Christmas Pageant with Flair

Christmas eve wouldn’t be the same without a pageant and our late afternoon service did not disappoint. While those attending sang carols that tell the story, some of our smallest parishioners - joined by a few children and adults brought the story to life to a new script thoughtfully prepared by Viola Lang. We enjoyed both action and moments of quiet and reflection.

Wreath Making - challenging and fun

The night before Advent begins, families gather to assemble an Advent wreath to take home. We provide the forms, the greenery, the candles and the decorations. The participants enjoy a light supper and then get down to work. The creations are always inspiring. The smallest partiicipants were challenged by the wreath making process - but not by catching bubbles, as you can see below.

A nice recommendation

We know the importance of sacred music in worship - it’s not just about performances in concert halls by professional and community choirs, excellent as many are - but it has a home and a context. It’s nice to see this publication taking note of that.

Bells of Peace

This year on November 11th, will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.

At the setting of the sun across the nation, churches, legions and other buildings which contain bells, including the Parliament Hill carillon will toll one hundred times just as the bells spontaneously rang in 1918 across the world with the news: "The war is over. It’s time to come home." The government of Canada along with Legion Branches have initiated "Bells for Peace" - this time with a different message: "We will remember them."

This powerful sound symbolizing peace from coast to coast will allow Canadian an opportunity to stop, remember and feel the joy that the of war brought after so much and destruction. It will also be a reflection of the deep respect and honour we hold for the Veterans and almost 66,000 Canadians who were killed in service and the more then 172,000 wounded during the First World War. The "Bells of Peace" also provides an opportunity to remember and pay tribute for all those men and women who continue to defend the peace and freedom of our country which we enjoy today.

Though, Canadians are familiar with the traditional two minutes of silence at 11a.m. on Remembrance Day, the choice of sunset for the "Bells of Peace" has special significance: In Laurence Binyon’s Ode of Remembrance — which is recited at all Remembrance day ceremonies — it is a time to reflect.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them."

On Sunday November 11, Remembrance day at sundown (in Toronto) - 4:56 p.m. the bell of Saint Mary Magdalene will join with 100's of bells across the city, province and country in the "Bells of Peace."

Halloween Open House Draws a Crowd

We enjoy opening the doors for Halloween and this was our fifth consecutive open house. As well as the usual suspects there were a few surprising ones:

Art Show Coming Soon

Last year we presented our first Art Show and Sale and another one is taking place soon this year.

The sale opens on Friday, November 16 and you can join us for a wine tasting and silent auction from 7:00 pm - 10:00. Tickets for opening night are $20 if you buy them here or $25 at the door. The second day of the show starts at 10:00 am with free admission and continues until 3:00 pm. This is a great way to meet and support our local artists. All are welcome.