Father Jonathan Rowe

Church of the Apostles Anniversary Celebration Wednesday 1 July 2026 marked the fifteenth anniversary of the amalgamation of the parishes of St. Matthias and St. Philip, but rather than celebrating in the summer (when people are more likely to be away) we're inviting parishioners and friends to a special parish celebration on Sunday 20...

There is an awkward irony in the lectionary this week.

We’re preparing to celebrate fathers on a day when the Church has us read a passage about division and swords. Jesus even says he has come "to set a man against his father"!

It's also Pride Month, and this Sunday is the National Indigenous Day of Prayer. The call to uncover what is hidden feels heavier than ever. I’ve been wrestling with how to preach this honestly—without glossing over the friction or the pain.

I don't have a neat package for you this Sunday, just a commitment to look at the hard stuff together. Hope to see you there.

Among the Apostles, there are a number of people "not to be confused with" someone else.

There's a Simon also known as Peter, and there's a Simon the Cananaean, also known as Simon Zelotes. But that other Simon is not a Canaanite, and not a Zealot (in the sense of a specific radical sect of Judaism).

There's a James the son of Zebedee, and there's a James the son of Alphaeus.

There's a Judas Iscariot, and there's a Judas (not Iscariot). At least in John's Gospel there is!

There's a Philip among the Twelve, but there's also a Philip the Evangelist, (who's a completely different person!)

Being an Apostle isn't a special status reserved for a few ancient celebrities; it is a calling extended to all of us who are sent into the world by God. Some have important stories like Peter, James, John, Andrew, or even Thomas. Others are known only as names in a list like the one in tomorrow's Gospel.

But whether you're known or unknown, there is work for you to do that only *you* can do. And God has already given us everything we need to do the work he's calling us to do.

Which of these "misunderstood" apostles do you find most interesting?

On the first Sunday during Pride Month, we hear a Gospel lesson in which Jesus's opponents are upset that he's associating with "tax collectors and sinners". These days, they'd probably be angry to see him welcoming transgender people, or waving a pride flag.
The Gospel is pretty clear: if you're indignant when Jesus crosses lines (wherever you think those lines are), YOU'RE probably the one on the wrong side of those lines.

Another portrait, drawn during the Celebration of New Ministry. I'll be adding this one to the collection as well... ❤️

Mini Felted Jonathan looks over the Covenant in Ministry that I'll be signing with the Church of the Apostles this evening, along with symbols of our shared ministry that I'll be presented with. He'll be vesting tonight, but he won't be sitting with the clergy. See if you can spot him!

The service starts at 7:00 tonight, and my good friend and colleague will be preaching. There's plenty of on-street parking available on George Dauphinee Avenue, and the Halifax Shopping Centre's parking lot is just moments away. See you here!