Donate today at faithworks.ca

or scan this QR code

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"Generosity is the best way of becoming

more, more, and more joyful"

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy

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HOLY CROSS DAY

Almighty God,

whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ

was lifted high upon the cross

that he might draw the whole world

to himself,

may we who rejoice

in the mystery of our redemption,

have grace to take up our cross

and follow him,

who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

(Collect of Holy Cross Day)

On this Holy Cross Day,

let us manifest God's transforming love to those

who continue to suffer and struggle to live.

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The following article is from our ministry partner

All Saints' Church - Community Centre in Toronto.

It is an example of the outreach

that your donation to FaithWorks supports.

- The Art of Community -

by Rev. Dr. Alison Falby

The All Saints art group is a drop-in program that began in the church parking lot in April 2022.

Started by volunteers Jane Halverson and Hilary Masemann, the group’s members have learned new skills, developed confidence, and found community: all through making art together.

To celebrate the conclusion of its 150th anniversary year in June, All Saints Church-Community Centre held an exhibition and volunteer recognition event called “The Art of Community.” The event showcased work by the All Saints art group and featured live music by both professional musicians and drop-in participants, tributes to artists and volunteers, and a short film by Erika Ware. Pieces for sale included visual art and jewelry, with the full price going to the artists.

Erika’s film features interviews with several members of the art group. The interviewees reflect on what the group and All Saints mean to them.

Dan joined the group when he was living on the street. He says, “When I first got here, I had nothing. Now I’ve got a lot more than that, and a lot of it because of the church, and the people. I found that people were pretty open to me being here. People were pretty friendly, so why go away? I kept coming back.” He adds, “I didn’t know anybody in Toronto, you know, now I come here and it’s like — I hate saying “family” —but a community. A group of people that get along and care for each other.”

Danielle echoes Dan’s sentiments. “We all need friends in life. There’s times when I feel so alone, and there was a period when I was down. I got back on my feet and I continued to the art group, and now I feel so much better. [It] makes me feel content, makes me feel that, you know, we can see each other around and we say, ‘Hi, how’s it going?’ you know, and we know each other because of the art group.”

When asked what comes to mind when she thinks about All Saints, Kayla says, “I think community. I feel very positive, very welcomed. You’re not alone. No matter what’s going on in the world, even when you feel at your most alone, you’re not.” She speaks eloquently about people’s gifts and artistic expression: “You don’t have to be good at something to be great at something. To express yourself, that’s the talent, it’s that you’re sitting right there, expressing yourself. That’s the bravest thing you can do.”



Thank you to FaithWorks, and FaithWorks donors, for helping All Saints nurture a space where people can discover their gifts, and find friends and community.

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A $100,000 Matching Challenge Grant for 2023

A generous donor has offered a $100,000 matching challenge grant for all new and increased donations. That means for every dollar raised over last year’s amount, by an individual or parish, FaithWorks receives an extra dollar. We encourage you to make a special effort this year –

doing a little more can make twice the difference.

Donate today at faithworks.ca or use the QR code

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FaithWorks Sermon or Presentation

To assist and inspire, you can arrange for a sermon, presentation or visit by representatives of our ministry partners, the Director of Stewardship Development, Peter Misiaszek, or me, by contacting the FaithWorks Speakers Bureau at

fwspeakersbureau@toronto.anglican.ca

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If you wish to highlight your Parish's events in support of FaithWorks, please forward the details to faithworks@toronto.anglican.ca

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FaithWorks Videos



The FaithWorks website, faithworks.ca has been updated with new videos to promote FaithWorks and our ministry partners. There are short, medium and long videos to include in your parish's online presence or in-person gatherings. They can be downloaded directly from the website.

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