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St. Andrew's Church on Simcoe Street held its usual Sunday service.The Globe and Mail

Saturday's raucous protests downtown have left many Torontonians feeling shell-shocked and unsure of what comes next. But even in the midst of that unease, some activities are just too steeped in tradition and meaning to shut down because of a half-dozen canisters of teargas.

When the G20 security fence went up just half a block away, St. Andrew's Church on Simcoe Street looked even more out of place among the high-rise office buildings surrounding the perimeter.

Most business owners around the 200-year old church boarded up their windows and closed for the weekend. But St. Andrew's Reverend William Ingram opened the doors for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday sermon without hesitation.

"The church has been here for 180 years and we don't intend to be deterred from gathering for faith and worship out of fear," he said as he leaned back against the dark blue velvet in the front pew, an hour before he gave his sermon.

The young reverend smiled, his voice light. "Everyone is welcome, but we gather in peace and we expect those who gather to be people of peace."

By the time the service started, only three dozen people dotted the pews in the cavernous old church. A diminished choir of eight people sang the opening hymn. When Rev. Ingram stood in the pulpit wearing black robes, the congregation stood.

"At the heart of the events that are taking place in Toronto this weekend are contrasting visions about the nature of life together in this global community," he said, his voice booming.

"On both sides of the fence are dedicated people who are aware that we are confronted with profound challenges."

Some people fanned themselves with programs in the steamy mid-morning heat. Rev. Ingram prayed for the children of parishioners who did not come to church that day, at his request.

Judy Neal has hardly missed a service in three years, and Sunday was no exception. In the gathering room behind the sanctuary, she shrugged her shoulders.

"I came because I always come," Ms. Neal said. "But I am a bit concerned about the trip back home."

Uptown, people were praying in a different house of worship.

At the Duke of Gloucester pub on Yonge Street just south of Bloor Street, the Germany-England World Cup soccer match glowed out from televisions. With England down 2-1 in the first half, the decidedly anglophile crowd willed another goal, only to have it disallowed. Manager Mihir Shah said the mood in the dark, maroon carpeted bar was sullen overall, but not because of the G20 protest that had marched past the bar the night before.

"The mood wasn't great, but that's because England lost," Mr. Shah said, leaning over a table.

He said no one mentioned the summit or the previous night's rioting and arrests at all.

"Just football."

Mr. Shah said he never considered closing the pub to avoid any damages - not on game day. As of Saturday night, more than 100 people had reservations to watch the game at his venue, and he wasn't going to disappoint them.

Tim Drodge, wearing a red England jersey, walked down the sidewalk after watching the game's disappointing finish at the Duke of Gloucester. The 42-year-old said the G20 was the last thing on his mind.

"Been there, done that, got the T-shirt," he said.

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