Shining Waters

Midhurst United Church ~ Taizé Prayer Service
2023-04-21 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Taizé worship is ecumenical, prayerful (10 minutes of silence within the service), with beautiful soft, meditative singing throughout. It is offered several times a year at various churches in the Barrie area.

Community Hymn Sing
2023-04-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
On Friday, April 21st, at 7:30 pm, join us at Islington United church for a Community Hymn Sing, hosted by Music United. It will be a wonderful evening of both new and traditional! We will celebrate in song together, joined with musicians from across Canada! A freewill offering will be donated to the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.

St. James United Church Spring Fling
2023-04-22 09:00 - 12:30 | St. James United Church, 24 Mary Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 1C9, Canada
Fund Raiser. Sale items include homemade baked goods, jewellery. toys, books, attic treasures and more! There will be a cafe with muffins, tea and coffee so you can socialize and talk about the great finds!

In Concert With Creation
2023-04-22 09:00 - 2023-04-23 15:00 | Trinty St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M5S 1X7, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1X7, Canada
A weekend of climate justice, faith and arts!
This two-day event interweaves singing, activism, Celtic Christian spirituality and Indigenous perspectives on Creation to create a workshop celebrating our continuing pursuit of justice and care for God’s Earth.
JOHN BELL, legendary hymn-writer, teacher and theologian from the Iona Community of Scotland joins us to give a series of talks over the two days, along with leading our singing and being our guest-reflector at our Sunday Church Service.
STAN MCKAY, former Moderator of the United Church of Canada and Indigenous Justice advocate, will lead us through Indigenous creation ideas/stories and engage in dialogue reflecting on Celtic and Indigenous spiritual views on creation. He will co-preside at our Sunday Worship Service.
MASS FOR THE ENDANGERED by Sarah Kirkland Snider will be the climax point of the weekend, Saturday at 7 pm, when the Trinity St. Paul’s Church Choir and VIVA Singers, Toronto, collaborate with full orchestra to present this modern masterpiece.

Words & Music - Joni Mitchell 6-Part Lecture Series
2023-04-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Explore the life and music of one of the most influential and beloved singer-songwriters of all time, Joni Mitchell with Dr. Mike Daley.
In this course, we’ll do a deep dive into the career and artistic journey of this iconic artist, from her early folk roots to her groundbreaking forays into jazz and pop. Along the way, we’ll listen to and analyze classic songs like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Woodstock,” as well as delve into the personal and cultural influences that shaped Mitchell’s unique and enduring sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the music of Joni Mitchell, this course will deepen your appreciation and understanding of her enduring legacy.
Lecture Outline
Monday, April 17 at 10am: Early years in Canada
Joni Mitchell was born into a middle-class family in western Canada, growing up as an artistic and spirited child. After an unplanned pregnancy, Joni moved to Toronto to bear a daughter (and soon give her up for adoption) and begin a career as a folk musician. We’ll examine her early years playing the coffeehouses in Yorkville and the start of her songwriting career.
Monday, April 24 at 10am: Joni’s breakthrough
Even as the folk scene declined, Joni’s engaging live performances and finely crafted songs attracted the attention of influential tastemakers and put her in the upper echelon of rock music. We’ll examine her first album Song To A Seagull, her more accomplished follow-up, Clouds, and a third album, Ladies of The Canyon, which contained the massive radio hit, “Big Yellow Taxi.”
Monday, May 1 at 10am: Rock stardom
The release of Blue in 1971 confirmed Joni’s legendary status in the popular music of the ’70s and cemented her image as the model of a singer-songwriter. We’ll examine the emergence of Joni’s new full band sound on her albums For The Roses and the mega-selling Court and Spark, establishing a format that she would retain throughout the rest of her career.
Monday, May 8 at 10am: Jazz explorations
Her fame assured, Joni spent the latter half of the 1970s developing a new jazz-influenced approach to her music. She collaborated with legends like Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny, and produced a series of fascinating albums that never found large audiences: The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, Hejira, Don Juan’s Restless Daughter and Mingus.
Monday, May 15 at 10am: Navigating the changing pop landscape
The 1980s represented a sea change in the music business – and in Joni’s music too. After a return to form with her 1982 album Wild Things Run Fast, she tried to update her sound and subject matter on Dog Eat Dog and Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm. Meanwhile, a second marriage and a reunion with the daughter she gave up for adoption provided her with the personal stability to start revisiting her past.
(Monday May 22 is the Victoria Day long weekend)
Monday, May 29 at 10am: Latest works and legacy projects
Over the last 25 years, Joni has balanced interesting new albums with orchestral remakes of her greatest hits. A brain aneurysm suffered in 2015 lowered her profile, but her influence as a performer and songwriter remains huge. We’ll close the series by examining the many tributes she’s received in recent years and her enduring place in the pantheon of popular songwriters.
Coffee will be made available during the morning lectures.

Duty of Care Workshop
2023-04-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, Canada
Duty of Care Workshop
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
on ZOOM
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
As congregations are coming back to in-person worship and other activities, it is a good time to review your duty of care program. The United Church of Canada is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work, and study in all communities of faith.
We have a legal, moral, and spiritual duty to care for and protect participants in our church programs. This is a legal principle called duty of care, and church groups have been, and will be, held legally responsible for ensuring reasonable measures are taken to ensure safety.
Our church is blessed with the gifts of many who offer leadership as volunteers, staff, and ministry personnel. These people have a special calling to offer their time and talents in congregations through Sunday schools, programs for children and youth, choirs, home visiting, and many other ministries of the church. A duty of care program helps ensure that everyone, including staff, volunteers, participants and the church as a whole, are safe and protected.
This workshop will provide a general overview of duty of care and how communities of faith can review their programs and assess risks. This event is designed to engage congregational staff (lay and clergy) and key lay leaders, including members of the church board/council, M&P committee and all committees/working groups with responsibility for worship, outreach, and spiritual growth/Christian education in the fundamentals of creating safer worshipping communities.
Join Melody Duncanson-Hales, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Minister, Diane Matheson-Jimenez, Community of Faith Support Minister, and Jody Maltby, Regional Staff Lead and Communities of Faith Minister for an evening of discussion and exploration.
Register Now

Gold Party
2023-04-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Start collecting your old, broken and unwanted gold or sterling jewelry for Islington United’s 5th Gold Party on April 26 from 4-7pm.
Old gold tooth fillings, sterling flatware or wine goblets. If it is gold or silver, Louise will buy it!
You bring in unwanted items and leave with cash and a big smile. In 2021, $5,000 from this project helped make our ministries possible.
You must have an appointment to participate. To book an appointment contact Val Greenfield: valgreenfield50@gmail.com; 416-500-7360.

Let's Talk .. Navigating Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
2023-04-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, Canada
Free Community Event
online via zoom – see website for link
6:30 pm Dinner via Zoom
7 pm Guest Speaker Lauren Clark, President & CEO Bridge C-14 via Zoom

Community Inclusion Workshop with Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury
2023-04-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Join Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury for an enlightening and educational course on inclusion at Beach United on Saturday, April 29th from 1:30-3pm.
Ontario is one of the most multicultural places to live in the world. With over 200 different cultures, understanding cultural sensitivities has become one of the cornerstones in building successful and inclusive communities. This course provides a deep dive into cultural learning and how to engage with all members of our community effectively.
Objectives:
– Gain an understanding of how central culture is to us
– Why are biases harmful and how can they be interrupted
– How does self-awareness create awareness of others
– Community engagement
– Communication strategies
ABOUT AFSANA
Afsana is a lawyer, mediator and educator in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She presents globally to help professionals and local communities gain a better understanding of EDI issues and how to foster the inclusion of marginalized communities. Afsana is a Beaches resident and her 3 children attend the local schools. Afsana provides an open and safe space for people to learn and grow awareness about people who are different from them.

Understanding Women, Life, Freedom
2023-04-29 14:30 - 17:30 | Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge St., Ontario, L4C 3B2, Canada
This is an event to understand our Iranian neighbours. Learn about the conflicts but also their art. Questions and conversations encouraged This is an opportunity to hear about the conflicts that have been happening in Iran, including the recent killing of the young girl, Mahsa Amini, but the oppression has been going on for decades. Many Iranian families have chosen to live in Richmond Hill and nearby. They are hurting. They are asking for allies.
There will be 2 speakers, and Iranian music and an exhibit from local Iranian artists. Iranian teas and pastries will be served after the talk.
Lily Pourzand – “The Women Life Freedom uprising and 44 years of Gender Apartheid Regime’s Systematic Oppression ” Lily Pourzand is a Social Services leader with over a decade of leadership practices in Canada’s Violence Against Women sector. She is an expert in gender-based violence, equity, intersectionality, inclusivity, and accessibility. She is the Director of Programs at Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region Inc. Lily is a first-generation immigrant woman who came to Canada for political safety and personal freedom in 1999 after graduating from law school in Tehran, Iran. Lily graduated from York University with a Bachelor’s in Women and Gender studies in 2007. She continued her education and graduated with a Master’s in law from the Osgoode Hall Law school in 2010, focusing on the intersection of socio-legal barriers in women’s lives.
Kaveh Shahrooz – “The Roots of Revolution: Four Decades of Murder, Apartheid, and Resistance in Iran” Kaveh is a lawyer and human rights activist, and a Senior Fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, a public policy think tank. He is also a former Senior Policy Advisor on human rights to Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs. A graduate of Harvard Law School and the University of Toronto, he has written widely on human rights issues and international affairs, including in the Wall Street Journal, the National Post, the Globe & Mail, and Maclean’s. He led the successful 2013 effort that convinced Canada’s parliament to recognize the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran as crimes against humanity.
A Q&A will follow their talks.
Local Iranian artists will be displaying their creations. Their art is beautiful and diverse. Flora Bakhtiari Azadeh Hoveyda Roxana Khoshsokhan Raheleh Mirheydari Manizhe Sabet Shiva Moghaddasi
Following the talks refreshments, including Persian teas and pastries will be served in the adjacent Centennial Hall.
The proceeds from the event will be given to the hosts of the event, the Richmond Hill United Church, to continue to support many social justice programs. Tickets will be available at the door for $20 cash.

Week of Guided Prayer
2023-04-30 - 2023-05-07 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
You are warmly invited to participate in Week of Guided Prayer from April 30 – May 7, a retreat experience in the midst of daily life. It involves taking time to reflect on a scripture passage that will be sent to you each morning, and sharing some time talking it over with another person. You don’t have to take time off work or put your life on hold for a week in order to be involved. You can participate fully simply by making some tweaks in your schedule for this one special week. Details and registration at https://islingtonunited.org/week-of-guided-prayer-2023/

Taizé at Northlea
2023-05-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
Join the group in the Pines for an alternative service of quiet reflection and music in the middle of your busy week. The group will move inside if inclement weather so be sure to bring your mask. Seating is provided but you are invited to bring your own comfy chair if preferred. May 3, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

Midweek Midrash
2023-05-03 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-05-17 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.

With Heart and Voice
2023-05-05 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Toronto, 117 Bloor St. East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A9, Canada
Singing Coronation in Postcolonial Canada
A hymn festival presented by the St. Andrew’s United Choir and festival orchestra
Featured anthems: Zadok the Priest (Handel)
I Was Glad (Parry)
Hilary Seraph Donaldson, conductor
Christopher Dawes, organ
Free admission
Reception to follow
*Seating is limited; reserve in advance
tinyurl.com/heartandvoice

Church Yard Cleanup Event
2023-05-06 08:00 - 11:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
All are welcome to join Islington United Church for this family-friendly, all-ages outdoor clean up event on May 6 from 8am-11am.
Bring rakes, yard bags, gloves — whatever you have — to pitch in for a quick morning clean sweep of the church yards and gardens.
This is a sunshine-only event. In case of rain, the clean up will be cancelled.
https://islingtonunited.org/event/community-clean-up-event/

EcoFair at Beach United
2023-05-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
We are excited to be hosting an EcoFair at Beach United on Saturday, May 6th from 10am-2pm. We will have more information on vendors very shortly and will feature them on our social media accounts (Instagram / Facebook), so please stay tuned!
We have 35+ exhibitors/vendors, everything from solar panel co-ops, zero waste take out container company, vegetarian food vendor, info on green grants and how to access them, EV’s and chargers, recycling experts, bike repair tent, a beekeeper, to butterfly and pollinator gardeners, energy advisors and more.
We have booked 3 speakers, Lana Goldberg from Environmental Defence Fund, Paul Dowsett from The Pocket Change Project and Dr. Lori Stahlbrand from George Brown College talking about food sustainability. We will also have Nettie Cronish, culinary instructor, cookbook author and organic chef doing a demo of a vegetarian dish in our kitchen and a story time for young children.
It should be a great day and there should be something for everyone. If you’re interested in volunteering on the day of please email: maryanne.alton@sympatico.ca

Jazz and Reflection - John Amato Trio
2023-05-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Beach United Church is excited to welcome young jazz singer John Amato (vocals), Jesse Whiteley (piano) and Matt Savard (bass) to their venue on Saturday, May 6th at 4:30pm.
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Young jazz singer John Amato is already well on his way to a stellar career as one of toronto’s finest jazz singers.He grew up surrounded and influenced by jazz his whole life. With influences including Frank Sinatra, Kurt Elling, and Joe Williams, Amato offers a mix of classic and contemporary approaches to the standards and songs he performs. As well as working with professional and student players throughout the city, he is a singer in the Toronto All Star Big Band.
John is also a choir lead at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church.
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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.

Barbershop Concert
2023-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Neil Aitchison Takes Over the Pulpit!
On Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 pm, Neil Aitchison, a Canadian Loonie, will take over the pulpit at Islington United Church as he introduces the Toronto Northern Lights chorus, Maple Reserve, and three other super quartets.
A career in broadcasting has taught our speaker that laughter is not only fun, but necessary for surviving and thriving in today’s changing times. Neil Aitchison is a popular speaker, MC, actor, former broadcast executive and radio personality. He will share a few laughs, some honest reflections on life and clearly demonstrate how you can cope with life’s constant changes and stresses by exercising your humour option.
No, he will not be delivering a sermon like his younger brother has done so many times! But, as our MC for the evening, his humour will leave you wanting more! After attending an event where Neil was the MC, many people comment: “He is worth the price of admission!”
Be advised that we expect this concert to be a “sold out” event so get your tickets early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25-years-of-tnl-tickets-579546377817

Cummer Avenue UC Grand Re-Opening Worship
2023-05-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Cummer Avenue United Church, 53 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 2E5, Canada
You’re invited to join us for our Grand Re-Opening Worship Service, Sunday, May 7, 2023, 10:00 am
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal Emmanuel College
Reception will follow
Can’t join us in person? Email the church office for Zoom link.

Queerspace!
2023-05-07 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

Let's Get Grilling
2023-05-10 - 2023-05-31 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
It’s BBQ season, and the perfect time to stock up on meats and seafood products for outdoor grilling.
You’re invited to participate in Let’s Get Grilling to receive top-quality meat and seafood from Macgregors Meat and Seafood — the same products featured in many outstanding restaurants. Now you can enjoy their quality products in your own home.
Macgregors has enjoyed nearly 70 years of family ownership and a combined 185 years and seven generations of continuous business.
When you place an order as part of the Let’s Get Grilling BBQ Fundraiser, you get at least three benefits:
1. You’ll receive a restaurant-quality product you can prepare at home.
2. You’ll feel good about shopping at a local, family-owned business.
3. You’ll feel even better knowing you are supporting Islington United Church with your purchase.
Details and order form are on our website at https://islingtonunited.org/lets-get-grilling-bbq-fundraiser/

Midhurst United Church - Plant and Bake Sale
2023-05-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Midhurst United Church, located at 91 Doran Road in Midhurst is having a Mother’s Day Plant and Bake Sale. There will be lots of baking to choose from and lots of plants.

Learning a new Language: what does it take?
2023-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Canada
An invitation to private refugee sponsors, to join us to learn more about the issues and barriers that newcomers face
in acquiring a new language. In addition, this is an opportunity to gain some English language coaching tips, and participate in post-workshop
discussion to connect, learn and share.

Organ Stops: Organ Recital with Stefani Bedin
2023-05-20 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Beach United Church welcomes back accomplished pianist and organist Stefani Bedin as she presents a beautiful, varied program from J.S. Bach to Nadia Boulanger and more!
Stefani Bedin is a Doctor of Musical Arts degree candidate at the University of Toronto, where she also completed the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and the Bachelor of Music degree in Music History and Theory (Honours) with a minor in historical keyboard. Stefani is currently the Associate Organist of St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, the collegiate church of the University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s College. Committed to sharing the pipe organ’s music with diverse audiences, Stefani is also the vice- president of the Royal Canadian College of Organists’ Toronto Centre executive.
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Donations are welcomed, and proceeds support the Beach United Church food programs.

Queerspace!
2023-05-21 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 2-4 pm. For more information contact 416-222-5417 x201 or queerspace@cummeravenueuc.ca

Let's Talk... Birds and Blooms
2023-05-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Bolton United Church, 8 Nancy Street, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1C7, Canada
In Person with Plant Exchange, also online via zoom (see website for link)
6:30 pm Plant Exchange
7 pm Guest Speaker Taya Kehler, The Riverwood Conservancy via Zoom
Free community event
All welcome!
