Tag: religion

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

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/

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/

Masjid Bilal

Inauspicious, unassuming, humble. These are words that come to mind when I consider places like this mosque. And there are plenty of places of worship in Scarborough that are similar. They are not created from money or pride, rather from need and faith. They serve a purpose in their community. They serve those who care and love. And this place of prayer represents its kind appropriately, to the best of my knowledge, when I see the separate doors marked for Sisters and Brothers and the charity box out front to receive and help dispense alms. When one has faith, one can always give. St. Peter’s (in Rome) or Notre Dame (Paris) or Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) could never touch my heart the way this place does by its humility.

Check out their site: https://masjidbilal.ca/