Weekly Notices - April 3, 2025

This week began with a day that often brings challenge and discomfort for some within our church communities, as Monday, March 31st was the International Day for Transgender Visibility. In recent history the need for space and grace for folks who are part of the gay, lesbian, non-binary and transgendered communities has risen significantly and this has caused a stir in many church communities within Canada and around the world. 

 

As Anglicans, drenched in tradition and history, it can sometimes be hard to wrap our hearts and minds around these issues. For some of us, we may have never met someone who is transgender and so the concept is foreign, misunderstood and removed from us. For others we may have family or friends who identify this way or are exploring their identity - and this can be hard for us to wrestle with, as someone we have known for years suddenly identifies as someone new to us. And yet, despite our struggles with these issues, our challenges pale in comparison to the struggles of transgendered people in our world to find communities where they are safe, accepted and loved - no matter what. 

 

And this is where we come in as faith communities - as people living out our baptismal covenant we are called to, "uphold the dignity of every human being." It isn't our place to judge or condemn, but simply to be safe space, accepting and welcoming of all God's people as they discover who God is calling them to be. We may fumble over pronouns, and not quite understand what the implications of it all is - but its core it is all about loving our neighbour as ourselves and showing others they are loved and beloved just as they are. 

 

In a world where leaders to the south are doing whatever in their power to eliminate safety and acceptance from the LBTQ2+ communities, it is more important than ever that we as people of God show our love and acceptance, be safe space, extending grace and welcome to all those who are seeking the love of their Creator. For our call is to ensure that ALL know they are loved and beloved, by God and by us. 

 

I know this is a complicated topic, and I would be happy to share some conversation around it all with anyone who would like to chat. There are some really wonderful resources out there as well, and a great place to start is by reading this wonderful article from the Diocesan Faith Tides newsletter, which can be read by clicking here.

 

My Friends, the world is a complicated place, and the people of God are wonderfully complex and infinitely diverse - may we always be open to all who come seeking the love of God and be ready to welcome with open arms. 

 

Peace, 

Kirsten + 

 

As you know on Palm Sunday we gather for the liturgy of Palms and hand out crosses made from Palm fronds. However, these fronds arrive to us as long strips and need to be folded into the crosses before the service. So this year we are inviting anyone who would like to learn the art of 'holy origami' to come join us at St. Edmunds on Thursday April 10th at 1pm! All are welcome to come join us as we have a whole lot of crosses to fold!! 

 

Friends, this year for Good Friday we will be metaphorically walking the stations of the cross and gathering at St. Edmunds at 1pm on April 19th. As plans begin to fall into place for Holy Week, Kirsten is looking for folks who might be willing to read a short passage from scripture as part the Good Friday Service. As there are 14 stations we will be needing a number of readers so if you are willing to come along to St. Edmunds at 1pm on Good Friday, and are comfortable reading please let Kirsten or the office know!

HOLY WEEK SERVICES:

 CELEBRATIONS:

Larry T - April 7

Anne G W - April 9

Patti K - April 13

Graham F - April 17

Don N - April 22

Cher Q - April 27

Pat and Don N - April 20th

Graham F and Lynn D - April 30th