“Called by God to live in loving, just, and respectful relationship with each other, our neighbours, and the earth.”
Upcoming Lenten Services
Thursday, April 6 – Labyrinth Walk, 6:30-9pm, Maundy Thursday
Come walk the ancient path to healing and peace. A labyrinth is a simple path painted on the floor. By following the path to the centre, your mind is free to imagine, meditate and pray. It is an ancient form of spiritual guidance and reflection which is making a comeback in our hectic world. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk the indoor labyrinth. It costs nothing to participate, but the results can be life-changing. Please bring clean shoes or slippers for walking the labyrinth. This is a free event, open to all.
Friday, April 7 – Good Friday Service, 10am
Sunday, April 9 – Easter Sunday service with communion, 10am
Monday April 10 – Office closed
March 28, 2023
Update from TSA Church Council
At its meeting held last week, TSA Council approved and signed the following letter of support which has been released to the media.
Open Letter from Renfrew County Faith Leaders
An Invitation to Our Communities,
In recent months, a surge in hate speech directed at the transgender community has made its way from the United States to Canada, including Renfrew County. This is deeply concerning to us as faith leaders. As Christians we are called to respect the full dignity and humanity of every individual as a child of God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as stewards of justice and compassion towards all. Our faith calls us not to discriminate nor to tolerate discrimination against anyone; not to hate nor to tolerate hatred against anyone.
We believe that “Hate crimes contribute to disunity in society, compromise democratic values, and maintain inequality. They send an explicit message that entire groups of citizens are unworthy of respect, lack redeeming characteristics and are worthy of contempt. This erodes the very fabric of the communities that we all live in.” (from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation) Sadly, misinformation and rumours are fueling fear and hatred for a community of people that is already marginalized in our society. Transgender people experience disproportionately high rates of discrimination, harassment, and violence simply for being who they are. In Canada, we have the freedom to stand up for the persecuted of the world. Our hearts should ache for every victim of hate, regardless of their diversity, because our faith values love and justice above all.
So with March 31st being the International Transgender Day of Visibility, we, the undersigned are sending a message of love and support to our transgender parishioners, neighbours, colleagues, and friends. Additionally, we call upon caring citizens and community leaders to consider what actions you can take to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome in Renfrew County.
Signed by
- The Clergy Team of The Anglican Parish of the Valley: The Rev. Matthew Brown — Incumbent and Regional Dean of Pembroke The Rev. Gillian Hoyer — Associate Incumbent The Rev. Nicholas Forte — Associate Incumbent The Rev. Claire Bramma — Assistant Curate The Rev. Canon John Wilker-Blakley — Interim Associate Priest The Rev. Richard Durrett — Interim Associate Priest
- The Venerable Patrick Stephens, Incumbent and Archdeacon of Pembroke: St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Deep River
- Fr. John Stopa, Rector: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Renfrew and Parish of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Arnprior
- Rev. Ingrid Condie-Bennett and the Congregation of Grace United Church, Cobden and the Congregation of Zion United Church, Douglas
- Rev. Susan DeHaan and the Congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church, Chalk River
- Rev. Kevin Moratz and the Beachburg Pastoral Charge (St Andrew’s United Church, Beachburg and Trinity United Church, Foresters Falls)
- Rev. James Murray and the Congregation of Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church, Renfrew
- Rev. Amanda Alley and Rev. Sheldon Alley and the Congregation of Deep River Community Church, Deep River
- Rev. Tiina Cote and the Congregation of Calvin United Church, Pembroke
With thanks, Rev. James Murray
Links:
https://youtube.com/channel/UC1jVNg101r8nZhTGuis8LdA
https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-St-Andrews-United-Church-248786075142932
TSA Rainbow Worship Service: https://www.facebook.com/youbelongRWS
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Contact Information: Office: telephone: 613-432-2285, or by email at office@tsarenfrew.ca. Rev. Murray’s phone number is 613-728-7410. His email is james@tsarenfrew.ca.
If you want to know more about our community of faith please feel free to contact us.