A current solution for church-going needs – a personal computer and a personable communicator

ANDRES RAUDSEPP

At the beginning of this time of trial and physical distancing, I, as a semi-regular churchgoer, did not know how I would fulfill my need for devotional services, since all churches were suddenly closed. Having moved to Trenton (Quinte West) 15 years ago, while retaining my Lutheran church membership in Toronto, I found it convenient to follow my ecumenical bent and often attend services at Trenton United Church or St. George’s Anglican. Now both are closed.

About three weeks ago, I received an e-mail from St George’s, advising me of a somewhat new opportunity. I could join a service provided by a minister I had gotten to know and do it via one of my personal computers. I hoped that this would work for me since I am not drawn to either radio or television religious broadcasts.

My first requirement was that I did need to know the minister. That would create a more personal contact. Secondly, he or she had to be able to communicate directly to me, so that I could at least close my eyes and we could recite the Lord’s Prayer together. Fortunately, I found the right person in the Rev. Lynn Mitchell, the relatively new Anglican minister in Trenton. I also discovered that she was able to exude sincerity and personal warmth even via YouTube, which is for me the most effective online visual info provider. So far, I have “attended” three of her recorded services, and as a result I haven’t missed church three Sundays in a row.

Recently, I developed the urge to share my experience with readers of Eesti Elu, some of whom are personal friends. Having recently contributed five articles in Estonian for the newspaper, I decided to opt for English and Estonian Life this time. I basically wanted readers to meet this wonderful Anglican pastor, who, in one of her services before Christmas, used a Lutheran Eucharist prayer which was clearly indicated in the printed worship folder. And I wanted to ask her about that.

So I invited the Rev. Lynn Mitchell to join me for the following interview which was done online.

I understand that you were ordained as an Anglican Church Minister in 1988, having received your Master’s of Divinity from Trinity College, University of Toronto. Where have you served prior to coming to Trenton in 2017, I believe?

I was ordained to the transitional Diaconate in 1988 at St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston and to the Priesthood in 1989 at St. Peter’s in Brockville. My former husband, ordained at the same time, and I were the first clergy couple in the Anglican Church of Canada east and west of the GTA. I served five years in the Diocese of Ontario and then 25 years in the Diocese of Huron, my last position being at St. James in Stratford.

Rev. Lynn Mitchell, Incumbent, Priest and Pastor of the AnglicanChurches of Quinte West, holding palm leaves in her hand, is seenaddressing viewers from St. George’s Anglican Church in Trenton for thePalm Sunday service. Two previous services were recorded from HolyTrinity in Frankford and Christ Church in Glen Miller. As a result, shehas recently performed three complete services on YouTube. These haveincluded hymns rendered by her beautiful singing voice, for which shehas provided her own accompaniment on organ and piano.

Photo taken directly from computer screen by Andres Raudsepp

You have a strong and beautiful singing voice plus being proficient as a pianist. As a graduate of the Faculty of Music at U. of T., who were your music and voice teachers?

I have a Mus. Bac. Degree in Music History and Literature with a minor in languages – French, Italian and German – and was a flute major. I studied piano up to RCM grade 10 before University. My teacher was Anne Gray, who was blind. I’ve never studied voice but have had the good fortune of singing in several excellent choirs.

You mentioned prior to your recent Palm Sunday sermon on youtube that your favourite church hymn was “All Glory, Laud and Honour” which you sang for your listeners in full voice. You said that you first sang it when you were 8 years of age. Is there a connection between church hymns and your later decision to become a minister in the Anglican Church?

I have always loved church music. My formative years were spent at St. Peter’s Church in Brockville. When I was growing up we had a world-class organist and an amazing men’s and boys’ choir. It was a musical feast every Sunday. At the time, it didn’t bother me that I couldn’t be part of it… officially. I just sang along with everything.

Many parts of the service were sung and with so much of the core of Anglican theology being present in the liturgy, the music certainly had an impact on me and was a foundation stone of my experience of call to the Anglican Priesthood.

(Full story available via link below)