Tag Archives: St. Hilda's

Putting something new in the Anglican Church of Canada

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The Anglican Church of Canada has a $600,000 deficit, churches are closing, buildings are being sold, and employees are being laid-off. Even the Anglican Book Centre is no more.

All this leads the ACoC’s general secretary, Michael Thompson to muse that “God is putting something new in the church.” Yes, he is: judgement.

Michael Thompson turned up at St. Hilda’s one Sunday a number of years ago; he was supposed to dissuade us from fleeing the Diocese of Niagara. He wasn’t entirely successful and, although I thought he was a nice enough well-intentioned fellow, he flatly admitted he didn’t quite know what he believed and he envied us our “certainty”.

To put it another way: he is an amiable but clueless cove; that’s how he ended up as general secretary to the ACoC.

From here:

Amid the fiscal challenges facing General Synod, Archdeacon Michael Thompson urged Anglicans “to be patient and kind with ourselves in this time of transition and transformation.”

“God is putting something new in the church,” Thompson told the Council of General Synod at its meeting Nov. 15 to 18.

Reflecting on his first year as general secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada, Thompson noted the “change in ecosystem of the way the church lives.” He likened it to the trail that he and his wife hike near Lake Superior, where land burnt by a forest fire is now home to healthy blueberry bushes. Could the church adapt to a similar challenge? he wondered. “We don’t have trees anymore, so God doesn’t expect us to be in the lumber business,” he said. “Can we figure out what to do with the blueberries?”

The national church is “being called by God into a bunch of new futures, not just one,” said Thompson, adding the goal is to discover what ministries it is being called to develop.

 

The Diocese of Niagara considers what to do with the three ANiC properties it acquired

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From here (page 1):

The future mission for all three parishes is being worked out.

A sign outside the Church of the Good Shepherd in St. Catherines states that “Transfiguration Anglican is coming soon.”

Bishop Michael Bird visited St. George’s Lowville on July 22, the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. He thanked the congregation for their faithfulness during the difficult time they experienced during the period of litigation with ANiC. He drew a parallel with St. Mary Magdalene, who was the faithful first witness to the resurrection, when the other disciples had not yet come to believe.

The Diocese is discerning and reflecting upon different ministry opportunities appropriate for St. Hilda’s Oakville.

The “ministry opportunity” currently being explored, discerned and reflected upon at St. Hilda’s is how to further the “future mission” of the Diocese by blocking the entrance to churches with lumps of concrete.

If Bishop Michael Bird were to visit St. Hilda’s – a calamity that was averted the whole time I was there – he could draw a parallel between the stone that was rolled away from the tomb at Jesus’ resurrection allowing disciples to enter, and the concrete barriers that were erected by the Diocese, preventing disciples from entering.

Smatterings of news

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The Church of England Newspaper has an article on the property settlement in the Diocese of Niagara here.

The Diocese of New Westminster seems to be suffering a degree of financial embarrassment and is selling rectories, including the one belonging to St. John’s Shaughnessy (which is on “a nice lot”).

Peter Elliot, the diocese’s actively homosexual Dean, has been appointed as part-time “Bishop’s Missioner” to assist with the “planting of new congregations” in the empty buildings which once housed thriving ANiC congregations. I’m sure that will work.

And I am off to Dubrovnik.

St. Hilda's says goodbye to a building

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Today was our last Sunday worshipping in the building that has been known as “St. Hilda’s” for the last 53 years. A negotiated settlement with the Diocese of Niagara will result in the building being turned over to the diocese on June 1st. It was an emotional morning; there were many eyes that were not entirely dry – except for the men, of course. Here are some photos (view them all here):

Gathering:

 

The new building is that way:

People – the real “St. Hilda’s” – leave for the last time after we have sung “When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come”. Notice the stunningly beautiful guitar to the right:

The new place – which is air conditioned and has much better toilets:

Two eminent artists eating. Shot with the magical 50mmL at f1.2:

Another at f1.2. Father Jack (St. Hilda’s previous rector) with my daughter:

The inevitable cake:

On losing a church building

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The Diocese of Niagara and the three ANiC churches that left the diocese have come to an agreement where the buildings will be handed over to the diocese on June 1st. The agreement has not yet been signed; I will have more to say about it when it is.

Nevertheless, for all intents and purposes, the final disposition of the buildings has been settled and that, along with a few things that happened recently, has caused me to ruminate on what I think about the situation. Of course, how one feels about what happens is what is in vogue, so when someone made an enquiry of me on Saturday, the invitation was to elucidate how I felt, not what I thought.

It goes without saying that feelings are entirely subjective: that’s why, in an age that likes to pretend that objective reality is, at best, irrelevant and at worst non-existent, feelings are so popular. Feelings do have an existence of their own though, so how do I feel about losing the building that has been my church home for the last 34 years?

Shortly after I joined the church, I was confirmed by Bishop Kent Clark – or was it Clark Kent – whose halitosis left a lasting impression on my first communion. I was there when the mortgage was paid off, experienced charismatic renewal in the early 80’s, saw healing miracles, saw my children confirmed, my grandchildren baptised and many hundreds of people blessed by being part of a loving community. The reality of this cannot be taken away; just the place where it happened. I believe that my dominant feeling on May 27th, our last Sunday in the building, will be what it is now: sadness at losing the place where most of the significant events of my Christian life have occurred.

Some in the church believe that there is a degree of anger in the congregation at what has happened; I’m not so sure I agree, but I do agree that it would be unproductive if it were present. In the interests of expunging any latent hostility against the church hierarchy, one person suggested that individuals might like to send a letter to Bishop Michael Bird expressing personal forgiveness to him. I briefly considered this but decided that, on seeing my signature, the bishop might succumb to a fit of apoplexy or spend sleepless nights worrying that I was setting an obscure trap for him. So I thought better of it.

Another suggestion was that, as a congregation we leave a note “blessing” those who will be using the building in the future. I think (back to thinking) that this is a less than stellar plan. If we believe that the Diocese of Niagara is actively working against the gospel – and I certainly think it is – the last thing we should be doing is giving assent to their activities by blessing them. Perhaps a note to the effect that we are praying that the diocesan hierarchy will come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ might be more honest and productive.

It goes without saying that I think that, by all that is sensible, moral and intuitive, the congregations are the rightful owners of the buildings, not the diocese. The law didn’t agree but, in the final analysis, your heart is where your treasure is: my treasure is in my community – and ultimately in Christ Jesus; the diocese’s treasure is where moth and rust doth corrupt. That’s not such a bad deal.

The last St. Hilda’s Garage Sale Giveaway

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Every year St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, ANiC has a garage sale where all the items are free. It is an outreach to the community to illustrate the love, grace and salvation of God which is offered to us free through Jesus Christ.

This year was a little different because it was our last Garage Sale Giveaway before we have to relinquish our building to the Diocese of Niagara. This was a week of “last times”, since Friday was also the last Freebie Friday, a St. Hilda’s outreach to a local high school which will cease when we move.

This year, in addition to handing out our usual card, the following was distributed:

We are moving!

Years ago when I was ministering at my first church in Quebec I walked over to my office and noticed a “For Sale” sign placed on the lawn of the church. A local prankster thought it would be a good joke. In our newsletter I used that situation as a eye catching title: CHURCH FOR SALE! I then spoke about ministry etc. I never would have thought that years later I would be facing the real thing.

After 53 years on Rebecca Street we are losing our beloved St. Hilda’s Church building.

We live in a world and a culture where many foundational Christian beliefs are currently under attack. This is experienced even within the church itself. The main issue is the blurring and compromise of the good news of Jesus Christ and the elevation of the authority of church leadership over the authority of the Bible. As a consequence, many churches find themselves within a structure that compromises their conscience. This was our case. The result was after a long dispute with our former leadership we find ourselves homeless, but not church-less. We the people are His church.

We remain in communion with the greater part of the worldwide Anglican Church through the auspices of the Anglican Network in Canada. This being said, we will begin a new chapter of our church history when we start using the facility at the Knights of Columbus Rental Hall on Wallace Road near the intersection of Speers Road and Third Line. Our first celebration is on May 27th. And thereafter at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings.

We as a congregation will, with God’s help, continue to show the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ, continuing with all our ministries, preaching and teaching the Gospel and sharing the love of God in our community.

Pastor Paul Charbonneau

St. Hilda’s Church

Here are some photos; for all of them, go here:

Oakville Beaver advertises St. Hilda’s Garage Sale Giveaway

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But not quite as we had hoped. This is what the paper printed:

St. Hilda’s giving goods away free

For the sixth year, the congregation at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church is truly giving back to the community with its Garage Giveaway.

The sale is Saturday (May 12).

“This year’s Garage Giveaway is extra special because it will be our last at this location,” event co-ordinator Judy Watson stated in a press release. “After 53 years… we have been truly blessed to celebrate our worship, fellowship and community outreach here.”

The last service for St. Hilda’s congregation will take place Sunday, May 27.

Rain or shine, the garage sale will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Items such as clothes, books, toys, and furniture will be given free of charge to those in need.

While the church does make the sale known to local groups, such as Kerr Street Ministries, Food for Life and the Halton Multicultural Council, no one is turned away from the event.

Members of the congregation also have an opportunity to share conversation over coffee at the event and a prayer tent will also be made available.

And this is what was submitted to the paper. What has been omitted are references to icky things like God, his love and why we do it. Also notable for its absence is: “After 53 years we are being forced to leave our church home.” It must be a coincidence that the Diocese of Niagara pays to advertise in the Oakville Beaver.

ST. HILDA’S GARAGE GIVEAWAY 2012  MAY BE THE LAST

For the sixth consecutive year, the congregational family at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church is reaching out to give back to the community with its “GARAGE GIVEAWAY”.  This event has become an annual tradition, eagerly awaited by both the congregation and the people of Oakville.  Essentially a garage sale where EVERYTHING IS FREE, this year’s event will happen Saturday, May 12.

“The Lord calls us to freely give, and so we want to share His blessings and love in a tangible way with our community”, explains Pastor Paul Charbonneau.  “Members of our congregation are blessed in return by helping to meet the needs of those who come.  It is a time to share conversation over coffee and treats, pray with “shoppers” in the prayer tent and watch little ones while parents browse.  Others help to load cars and even deliver some larger items to people’s homes.”

While the church prays that those who have need will be led to this event, no one is turned away.  “We ask only that people enjoy and use the items they take away with them,” says event coordinator Judy Watson.  “This year’s Garage Giveaway is extra special because it will be our last at this location, perhaps our last for a long time.  After 53 years we are being forced to leave our church home.  We have been truly blessed to celebrate our worship, fellowship and community outreach here at 1258 Rebecca St. Our last service is May 27th and then we must vacate the premises.  We hope that the Lord will lead us to a new home where we can continue to offer the Garage Giveaway to the community”

Over the years, many in the community have begun to look forward to this annual event. “We get calls from people each spring, asking what the date will be,” says Pastor Paul. “Still others call to offer whatever help they can give. Last year’s article in the Oakville Beaver resulted in a number of people calling to offer items to give away.  Everything is greatly appreciated.”

Rain or shine, the members of St. Hilda’s will be ready to greet everyone on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m… Everything, from clothes, to books, to toys, to furniture will be ready and waiting to be taken home for FREE by those who have need.

 

An Easter of contrasts

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Easter, as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus– and let’s be clear, I mean the historical fact of his bodily resurrection – brings the hope of life everlasting to all who believe in his atoning sacrifice and rising again.

This year was bitter-sweet: not a sour disagreeable bitterness, but a tinge of sadness that, by being starkly opposed to the trite cheerfulness that so often accompanies the celebration of a holiday, made the hope shine more brightly.

Our first Easter service was at Coronation Park at 6:00 a.m. – a time of day that feels like the middle of the night to me. The exquisite  sunrise made it seem a little less like the middle of the night and brightened the sadness of missing an old dear friend who no longer attends the sunrise service because he forgets to come – he has Alzheimer’s disease.

After the sunrise service and a quick trip home to splash cold water on my face, my wife and I set off to church for an Easter breakfast; we left early because my wife, an accomplished organiser, had to be there first to – organise. After eating too many just-baked croissants, I wandered into the sanctuary to tune my guitar and check the sound levels; as I looked around the familiar sanctuary and inhaled the unique aroma of cedar and carpet mould, I remembered that this would be the last celebration of Easter in our building.  The negotiated settlement with the Diocese of Niagara means we will relinquish the building to them in June. In spite – or perhaps because – of this, the worship during the service was particularly moving.

Once the main Easter service was finished, a few of us drove to a local youth prison for a monthly chapel service: I supply the musical part of the worship. We have been conducting this service for over 20 years and, during that time, have had the pleasure of trying to sing above a row of Satanists chanting curses, ducking to avoid hurled projectiles, studied indifference and the occasional intervening of the piercing light of God’s grace. This time it was in the form of a young man who asked us to pray for him after the service. He was clutching a Bible and told us he was getting out soon and was looking forward to the birth of his new baby. I don’t know how old he was – he looked about 15. While we prayed, I tried not to think “he doesn’t stand a chance” – because, with God’s grace, he does. And the one thing in his favour was that, like the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, he knew he was a sinner.

It’s always a relief to exit the prison and feel the cool air. It’s too hot in there: I keep thinking that it’s because the flames of hell are licking at the foundations. Arriving home, all I really wanted to do was lie on the bed, but the house was filling up with people for Easter dinner. After a few massive hugs from my grandchildren, I revived somewhat, settled down to eat, drink, be merry and regale my son with all that “has been happening at church”. He was especially interested in this photo.