SUNDAY NEWS
March 22, 2015
Hello and Welcome
to MCC Toronto!
We invite you to share your thoughts
on the following question as we prepare
for worship this morning:
When are you most
playful?
LENT
The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday. The most obvious
sign of that to many folks is that the vestments in the Sanctuary,
the altar cloth and the seasonal banner, have switched from green
to purple. Traditionally, purple is the colour for the church’s two
“penitential” seasons: Lent and Advent. Lent is a time of spiritual
reflection and preparation for the 40 days before Easter. (For
those of you math mavens, who have noticed that there are
actually 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, the custom
is that Sundays do not count as part of Lent – each Sunday is
regarded as a “mini-Easter.”) In the Christian tradition, many
people observe Lent with a time of fasting, or other spiritual
discipline, such as “giving up something for Lent” like chocolate or
swearing. Others prefer to “take on” something positive during
this time, like volunteering or reaching out to lonely folks. The
main point is not that we give something up, or take something
on, but that we make room in our lives for reflection on Christ’s
life and work, and on living the lives God has called us to live.
If you are visiting us for the very
first time, we extend a special
welcome to you. You are invited to
come forward to share Anointing
and Communion, even if you have
never attended church before.
Please join us after the service
today in the Social Hall for a time of
fellowship and refreshment.
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M.
Senior Pastor
Happening Today:
Community Connection | Welcome Centre
After 11:00am service | Welcome Centre
Anointer Team Leader Orientation
12:30pm to 2:00pm | Triangle Room B
HOLA Rehearsals
12:30pm to 2:00pm | Room 109
Seniors Network Lunch
12:30pm to 2:30pm | Triangle Room A
Refugee Program Meeting
12:45pm to 2:15pm | Sanctuary
Women’s Writing Group
1:00pm to 3:00pm | Welcome Centre
Elevation Service
7:00pm | Sanctuary
Sunday News—page 2
Lessons for Life
March 15 Morning Sermon Summary
Today: Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life - Cultivating
Laughter, Song and Dance: Letting Go of Being Cool and “Always
in Control”
Join us next week for Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life
- Cultivating Change: Letting Go of Predictability
We are a house of prayer
for all people.
Offertory: Anna Atkinson
Anna Atkinson is a singer, instrumentalist and writer currently
based in Toronto. Since graduating from the University of Victoria
School of Music in 2008, she has contributed, both as a live
performer and as a well regarded session player, to dozens of
projects.
Upon the release of her debut album, Mooniture (2011),
recorded with producer Brent Bodrug, the Toronto Star called her
“the least earthbound artist we’ve heard in ages”. The album
continues to receive frequent play on CBC radio, in particular The
Signal and As It Happens.
Anna was a member of the Stratford Festival from 2010 to 2013.
She performed onstage as violinist and accordionist in the 2010
revival of Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, was a
contributing composer and performer on stage in The Grapes of
Wrath in 2011, and in 2013 she was featured as the eponymous
fiddler in Fiddler On The Roof. Other theatre credits include
BOBLO (Kitchenband) and Brent Carver’s Cabaret (Soulpepper). In
2014 Atkinson gave a series of concerts at the Stratford Summer
Music festival, and. with Sunparlour Players' Andrew Penner,
composed and performed the score for Motion 58 Productions’
film Eadweard, set to play in theatres across Canada in Fall 2015.
This year she will record a full-length album with her new electropop trio Grannis Bea, following its November 2014 self-titled
debut EP.
More info at annaatkinson.ca and grannisbea.com
For the chapter of The Gifts of Imperfection that was the focus of
last Sunday’s service, Brené Brown uses the phrase “cultivating
meaningful work.” However, given the many paths of people’s
lives, the sermon was expanded to “meaningful contribution,”
acknowledging that paid work is not the sum of a person’s
calling in life.
A particularly powerful phrase in the chapter is, “Everyone has a
future story.” Some people speak of their work as a calling or
spiritual experience. Other people speak of work as a simple
accomplishment or purpose to fulfill. For others it is just a way to
pay the bills. In any of these cases, it is crucial that we all find
meaning in what we do. Sometimes that is in our work.
Sometimes it is in other opportunities. Wherever it is, we all
have gifts and talents to offer.
Brown writes that squandering our gifts brings distress into our
lives. Shame, emptiness, disappointment may be the result of
squandered gifts. A purposeful identifying and sharing of gifts is
the most powerful source of a connection with God. Sharing our
gifts is to co-create with God a better world. Theologian Howard
Thurman wrote, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what
makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world
needs is people who come alive.”
We all contain talents and contribute in multiple ways. As a way
to break out of the simple boxes we often put ourselves in when
we respond to “What do you do?” Brown suggests we use
slashes to allow a more rich description of ourselves. For
example, “I am a teacher and an artist.” Rev. Hawkes says he is a
pastor and a human rights activist.
Brown writes that self-doubt and “supposed-to” language are
two issues that can get in the way of putting this guidepost into
action. While these issues can get in the way, the rewards of
cultivating meaningful contribution are manifold. The early
disciples of Jesus followed his call, leaving many things behind
but reaping many rewards.
Likewise, we should not be afraid to follow our purpose, even if
it means making sacrifices. In sum, Rev. Hawkes reminds us that,
“Discovering your purpose in life is the most challenging thing
you will ever do. Fulfilling your purpose in life will bring you more
joy than you can imagine.”
Watch archived services online at
www.mcctoronto.com/video/sunday-services-archive
where you will also find the full transcripts kindly provided
by dedicated volunteers.
Sign-up for eNews at www.mcctoronto.com
Order of Service—Sunday News—page 3
Welcome Home
Lessons for Life
Prelude
Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life - Cultivating
All You Need is Love
Laughter, Song and Dance: Letting Go of Being Cool and
written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
At the  symbol, you are asked to rise in body or in spirit.
 Call to Worship
 Processional Hymn
“Always in Control”
Time of Reconciliation
Trees of the Field
Prayer of Reconciliation
City of God
Affirmation of Freedom
 Opening Prayer
Invitation to Time of Anointing
Anthem
O God of Second Chances
Voice Dance
Like a Healing Stream
written by Greg Jasperse
Jesus’ Prayer
Prayers of the People
Offertory
Name people or circumstances as prayer requests out loud.
Wait All Morning
Sacred Readings
written by Anna Atkinson
A reading from “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
Isaiah 55: 10-12
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
performed by Anna Atkinson
Gathering of Our Gifts
Our Journey of Faith
Blessing of Gifts
Celebration of Holy Communion
As the Deer Pants
On Eagles’ Wings
 Breathe
 Benediction
 Closing Words
 Closing Song
Let It Go
Are you in need of someone to listen? Reach out to our Deacons: 416-406-6228 x 114 or [email protected]
We invite you to our ELEVATION SERVICE (Sundays at 7:00pm)
Blending MCC Toronto’s progressive theology with energetic, charismatic worship, this service offers a new way to experience the
touch of the Holy. Enjoy great music, anointing for healing, communion and prayer partners, as well as great preaching!
Ben Stein leads HIGHER PRAISE, our spirited and spirit-filled band, in uplifting, high-energy worship.
Sunday News—page 4
Angels of the Week
Our Angels of the Week are our new Refugee Ministry team of
volunteers and volunteer leaders who, since the beginning of the
year, have been working to ensure support letters are filed, peer
support continues, and this very important ministry thrives. We
thank you for making this vibrant ministry continue to thrive, and
we especially thank Erica, Patricia, Larry, Fabian, Michael, and
Bev for your wisdom and dedication during this time of
transition.
Thrift Shop News
Come join our Women’s Writing Group
We write it out, find our voice, bare our souls, surprise ourselves
and get to know one another, Sundays 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the
Social Hall.
PRIDE Initiatives Survey
What do you think MCC Toronto’s presence at Toronto Pride
2015 should be? In addition to our commitment to “Church on
Church” and the Pride Parade, what initiatives do WE as a
congregation want to participate in?
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in making MCC
Toronto’s presence at Pride Toronto events happen! Let’s get
creative and imagine how MCC Toronto may be represented at
Pride. Teams are encouraged to take on leadership roles and will
have the support of key staff. MCC Toronto will be officially
present only at initiatives that have sufficient team support from
the congregation. So if you feel passionate about it, help make it
happen! Please take a moment to complete our survey.
(www.tinyurl.com/prideinitiatives)
Peace and Justice Activities Survey
At present, there is a rare opportunity
to buy drapes for large windows! We
have two to four panels of pale brown
drapes 52 inches (1.3 m) long and 100 inches (2.5 m) wide in
good condition, priced at $5.00 per panel. Recently arrived are
two super-size panels in pale pink/beige ribbed silk repp with
lining (10 feet wide and 8 feet long). These are priced at $10.00
per panel and gently used but in need of cleaning.
Food For Friends
Sunday, March 29 is the fifth Sunday of the
Month. At all three services, we will be
collecting Food for Friends. Please bring
your donations of non-perishable food items
to support of the People With AIDS
Foundation of Toronto.
Friday Social Night
PACE will be hosting the March 27th
Friday Social Night from 7:00pm to
11:30pm.
As a vibrant, inclusive and progressive congregation, we are
called to "build bridges with a vibrant spirituality that transforms
lives and the world!" As we look forward, how might we pursue
peace, act compassionately, advocate, and seek justice? What
are the particular areas in which you have passion or hope MCC
Toronto might roll up our sleeves and raise our voice?
Featured games: Dominos, Ludi/
Ludu board game, and many, many
more!
Please tell us what moves you, what makes you angry, what you
wish we could do together. Help choose what issues MCC
Toronto gets involved in. Please fill out the survey here:
www.tinyurl.com/MCCT2015PeaceAndJustice.
Refreshments: Free tasty snacks and water, and adult beverages
on sale at a ridiculously low price!
Featured Activities: Karaoke,
Photography, Conversation,
Dancing, Socializing, Fun and laughter!
Contact [email protected] or see
www.mcctoronto.com/events/friday-social-nights.
Sign-up for eNews at www.mcctoronto.com
Sunday News—page 5
Please Welcome Our New Members to MCC Toronto!
Don Church Within 24 hours of visiting Toronto last March, Don attended MCC Toronto. He turned to his friend and
said, ʺI am moving here and going to attend this church and be involved!ʺ He went on the Men’s Retreat, joined the
choir, and began volunteering at the reception desk. This is Don’s place to come and be thankful, the springboard of
his life to become the person he wants to be. Don’s life is just re-beginning and he is looking forward to new
challenges as well as being with his new adopted sons and grandson. Thank you!
Doug Kerr is a nonprofit management consultant and teacher. He works with social service organizations and teaches
part-time at Centennial College and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work. Doug is also involved in the
LGBT community. He is on the Board of Directors of Sherbourne Health Centre, the Advisory Board of the LGBT Giving
Network and was Co-Chair of the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. He is currently involved in launching the
Dignity Initiative, a new project advancing Canada’s role in the world on LGBTI human rights issues. Doug and his
husband Mike Went were married at MCC Toronto in 2008 and are now busy with the greatest adventure in their lives,
parenting Malaki Kerr-Went. Doug plans to become active in the Children’s Ministry.
Alison Mackellar has been a member of The United Church of Canada since christening. Having served on the
worship and hospitality committees for many years, she enjoys reading scriptures and celebrating special occasions
with food. With her previous affirming congregations she has celebrated Pride with marches, parades and
community booths. Alison has worked in food services for 20+ years and now works in the conference/trade show
industry. After being diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2009, she has walked in the MS Walk
for 6 years and rode in the MS bike (a thon) once.
June Morrow is originally from Ottawa and has called Toronto home for the past 20 years. In this time she has been
a freelance journalist, web designer, field producer, stand-up comic, actor, web show host, burlesque entertainer
and more. All of these experiences led her, in one way or another, to her current position as an internal
communications consultant for the Ontario government.
Her spiritual journey has been just as eclectic. Today, she shares her life in a personal blog, thechangeroom.ca,
where she chronicles her adventures in single life, self-discovery and personal growth in hopes of inspiring others in
similar situations. MCCT has felt like home since the very first visit. June is grateful for the friends she is making and
is excited to be beginning her first journey in a Christian church with such an open, progressive and inspiring congregation.
Johannes (JJ) Viviers & Lourens Swamepoel Lourens Swampoel moved to Canada at the end of 2013. It had
always been a dream to live in another country and city, and Toronto ticked the box. Lourens’ partner JJ, the
love of his life, introduced him to MCC Toronto, for which he will always be grateful. He is totally in love with
the arts! He hopes one day they will be able to live the life they deserve, here.
Michael Went is a proud civil servant, community activist, husband and parent. Working for the provincial
government, he advises municipal government staff on financial matters. He has developed several LGBT
community organizations and volunteered on urban cycling issues. Married to Doug Kerr since 2008, his greatest
reward is the joy of parenting an active 4-year-old boy, Malaki.
Sunday News—page 6
Responsive Pastoral Care
For confidential prayer requests and spiritual care:
CARE Line x 114 | [email protected]
ASE Line x 130 | [email protected]
Church Life x 126 | [email protected]
416-406-6228
MCC Toronto… for ALL people.
V O L UATNMCCTTORONTO
EERING
115 Simpson Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1A1
www.mcctoronto.com
For volunteer opportunities, complete the Online Volunteer
Application Form and we will connect you with the
opportunity that suits your interests, availability and
skills. The form can be completed online in the
Volunteer Ministries Section of our website
(www.mcctoronto.com/
what-we-do/volunteer-ministries)
and hardcopies of the form can be obtained from
the Information Centre in the Social Hall.
Weddings Bill Estey
x 170 | [email protected]
Funerals Deacon Sandra Millar
Pager #: 416-235-7330 | [email protected]
Rentals Shelly Morris
x 131 | [email protected]
Help Out at the Reception Desk
Reception desk volunteers greet and direct our callers and
visitors, receive mail and deliveries, and help keep everyone
informed of what’s going on in the church. They are the initial
contact for people who are engaging with the church
for the first time.
If this is your cup of tea, please connect with Leanne for more
details. We would love it if you could help out!
You can contribute as much or as little time as works for you.
For more information about volunteering, please contact
Leanne Horvath at [email protected].
Revisiting the Lesson
If you enjoy reading our weekly sermon summaries in Sunday
News and on the website, please consider joining the sermon
transcription team. Each week a team member crafts a summary
of the week’s Lesson for Life, using the online video as a
reference. It is a fantastic way to revisit the weekly sermon and
contemplate its message. Time commitment is just a few hours
a month.
Contact Gena Thompson at [email protected]
or 416-406-6228 X138 for more info.
Our Mission
is to build bridges with a vibrant
spirituality that transforms lives.
Community Mailbox
This is where anyone can leave and/or pick up mail! Located
at the south end of the hallway just outside the sanctuary.
Everyone is welcome to use this mailbox - all we ask is that you
date everything you drop off and check periodically to see if you
have mail. If mail is not picked up after 3 months, it may be
discarded.
Lost & Found
Items in our Lost & Found box at the Information Centre will
now be kept for 30 days and then donated for sale at the Thrift
Store. Check with an Information Centre volunteer for any items
which you have lost.
We Recycle!
Please set aside the inserts that you want to take home for
yourself (or to give to a friend) and place the other inserts in
any recycle box along with your Sunday News. Let’s be good
environmental citizens and pay attention to recycling.
Sign-up for eNEWS at www.MCCToronto.com
Sunday News—page 7
MCC Toronto Ministry and Team Leaders
115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1A1
416-406-6228
Senior Pastor’s Office
Community Engagement
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. Senior Pastor and Moderator of the
Board, [email protected]
Annie Menezes Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor,
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 107
Bill Estey Coordinator of Weddings
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 170
Sandra Millar Coordinator of Funerals
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 114
Leanne Horvath Team Leader, Community Engagement
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 125
Kendrew Pape Team Leader, Communications & Marketing
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 112
Gena Thompson Communications Assistant
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 138
Mission & Ministry
Rev. Kevin Downer Executive Pastor
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 118
Rev. Diane Hoover Team Leader, Leadership & Spiritual Life
[email protected]
Tricia Blackstock Team Leader, Children & Family Ministry
[email protected]
Larry Peloso Team Leader, Refugee Program
[email protected]
Erica Moe Team Leader, Refugee Peer Support
[email protected]
Patricia Bailey-Brown Team Leader, Refugee Settlement
[email protected]
Bruce Lee Clergy Candidate
[email protected]
Carmen Ilanos Clergy Candidate
[email protected]
Sam Morris Clergy Candidate
[email protected]
Worship
Rev. Deana Dudley Pastor of AM Worship Planning
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 130
Diane Leah Director of Music
[email protected]
Benjamin Stein PM Elevation Service Music Coordinator
[email protected]
Finance & Administration
Shelly Morris Executive Director
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 131
Nancy Malcolm Financial Director
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 101
Charmaine Iding Facility Manager
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 179
Ned Yuzefowich Facility Manager
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 179
Fundraising & Events
Melanie Howe Team Leader, Fundraising
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 111
Kevin Coutu Team Leader, Fundraising
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 139
Suzanne Christie Team Leader, Events
[email protected], 416-406-6228 Ext. 103
Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. – Moderator. Senior Pastor, MCC
Toronto
Anne Brayley – Vice-Moderator. VP Philanthropic Services,
Toronto Community Foundation
Carol Osler – Board Member. SVP & Head of Financial Crimes and
Fraud Management Group and
Enterprise Project Management Office, TD Bank Group
Darrell Jensen – Board Member. Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Lori Boyce – Board Member. AVP, Underwriting, Risk
Management & Research/Development, Retail
Markets, Manulife
Michael Dolan – Board Member. President, Avenue Event
Management
Michael Serapio – Board Member. Host, CBC News Now
Enquiries may be directed to: [email protected]
Not Sure Who to Contact?
A member of our reception team would be pleased to answer your questions and direct your call.
416-406-6228 Ext. 100, [email protected]
Sign-up for eNEWS at www.MCCToronto.com
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Are you stressed out or injured?
To book your appointment, please email: [email protected]
Or check us out online: rmtfitness.weebly.com
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Palm Sunday
Good Friday
March 29 at 9:00am, 11:00am and 7:00pm in the Sanctuary
April 3 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary
On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with
his disciples, where they were greeted by a joyful crowd waving
palm fronds. Here at MCC Toronto, the children will lead our
procession with the traditional palms, and we will all be greeted
with joyful music. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was a revolutionary
act, and we will look at how our own lives can embody this kind
of radical transformation!
On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of
Jesus. Here at MCC Toronto, we always have a very moving
Good Friday service. We’ll hear the Passion story, share in silent
Communion, and be graced by some very moving music from the
Choir and soloists. It’s always a stirring moment when we strip
the altar for our Easter vigil, as we await Easter morn.
Interfaith Seder Supper
Easter Sunday
April 5 at 6:00am
Sunrise Service overlooking the lake at Ashbridge’s Bay
April 1 at 6:30pm in the Social Hall
Jewish people have eaten a Seder Supper in celebration of
Passover since the time of the Exodus. At a Seder, it is traditional
to ask “Why is this night different from all other nights?” It is
because Jews believe that on this night God, not an angel, not an
archangel, but the living God passed over Egypt liberating the
Israelite slaves. Christians believe that on this night in Jerusalem,
Jesus celebrated the Exodus with his disciples and gave them
teachings which became the Eucharist.
At MCC Toronto, we choose to honour the deep interconnectivity
of our Christian beliefs with much older Jewish beliefs, and we
celebrate this shared heritage with an interfaith Seder, based on
the traditional Jewish celebration of liberation, and incorporating
some of the roots of our Christian celebration of communion.
Get Involved
To help set up, or to contribute a dish to the Seder Supper
potluck, please email [email protected], or see the
Seder table in the Social Hall after services.
For those of you who want to greet the Easter morn early, there
is our beautiful annual Easter Sunrise Service at Ashbridge’s Bay,
followed by breakfast together at the Sunrise Grill on Queen
Street. Meet in the parking lot at Ashbridge’s Bay at 5:45am.
April 5 at 9:00am, 11:00am and 7:00pm
Worship & Celebration in the Sanctuary
Once again, we will have a joyous celebration of Resurrection
and New Life! Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes will conclude his sermon
series, “Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life,” based on
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Living a
wholehearted life will encompass change; it will encompass the
work of spiritual practice; it will mean practicing letting go of
some things. But ultimately, it comes down to you deciding to
walk out of the tomb and into the sunlight. This Easter, Living a
Wholehearted Life can be a new beginning for you!
5 de abril a las 1:30pm en la sala 109
Servicio Domingo de Pascua en español
Important! Parking on Easter Sunday
We are expecting high attendance on Easter Sunday, as we do every year at this time. To ease the stress of finding a parking spot, we
have arranged an alternative. Dave and Charlotte’s No Frills have again been generous enough to allow us use of their parking lot on
Carlaw, just north of Gerrard. We ask that congregants please park in the north end of the No Frills lot. A shuttle will be running from
8:30am to 1:00pm to bring you to and from the church.
Visit mcctoronto.com/events/holy-week for directions to Ashbridges Bay.