On Sunday, January 9th a group of 10 parishioners from St. Augustine’s joined the congregation of about 20 members at All Saints church on Sherbourne Street. We participated in their worship and Holy Communion as well as providing and joining the church members after the service for a light lunch. The inspiring service was led by the Rev. David W. Opheim, priest director at All Saints Church Community Centre and the associate priest Rev. Susan Haig. Every Tuesday, David and Susan head out and walk the streets looking for the poor. They follow where the spirit leads on the “God Walk”, providing prayers and conversation. During the week the historic church (which dates back to 1875), is a busy drop in centre where “people on the outside come to get inside.” The centre provides hot coffee, some food, someone to talk to and a chance to participate in bible study and worship for many street people. On Fridays, they have set up a drop in program for women who are sex trade workers. It was a wonderful experience for St. Augustine’s parishioners to join with the All Saints congregation in prayer and conversation and brings to us a better understanding of the incredible people who we support year round with various donations. We hope to organize another visit in the spring.
