Shining Waters

Carols By Candlelight
2022-12-04 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 1W4, Canada
Leaside United Church and Northlea United Church are joining together to share two Carols by Candlelight services. December 4th the service will be at Leaside United Church, with a joint choir singing anthems and leading carols. Our free will offering will be toward the TNO Food Collective.
The service will be in person and livestreamed to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeasideUnitedChurchToronto
Leadership by Music Directors Matt Boutda and David Jafelice, Rev. Emily Gordon and Rev. Lee-Ann Ahlstrom, and many others. The Dec. 11th service at Northlea United will have the same beautiful music, but the rest of the service will be different.

Midhurst United Church - Amnesty International's Write for Rights
2022-12-06 03:30 - 19:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Amnesty International’s Write for Rights letter-writing campaign takes place at Midhurst United Church. We will host a letter-writing event in the Old Sanctuary.
All letter-writing supplies will be provided, as well as some light refreshments.
Please drop in for whatever time you are able, and write letters to advocate on behalf of people around the globe who are suffering human rights abuses

Meditation in the Pines
2022-12-06 13:30 - 14:30, 2022-12-13 13:30 - 14:30, 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 .

Worship Walk at Barrie Arboretum
2022-12-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
Hi all!
Our next Worship Walk will occur this Wednesday, December 7, 7-8 pm, at the Barrie Arboretum. This is also the evening of the monthly full moon. The moon will reach its fullness at 11:08 pm, but we will be back home by then. This one is also known as the “Cold Moon”. So, as always, dress for the weather. And bring a flashlight. We will share some Bible readings for Advent and pause during our walk to reflect upon some of the life themes suggested both by the moon and scripture.
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 for you here. Dress warm and bring a friend.
brucesweet4@gmail.com 705-209-3899

Santa Parade and Breakfast
2022-12-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Manor Road United Church, Toronto, 240 Manor Rd E, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1R8, Canada
Join us for an outdoor photo with Santa and community craft fair. Come inside to enjoy our annual pancake breakfast, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Fundraiser for Thorncliffe food bank.

Jubilee Market
2022-12-10 09:30 - 14:30 | Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, Ontario (ON), M3A 2J5, Canada
This exciting new opportunity is a wonderful chance to meet direct sellers in our area. Not only will you find a multitude of art forms and other items you will not find in any store, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet with folks who may live in your neighbourhood. You’ll also have a chance to see some of the things Jubilee has to offer, both tangible and intangible.
Check out our refreshment area as well!
FREE ADMISSION!
See our website for more details.

Jazz and Reflection: Mike and Jill Daley
2022-12-10 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Mike and Jill’s unique style and arrangements along with their engaging stories and commentary will enrich your Saturday afternoon, and will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Our warm, inviting hall serves as the perfect backdrop for this concert – donations are welcomed, and proceeds support the Beach United Church food programs.

"The Nativity Story" Christmas Pageant
2022-12-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y8, Canada
The Christmas Pageant will be the centre of our worship and will be in-person & live-streamed.

Carols by Candlelight at Aurora United Church
2022-12-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Trintiy Anglican Church, Aurora, 79 Victoria Street, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 1R3, Canada
Aurora United Church Chancel Choir & Handbell Ensembles
will be preforming Carols by Candlelight
on Sunday December 11, 2022 @ 4pm
With special guests Cathedral Brass Quartet
Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St. Aurora, On

Christmas in Islington
2022-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Everyone is invited to attend Christmas in Islington Concert: A Musical Special on December 11 at 7:00 pm in person and online.
This popular annual musical event will feature our 35-voice Senior Choir, Chancel Handbell Choir, a 15-piece orchestra and pipe organ. The evening promises to be filled with both seasonal hymns and sing-along carols.
Not to be missed!
Invite friends and family to join you in person or online.
No tickets needed. Freewill offerings welcomed at the door.
Details and to attend online: https://islingtonunited.org/christmas-in-islington/

Carols By Candlelight
2022-12-11 19:30 - 20:30 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
Northlea United and Leaside United have collaborated once again to bring you beautiful music with twice the enjoyment.
On Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 7:30 pm, both choirs will perform at Leaside United. Then on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 7:30 pm, they will perform again at Northlea United. Free will offering at Northlea United will go to support the efforts of Youth Without Shelter. Be sure to come to this seasonal classic!
The service will be in person and livestreamed to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/L4rC_tVH2l4

Yule Sing Concert
2022-12-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1R5, Canada
We’re excited for Yule Sing! 2022 featuring the TEMC Choirs and the award-winning Weston Silver Band.
This year’s concert is FREE but you are welcome to give donations. We’re back in-person! Seating is General Admission so please come early to find a good spot.

UNITED WE SING! An Advent Celebration
2022-12-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Grace United Church, Barrie, 350 Grove Street East, Barrie, ON, L4M 2R7, Canada
UNITED WE SING! An Advent Celebration – Come and enjoy the music of the season from the 4 Barrie United Church choirs. Sun., Dec. 18 at 3:00 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm) at Grace United Church – 350 Grove Street, Barrie. Featuring the choirs of Burton Ave, Collier Street, Grace, and Northwest Barrie United Churches and there’s a sing-along too!! This is a mask-friendly event with a freewill donation to the Food Bank being collected as admission. There will be light reception following the concert.

Outdoor Nativity
2022-12-18 17:00 - 18:00 | 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…

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
