All are welcome. You are invited to share in our worship
September 13, Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Meeting ID: 839 6957 5036
Password: 512509
Meeting ID: 834 2301 2555
Password: 908907
We have a Nursery Attendant for those under the age of 5 at the 9:15 and 11:00 services.
You may join any of our online live Zoom services by telephone. Dial one of the telephone numbers here. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID and Password shown for that service.
From the Greater Toronto Area call either 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588
Elsewhere in Canada: +1 204-272-7920; +1 438-809-7799; +1 587-328-1099; +1 778-907-2071
Church School during 9:15 AM Service
In-person Only
If you would like information about our church school program (ages 5 to 11) or would like to help in any way with church school, please contact Linda Ghirardo at: churchschoolstpeterserindale@gmail.com
Youth Group during 9:15 AM Service
In-person and Online
For information on how to join the S.P.Y. Bible Study, please contact Lydia Cordie at stpetersyouth14@gmail.com.
National Indigenous Day of Prayer
Sunday, June 21 at 10:00 am
Everyone is welcome to wear pieces that will help us mark the importance of National Indigenous Day of Prayer, including Orange Shirts or Red Dress pins, or other Indigenous created jewellery.
The Museum Committee have put together a display in the bell tower museum in honour of National Indigenous Day of Prayer and you are invited to take a look before or after the service and throughout the weeks ahead!
Smudging will be available for all who would like to participate until 9:55 am outside of the church.
What is Smudging? Smudging is an act of purification similar to the use of incense in the church. It is a prayer for cleansing. The smoke is made from the burning of the sacred medicines, tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass, fanned with a sacred eagle feather. The person being smudged draws the smoke over him or herself to cleanse: the air around us; our minds so that we have only good thoughts of others; our eyes so that we only see good things in others; our ears so that we will hear only good things; our mouths so that we will only speak good of others; our hands and arms so that we will do only good things; our hearts so that we will be kind to all our brothers and sisters in Creation; our legs so that they will carry us on the right path; our body so people will see only good things come out of us.
Mark Your Calendar
The Reverend Beverley Harvey Memorial Award
Are You Studying To Be A Nurse?
Apply For The Rev. Bev Harvey Memorial Award
The Rev. Beverley Harvey was not only an active member of St. Peter’s, but also a parish nurse and deacon. Unfortunately, she died in the summer of 2017. To honour Bev, a memorial fund was established for the purpose of recognizing parishioners who are continuing their post-secondary studies in nursing.
If you are (1) a St. Peter’s parishioner, and/or are involved in St. Peter’s arish lite, and (2) registered to attend (or are continuing to attend) a university or college nursing accreditation (RN, NP or RPN), you are eligible to apply for a monetary award towards your tuition!
Deadline to apply: June 28, 2026
To apply for the award, please provide the following information to the church office or email to stpeters@stpeterserindale.ca:
- A brief description (maximum 750 words) detailing your personal, education, and community involvement information as well as why you have chosen to pursue a career in nursing.
- Copy of an accepted offer of admission to, or confirmation of continued
enrollment in, the applicable University or College program.
Stories
Refurbishment of our Formal Gardens to commence this July
As you walk up the hill to St. Peter’s Erindale you are surrounded by greenery. Large trees form an overhead canopy to the west, while the embankment around the cemetery is carpeted in small green plants, with purple flowers that poke through in early Spring.
The natural greenery of our grounds is enhanced by curated formal gardens beside the Narthex extension, the main steps and the Bell Tower. A smaller garden blooms on the southeast corner of lawn.
These gardens are happy reflections of the seasons – spring, summer and fall – and are lovingly maintained by a dedicated team of volunteer gardeners in our Garden Ministry.
This year a review of our gardens determined that it was time for a redesign. The gardens were last updated in 1970 by Philip Stuart, who cared for them for many years with the assistance of his wife Winnie. A proposal was presented to Corporation and approved. The entire cost has been fully funded thanks to the kindness of an anonymous donor.
Starting in July you will see replanting in progress as the garden refurbishment begins.
The selection of plant material was based on a criteria of being drought tolerant and low maintenance for future sustainability. Many of the plants proposed for the refurbishment are pollinators that attract bees, butterflies and even small birds like goldfinches.
This builds on an initiative from a few years ago, when Cathy Robertson was part of a Greening initiative from the diocese to plant a garden of native species to support insects, pollinators, and the Monarch butterfly. Native milkweed was planted around the Bell Tower, and those seeds have now spread beyond the garden into the lawn on the east side of the building.
A second phase of the garden redesign project calls for installation of irrigation systems in the Narthex garden and the Bell Tower garden. This work is planned for 2027 and will ease the burden of hand watering.
Next time you come to the church, take a moment to smell the flowers, and give thanks to our Garden Ministry for their care of our lovely flower beds.
If you are interested in more specific details about the Garden Refurbishment, you may download or view the proposal PDF here and in the narthex.
Spring Concert : An Afternoon of Musical Sunshine
It was fitting that the sun shone warmly on the afternoon of Sunday, April 26th, setting the mood for St. Peter’s Music Ministries Spring Concert.
A joint presentation by the St. Peter’s Parish Choir and St. Peter’s Handbell Ringers, this program combined classical, liturgical and contemporary selections to create a heartfelt and uplifting afternoon of music.
As Master of Ceremonies, Lori Dolloff, who has been part of our Music Ministry for 50 years, guided us through the program with a combination of informational insights and personal recollections relevant to the performers and the musical pieces.
From Classical to Polka and Back Again
The program began with Mozart’s Kegelstatt Trio featuring Mark Materson on clarinet, guest musician Bill Chambers on viola, and Walt Lemiski on piano.
Western Theme Fundraiser Dinner a Sell-out Success
On Saturday April 18th some 78 cow-folk dressed for a Home On The Range hoedown filled the Parish Hall for an evening of good food, good fun and cowboy games.
Organized by Mary Ellen and Thom Wigle, this year’s fundraiser dinner featured a delicious menu of Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hash Browns, Creamy Coleslaw, Cowboy Caviar Bean Salad, Dill Pickles and Homemade Peach Cobbler with ice cream.
These photos tell the story of the evening’s success and enthusiasm of all who came.
Special thank yous to all who helped with setting up and serving the dinner.
Depression Glass and Ecclesiastical Needlework
ACW Spring Luncheon Meetings
This spring our ACW monthly luncheons featured presentations on two very different and fascinating topics.
Depression Glassware Yesterday and Today
The March luncheon welcomed Walt Lemiski for an amazing look at the history and traditions of Depression Glass. Coming from a family of collectors, Walt focused his energies on vintage glassware, and in the process has become both a connoisseur and expert on Depression Glass, and has authored a book on the subject.
In his presentation Walt discussed the history of Depression glass and its place in Canadian homes during the depression era, and its current popularity as vintage treasure. Often in shades of pink, yellow or green, Depression glassware comes in many shapes and sizes, from simple etched plates to decorative bowls, pitchers and vases. You may well have seen it in your grandmother’s cupboard or even have some in your own kitchen.
Our lunch sandwiches and treats were served on a selection of Walt’s Depression glassware. After lunch, pieces of glassware were raffled off for attendees to take home and enjoy – or even start their own collections.
Kim Lemiski, Walt’s wife, collects kitchen items from bygone days and supplemented Walt’s display of glassware with samples from her own collection of treasures.
The luncheon was held in the parish hall so that we could seat the many ladies who attended. In honour of the presentation topic, Elizabeth Boyes arranged a retro theme including special scones with jam and whipped cream to enjoy with our tea. White tablecloths, flowers and cloth napkins made it feel very special.
Stitchery and Ecclesiastical Vestments
Our April meeting was preceded by a noon time music presentation in the Church.
We welcomed Ruth Griffith and Peggy Perkins from Ecclesiastical Stitching as our guest speakers, who set up a beautiful display of their work. We learned about the special type of embroidery and stitching that goes into making fine linens and vestments for the clergy and services.
From the simplest white linen cloths used for communion with specially stitched crosses and hems to the most elaborate silk embroidered vestments, all work is done by hand by a dedicated group of volunteers in Toronto.
In addition to creating new pieces, the team of ecclesiastical stitchers repair items that are worn and help to send donated pieces to clergy who might not be able to afford them new.
Ruth and Peggy were able to answer any questions and discuss their work in more detail. Those interested in volunteering are trained and shown how to do the intricate work.
Given this new insight, we will all be looking more closely at the vestments that Rev. Roshni is wearing and with a greater appreciation for the work involved.
Help Us Solve A Mystery
The Museums Committee is hoping to discover who donated this uniform to our archives. Were you, or anyone you know, a member of the Anglican Church of Canada Junior Auxiliary? Do you have any memories or knowledge of this group at St Peter’s Erindale?We’d love to hear from you! Share your stories with us at museums@stpeterserindale.ca
Updates from the Parish Retreat
On Saturday, February 28, around 50 parishioners gathered for our parish retreat! We spent the morning together in worship, Bible study, and conversation about our past 200th-anniversary year, and continued to explore the Cast the Net and Calls to Action. After conversation and prayer, we narrowed the 20 Calls to Action to 3 that we would like to focus on at St. Peter’s over the next 3 years.
I invite you, this Lenten season, to reflect on the three calls listed below. Think and pray about what they mean to you and how St. Peter’s can live out these calls through our existing ministries and new ideas. If you would like to share your insights, please reach out to me by email, phone or we can have a cup of tea (and treats!). I will reflect on these calls and notes from the parish and share them with the Corporation, Advisory Board, and other groups in the coming months. Then, together, we will move forward with an implementation plan to carry out this good work. Thank you especially to everyone who came to the retreat. It was a very meaningful and inspiring time for me, and I hope it was for you, too!
Our Selected Calls to Action
- Call to Action #2: Reinvigorate and recommit to children’s, youth, family, and intergenerational ministries.
- Call to Action #7:Take, sustain and communicate actions that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
- Call to Action #13: Enable and celebrate the work of ministries focused on service in the world.
Rev. Roshni Jayawardena
Incumbent
More Stories from St. Peter’s
Deacon’s Cupboard
The Deacon’s Cupboard
The Deacon’s Cupboard Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
We serve postal codes: L5B, L5C, L5H, L5J, L5K, L5L
Click here for more information about the Deacon’s Cupboard.
Items requested for the month of June:
Small bottles of laundry detergent (1 litre) or laundry detergent sheets
Non-perishable food items will always be gratefully accepted as well as monetary donations.
Your support will help us meet the growing need in our community. Thank you very much.
Monetary donations would be most welcomed. Please consider writing a cheque to St. Peter’s Erindale and include “Deacon’s Cupboard” on the memo line. Donations can also be sent as an e-transfer to giving@stpeterserindale.ca and put “Deacon’s Cupboard” in the comments section.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
The Deacon’s Cupboard is in need of Small Bottles of Laundry Detergent (798ml/1 litre).
Why the small jug? It’s because the majority of the people who use the Deacon’s Cupboard are arriving here via transit or walking, so large laundry detergent bottles are too heavy and not easy to transport. Plus they are not easy to store in the DC.
If you can help, please place your donation in the box just outside of the church office that is marked Deacon’s Cupboard.
Thank you for all your support to the Deacon’s Cupboard whether it is financial contributions or donating the food items we ask for each month. Thank you very much!
The Deacon’s Cupboard Coat Drive
The Deacon’s Cupboard will be hosting a coat drive this Fall for our guests.
In past years this has been a much needed and appreciated event.
As you are putting away your winter coats and accessories for the summer, ask yourself if it is time for something new.
We are looking for clean and gently worn coats, jackets, warm boots, hats and mitts.
If you have something you wish to donate, please keep it until the Fall when we will provide further details about drop off dates.
Many of our guests are from warmer climates and require winter clothing. They are very grateful to receive these items.
Thank-you for your ongoing support.
Serving Christ and Your Neighbour
Lemonade on the Lawn
It’s that time of the year! We are looking for people to serve lemonade after the 10:00am services this summer starting July 5. Instructions, lemonade & treats will be provided. A sign-up list can be found on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Pick one Sunday or more! Contact Mary Frances (mfcappuccitti@gmail.com) for more information.
Help Us Celebrate One Another!
The Card Ministry would love to recognize all St. Peter’s parishioners on their birthday and wedding anniversary with a card and a message of encouragement. These special days should be celebrated! Please email the church office stpeters@stpeterserindale.ca with your full name and birthdate (month/day/year) and your wedding anniversary (month/day/year) if applicable. We will add you to our ever-growing list! Thank you for helping the St. Peter’s family stay connected as a caring community celebrating each other.
Calling All Singers!
If you’ve been keen to test out singing with our St. Peter’s Choirs, then mark your calendar!
From Sunday, June 28th to Sunday, August 30th you are invited to join in with the choir ranks at our 10 am summer services. Come join in for one Sunday or for all ten Sundays! All voices are most welcome!
Rehearsals are at 9:30 am Sunday morning in the lounge.
Sing to the Lord, all the world!
We are grateful for all those who offer their time and talent throughout the church year. We need more people to volunteer in-person and online for our Sunday services and programs throughout the week. Consider your gifts and talents, and please get in touch with one of the clergy or the church office to discuss possibilities for service. Thank you!
Please view the online St Peter’s Volunteer Survey and identify your talents and interests. All the information you provide in the survey is encrypted and securely stored. If you have any questions please contact Dave Weeden (email), chair of our Stewardship Team.
Additional training and screening may be necessary depending on the work being done.
Notices
Stewardship Update
We would like to offer a sincere thank you for your continued support of St. Peter’s.
Receipted offerings concluded the first half of the year below last year’s level by 2.6% and short of our budgeted target by 7.7%. This has been offset by revenue from two movie shoots early in the year, bringing total revenue equal to last year for the same period.
Expenses are close to budgeted levels year-to-date but higher than last year, largely due to higher insurance costs and the hiring of a full-time music director.
The majority of the revenues for St. Peter’s come from the generous givings from our congregation. We are, therefore, asking you to prayerfully evaluate increasing your financial gifts to St. Peter’s. Our givings supports the many ministries, committees and our building and property that are so important to all of us.
Supporting St. Peter’s through the Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG) program helps us by enabling a predictable, sustained cash flow throughout the year. If you are not presently enrolled in the program, you may join by using the PAG Enrollment Form found here. You may change your PAG commitment at any time with the PAG Change Form found here.
Prayerfully Yours,
Dave Weeden
Chair of Stewardship
Season of Spiritual Renewal
Over the past 14 months we have offered 40 workshops. These have been focused on our primary foci of prayer, scripture, worship, and sharing the faith. Many of our workshop leaders distilled their workshop material into Tip Sheets, to help those who couldn’t participate but who would like to access the most key information shared. These sheets may be particularly helpful to you as church leaders, as you plan for the upcoming year. These are now available to download from the website.
We have been delighted to hear about the impact of the Season of Spiritual Renewal on clergy and churches- please do visit the website to hear some stories!
Every blessing on your ministry,
Judy Paulsen, Coordinator
Season of Spiritual Renewal
Help us keep the air we share healthy and fragrance free
The chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. Recently the scents people have been wearing to Sunday services have been quite strong and have irritated the sensitivities of others in the church. Please be mindful of those around you and limit your use of scented body products. Thank you!
Prayer Corner Available
In-person congregants who wish additional, private prayer can meet with a prayer minister following the Sunday services. The Prayer Corner is located in the Bell Tower. Anointing with oil for healing will also be available at this time.
Booking a Meeting? We are grateful to have such a busy and lively parish almost every day of the week! As such, please check with the church office before booking any meetings in the church so that we can avoid conflicting bookings and services.
If you have any news or suggestions for future communications that you would like shared with the St. Peter’s Erindale parish, please email the Communications Committee here or contact the Clergy.