The Blessings of Hospitality
By Canon Sharyn Hall Of the many changes in our lives during this pandemic, one that we will no longer take for granted is the blessings of hospitality. Over the past year, we have been warned repeatedly that gathering together could be dangerous. The social conventions of welcoming family or friends into our homes enable […]
‘Faith demands action’: A conversation with Cheri DiNovo
By, Matt Gardner “We have power; we should use it.” The Rev. Cheri DiNovo, United Church minister, former Ontario MPP and longtime LGBTQ rights activist. Photo: Contributed The message of Jesus is a profoundly radical one for the Rev. Cheri DiNovo. A United Church minister and former NDP MPP in Ontario, DiNovo has long lived […]
New Program Revives the Lenten Journey
By The Reverend Canon Leslie Gerlofs Revive Lent premiered in churches across our diocese and around the Anglican Communion for six weeks during this extraordinary Lenten season. Small groups which formed in several Niagara parishes met online in the hopes of growing in intimacy with God as followers of Christ through engagement in spiritual practices […]
Discipleship and Mission: How do They Relate?
Just the other day, I was challenged about the idea of “mission” and being “missional.” My friend said, “You can’t put mission before discipleship.” He cited a well-known missional leader, Mike Breen, who wrote an article a couple of years ago with the startling title, “Why the Missional Movement Will Fail.” Let me give you […]
New Anglican Church of Canada resource offers theological reflection for pandemic era
A new web page on the Anglican Church of Canada website offers a collection of theological essays that address the Eucharist and other spiritual practices in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Eucharistic Practice and Sacramental Theology in Pandemic Times: Reflections by Canadian Anglicans” includes theological writing from 44 pastors, educators, lay leaders and bishops from across […]
Coldest Night Warms Hearts In Pandemic
ANGLICANS IN ACTION, COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR, ST. CHRISTOPHER’S BURLINGTON Emerging safely from lockdown for a good cause, close to 25,000 walkers raised nearly 10 million dollars across Canada in support of charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk held annually in mid-February. Over 70 […]
Being the Face of Christ
PANDEMIC RESPONSE FUND As the pandemic persists, parishes continue to creatively adapt to respond to human need with loving service. The diocesan Pandemic Response Fund continues to support parishes in their vitally important Gospel work. Donations can be made online here: niagaraanglican.ca/donate-pandemic Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) at the University of Guelph delivered Advent Care packages to […]
Lenten Experience Deepened by Welsh Connection
International travel is out of reach this spring, but the parishes of St. James, Fergus and Bro Celynnin (Anglican Diocese of Bangor in North Wales) are sharing the armchair journey of a lifetime! Together, we are deepening our Lenten experience by sparking some new friendships, hearing some stories from across the seas, and sharing in […]
Revive Celebrates First Year
16 Niagara parishes participate in program of spiritual growth “I went to Revive because my rector invited me, I had no idea the wonderful spiritual adventure I was about to begin,” exclaimed Jim Steadwick, whose response is typical of participants surveyed after taking the Revive program that ran last year in the diocese and wrapped […]
Six Ways to Believe in the Resurrection
I remember once doing a debate on the rationality of faith with a philosophy professor in Montreal. In the course of the debate, I said something about Jesus coming back from death, and he immediately shot back, “Sure Jesus is alive. You mean like Elvis?” For many thoughtful people in our world—and some in our […]
