In May of 2025, the Foundation awarded the parish $7,500 to help with phase two of our church’s restoration, paying over half of the $14,000 invoice for our mason.
Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec has invested $220,000 in this restoration (phases 1 and 2). Donations received by our capital campaign, fundraising and the Anglican Foundation grant made up the majority of our 20% financial commitment.

St Stephen’s Chambly and I personally have a membership with the Anglican Foundation. I encourage you and your churches to consider joining and supporting their work.

The Anglican Diocese of Montreal can submit up to four projects each year for consideration. In 2025, only two from the diocese were submitted. The application process is not difficult. Over several projects I have worked on, the staff from the Foundation have been knowledgeable and helpful. St Stephen’s received a category “B” grant. In this category, a grant can be up to $15,000.00, with a requirement of 50% matching funds.

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After the concert, free desserts, tea and coffee were provided to all who attended in our lower hall. Most of desserts were prepared by the women of our congregation. We even sold frozen apple pies that had been made by our bake team.

The concert was a huge success and very well attended. It was great so see a full church again!!!

208 tickets were sold excluding the free tickets given to children under 12. In total we estimate that there were over 250 people in attendance, including the paid guests, the children and the band members. The concert generated $4,170 in revenue including some upfront costs which were generously paid for by donations from members of our congregation!

I personally would like to thank all of the volunteers who sold tickets, handed out programs, prepared desserts, set up and cleaned up, decorated the church and made themselves available to make this concert a very fun and memorable fund-raising event. We certainly plan to do it again in 2026!

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Over the 37 years, Mrs. Stevens-Boyer has worked with incumbents and many curates and interim priests. She said that at times “it was a challenge to adjust to each priest’s way of working” but she has always enjoyed working with parishioners and the feeling of community at the church. The congregation made a memory book for Mrs. Stevens-Boyer with pictures from her time as Secretary and messages from church members and past and current clergy. Many of the clergy wrote about how they had served at St. George’s early on in their ministry and Mrs. Stevens-Boyer had been a great help to them. Parishioners described Debbie as like “a lighthouse” and “a stabilizing force during so many transitions.”

Over the years, Mrs. Steven-Boyer has developed a deep knowledge of the parish, working to support the life events of multiple generations of the same families. She reflected that “I have always been the type of person to take an interest in people and get to know them.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped the congregation stay connected, hand-delivering newsletters and visiting parishioners in their front yards.

Throughout her time as Secretary, Mrs. Stevens-Boyer was an active member of the congregation and looks forward to remaining so as long as she is able. “It has been a pleasure and it is not like I have left the community. I am still a big part of it and will continue to be so as long as St. George’s exists or I do. I am so thankful that I was able to serve the church in a capacity that I truly, truly, loved.”

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In addition to monetary donations, we received gifts of warm socks, hand warmers, gloves, gift cards, and lovingly hand-knitted hats and scarves from Mepec in Beloeil, along with other thoughtful contributions too numerous to mention. We are especially grateful to Familiprix Chambly for their generous donation of personal hygiene products. Used winter coats and hats were brought regularly to Randell Hall, each one a tangible sign of care for our neighbours in need.

Because of your generosity, we were able to fill 26 stockings for Mile End Mission’s unhoused community. The clothing collected was shared with two organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness in Montreal and on the South Shore. Your donations made it possible for us to donate to the food bank Aux Sources du Bassin du Chambly and Posa Source des Monts, who offer services to young adults in Chambly.

On behalf of the parish of St. Stephen’s, we wish you a New Year filled with peace, hope, and God’s abundant grace.

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What are the biggest challenges of serving multiple rural parishes?
The biggest challenge is the geography. From end to end, my region spans almost 100 km. Having multiple Sunday services in different locations often makes it feel like I’m always on the run; there’s never enough time to spend with the first congregation as I dash out the door to the next service. It isn’t easy to connect with people when you’re always on the move.
Another personal challenge is that it’s all too easy to get despondent sometimes. The Anglican landscape of the Eastern Townships has changed significantly in the five years that I’ve been here: I’ve been part of a dozen church closures and building sales. That’s quite something to go through within your first years of ordained ministry! It has been a genuine privilege to walk alongside these congregations in this time of transition, but it is hard and emotional work.

Are there assumptions people make about rural or multi-parish ministry that you’d like to challenge?
A lot of people seem to think that I have an idyllic, easy life in the country. Yet, multiple parishes come with multiple challenges — multiple building problems, multiple personalities, multiple administrations. I have no secretaries or administrative assistants. I spend a lot of time in my car, regularly driving hundreds of kilometres each week. I am the only full-time priest across eight parishes. And, even in those places where we have sold a church building, I still get called upon to do pastoral care or funerals — the building might be gone, but the ministry continues. Life in the country is wonderful, but the work is hard!

How do you manage fatigue and avoid burnout?
I try to make time for things other than the Church, and take full advantage of all that country life has to offer. I love to cross-country ski and hike, I split my own firewood, bake sourdough bread, keep chickens and have a big vegetable garden: I planted 250 garlic bulbs this year! I go to the gym 3-4x a week and I have my rambunctious, but loveable dog, Roxy.

Does anyone help you in your ministry?
I am the only full-time priest, but I am not alone. I am very grateful for the support of two retired priests (Archdeacons Linda Borden Taylor and Tim Smart), as well as two deacons (Randy Gates and Judy Ball) who assist in the area. I have a lay reader who serves in one of the parishes. I am also thankful for the important support of the lay leadership teams that help me in my ministry.

Can you share an example of an initiative that’s made a real difference in the community?
One of my parishes, St. James the Apostle, has a Youth Council. It’s not a youth group or Sunday school, but a group dedicated to fundraising for initiatives that support young people and families in our region. Since 2023, the Youth Council has donated almost $9000.00 to things like Breakfast Programs in elementary schools, which ensure that young students start their day with full stomachs and alert minds.
It is so rewarding to be able to empower and equip the younger generation for leadership, and it is having a direct impact on our parish attendance: we are getting record attendance at Christmas and Easter services, higher numbers than we’ve seen in the past 40 years! The average Sunday attendance is also slowly growing. People want to be part of a good thing.

How do you balance honouring tradition with adapting to change?
I love tradition! I would consider myself a traditional priest: we even had incense at one of my churches on Christmas Eve. But, within that tradition, I strive to make radical space for the newcomer, and especially the next generation.
At St. James the Apostle, we have our Youth Council. Our treasurer is 25 years old and just completed a masters degree in accounting; one of our wardens is in her 30’s and brings her two young daughters with her on Sundays.
Instead of tucking children away in another room, we’ve made a corner for them directly in the church. Don’t get me wrong, I think Christian formation at all ages is important, but this is a way of showing families that they are welcome, that kids belong in church — that kids belong in the liturgy.

What has rural ministry taught you that you might not have learnt elsewhere?
It really feels like in only five years, I’ve had an entire career’s worth of administrative experience: I’ve been involved in a dozen property transitions, I’ve worked with real estate agents, surveyors, lawyers, municipalities, and notaries. I’ve been involved in major construction projects, worked with contractors, spearheaded fundraising campaigns, and applied for grants. I don’t know how many other priests have that level of experience so early on in their careers. I’ve gained some serious business experience!

Do you have any goals for the future?
I recently applied to Carleton University’s program for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. The structures that have sustained the Church for decades are no longer working: we need to pivot, we need to adapt. My learning goals for the program are to build greater confidence in envisioning and implementing strategic planning, and better ease in navigating the challenges of constrained budgets and limited resources. I want to be more capable of leadership in the Church of tomorrow.

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June 7th
The first recital on June 7th will be given by Owen Spicer who is pursuing a Master’s degree while serving as the Assistant Organist at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa. He also accompanies ensembles in Ottawa and Montreal, such as the Caelis Ensemble and the Christ Church Cathedral choir.

July 19th
Grace Church welcomes back Doctoral student Maria Gajraj on July19th. Her research focus is on 20th century Caribbean organ repertoire.
She is currently the Music Director of St. Lawrence Anglican Church in Montreal. Maria is passionate about studying and programming works by historically underrepresented composers, such as composers of colour and women composers. She strives to break stereotypes, and to make the organ more accessible for everyone.

September 13th
The last recital on September 13 will be given by Doctoral student Qing Xu who completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the China Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
Ms Xu has performed the Chinese premiere of numerous works and has given recitals in several cities in China. As a specialist in late Romantic repertoire, several of her articles on this topic have been published in Chinese academic journals.

The organ
Grace Church’s 1937 organ was typical in having a very limited specification and was designed only to accompany services. It had insufficient volume to fill the church, high maintenance costs and had to be heated in the winter.
In 2021 this organ was replaced by a Johannus Ecclesia digital organ that is maintenance free and guaranteed for 20 years with no winter heat needed. With two manuals and 26 stops, it offers versatility for all abilities of players, so any organist can select appropriate settings, whether it be for accompanying hymns or a full-scale recital.
Grace Church’s Ecclesia has proved to be powerful enough to fill every nook and cranny with rousing music and its congregations are singing more lustily than ever before!

Please join us
Take note of the dates and come hear wonderful organ music in beautiful Grace Church. For information: John Hoblyn at 450 242 6839 or johnhoblyn1@gmail.com.

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L’année 2025 sera une année spéciale pour l’Église de la Nativité. Nous serons heureux de célébrer 50 ans d’une histoire de recherche spirituelle, de courage et de détermination d’une communauté qui au fil du temps a réussi à se construire et à se faire une place remarquable au diocèse anglican de Montréal.
Cette histoire a commencé avec quelques familles d’épiscopaliens partis d’Haïti dans les années 1960-70. Arrivés au Québec qui était leur destination de choix à cause de la langue française, ils ont pourtant connu beaucoup de difficultés à se joindre à une église anglicane à cause de la barrière de la langue anglaise.
Malgré cela, ces nouveaux arrivants n’avaient pas abandonné la pratique de la foi. Ils ont ainsi pris l’initiative de se réunir dans une famille pour la prière, l’étude biblique et la socialisation par le partage de repas haïtiens. L’accueil par l’évêque du diocèse de Montréal, Mgr Reginald Hollis, a ouvert la voie à la fondation de ce qui est devenu la Paroisse de la Nativité.
C’est ce qui justifie le thème choisi pour la célébration du 50ème anniversaire : « D’une église domestique à une paroisse vivante ». Le modèle d’église ayant inspiré la fondation et la croissance progressive de la paroisse de la Nativité est certainement celui de la communauté chrétienne primitive telle que le Livre des Actes des Apôtres nous la présente :
« Ils étaient assidus à l’enseignement des apôtres et à la communion fraternelle, à la fraction du pain et aux prières. La crainte gagnait tout le monde : beaucoup de prodiges et de signes s’accomplissaient par les apôtres. Tous ceux qui étaient devenus croyants étaient unis et mettaient tout en commun. Ils vendaient leurs propriétés et leurs biens, pour en partager le prix entre tous, selon les besoins de chacun. Unanimes, ils se rendaient chaque jour assidûment au temple ; ils rompaient le pain à domicile, prenant leur nourriture dans l’allégresse et la simplicité de cœur. Ils louaient Dieu et trouvaient un accueil favorable auprès du peuple tout entier. Et le Seigneur adjoignait chaque jour à la communauté ceux qui trouvaient le salut » (Actes 2:42-47 TOB).
Ce Jubilé d’Or est donc non seulement un temps de célébration, mais aussi et surtout un temps de réflexion profonde sur les défis que l’Église de la Nativité est appelée encore à relever pour continuer cette belle aventure au diocèse de Montréal à une époque où la société connait de grands changements et que la grande diversité des membres de l’église est de plus en plus reconnue. Face à la décroissance de l’assistance aux services cultuels et au manque de ressources financières, comment continuer à être une paroisse vivante, plus attractive et toujours engagée dans la proclamation de l’Évangile du Christ comme message d’amour à toute personne sans discrimination?
La réponse nous est donnée à travers l’expérience de cette première église qui a pris ses racines, non pas dans les grandes bâtisses, mais dans les maisons modestes des premiers chrétiens. Bien que confrontés à l’adversité du système politique et religieux établi de l’époque, les premiers chrétiens avaient réussi à vivre dans l’unité, assidus à l’enseignement des apôtres, menant une vie de prière et dans la solidarité les uns avec les autres. C’est à ces conditions que nous relèverons, nous aussi, le défi d’une vie chrétienne authentique dans un monde en mutation.
L’Église de la Nativité souhaite associer toute la communauté diocésaine à cette grande célébration pour qu’ensemble nous puissions renouveler notre engagement envers Dieu et envers notre monde.
Le calendrier de toutes les activités programmées durant l’année vous sera communiqué progressivement. En attendant, notez que la plus importante activité c’est la grande célébration eucharistique du 17 août 2025. Ce sera le jour où toute la communauté de la Nativité recevra ses invités. En attendant cette date, nous prévoyons la célébration de l’Héritage noir en février, la célébration des droits et du ministère des femmes en mars et au mois de mai nous recevrons une grande délégation des prêtres Haïtiens de la diaspora.
Que le Seigneur qui nous a fait passer d’une église domestique à une paroisse vivante continue de renforcer notre joie et notre dynamisme à le servir.

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