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Supported by the Parish History Committee (formed specifically for the Centennial), Dr. Michael Silverthorne – a retired professor of Classics at McGill and parishioner – spent many months researching, conducting interviews, compiling and writing to produce the text for this 55-page parish history book.

We also wanted this publication to capture the life of Christ Church Beaurepaire throughout the years visually as well. Yevgeniya Amis employed her experience as editor and graphic designer to marry historic images and current photos with Michael Silverthorne’s text, producing a colourful and dynamic account of the parish’s first 100 years.

This full-colour edition is available for $20. Contact Rev. Joel Amis to purchase a copy.

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Or, perhaps – if you are in cleric or lay ministry – do you find that although you are preparing and talking more thoroughly in sermons; in reality, you are being heard less? How about in one-on-one conversations? Do you feel that sometimes the other person is trying to quickly override your input, by wanting to override or counter, with their own opinion?

If yes, well then guess what? These types of situations are quite normal, in today’s hectic world.

Nowadays there is a tidal wave of information that washes upon us 24/7/365. The whole world is at our fingertips “live” and in “real-time.” Headlines change every few minutes, and the iPhone/iPad/Laptop screen you’re watching, may have a news-person reading a story; with an image to the right, a sidebar to the left, a screen-crawl at the top, and another one at the bottom; so that simultaneously you’re following “five different information sources” – ALL at the same time, on the same screen!

No wonder we are easily distracted. We look without seeing, we listen without hearing, and we speak without understanding!
Thus, submerged within this type of environment, what is our greatest challenge? Well for many, (including myself), it’s the “person in the mirror”, and our “sometimes” unruly human hearts. We should always remember that what we are, and feel inside ourselves – will determine how we respond and react to others, from the outside of us!

Now, let’s take a look at how a 2000+ year old Scripture might help clarify for us how we should really be listening, talking, and limiting anger – within our 21st century daily lives.

Here’s one KEY example: James 1:19 – “You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger”. Appears simple eh? – But putting it into practice, it WILL become a daily challenge for us all!
So let’s break James 1:19 down into its three components:

1) Be quick to listen = listen more: “Wisdom begins when we listen more, and talk less”. Our current “heads-down” (I-phone) technology can be somewhat useless (and potentially dangerous) if we are so busy and distracted, that we do not see what is going on around us. Thus we become “quick NOT to hear” what others (and God) are saying to us, in different ways, each day. This principle applies in every area of life. Some people talk so much, that they never hear what anyone else says.

In Proverbs 1. 20-33: Wisdom is personified, as a woman. In places within this Scripture, she is called “Lady Wisdom”. She tells those who have refused to listen to her advice that they will be without resources when disaster strikes. They will be punished severely at the end of time. In Proverbs 1.32-33: She says: “For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”
But no one gains wisdom by chance. Wisdom says, “If you seek me, you will find me.” So, are we too busy, worried, preoccupied, or distracted to seek out the wisdom God offers in His written Scriptures?

2) Be slow to speak = talk less. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says it this way: “Never be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few.” Also it’s very wise, for ALL of us to remember, there is a time to speak, and a time to be silent. Most of us are better at the former, and not so good at the latter!
Today, social media encourages giving quick feedback. Someone says something we don’t like, so without thinking it through, we post a snappy reply, a snarky comment, or a mean-spirited innuendo. You can delete your foolish comment, but you can’t erase it from the Internet!

Another insightful statement is the following: “Speak when you are angry and you’ll make the best speech, you’ll ever regret!”
I always remember when I was a child, and bullied at times; my Father used to tell me “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you”. Well, I hate to say it now Dad, but that statement is VERY far from the truth! Words CAN do FAR more damage than sticks and stones, and the wounds they leave take FAR longer to heal. Unkind words don’t break bones, they break hearts!

3) Be slow to become angry = calm down. Here the writer of James is NOT saying “never get angry” – that’s unrealistic! We’re ALL going to get angry from time to time. However what he is referring to is that deep emotion which, when released, is like a volcano erupting – it spews red-hot lava all over everything in its path! Yet anger IS an emotion (with God’s help), which we can control!

Another parallel viewpoint is: If we are quick to hear, we will be slow to speak; but if we are slow to hear, we will likely be quick to speak. Quick speaking leads to quick anger. The angrier we get, the faster we speak, and the less we hear!

Naturally, within the written Word, we can readily find examples, as God’s disciples, of how NOT to behave, when dealing with others:
– Be not overbearing, nor violent: Titus 1:7: “For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or addicted to wine, or violent, or greedy for gain”
– Be not quarrelsome, nor quick tempered, not violent, but gentle: 1 Timothy 3: “Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.”
– Or we can also look at Solomon’s wise counsel in Proverbs 16:32, “One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.”

Also in retrospect, the writer of James1. V19, added verse 20, which shows us the true reason for devotees of God to “being slow to anger”, as it states: “For human anger does not produce God’s righteousness”. Therefore if you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants you to complete!

In conclusion, for us to continue moving away from bitterness, anger, and hurtful words, we should also take Ephesians 4:32 to heart: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”

We need to extend grace to others, as God has extended His grace to us. We who have been showered with God’s grace in Christ; should be giving to others, the same outpouring of grace, which God gave us. This is God’s plan. We do for others what God has done for us. We have been forgiven; we know what it is like. Now we should be doing the same for others, and NOT left wondering what it means to forgive those who have hurt us. Jesus DIDN’T come down to earth, to make us nicer people – He came down to make us new people.

After having read all the above perspective, and you only think that: “Well, perhaps I should simply try harder to listen more, speak less, and calm down,” that’s a good sentiment, but it’s only a part of the point. For us to understand the whole point, we need to accept having our Lord Jesus living within us, every moment, of every day, for the remainder of our lives! Then with God’s grace, will YOU TRULY bE“Swift to hear, Slow to speak, and Slow to anger!”

In the meantime, God’s Blessing to you all – and as it says in Proverbs 4.23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it – flow the springs of life.”

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This landmark project started in response to the mandate of Montreal Anglican Diocesan Synod to switch to renewable energy sources by 2030 as well as the restrictions of the Quebec government on residential buildings to install or repair oil furnaces.

The impact of this project is to decrease our carbon footprint as a meaningful contribution to the global movement against climate change as well as to significantly reduce our energy expenditure. The financial benefit will be the elimination of oil payments, one of our biggest expenses.

I am grateful that we received much support from our congregation, as we presented the various options like geothermal and heat pumps. It helped that we all knew how much money we spent on heating every year! Our discussions were very positive and questions were debated amicably with a spirit of getting something done that would provide for our needs well into the future.

In cooperation with the Diocesan Stewardship of the Environment Committee, we gathered information on our church’s heating needs and zero-emissions options. Volunteer engineers assessed the building layout to ensure that the church, hall, and Sunday school area would be well covered by the heating. One met me at church with a thermal camera before 5am one particularly frosty February morning, showing me where our insulation problem spots were.

Preparation for this project included obtaining the Diocese’s approval of our plan and means of financing. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that a geothermal system was not only the more energy-efficient option but also relatively affordable with the financial assistance through Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government. Additionally, we were grateful to receive a generous grant from the Anglican Foundation towards this project, further to the support of the Diocese.

We also held fundraisers for this project; at one such gathering, I was encouraged by the high level of interest from parishioners and guests about what a geothermal system was and why we made this choice. It was very uplifting to know that they considered they were part of an enduring addition to our church facilities.

We signed our agreement with Marmott Énergies on June 12, 2024, to install the geothermal system and remove our oil furnaces and tank. Installation entailed drilling two wells that are 113 m (370’) deep and 15 cm (6”) wide. These pipes are filled with an ethanol solution and form a loop, drawing the ground’s heat into an electricity-operated pumping station and circulating it through the church’s existing duct system. Installation also necessitated upgrading our electrical panel to accommodate the additional needs to operate the system. Marmott also undertook the responsibility to complete submissions for Hydro-Quebec’s Solutions efficaces and the provincial government’s ÉcoPerformance rebate programs.

The process took a total of six weeks and generally went smoothly; however, the amount of mud that came out of those holes was more than we could have imagined. Landscaping is definitely on our 2025 projects list!

I enthusiastically express my gratitude to Ron Bourque, Jerry East, and Kathleen Leeming for sharing the task of being on-site during the installation, and to our church’s neighbours for putting up with the heavy vehicles and machinery.

We are still learning about the full operation of the system and how we can maximize the efficiency and enjoyment of oil-free heating in the cold months and cooling during the summer. The geothermal system represents great comfort to our parishioners, our guests at ecumenical and community events, and our current and future renters.

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“When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food for their bodies. We offer friendship, fellowship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness. When we say: “Help yourself … take some more … don’t be shy … have another glass,” we offer our guests not only our food and our drink but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows, and we become food and drink for one another. In the most complete and perfect way, this happens when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. By offering us his Body and Blood, Jesus offers us the most intimate communion possible. It is a divine communion.” -Henri Nouwen

When a group of 30-odd folks met in the basement of Christ Church Beaurepaire for the first meeting of Supper Club: West Island, there were (and still are) very few preconceived notions about the community that will continue to be built. We wanted food, worship, and conversation – and we wanted a gathering that would be different than “regular church”. There is a time and place for formal services and beautifully crafted liturgy; the goal is not to replace this type of service but to enhance and supplement it.

As churches across the country have doubtless experienced, attendance at (and interest in) a weekly church service has dwindled, particularly from younger families. There are a myriad of reasons for this decline, but one of the main culprits is the growing sense of over-commitment made by many families.

Between work, school, and extracurriculars, church falls by the wayside and frankly, is barely missed. What was once a joy and a good way to connect with community can quickly become a burden – and yet, Jesus said something about burdens, didn’t he? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

As the church, should we not be trying to find creative ways to lighten the burdens of families, rather than presenting another?
Enter a monthly meet-up. Supper is provided. Musical worship that engages the whole family is integral. Conversation prompts and questions are provided. Games, discussion, and spiritual enrichment for your children (rather than something to simply keep them quiet) is provided. And hopefully, an atmosphere that is open to believers, seekers, and doubters alike, is provided as well.

This was the kind of gathering that our own family needed; surely there were others who felt the same?

There certainly were at our first gathering, and our prayer is that as this community takes shape, the flexible and informal nature of our gatherings will evolve naturally to fit the needs of the community. Much like the earliest Christians did, we strive to “worship together at the Temple, meet in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and share meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord adding to their fellowship those who are being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47 paraphrased.)
Radical hospitality and informal gathering is not a new concept, as we can see from the above example, and so our goal is to re-prioritize the importance of this at our supper club.

Henri Nouwen said it best. As members of the body of Christ, feeding each other physically as well as spiritually, we ourselves become an offering. We become a sacrament. And bite by bite, meeting by meeting, we become a community.

Supper Club: West Island meets on the third Friday of each month, at Christ Church Beaurepaire. For more information contact rev.peterlekx@gmail.com or visit www.montreal.anglican.ca/latest-news/2024/10/4/new-family-oriented-all-ages-supper-club-west-island.

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On September 15th at 4 pm 135 people joined Bishop Mary Irwin-Gibson for a special centennial Eucharist. The service ended with the launch of a new parish history book (see p. 11)and recognition of Dr. Michael Silverthorne and Yevgeniya Amis for their work on the book, as well as recognition of Pat and Gerry Simpson and Donna Gomes for their years of faithful service to the parish.

After the recessional a time capsule – to be opened 25 years hence – was buried at the corner of the church.

We then gathered in the parish hall for a sumptuous potluck dinner where we invited people to dress in a 1920s spirit (in honour of our founding year), or early 1960s (the current church was built in 1962).

Congratulations and a huge thank you to all the CCB parishioners who made this event a success!

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The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Portage Avenue Church was the bowl, towel, cup, and jar. To me, they conveyed a clear message about why we, as followers of Christ, love and serve refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers in our midst.

The theme this year was “Listening Together.” Our goal was to practice listening to God by quieting the noise around us. We also aimed to listen to one another and learn from each other’s diverse experiences. Over the three days we engaged in this listening with people from various nations, cultures, political views, and theological traditions.

Discussions and workshops focused on the reasons we continue to swim against the tide by welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. These workshops provided a chance to exchange strategies for overcoming the challenges present in these ministries.

One organization, Naomi House in Winnipeg, shared their experience as a church-based initiative serving refugees from any nation and religious background. They operate a seven-bedroom house that hosts refugees for a year as they transition to their new lives.

On the west coast in Burnaby, BC, the Journey Home Community also aims to provide shelter for homeless refugee claimants and guide them through the process of receiving support until they can transition to permanent housing and achieve greater stability in their integration journey in Canada.

Around 28 workshops covered various themes, with participants discussing the importance of English as a second language, mental health, private sponsorship pathways, sports ministries for refugees, and other topics. They collectively emphasized the significance of showing Christ-like hospitality and the church’s role in welcoming those who are strangers among us.

Throughout these workshops, coffee breaks and worship sessions, the words of Jesus resonated in our hearts: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” The urgency of our calling to love and welcome thousands weighed heavily on us. There is a pressing need for more safe spaces for those who are hurting, alone, hungry, or scared. We prayed for more workers, pastors, leaders, and followers of Jesus to listen to the cries and needs of people just like us who are already among us.

May the Lord help us cultivate serving hearts, washing their feet and feeding their bodies and souls.

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Since 2015, we started to honor this participation by referring to our dedicated crew of volunteer Mission members as our Leadership Team. This amazing team ensures that meals are prepared and served at our free hot meals program, donations of clothing and small household goods are sorted and sold at our ‘Friperie Joyce’ thrift shop, and Food Bank groceries are packed and distributed to the 100 people who use this service each Thursday.

Numerous other initiatives made possible through the tireless efforts of the Leadership Team include; setting up our annual Open House BBQ, preparing and distributing our Christmas and Easter baskets and helping to cook and serve traditional holiday meals for our members.

Over the years, we’ve been graced with many Leadership Team members who remain actively involved as seniors.

One such person was Victor, who happily continued to work on the team until his early 90’s, folding boxes for the recycling bin after our hectic and messy Food Bank days. Bringing his unique talents, stories and history to his work, he – like other senior members – contribute so much to the daily functioning and spirit of the Mission.

At the same time, many seniors enjoy the opportunity to have a break from their own isolation and loneliness. As I’ve often said to the group, “We’d honestly never be able to do all this without you!”.

Since 2018, the Grace Dart Foundation has generously recognized the efforts of senior members on our Leadership Team by enabling us to offer regular incentives for their efforts, such as purchasing bus passes and grocery store gift cards. We are so grateful for this support and for their reinforcement of senior’s involvement in the community.

Over the past few years, our local MP has presented members of the Leadership Team and others with Volunteer Service Awards to acknowledge their contributions at the mission. Above are three such recipients.

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The entire group has been, and is, a wonderful team of people committed to PWRDF’s goals: “Working towards a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.”

Since Covid, we have held zoom meetings mostly once a month on a Thursday from 11:30am to 1pm. Everyone is welcome. Lay. Ordained. Parish reps or anyone who is committed to these goals. The more the merrier!

And, if your parish or ministry doesn’t yet have a PWRDF rep, we would love to have new folks. It’s not too taxing and is very fulfilling. It’s tempting in today’s world to feel helpless and hopeless. Working with PWRDF shows us we can and do make a difference.

We held a meeting on October 24th and what a delight.Missing Ann, yet all conspiring in the Holy Spirit to move forward in love and commitment and sharing the load.

My illness has meant I have less time and energy. However, with the whole team sharing and enthusiastic, I will continue for now as Montreal’s Diocesan Rep.

The Rev’d Jane Bell is representing us November 13 – 15 at the annual gathering in Ontario and will share her learnings and inspirations on her return.

And, finally, after a lengthy process, PWRDF has decided on our new name: Alongside Hope. It will be gradually brought into play over coming months. (For more on the name change see page 2.)

Alongside Hope. Always partners. Always alongside. Always hope in a world that so sorely needs it.
Won’t you join us? macgregor@gmail.com.

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