whatever traditi0on to worship

with us as we celebrate the Eucharist

Sunday BY Sunday at 10:30 a.m..

During July and August, however, we

worship at 10:00 a.m. Our liturgy is

taken from the Book of Alternative

Services. On the fifth Sunday of a

month, the Eucharist is celebrated in

the language of the Book of Common

Prayer.

Our organist is usually Karen Price,

and on the second Sunday of the

month, music is provided by folk

musicians, directed by Colleen Newell.

Visitors are always invited to join us

after Eucharist for coffee or tea,

snacks and fellowship.

Children are always welcome

at the Altar of St. Saviour’s.

Children are invited to take

Communion with their parents. In the

summer, when there is no Sunday

School, supervised activit5y is held for

them in the Narthex.

When our priest is on holiday, we may

have a visiting celebrant This August,

we will be hosts to The Rev, James

Ferry, a former incumbent.

Occasionally, we also enjoy the

ministry of The Rev, Ravi Kalison

of the Church of South India.

How is your church history?

Ever hear of Charles Inglis? During the American war for

independence, Charles Inglis was the

priest incumbent, Church of England,

at Trinity Church, Broadway and Wall

Street, New York. Loyal to the king,

he fled to Canada, settling in Nova

Scotia, where he became first bishop

of the Anglican Church in Canada not

sent from England. 1734-1816 ,

Canada Post honoured Charles Inglis

with a postage stamp in 2004.

Now you know!