Shining Waters

Outdoor Nativity
2022-12-18 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Manor Road United Church, Toronto, 240 Manor Rd E, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1R8, Canada
Our annual outdoor nativity tells the story of baby Jesus, born in a manager among the animals. Join us to hear the story, visit with (live!) animals, and sing Christmas carols.

Carols By Candlelight
2022-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Glebe Road United Church, 20 Glebe Road East, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1N6, Canada
Join us for an old-fashioned carol sing
with brass ensemble, choir and soloists.
Bring your friends and neighbours!

Carols by Candlelight
2022-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
Our annual Carols By Candlelight is back on December 18th at 7 pm – in person for the first time in three years! Once again we are joined by our friends the Strad string ensemble from Etobicoke School of the Arts for beautiful anthems and carols in the glow of candlelight.

Light in the Darkness: Solstice Meditation
2022-12-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
For millennia the Winter Solstice — falling this year on December 21, 2022 — has been celebrated around the world. The word “solstice” is rooted in Latin and means “sun standing still.” At this time we invite you to join us to mark the coming of the Winter Solstice, a time of transition when the light returns.
Come, find the light on the darkest night.
All are welcomed to gather at Islington United Church on December 19 for quiet meditation in the Sanctuary, led by James Aitchison, at 7:00 pm.
Feel free to arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. We will finish by 8:00 pm, allowing some time to digest our experience and share a bit if we like.
Enter through the Stewart East Hall doors (rear parking lot) or through the Chapel door entrance (front parking lot).
No experience or registration is required. Feel free to invite friends and family. Although masks are no longer mandatory, you are encouraged to wear one if you prefer.

Midhurst United Church - Light in the Shadows
2022-12-20 08:00 - 19:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
If you have experienced loss this past year (or carry a lingering loss from longer ago), this Christmas season may be a difficult one for you.
Midhurst United Church offers a brief service of quiet reflection at 7 PM on Tuesday December 20 2022.
Perhaps you would find some comfort and encouragement in this gathering for community prayer and candle-lighting.
Or perhaps you know of someone who might appreciate an invitation and your accompaniment…

Meditation in the Pines
2022-12-20 13:30 - 14:30 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
Need a break from your busy schedule?
Join Rev. Lee-Ann Ahlstrom 3 Tuesdays a month for an hour of Meditation & Prayer…
Starting Tuesday, October 11, 2022: 1:30 – 2:30 pm – for three weeks in October (11, 18, 25) November (8, 15, 22) and December (6, 13, 20). There will not be a meditation time on November 1 and 29.
Join Rev. Lee-Ann on zoom for an hour of meditative prayer and reflection. Email office@northleaunited.ca for the zoom link. Can’t join us on zoom? These sessions will also be video taped and posted online on the Northlea United YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCogz2ytqeDDEbb_HDYyfjkw .

Longest Night Service
2022-12-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
A contemplative evening of music and reflection on the winter solstice.

Solstice concert
2022-12-21 19:00 - 21:00 | College Street United Church, 454 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6G1A1, Canada
On Wednesday, December 21st,
at 7:00pm College Street United Church will be hosting a concert called “Solstice Songs,” curated by Emma So Whitla. CSU musicians Alan Gasser and Alida Doornberg will be performing with Emma in vocal ensembles Machari and Harmonious Accord.
The headliners for the evening are local musical talents Las Brujas del Barrio, and singer-songwriter Annabelle Chvostek.
This is a pay-what-you-can event, and all funds raised will go toward Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction.
In Emma’s words: “It will be an evening of song and dance on the longest night of the year; to break our hearts open, heal them, and come together in song.”
Refreshments are being served during the intermission

Christmas Eve Service
2022-12-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Manor Road United Church, Toronto, 240 Manor Rd E, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1R8, Canada
A time to gather together with family and friends as we celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ. In-person or online.

Christmas Eve Family Service
2022-12-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
Enjoy the excitement & fun of young ones as we tell the Christmas story together.

Christmas Eve Carols and Communion
2022-12-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
An earlier Christmas Eve service with Carols and Communion.

Christmas Eve Carols and Communion by Candlelight
2022-12-24 23:00 - 2022-12-25 00:00 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
Celebrate with candles & carols and experience the magic of Christmas Eve.

God in the Woods
2023-01-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
I have changed the name from “Wild Church” to “God in the Woods”.
Our next gathering will be Friday, Jan 6, 7-8 PM at the Barrie Arboretum.
This will coincide with the January full moon (The Wolf Moon).
As usual, we will will open with
welcome and prayer,
an opening of our senses,
a scripture reading,
a time of walking together,
a pause to share our reflections on the theme,
a final prayer and blessing,
and departing.
Dress for the weather and bring a friend if you wish.
Bruce Sweet
brucesweet4@gmail.com
705-209-3899

BEGIN AGAIN: New Year Retreat – January 14th, 12-4 PM
2023-01-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Begin the year with gentleness and intention. The New Year retreat at Islington United Church offers opportunities for self-reflection and self-expression through meditation, creative exercises, labyrinth walks, and small group sharing. Come join James as he encourages you to Begin Again, learning and re-learning how to connect with your inner wisdom and guidance.
The suggested fee for registration is $25. (If the cost is prohibitive, please reach out to james@islingtonunited.org and we can find a way around this.)
Bring a pen, notebook, water bottle, and any snacks you may need for the afternoon (no meals are being provided).
Details and registration at https://islingtonunited.org/event/begin-again-retreat/

Living in Transformative Change
2023-01-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
Michael Blair
General Secretary, The United Church of Canada and
Mary Rowe
President and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute
Animator, Rob Dalgleish
Join us for a conversation about making institutional change in times of rapid cultural change. Mary and Michael will speak from their experiences of success through partnering, piloting, and persevering. Rob will draw out our learnings and pose our questions.
Participate on Zoom or in person at Emmanuel College, Room 108
75 Queens Park Crescent E, Toronto ON M5S 1K7
(wheelchair access from University Ave, at Museum Station east side exit)
Cohosted by Adaptive Conversations at Bloor Street United Church
and the Centre for Religion and Its Contexts at Emmanuel College

Queerspace!
2023-01-15 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

Living in Transformative Change
2023-01-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
Everyone is invited to the panel discussion, Living in Transformative Change! Co-hosted by the Adaptive Conversations at Bloor Street United Church and the Centre for Religion and Its Contexts at Emmanuel College, this will be a time for conversation about making institutional change in times of rapid cultural change. Mary Rowe and Michael Blair will speak from their experiences of success through partnering, piloting, and persevering. Rob will draw out our learnings and pose our questions.
Sunday, January 15, 2023, 2 to 4 pm, online via Zoom or at Emmanuel College.
Speakers:
Michael Blair
General Secretary, The United Church of Canada and
Mary Rowe
President and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute
Animator, Rob Dalgleish
To register: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JsKqeAMvTUuQN7RtVsVSEChHOUWWiL9NujqofQeKSF1UNTZCWFRVQTRTSUJQWEJBN0ROWUFSN1ZZVi4u&fbclid=IwAR10BVP1LFszqqYZe_RMZA_iqT4vsgcllkfAlyZpaJGlrIf4ENb7tHmypr0
Photo credit Dan Brownsword

Truth and Reconciliation (Rescheduled)
2023-01-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Ontario
This comprehensive presentation covers topics from the Imperial Context, Canada’s Indigenous Policy, The Indian Residential Settlement Agreement, to United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The presentation allows for an in-depth understanding of TRC’s final report, its 10 Principles and 94 Calls to Action. The Truth and Reconciliation presentation provides insight into the Progress Report, Examples of Implementations, Personal Acts of Reconciliation, Barriers to Reconciliation, and explanation of what Reconciliation is not.

Affirming Church Celebration
2023-01-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9A 3C1, Canada
This Sunday, January 22, 2023, we are celebrating the incredible honour of receiving the designation, Affirming Church.
You, your friends and family are invited to join us in this celebration beginning at 10:30am for a service and reception. We will welcome Jeffrey Dale, Minister, Justice and Faith Formation, as our special guest. There will be singing, dancing, and of course cake!
This Sunday’s gathering takes place in person in the Sanctuary. You can also join together live online for the webcast premiere of the service via YouTube or watch anytime.

God in the Woods
2023-01-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Ontario
We will be gathering again this month on Sunday, Jan 22, 3-4 pm at the Barrie Arboretum.
This will be our second meeting this month with a bit of a difference.
Gathering
Welcome
Prayer
Opening of senses
Scripture Reading
Walking and wondering – individual reflection on suggested themes
Regathering to share communal wisdom
Prayer
Departure
As always, dress for the weather. We will not cancel unless the weather is severe.
Directions for 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.
Dress warm and bring a friend.
Bruce Sweet
brucesweet4@gmail.com
705-209-3899

Let's Talk ... Understanding Dementia
2023-01-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, Canada
Free Community Event – Friday January 27, 2023
Online via zoom – see website for details
6:30 pm Dinner via Zoom
7 pm Guest Speaker Dr Madeleine Clark
Bolton United Church
905-857-2615
office@boltonunitedchurch.com
www.boltonunitedchurch.com

Jazz and Reflection: Faith Amour and Eric St. Laurent
2023-02-04 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Join jazz singer Faith Amour and guitarist Eric St. Laurent for an inspiring afternoon of wonder and hope at Beach United Church. Our warm, inviting hall serves as the perfect backdrop for this concert – donations are welcomed, and proceeds support the Beach United Church food programs.

Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir Concert
2023-02-05 08:00 - 14:30 | Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9A 3C1, Canada
We are so excited to finally be able to bring this fine choir to Etobicoke. Well-travelled with performances of some 300 concerts in churches, cathedrals, and concert halls across Canada, the USA, and the UK, this group of about 40 men sings in the beautiful, strong four-part harmonies associated with traditional Welsh choirs.
Their repertoire includes African-American spirituals, operatic arias, Canadian folk songs, plus Broadway show tunes!
The ticket price includes sweet treats and a mug of warm cider at intermission.

Queerspace!
2023-02-05 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 ~ Online
2023-02-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Four-week series Monday evenings online 7:30pm – 9:00pm
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

Time, Talent and Treasure: When It Feels Like Your Community of Faith Doesn't Have Enough
2023-02-07 19:00 - 20:30 | online event
Time, Talent and Treasure: When it Feels Like Your Community of Faith Doesn’t Have Enough
Lay Leader Gathering
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
All are welcome to this Canadian Shield and Shining Waters regional event exploring how to meet the challenge of being church today with courage, deep faith and practical tools!
Join Melody Duncanson-Hales, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Minister and Diane Matheson-Jimenez, Community of Faith Support Minister for an evening of discussion and exploration
Register here: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/communities-of-faith/time-talent-treasure-gathering-registration/

Midhurst United Church - chez Valentine
2023-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by enjoying dinner with loved ones ….
“chez Valentine” …. a fine dining experience…
Midhurst United Church, Friday February 10, 2023
Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.
Donations will be discreetly welcomed following dinner….
RSVP by calling the Church Office: 705 722 6331 or by email: office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca
Seating is limited; please book early to avoid disappointment!
Upon advance request, our menu can be modified for those who are vegetarian or gluten-sensitive.

We "Love" Love Songs
2023-02-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave, North York, Ontario, M4N 3K7, Canada
Spend Valentine’s Saturday with us at Lawrence Park Community Church for a special concert of music that we love and we fell in love to. Featuring singers Loralee McGuirl, John Alcorn and the Robert Horvath Trio. They’ll perform some of the best love songs of all time, and there will be a chance for some group singalongs, too! So come ready to swoon, sing and fall in love all over again. Music, laughter and love – the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
This event is available in person or online.
Tickets are
Senior/Youth – $25
Adult – $35
Online – $35

My Unrequited Valentine: A Romantic Evening of Indian Classical, Bollywood, and Ghazal
2023-02-11 19:00 - 22:00 | Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 4P8, Canada
No need to stay at home alone on a cold February night during the month of romance!
Join us for My Unrequited Valentine: A Romantic Evening of Indian Classical, Bollywood, and Ghazal, performed by Christopher Hale on sitar, vocals, and guitar and Ozzy Lyall on tabla – an exciting night of sweet musical anguish!
There’s no dress code, but why not get a little fancy, and take advantage of the mehfil style floor (and chair) seating of this beautiful hall, as sweetly spiced chai is served.
Hosted by Yeshu Satsang Toronto – www.YeshuSatsangToronto.com
Doors will open at 6:30 pm.
Where: Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Road, Scarborough (one block north of Kingston Road at Warden Avenue). Parking is available on the south side of East Road and neighbouring side streets.
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
The ticket proceeds will be received by Birchcliff Bluffs United Church to support their work in the community and as a thank you from Yeshu Satsang Toronto for offering them a new home.

Book Discussion - "Falling Upward" By Richard Rohr and Facilitated by Rev. Stephen Milton
2023-02-15 07:30 - 21:00 | Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave, North York, Ontario, M4N 3K7, Canada
Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can be experienced as ”falling upward” in a spiritual, psychological sense. Rohr argues that in the second half of life we really start to understand what life is about , who we are, and what we can give to ourselves and the world to be fully realized people. But few know this path is possible in our modern world that values youth above all else. Join Stephen as we discuss this book together. If you enjoyed the discussions about Michael Singer’s book in the fall, you will likely find this very interesting, too. All are welcome, you don’t need to have read all of Rohr’s book to participate.
This event is available on Zoom.
