God in the Woods - Cancelled
2023-02-19 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
UPDATE: We will only meet once in February.
Our first gathering on Sunday, February 19 has been cancelled, with apologies, due to a scheduling conflict.
~~~
And our next meeting will be Friday, February 24, 7 pm – 8 pm.
This is always held on the evening of the full moon.
For those who are unfamiliar, we worship outdoors. We do not worship
“out in creation” but rather as “part of creation”. Dress for the weather. We walk together in silence with pauses to share insights into our theme. All are welcome, bring a friend and a flashlight.
Directions to the Barrie Arboretum
The Arboretum is found in the North-West corner of Sunnidale Park.
As you are driving North-West on Sunnidale, towards the intersection with Cundles, the Arboretum will be on your right. And, as you approach the intersection, you will see a cleared space on the shoulder for parking. I will be waiting there for you here.

Getting Started in Stewardship
2023-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | online event
Getting Started in Stewardship
Tuesday, February 21 – 1 p.m. EST
Presented on Zoom
Join United Church people from across the country to learn some stewardship first principles.
Start with an on-line 2-hour course that answers questions like: What is stewardship all about anyway? Isn’t stewardship just a churchy word for fundraising? Why do people give, and why would they give to our church? What can we do to encourage greater generosity?
The practical assignments that follow will help you reflect on giving and generosity as part of your faith, gather and interpret some of the giving data from your community of faith, and build a stewardship team in order to start making stewardship a priority in your community of faith.
Completion of this course is a great first step before participating in Stewardship Best Practices, which will be offered next in March 2023.
Registration link – https://forms.office.com/r/idCxNLcBeg
Any questions? Please contact Melody Duncanson-Hales at mduncanson-hales@united-church.ca

Pancake Supper and Ashes Eve service at Islington United Church on Tuesday February 21
2023-02-21 17:30 - 22:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
You are more than welcome to attend the Pancake Supper and Ashes Eve service at Islington United Church on Tuesday February 21! Dinner will be at 5:30pm, and the service will begin at 7:00pm. Details and tickets available at https://islingtonunited.org/event/pancake-supper/

Pancake Supper & Free Movie "Chocolat"
2023-02-21 18:00 - 20:30 | Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9A 3C1, Canada
Enjoy pancakes with syrup, sausages, bacon, oranges, juice and coffee/tea in Steed Hall. Then popcorn and refreshments in the Hearth Room during the Lent-themed FREE movie “Chocolat”.
$15 Adults; $10 Children; 6 and under free
Hurry! Space is limited to 80 seats. Proceeds to support our Afghani refugee family. Please notify us of any allergies in advance. Inquiries: 416-231-2263 Ext. 39 hvuc.ca

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
2023-02-21 18:30 - 20:00 | College Street United Church, 454 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6G1A1, Canada
You are invited to come and join us for our annual pancake dinner with all the condiments as well as
German potatoe pancakes with sour cream and applesauce.
PAYC
To RSVP or for more info and how to volunteer, please call the office at 416 929 3019 or
Email secretarycsu@gmail.com

Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday Service, February 22
2023-02-22 17:00 - 19:30 | St. Matthew’s United Church, Toronto, 729 St. Clair Ave W., Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1B3, Canada
We invite everyone to St. Matt’s and Bloor Street’s Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday Service! They are offered as a 2for1 this year on Ash Wednesday. Pancakes and bacon with fruit and yogurt toppings and REAL maple syrup will be served in the Community Hall starting at 5:00 p.m. There will be gluten-free pancakes too! Please RSVP to Nancy Gordon – nancy@bloorstreetunited.org – to help us estimate how many pancakes to make. But do come even if you haven’t RSVPed. Pay What You Can donations are welcome at the door.
Our Ash Wednesday Service will be led by Russ and Betsy in the Sanctuary and on Zoom starting at 6:30 p.m. with music from Mikey and Diane. Please plan to come for pancakes and ashes as we prepare together for our 2023 Lenten Journey.
Location:
St. Matthew’s United Church
729 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON
Zoom link on our website at bloorstreetunited.org

Let's Talk ... Black History
2023-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Free Community Event
Online via Zoom (see website for link)
6:30 pm Dinner via Zoom
7 pm Guest Speaker
Followed by discussion

God in the Woods
2023-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
Our walk this month will be held on Friday, February 24, from 7 pm -8 pm.
This is always held on the evening of the full moon.
We walk together in silence with pauses to share insights into our theme. For those who are unfamiliar, we worship outdoors. We do not worship “out in creation” but rather as “part of creation”.
This walk will be held at the Barrie Arboretum. Bring a friend and a flashlight. Dress for the weather.
Directions to the Arboretum
The Arboretum is found in the North-West corner of Sunnidale Park.
As you are driving North-West on Sunnidale, towards the intersection with Cundles, the Arboretum will be on your right. And, as you approach the intersection, you will see a cleared space on the shoulder for parking. I will be waiting there for you here.

The Criminalization of Indigenous World View: Colonial Narratives
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M6R 1M3, Canada
Join us for a discussion of Indigenous Cosmology and the incarceration of Indigenous people in Canada. Featuring Poet Margot Van Sluytman and artist and knowledge keeper, Philip Cote.

Connecting to You: Women's Retreat
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-25 09:00 - 13:30, 2023-02-25 09:30 - 13:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
All women are warmly invited to join us in person for a retreat at Islington United Church. Connecting to You: Engaging with Ourselves, Others, and the Holy will be an opportunity to explore the connections between and among ourselves, one another and God.
February 24 – 7:00 to 9:00 pm &
February 25 – 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
No experience or preparation is needed. Simply register in advance (Pay What You Want; $25 suggested; cost should not be a barrier to participating). Child care will be provided.
Bring a pen, notebook, water bottle, and bagged lunch. Assistance is available and light refreshments will be provided.
Registration required at https://islingtonunited.org/connecting-to-you-retreat/

PRSN Workshop for refugee sponsors -- Accessing the Trades
2023-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
A training session for private refugee sponsors to learn more about opportunities for newcomers in education and employment in the trades

Midweek Midrash
2023-03-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-03-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Online via Zoom
Bloor Street Church is offering a new opportunity for dialogue, learning, and community. Midweek Midrash is a dialogue that looks at different kinds of ‘texts’ – such as a Brené Brown podcast, a movie, a lecture by someone like Thomson Highway, or a book. MM will happen on Zoom, two Wednesday evenings per month (1st and 3rd) at 7pm. There is no commitment to come every week, just drop in when you can.
Let us know by emailing our minister, Russ Daye, at russ@bloorstreetunited.org if you would like to be added to the contact group for MM and we’ll send you the Zoom information in advance of each session, and let you know what our ‘text’ will be. You may want listen to, watch or read it in advance – but don’t worry if you can’t. We’ll read or play part of it during the session.
All welcome! Hosted by the Adaptive Conversations planning group at Bloor Street United Church.

World Day Of Prayer
2023-03-03 13:30 - 15:30 | St. James United Church, 24 Mary Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 1C9, Canada
The invitation is out for everyone – men, women, and children of all ages – to join the 2023 World Day of Prayer as we celebrate the theme “I have heard about your faith” based on Ephesians 1: 15-19. The women of Taiwan have prepared the service this year. We are invited to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by this country as the citizens evolve amidst struggles for independence internationally, as well as the obstacles that women, in particular, face at home. Regardless of changes, women in Taiwan remain somewhat oppressed and encounter many challenges in gender equality both politically and in the labour market.
This year it is St James’ turn to host the service for the central Etobicoke area east of Highway 427. After two years of virtual services we once again invite you to participate in an in person service to be held on Friday March 3rd, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The service will also be live-streamed. Four area churches are providing leadership in the planning and will be participating in the service: St Gregory Roman Catholic, St James’ United, St Matthew’s Anglican and St Philip’s Lutheran. A time of fellowship and refreshments will take place in our Fellowship Hall after the service.

Day with Emmanuel - Open House
2023-03-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
Join us live in person on Saturday, March 4, from 10-3:00 pm to experience the Emmanuel Community.
This is an opportunity to meet current faculty and students, experience a mini-lecture, learn about the programs and applications process, ask questions and make new friends. And lunch is free!
Registration required – For more information email: emmanuel.admissions@utoronto.ca.
*United Church of Canada Members are eligible for 100% tuition coverage for a three-year Master of Divinity degree at Emmanuel College.

Jazz & Reflection - Summertime in the Beach with Paul Novotny and Robi Botos
2023-03-04 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Join Juno-celebrated Canadian jazz artists, Paul Novotny and Robi Botos, for an afternoon of jazz originals & favourites! Beach United’s warm, inviting hall serves as the perfect backdrop for this concert – donations are welcomed, and proceeds support the Beach United Church food programs.

Queerspace!
2023-03-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Cummer Avenue United Church, 53 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 2E5, Canada
The purpose of this program is to create a safer space for folks who identify as LGBTQ to build community together in North York, closer to where people live. Program content will be participant driven and will include a variety of things such as guest speakers, theme discussions and learning, social activities, and fun. Join other 2SLGBTQ+ folks and create community together. Meet new people. Find support and belonging. Enjoy some snacks. Share your Pride! Starting January 15, 2023. 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 2-4pm. For more information contact 416-222-5417 x201 or queerspace@cummeravenueuc.ca

Wintering Into Spring with Rev. Jean Ward ~ In-person
2023-03-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-03-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Fairlawn Avenue United Church, 28 Fairlawn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 1S7, Canada
Four-week series Tuesday afternoons 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Instead of wishing away winter, what would happen if we embraced its gift to us? Sometimes winter is not just a season of the year – sometimes it is also a season of the heart.
You are invited to join Jean Ward in a four-week exploration of how our northern spirits are shaped by the rhythm of our seasons – in particular’ winter and its movement into spring. Through the use of music, poetry, readings and, of course, our collective wisdom, we will journey towards spring together.
“Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.” Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Registration Required.

Midhurst United Church: Amnesty International Letter Writing
2023-03-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Amnesty International Letter Writing
If you want to make a difference by advocating for human rights around the world, please join us for our MUC Amnesty International letter-writing gathering on Tuesday March 7 between 3:30-5:00 PM in the Family Room. All writing supplies are provided.

Lenten Learning Series
2023-03-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-03-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
You are more than welcome to attend a Lenten Learning Series led by Paul Hutchinson and Islington United Church. Paul is a therapist, mediator, retreat leader, educator, writer, and storyteller.
This series will be on Wednesday March 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 7-8:30pm on Zoom. March 8 will also be in-person. Pre-registration is not required. Zoom link to follow.
Details: https://islingtonunited.org/event/lenten-learning-series-2023/2023-03-08/

Tuskegee University Golden Voices Choir 2023 Canadian Tour
2023-03-09 19:30 - 21:30 | ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN,227 BLOOR STREET E, TORONTO, 227 BLOOR ST.EAST, TORONTO, Canada
The famous Tuskegee Choir is steeped in more than a century of pride and the richest of choral traditions. Since its inception, the Golden Voices Concert Choir has served as an artistic model while carving its place in American history. The 25 voice choir will perform in four Ontario cities – London, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa – in March 2023. For lovers of contemporary and traditional Afro-American Gospel music.

A Guided Prayer Retreat
2023-03-12 12:00 - 14:00, 2023-03-18 10:00 - 2023-03-25 12:00 | Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9A 3C1, Canada
Called to Community – We are invited to live – to be in relationship with God, one another, and the world – as a reflection of the image of God: we are called to community.
We will explore what it means to be community in the image of God, through this week of guided prayer. We will reflect upon the struggles and challenges that we encounter as we engage in life as well as ponder how relationships grow as we deepen our connections with each other though our willingness to trust and be vulnerable. In the end we will celebrate in the knowledge that the God of love, in whose image we are created, encourages us and feeds our spirits through our interconnectedness.
Our Guided Prayer Retreat is focussed on enabling participants to attend a prayer “retreat”
while still maintaining their normal daily routine. Commitment to this Guided Prayer Retreat involves spending 30 minutes praying scripture at home, and then coming to HVUC (or online by digital device or telephone) for another 30 minutes with a “prayer companion” each day of the retreat week, from Monday to Friday.
The opening two-hour session will begin at 12:00pm on Sunday, Mar. 12 and will include instruction on praying scripture. The closing two-hour session will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, Mar. 18. This is an opportunity for you to grow with God through private personal prayer and sharing with a companion.
You may pick up an leaflet containing details and registration form in the church lobby at 76 Angelsey Blvd., Etobicoke or use the link provided in this event listing. Then submit the form physically to the church or go to our website to see further ways to submit: www.hvuc.ca

P.I.E. Day Workshop
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 | online event
We hope you can join us online for our PIE Day Workshop with special guest speaker Ozhawa Anung Kweon on March 14, 2023 starting at 7 p.m.
Register here: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice/social-justice/affirming-ministries-2023/pie-day-registration/

Discussion: Kent Monkman’s Miss Chief and Other Tricksters
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 | St.Matthew’s United Church, 729 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1B2, Canada
Spend some time at Kent Monkman’s Being Legendary at the Royal Ontario Museum this winter, getting to know the stories of Miss Chief and Turtle Island (For tickets, see: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/exhibitions-galleries/exhibitions/kent-monkman-being-legendary). Encounter more Tricksters in Tomson Highway’s 2022 Massey Lectures, Eden Robinson’s Trickster Trilogy, Karen McBride’s Crow Winter, or other works of art or literature. Then, let’s talk about it on March 14 at 7pm! Discussion will take place at St. Matthew’s United Church at 729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto.
1. From Monkman’s website https://www.kentmonkman.com/
Kent Monkman (b. 1965) is an interdisciplinary Cree visual artist. A member of Fisher River Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba), he lives and works in Dish With One Spoon Territory (Toronto, Canada). Known for his thought-provoking interventions into Western European and American art history, Monkman explores themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, and resilience—the complexities of historic and contemporary Indigenous experiences—across painting, film/video, performance, and installation. Monkman’s gender-fluid alter ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle often appears in his work as a time-traveling, shape-shifting, supernatural being who reverses the colonial gaze to challenge received notions of history and Indigenous peoples.
Monkman’s painting and installation works have been exhibited at institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal; Musee d’artcontemporain de Montreal; The National Gallery of Canada; Crystal Bridges Museumof American Art; Hayward Gallery; Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Art; Musee d’art Contemporain de Rochechouart; Maison Rouge; Philbrook Museum of Art; and Palais de Tokyo. He has created site-specific performances at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Royal Ontario Museum; Compton Verney, Warwickshire; and The Denver Art Museum. Monkman has had two nationally touring solo exhibitions, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience (2017-2020), and The Triumph of Mischief (2007-2010).
Monkman’s short film and video works, collaboratively made with Gisele Gordon, have screened at festivals such as the Berlinale (2007, 2008) and the Toronto International Film Festival (2007, 2015). Monkman is the recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2017), an honorary doctorate degree from OCAD University (2017), the Indspire Award (2014), and the Hnatyshyn Foundation Visual Arts Award (2014).
2. Current ROM exhibition: Kent Monkman: Being Legendary. On now until March 19, 2023
(From ROM Website): Interpreted by Monkman’s shape-shifting, time-travelling, gender-fluid alter ego, the legendary being Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, the exhibition depicts how deeply Indigenous knowledge is embedded in the lands of Turtle Island. Cree and other Indigenous peoples have carried this knowledge in stories, songs, and artworks since time immemorial. Through the power of storytelling, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle reframes the forced interruptions of the colonial project on Turtle Island and honours leaders in the community who shine a light forward for future generations.
https://www.rom.on.ca/en/exhibitions-galleries/exhibitions/kent-monkman-being-legendary

Organ Stops: Organ Recital with Stefani Bedin
2023-03-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Beach United Church is excited to welcome Stefani Bedin to their Main Hall on Saturday, March 18th at 4:30pm. She will be playing an intimate and varied program that includes pieces from J.S. Bach to Nadia Boulanger and more.
