Tag: love

St. Margaret in the Pines

This one is near and dear to me, as it is my recently adopted spiritual home. One might say it is the current physical representation of my spiritual salvation. It is where I most often go to share in a spiritual community whose members seek a change in lifestyle that can only truly be achieved through a psychic change. It is about recognizing a power greater than oneself and accepting that former approaches to relationships, attitudes, and life itself are no longer working.

For me, this is a journey that began roughly 15 years ago and has over the past 8 years borne immeasurable fruit. As St. Margaret in the Pines is a place of refuge and solace for me and reminds me of my fallibility and my mortality, it is a place I seek humility. And it is this humility that makes me open to all these places of worship I showcase, recognizing in them all a common quest for meaning, purpose, and serenity.

Of course, you will have noticed more photos this time and that is because you will have noticed there are, in fact, two churches on this site, both of which are called St. Margaret. I have only ever been in the newer building. The grounds are lovely (if you can handle cemeteries), there are indeed a number of pines present, and it is one of the oldest faith sites in Scarborough. It is on a major thoroughfare and close to an intersection I consider representative of one of the most deprived areas in the city, but is set back far enough to almost be another world. It proves that not far off the beaten path, another world can be found, if one has a reason, an open mind, and the willingness to seek it.

As usual, a website exists: https://stmargaretinthepines.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/

Universal

After another hiatus from this blog, it’s important to me that I lead with something bold and inclusive. This building I find quite bold in its design and its name could hardly be more inclusive!

The signs declaring Jesus Christ as the Lord may tell a different story. However, in my belief, my faith, and my spirituality, I see it somewhat differently. I would hope and imagine there are some who worship here at Universal and have a firm faith in Jesus and also recognize different brands of the love that is God. I, personally, am willing to accept the Lord Jesus, but he is a Lord as proclaimed and he would likely have no issue with my also accepting Lord Buddha and Lord Krishna, for example.

Whom I frown upon are the more common human Lords like those found in the House of Lords in London or sitting as the face of human justice. It is such people I find more often unLordlike and shallow or even evil manipulators of force. They are mortals, humans beset with the foibles of most of the rest of us. It is such people who fancy themselves “lords” or make themselves so by force that cause so much trouble in the world. They are politicians, not religious people. Many religious people are also merely misguided humans, with foibles and faults and even evil.

Look no further than the currently (again) escalating wars between Jewish and Islamist states (not picking on those two religions, as most others have seen their fair share of war) as proof. The people responsible are not religious people, rather political people. They are certainly not spiritual people, in the way I understand spirituality to be. They cause misery and death.

That is why I admire this notion of a “Universal” church. That seems to me more spiritual than religious. It is definitely more spiritual than political. And, strangely, it is more human and humans, through faith, compassion, love, and inclusiveness, have more power than force.

No criticism whatsoever is intended toward this Universal church, as I love it like I love all the other places of worship I share through this blog. Have a look at their website: https://www.uckg.ca/

Heron Park Baptist

It may look a bit drab on its big patch of land in the city, but I like it. More certainly, those who worship here find it a joy. I have driven by around service times and it appears very well attended. It’s not the first Baptist Church in this series, which is also reflective of the history of Scarborough, especially in this part, and none is the least.

https://www.heronparkbc.ca

Spiritual Society

It’s an unfortunate lead-in here with the power pole and lines, but this place sits at an unfortunate junction of streets and electricity. The sad motel behind houses refugees and other unfortunate newcomers to the country. The mosque holds its own, though, and surely lights the way for many. I love the glint of sunlight shining from its spires!

As we move closer, it’s clear that construction is recent and detritus from the process is still evident. But the power lines again cannot detract from how God’s beauty sparkles more visibly in reflection. And God is surely any place that is called Spiritual Society.

I myself belong to a spiritual society. It is not of the particular faith denoted here nor any particular religion, sect, denomination, or creed. Mine is of a sort that is fluid and allows whatever works for the faithful to feel the spirit and let spirituality help them through dark times to find purpose and light. That is what makes me so open to and love all of these places I show/share.

My favourite shot here is from the side with the beautiful tree and a hydro pole and … another gleaming light!

Naturally, there’s a website for this place and what it means for those who do or may wish to worship here: http://www.spiritualsocietycanada.com/

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/

Church of the Master

Regrets for a brief hiatus over the Christmas period. The reasons are threefold: a) not wishing to favour any church during that crucial period, b) my own business during the holiday season, and c) severely lacking weather, as I clearly choose to take my photos in the morning sun and that’s been decidedly sparse!

Anyway, I present this entry as “Church of the Master,” because that is how this location appears on Google Maps. You’ll see from the sign it’s locally described as Destiny & Dominion Ministries. It appears to be an attempt to integrate a place of worship within a larger development, typically housing. I have seen other such examples in Scarborough and will share more in future.

I like the playground, as again there’s an emphasis on family and the facility overall speaks to learning. The building itself looks reasonable, sturdy, and quite modern. Slightly disconcerting that it’s across the street from a liquor store.

Most disconcerting, though, is the notice of intent to demolish and replace. I see this posted by many places of worship (and many places, period). It will be more condos that go up, but I am not convinced by the popular tales of lack of housing supply. My belief is that such developments are primarily driven by greed more than need; greed from investors and banks who will only “risk” money on housing they’re betting is the only way to make them more money; greed from governments that allow the rampant creation of currency to create an illusion of prosperity while everyone’s standard of living falls. This is not unique to Scarborough, of course, but its taste is perhaps bitterer here where there is much evidence of the opposite of prosperity.

As far as I can tell, for now, belief and worship continue: https://dd.church/

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/