Flemingdon Park Ministry

Anglican Diocese of Toronto

NEWSLETTER SPRING 1999

Welcome to New Staff Member Renate Schober!
As most of you will know, I started work at the Flemingdon Park Ministry in January of this year.   Tanya Jordan,
formerly in   my   position, had done a great job orienting me to the day-to-day activities of the Ministry. I want
to thank everyone for welcoming me.   Every day, many women and their families call or drop in to the office
to get help or just to visit.   I am especially fond of the weekly Ladies’ Lounge, where the many talents of the
women in the Flemingdon Park neighbourhood are evident.
Weekly tutoring sessions, monthly Eucharist and Fellowship evenings, and involvement in several other
projects and activities make for a busy schedule in this   small Ministry.     I am told that things will get pretty
hectic over the summer months, with summer programs for kids being offered through the Ministry office.
Together, we will make it all work!   This is a vibrant community and a vibrant Ministry.   I want to thank
everyone, and especially The Reverend Betty Jordan, for making each day special and for letting us   experience
the presence of our Lord in our daily lives.

Spring 1999
Memories of the great snow storm of January and Christmas are fading.   Our Christmas Pageant saw 40 angels
and shepherds accompanying the Holy Family.   The generosity of our supporters enabled 122 individuals in 40
families to enjoy   Christmas a bit better with gift support.   Dinner during Christmas week was held across the
street at the Flemingdon Park Worship Centre, so 72 could enjoy turkey and a variety of potluck dishes from
around the world.
Many   thanks   were   given to Outreach Committee members from St. Judes, who served food so everyone
else could enjoy dinner with friends and family.    The “Mad Scientist” (Kathleen Sorenson, shown in photo with
young assistant) visited with scientific experiments and loud bangs, much to the delight of all the kids, young
and not so young.
The year ended saying “good-bye” to Tanya and hello to Renate Schober, who, with Cheryl Bee, keeps the
office welcoming to   all who call or visit.   With spring knocking on the door, preparations are underway for
summer in The Park.   The Sports Program   is gearing up to enable 200 children to “play ball” under the hyrdo
wires.   The Kids’ Noon Program has secured funds to continue the fun, learning and great lunches for 50
children to “play ball” under the hyrdo wires.   The Kids’ Noon Program has secured funds to continue the fun,
learning and great lunches for 50 kids, in July and August.
We at the Ministry will miss greatly our Chair of the Board – Charlotte Sneyd – who succumbed to a fatal heart attack in January. Charlotte   was   a   pillar in this community as a resident and   activist for the past 25 years.   Charlotte
is survived by her family – daughter Karen, son-in-law Jim Pozios, much loved grandson Stephen, and sister-in-
law Gerrie.   May she rest in peace.       – Betty

The Computer Club

As we go to print, the Computer Club is being started. Refurbished computers, in combination with lessons, will
enable the students to become computer literate. The computer can be taken home when the lessons are
completed.
One by one, students will enter the millennium with the necessary skills for the future. Thanks to Ann
Reynolds, from St. Cuthbert’s, for co-ordinating the necessary details; Clara Suter from the Church of The
Resurrection for preparing the lesson plans, and St. John’s York Mills for the resources for the lessons. We
are blessed by the energies and commitment of many.

Getting Ready for Easter

For the first time, Ladies’ Lounge is going on a one day retreat to the Convent of The Sisters of St. John the Divine
this month. A time to be still and listen to God will be welcomed by women whose days are filled with the demands
of children. Excitement is palpable in anticipation of having time for oneself, without interruption. It is hoped that
this is just the beginning of a new way to be with oneself and God.

“CONNECT”

Is the joint project of the Flemingdon Park Ministry and Gateway Community Church, to be a “light of Christ”
together in Flemingdon Park. Projects are being undertaken to benefit all residents in the community.
The projects undertaken, to start in 1999, are a Homework Club to assist students in exercising their skills
and problem solving, the creation of an information booklet on resources and key numbers in this community,
food related programs to invite the community to enjoy food and have a good time. A youth rap group to
give a music focus to the teens, and the development of a Quiet Meditation Garden Area to have space to
be “still.”
Charlotte Sneyd’s family requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to “Connect” projects.
So far $2,400 has been realized!

Faith Works

The women of Flemingdon Park were busy   hand-decorating fridge magnets to raise funds for Faith   Works    in
1998.   Nearly $500.00 was realized and added   to   the   fund.
In 1999, they are keen to surpass last year’s total.   In addition to selling magnets, T-shirts are now
available!   The Flemingdon Park logo is coloured by hand on each shirt. They retail for $15.00 and come in four
sizes.
The hope is to double last year’s   total and raise $1,000.   Should you want to order one, please call (416)
425-1841.

Care Bears In Flemingdon Park

Since the month of February is so bleak, Flemingdon Park Ministry created “Care Bears.” It was an
opportunity to reward everyone who was kind, did a good turn or was a special friend to another.
At every opportunity, the recipients of the special deed could fill out a “Care Bear” to acknowledge and
thank the person. The whole of the office space was decorated with different coloured “Care Bears” by the
end of February.
At the end of the month, each person was sent the Care Bears that they had earned. There were many
smiles and warm feelings when envelopes were opened.
Recognition of being a friend or going the extra mile was a way to perk up the winter blues.

MANY THANKS!

1998 Donors - Summer Lunch Program

All Souls Church, Lansing St. George’s Anglican Church St. Cyprian’s St. Patrick’s Church Mrs. Marie Moyes Don’s Pest Control All Saints Church Don Mills Bingo Parlour Mr. Jack Weinstock Mr. W.E. Barnett Ms. Reta C. Smith Royal Bank (Baseball Caps) David Moorcroft V.P. Public Affairs Christie Brown & Co. (Cookies and Crackers) Division of Nabisco Ltd. George Nestor, Operations Supervisor

Ministry’ Easter Calendar of Events

Holy Week

With Gateway Community Church
150 Gateway Boulevard

Maundy Thursday

April 1 - 6:15 PM
Supper and Service with
Gateway Community Church

Good Friday

April 2 – 8:00 AM
Church service at Gateway Community Church
Stations of the Cross to follow

Easter Sunday

April 4 - 8:00 AM
Anglican Celebration of Eucharist at Gateway Community Church
The Reverend Betty Jordan
Celebrant and Preacher

April 4 - 10:30 AM
Presbyterian Worship at Gateway Community Church
150 Gateway Boulevard
The Reverend Dr. Stewart Gillan
Preacher

FLEMINGDON PARK ANGLICAN MINISTRY

747 Don Mills Road North York, Ontario, M3C 1T2 PHONE: (416) 425-1841 FAX: (416) 425-9850 E-MAIL: jordan.fpm@followme.com Director: The Reverend Betty Jordan Office Staff: Cheryl Bee, Renate Schober Newsletter Production & Design: Ida M. Baan

SERVICES:

Fellowship

Potluck Dinner and God Talk Second Friday of the month at 6:00 PM in the Ministry office.

Holy Eucharist

Last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Ministry office.

Anglican Eucharist in Urdu

Last Sunday of the month at 4 p.m., Church of the Ascension

Drop-in hours are:

Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For appointment, please phone (416) 425-1841