Tag: hope

New Apostolic

I’m not sure what was wrong with the old Apostles and I’m also not certain who fits the classification of “new” Apostle (except, of course, Paul), but as any reader of this blog will know, for me it’s not so much about the religion and those specifics and tenets, rather that there’s faith and that there’s an abundance of diversity of faiths from which to find one’s own path.

I start this photo set with the rear views, as they struck me on this day as particularly functional and solid. The architecture and construction of this building is exactly those things. From the front, though, some serious efforts have been made to provide a certain look, more ethereal than functional even within the confines of the stark (almost brutalist) architecture in question.

In the last pic, we see an entirely different view … serene, rustic, bucolic. And that serenity is what I sincerely hope the parishioners here find. That is, after all, what makes all of these places so special and beloved to me. It is what goes on on the inside that matters, literally and figuratively, despite my providing simply glimpses of the outsides. Serenity, faith, hope … purpose. These places give people purpose and it is a commodity in direly short supply in a confused, greedy, misled, and strangely lacking society.

I’d urge anyone lost or feeling the lack to seek out faith and hope and purpose. These are not just words and the cynicism of today makes them seem hokey and dated and pointless. But I assure all, based on my own experience, it is only ultimately in these things that one may come to see the point.

As always, a website’s also on offer (although it’s not specific to this location). Take a look at: https://www.naccanada.org//imis_prod/nac

Holy Wisdom

This very angular building is Church of the Holy Wisdom. It strikes me as austere, but the trees and bushes and sunlight make it seem less so. It also seems affluent to me, which is not surprising, given that it is Anglican and Scarborough is still fundamentally a British settlement.

Now, I had the opportunity to visit last week and even went inside to experience wisdom in a way I often do and have certainly done within this very church many times. I have even shared wisdom of my own here. Or at least hope. And experience. Sadly, last week was the last time in this place for a gathering of the type that guides my spirituality and has been my salvation in this life.

That sadness was offset by great wisdom and strength offered by one of my fellows. An impassioned talk that was, to me, reminiscent of a fiery pastor, but gentler and humbler. He definitely spoke of faith, of God, and of his own salvation.

I am certain this place of worship will continue to offer a sanctuary for many, regardless of their specific faith or spiritual bent, and will remain a font of holy wisdom.

Naturally, they have a website: https://holywisdom.ca/

St. Boniface

The first pictures here are of the back and side of the building, which, as any who have viewed these posts will know, is my modus operandi. I’m interested in all of the building and its grounds. Interestingly, this is the first instance of a Catholic Church I’ve posted. More interesting still (to me), is it’s the first place where someone has come out from inside and asked me what I was doing. To be specific, from the back steps, the priest asked, “What are you doing? Casing the joint?”

I was pleased someone would engage, which is mostly what I’d expect at such places. I very briefly told him what I’m doing and he welcomed me to the grounds and bid me a good day.

I find this an impressive church. It is well proportioned and handsome. Its grounds are immaculate. And I do so love the last picture, showing just how well God’s work and man’s work (which is also God’s work) can show harmony together.

I’m sure the parishioners are proud of their place of worship and I’m sure they find much joy here, even among whatever troubles may also bring them here.

For any interested, of course it has a website, too: https://stbonifacesc.archtoronto.org/

Epiphany Lutheran

On a relatively large parcel of land sits this relatively small church. It looks good in the snow and the trees around it are a treat. It is nevertheless striking in how small it is in comparison to some other places of worship even in its immediate vicinity. I am certain that makes no difference whatsoever to the faithful who worship here.

Thankfully, it’s tucked away from the major road that passes by. And it’s clear that someone enjoys the grounds. The sheds show it’s cared for. The stained glass windows, displayed on two sides of the main building, suggest to me there’s the usual magic that happens here.

With any of these places, regardless of means, what’s most important is that it exists and it exists for a reason: to allow expressions of faith, prayer, hope, and love. With that in mind, this one’s small but mighty.

I like their website: http://www.epiphanylutheranchurch.ca/Home.html

Melville Presbyterian

It’s a handsome church and the setting is close to divine. It’s near the outskirts of Scarborough and was not long ago in what one would have considered “the country.” There are some rather lovely old Ontario houses around it, too.

It must be a fine place to worship and this church is again one of the parent faiths of my own historical home faith. It is also home to some gatherings of those involved with my current spiritual calling. That guidance has been invaluable to me and I am grateful for any place that acts as a host.

I believe, too, that it’s as fine a place as any one could hope for for a long rest, final or not, depending on your own faith. The cemetery is worth a visit in its own right. And this is where the environs really let their presence be felt. The whole place sits on a promontory overlooking a splendid river valley and parks. As I said … close to divine.

As always, a link to their site: https://melvillechurch.ca/

Sunatul Jamaat

This great bulk of a place has existed in our community for over 40 years. It is squat and plain and mighty. Sized like a warehouse, it can accommodate thousands of the faithful and has ample parking. What I love is how it sits on its own, using its lawns and parking lots as a moat. It stands out from its surroundings and strangely simultaneously blends in to the extent it’s barely noticed if riding or driving by.

The final photo looks away from the building at its back over the largest car park. It seems the Mosque may have an arrangement with its neighbours such that a visual block has been provided to shield worshippers from the ugly industrial mess just behind. At least that’s what it seems to me.

In any case, given the potential accommodation afforded and the sheer scale of the space it occupies, I trust this place provides respite and solace for many and offers an avenue to hope and peace.

Of course, they have a website, too: https://www.sunatuljamaat.com/

Bendale Bible

This is one of those places I’ve driven by so very many times and never paid much heed. In fact, I barely noticed it was there. That is very much akin to my own faith and spiritually, which I neglected for so very long.

It’s a handsome building and shows signs of expansion and care. I’m sure there are many who love to come to practice their faith here. It sits on its own little hill and has a good view around, which is, I’m sure, how the God who cares for this place sees it. He sees all and never neglects.

And I couldn’t resist the One Way sign that hangs out back, which is why that photo appears first. It is telling.

Naturally, they, too, have a site: https://www.bendale.com/

Hope Lutheran

I see hope writ large in this place. Clearly, though, it’s been a work in progress for many years. This is not in the most salubrious neighbourhood of Scarborough, but it presents an air of accomplishment, polish, care, and money. It probably started back when this was a more salubrious area, in an era when it was surrounded by farms, rather than nestled among working-class houses, townhouses, strip malls, and apartment blocks as today. Lutheran is definitely another sober, industrious side to my family, historically and worshipfully, and this place resonates with its emphasis on home, church, and schooling, too. It has hope for today and the future; it has purpose. The relatively large size of the nave, as suggested from the outside, speaks of hope that many will come to worship. The large bell turret positively hopes for light from above. And, it seems to me, the whole place speaks that hope with faith and purpose will provide security, comfort, and prosperity.

If you wish to visit the Church’s site: https://www.hopetoronto.com/