Anglican Samizdat

The Diocese of Niagara and the three ANiC churches that left the diocese have come to an agreement where the buildings will be handed over to the diocese on June 1^st. The agreement has not yet been signed; I will have more to say about it when it is.

Nevertheless, for all intents and purposes, the final disposition of the buildings has been settled and that, along with a few things that happened recently, has caused me to ruminate on what I think about the situation. Of course, how one feels about what happens is what is in vogue, so when someone made an enquiry of me on Saturday, the invitation was to elucidate how I felt, not what I thought.

It goes without saying that feelings are entirely subjective: that’s why, in an age that likes to pretend that objective reality is, at best, irrelevant and at worst non-existent, feelings are so popular. Feelings do have an existence of their own though, so how do I feel about losing the building that has been my church home for the last 34 years?

Shortly after I joined the church, I was confirmed by Bishop Kent Clark – or was it Clark Kent – whose halitosis left a lasting impression on my first communion. I was there when the mortgage was paid off, experienced charismatic renewal in the early 80’s, saw healing miracles, saw my children confirmed, my grandchildren baptised and many hundreds of people blessed by being part of a loving community. The reality of this cannot be taken away; just the place where it happened. I believe that my dominant feeling on May 27^th, our last Sunday in the building, will be what it is now: sadness at losing the place where most of the significant events of my Christian life have occurred.

Some in the church believe that there is a degree of anger in the congregation at what has happened; I’m not so sure I agree, but I do agree that it would be unproductive if it were present. In the interests of expunging any latent hostility against the church hierarchy, one person suggested that individuals might like to send a letter to Bishop Michael Bird expressing personal forgiveness to him. I briefly considered this but decided that, on seeing my signature, the bishop might succumb to a fit of apoplexy or spend sleepless nights worrying that I was setting an obscure trap for him. So I thought better of it.

Another suggestion was that, as a congregation we leave a note “blessing” those who will be using the building in the future. I think (back to thinking) that this is a less than stellar plan. If we believe that the Diocese of Niagara is actively working against the gospel – and I certainly think it is – the last thing we should be doing is giving assent to their activities by blessing them. Perhaps a note to the effect that we are praying that the diocesan hierarchy will come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ might be more honest and productive.

It goes without saying that I think that, by all that is sensible, moral and intuitive, the congregations are the rightful owners of the buildings, not the diocese. The law didn’t agree but, in the final analysis, your heart is where your treasure is: my treasure is in my community – and ultimately in Christ Jesus; the diocese’s treasure is where moth and rust doth corrupt. That’s not such a bad deal.

May the 27^th is the last Sunday that we, at St. Hilda’s, will worship in our building: we will be moving to rental facilities at the Knights of Columbus, 1494 Wallace Road, Oakville.

I wrote this song to commemorate our last – and first – Sunday:

Every year St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, ANiC has a garage sale where all the items are free. It is an outreach to the community to illustrate the love, grace and salvation of God which is offered to us free through Jesus Christ.

This year was a little different because it was our last Garage Sale Giveaway before we have to relinquish our building to the Diocese of Niagara. This was a week of “last times”, since Friday was also the last Freebie Friday, a St. Hilda’s outreach to a local high school which will cease when we move.

This year, in addition to handing out our usual card, the following was distributed:

We are moving!

Years ago when I was ministering at my first church in Quebec I walked over to my office and noticed a “For Sale” sign placed on the lawn of the church. A local prankster thought it would be a good joke. In our newsletter I used that situation as a eye catching title: CHURCH FOR SALE! I then spoke about ministry etc. I never would have thought that years later I would be facing the real thing.

After 53 years on Rebecca Street we are losing our beloved St. Hilda’s Church building.

We live in a world and a culture where many foundational Christian beliefs are currently under attack. This is experienced even within the church itself. The main issue is the blurring and compromise of the good news of Jesus Christ and the elevation of the authority of church leadership over the authority of the Bible. As a consequence, many churches find themselves within a structure that compromises their conscience. This was our case. The result was after a long dispute with our former leadership we find ourselves homeless, but not church-less. We the people are His church.

We remain in communion with the greater part of the worldwide Anglican Church through the auspices of the Anglican Network in Canada. This being said, we will begin a new chapter of our church history when we start using the facility at the Knights of Columbus Rental Hall on Wallace Road near the intersection of Speers Road and Third Line. Our first celebration is on May 27th. And thereafter at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings.

We as a congregation will, with God’s help, continue to show the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ, continuing with all our ministries, preaching and teaching the Gospel and sharing the love of God in our community.

Pastor Paul Charbonneau

St. Hilda’s Church

Here are some photos; for all of them, go here:

But not quite as we had hoped. This is what the paper printed:

St. Hilda’s giving goods away free

For the sixth year, the congregation at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church is truly giving back to the community with its Garage Giveaway.

The sale is Saturday (May 12).

“This year’s Garage Giveaway is extra special because it will be our last at this location,” event co-ordinator Judy Watson stated in a press release. “After 53 years… we have been truly blessed to celebrate our worship, fellowship and community outreach here.”

The last service for St. Hilda’s congregation will take place Sunday, May 27.

Rain or shine, the garage sale will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Items such as clothes, books, toys, and furniture will be given free of charge to those in need.

While the church does make the sale known to local groups, such as Kerr Street Ministries, Food for Life and the Halton Multicultural Council, no one is turned away from the event.

Members of the congregation also have an opportunity to share conversation over coffee at the event and a prayer tent will also be made available.

And this is what was submitted to the paper. What has been omitted are references to icky things like God, his love and why we do it. Also notable for its absence is: “After 53 years we are being forced to leave our church home.” It must be a coincidence that the Diocese of Niagara pays to advertise in the Oakville Beaver.

ST. HILDA’S GARAGE GIVEAWAY 2012  MAY BE THE LAST

For the sixth consecutive year, the congregational family at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church is reaching out to give back to the community with its “GARAGE GIVEAWAY”.  This event has become an annual tradition, eagerly awaited by both the congregation and the people of Oakville.  Essentially a garage sale where EVERYTHING IS FREE, this year’s event will happen Saturday, May 12.

“The Lord calls us to freely give, and so we want to share His blessings and love in a tangible way with our community”, explains Pastor Paul Charbonneau.  “Members of our congregation are blessed in return by helping to meet the needs of those who come.  It is a time to share conversation over coffee and treats, pray with “shoppers” in the prayer tent and watch little ones while parents browse.  Others help to load cars and even deliver some larger items to people’s homes.”

While the church prays that those who have need will be led to this event, no one is turned away.  “We ask only that people enjoy and use the items they take away with them,” says event coordinator Judy Watson.  “This year’s Garage Giveaway is extra special because it will be our last at this location, perhaps our last for a long time.  After 53 years we are being forced to leave our church home.  We have been truly blessed to celebrate our worship, fellowship and community outreach here at 1258 Rebecca St. Our last service is May 27^th and then we must vacate the premises.  We hope that the Lord will lead us to a new home where we can continue to offer the Garage Giveaway to the community”

Over the years, many in the community have begun to look forward to this annual event. “We get calls from people each spring, asking what the date will be,” says Pastor Paul. “Still others call to offer whatever help they can give. Last year’s article in the Oakville Beaver resulted in a number of people calling to offer items to give away.  Everything is greatly appreciated.”

Rain or shine, the members of St. Hilda’s will be ready to greet everyone on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m… Everything, from clothes, to books, to toys, to furniture will be ready and waiting to be taken home for FREE by those who have need.

Easter, as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus– and let’s be clear, I mean the historical fact of his bodily resurrection – brings the hope of life everlasting to all who believe in his atoning sacrifice and rising again.

This year was bitter-sweet: not a sour disagreeable bitterness, but a tinge of sadness that, by being starkly opposed to the trite cheerfulness that so often accompanies the celebration of a holiday, made the hope shine more brightly.

Our first Easter service was at Coronation Park at 6:00 a.m. – a time of day that feels like the middle of the night to me. The exquisite  sunrise made it seem a little less like the middle of the night and brightened the sadness of missing an old dear friend who no longer attends the sunrise service because he forgets to come – he has Alzheimer’s disease.

After the sunrise service and a quick trip home to splash cold water on my face, my wife and I set off to church for an Easter breakfast; we left early because my wife, an accomplished organiser, had to be there first to – organise. After eating too many just-baked croissants, I wandered into the sanctuary to tune my guitar and check the sound levels; as I looked around the familiar sanctuary and inhaled the unique aroma of cedar and carpet mould, I remembered that this would be the last celebration of Easter in our building.  The negotiated settlement with the Diocese of Niagara means we will relinquish the building to them in June. In spite – or perhaps because – of this, the worship during the service was particularly moving.

Once the main Easter service was finished, a few of us drove to a local youth prison for a monthly chapel service: I supply the musical part of the worship. We have been conducting this service for over 20 years and, during that time, have had the pleasure of trying to sing above a row of Satanists chanting curses, ducking to avoid hurled projectiles, studied indifference and the occasional intervening of the piercing light of God’s grace. This time it was in the form of a young man who asked us to pray for him after the service. He was clutching a Bible and told us he was getting out soon and was looking forward to the birth of his new baby. I don’t know how old he was – he looked about 15. While we prayed, I tried not to think “he doesn’t stand a chance” – because, with God’s grace, he does. And the one thing in his favour was that, like the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, he knew he was a sinner.

It’s always a relief to exit the prison and feel the cool air. It’s too hot in there: I keep thinking that it’s because the flames of hell are licking at the foundations. Arriving home, all I really wanted to do was lie on the bed, but the house was filling up with people for Easter dinner. After a few massive hugs from my grandchildren, I revived somewhat, settled down to eat, drink, be merry and regale my son with all that “has been happening at church”. He was especially interested in this photo.

More here.

Something like this, probably:

A 140-year-old church downtown is at the heart of a local debate around heritage, neighbourhood development and poverty.

The Synod of the Diocese of Niagara and the Hamilton nonprofit corporation Options for Homes want to demolish All Saints Anglican Church on Queen Street South at King Street West to construct a 12-storey, affordable housing apartment. The main level would be used for worship and ministry by congregation members.

But a group of heritage advocates and citizens is fighting two “minor variances” that would exempt the project from the area’s zoning bylaws for parking and building height.

The developers’ requests for a minimum of 69 parking spaces instead of 87 and a maximum height of 12 floors as opposed to six were granted by the city’s committee of adjustment last year.

The good news is that, in St. Hilda’s case, the promise the diocese made to pave the parking lot 50 years ago will finally be kept.

I am in an ANiC parish that is in the middle of a legal dispute over who owns the parish building. Ours was a unanimous vote to join ANiC with a few abstentions.

There are two views on what to do when a diocese claims building ownership after a parish leaves the Anglican Church of Canada: the first is to hand the building keys to the parish’s former diocese, shake the dust – or mould in our case – from one’s feet and walk away from it. The other is to try and keep the building. There are some persuasive arguments in favour of the former view, including those found in 1 Cor 6 (J. I. Packer has explained why he believes these are not applicable here) and the simple practical considerations of cost, aggravation and being diverted from the church’s primary role of glorifying God through preaching the Gospel.

In spite of these considerations, I remain convinced that the fight for the buildings is worthwhile. Here are the reasons:

The Anglican Church of Canada is a bully; the only way to disarm a bully and prevent him from bullying others is to stand up to him, disarm him and give him a sound thrashing. The business day after my parish voted to join ANiC, the Diocese of Niagara appeared on our church doorstep in the guise of nine clerics dressed in black: they demanded the keys to the building, dumped a wad of legal papers on our rector’s desk and muttered a threatening legal obscuration when they didn’t get them. In other words, their first recourse was that of the bully.

Our parish building is used to glorify God in worship and for numerous outreaches to the community. If we have to move, many of these ministries will cease, since they are location dependant. The Diocese of Niagara has no congregation to occupy our building: the only reason they want to keep it is because the land it sits on is valuable. When I attended the Anglican Church of Canada’s synod in 2010, I interviewed Fred Hiltz and Katharine Jefferts Schori. In response to the question of why they were embroiled in legal disputes with parishes over building ownership, the answer was the same: we have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the church’s assets. In other words, they fight for the buildings because they are worth money. In a Christian context, ministry obviously trumps avarice.

Simple justice. The buildings were erected and maintained by the parishioners. In our case, a person who, until she died recently, still used to attend worship at our parish donated land for the church. I have attended the parish for over 30 years: I and my children were confirmed there and my grandchildren were baptised there; I remember the day we paid off the mortgage, having received no assistance whatsoever from the diocese. Indeed, the only time we ever saw a bishop was when he came to plead for additional money. The building belongs to those who paid for it, have used it for decades and need it for ministry: it is simple justice, a concept that the Diocese of Niagara delights in crowing about, but with which it has little familiarity.

As Amos said, we must hate evil and love good (Amos 5:15). Hating evil is a necessary adjunct to loving good: a person who does not hate evil does not truly love what is good.  It would be an overstatement to say that the Anglican Church of Canada has given itself completely to evil – after all it is difficult to give oneself completely to anything. Nevertheless, when an institution that has been entrusted to promulgate the most important Message that has ever been revealed to man deliberately sets out not just to water it down (that is yesterday’s malaise) but actively promote that which the Message prohibits, it is hardly an exaggeration to say that it is engaged in an anti-gospel, an evil. Attempting to deny such an institution access to resources it covets is to battle evil.

Bishop Michael Ingham has repeatedly lamented the cost of his legal battle to his diocese. Bishop Michael Bird has been more reticent, but rumour has it that payment to the diocesan lawyers has not been as prompt as the lawyers would like. For a while it even seemed as if the diocesan lawyers had departed the legal dance between ANiC and the diocese altogether. If the diocese is engaged in spreading a perverted gospel – and I am convinced it is – draining its funds is good; very good. It is a rare example money being better off in a lawyer’s hands than a litigant’s.

Ultimately, however right I think the cause, the battle may still end up being lost. I remain sanguine at this possibility since I am convinced that the battle is neither mine nor my parish’s, but the Lord’s. His is the battle and the strategy: if losing this particular skirmish serves his strategy, then I will be content. Win or lose, I will be proud to have been one of those who were a part of it.

Every year St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, ANiC has a garage sale where all the items are free. It is an outreach to the community to illustrate the love, grace and salvation of God which is offered to us free through Jesus Christ. For all photos, go here:

A song written by a 93 year old St. Hilda’s parishioner many years ago. He asked me to set it to music and, since it is a children’s song, a couple of my grandchildren introduced it to the congregation. I think they were brilliant.