Inter-Mission » Advent 2009

Taking Care: Caring for ourselves and others in trying times

The Lay Pastoral Visitors ministry is one of listening to and caring for others. These difficult times may pose special challenges to us if we try to continue on as we have in the past, while the need to care for ourselves and others may be more important than ever. These talks and discussions are designed to examine various aspects of our responses to these challenges and help us examine our own gifts and resources, at a time when we are preparing to celebrate the birth of God's greatest gift to us.

Advent 1: November 29, 2009

The Rev. Dr. Tim Elliott

Living Simply or Simply Living: reflections on abundance and scarcity

After twenty-five years of ministry with the Anglican Church in Toronto, Tim Elliott launched his new venture as a keynote speaker and consultant in 2002. He now travels and speaks about jazz, spirituality, vocation, creativity, and wellness, using the piano in his presentations. He is a popular conference speaker and workshop leader and has organized and presented Jazz Masses and special Jazz Worship services across Canada.

Tim is still active in the Anglican ministry as an honourary assistant at the Church of the Redeemer, Toronto. He is a graduate of Huron College, London, Ontario (B.A. 1968), the General Theological Seminary, New York (M.Div. 1971), and Trinity College (D.Min. 1988).

Tim is the author of Clarity and Courage: Life as an Improvised Journey (Creber Monde 2006). His two solo piano CDs "All the things you are" and "New Every Morning - hymn tunes and variations" were recorded on the Rhythm Tracks label.

As we begin our Advent preparations, Tim has some timely advice for those of us struggling for balance and fulfillment. He will touch on three main points:

First things first-the power of lists;
Keep it simple-how easy it is to get complicated;
One day at a time-the gift of time.

Advent 2: December 6, 2009

Richard Dentinger
Career Renewal: Dealing with job loss

Richard Dentinger received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo in 1986, a Master of Divinity from the University of Western Ontario in 1989, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Sheridan College in 2003. He received the professional designation of Certified Human Resource Professional in 2004.

Richard has been the Manager of Human Resources with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto since 2003. Prior to his work at the diocese, he worked in human resources in both the automotive and transportation sectors.

His areas of experience include health and safety, professional development, employee relations, clergy wellness, and compensation and benefits.

Richard will talk about the process of beginning the job search or career renewal, the resources available, and how to care for ourselves at a time of loss. He will also touch on some of the initiatives that parishes in the diocese have taken to assist those who have lost jobs during the economic downturn.

Advent 3: December 13, 2009

Terry McCullum
Taking a Leap of Faith Together: Reaching out to others in need

Terry McCullum is the CEO of LOFT Community Services, formerly known as Anglican Houses. Its mission is to support people's health and recovery from mental health and addiction challenges, especially those who are marginalized, homeless, fall into gaps in service or have no services at all.

It is sometimes difficult to realize that amid the abundance we all enjoy, there are people experiencing extreme scarcity. It is equally the case that amid the abundance of compassion and caring that is so much a part of our civil society, there are people who, as the result of illness, are stigmatized and marginalized to the point of having nothing.

LOFT has been working for more than fifty years, reaching out to people who are marginalized by their circumstances, particularly those living with mental illness and addiction, and helping them get back on their feet again. The assistance needed is often basic and simple to provide, and the financial investment is minimal, yet the need continues to outstrip available services.