Considering Matthew Shepard
2023-06-21 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Toronto) | Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street East, Toronto
Music at Metropolitan and The Elora Singers, one of Canada’s foremost professional chamber choirs, present the moving oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard on Wednesday, June 21 at 8pm, a Pride Toronto Affiliate Event. Written by Craig Hella Johnson, this work is both an account of and reflection on the hatred that ended Matthew Shepard’s life.
This powerful work offers hope of acceptance and inclusion in a changing world in a concert reflecting on the themes of love and compassion. The three-part fusion oratorio speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. Johnson sets a wide range of poetic and soulful texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi. Passages from Matt’s personal journal, interviews and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, newspaper reports, and additional texts by Johnson and Browne are poignantly appointed throughout the work.
NOTE: This work includes direct quotations of the bigoted words of Westboro Baptist Church members, who picketed Shepard’s funeral. Audience members are warned of strong language and the intense themes in the piece.

Queerspace!
2023-06-18 14:00 - 16:00, 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

Healing Forest Dedication at Northlea In the Pines
2023-06-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
Join the group at 11:00 am on June 17, 2023 to dedicate the Northlea Pines as a Healing Forest in line with the National Healing Forest Project – Visit www.nationalhealingforests.com/ to find out how you might be able to dedicate your green space as a Healing Forest and come on out to find out more about connecting with nature.

Faith on Friday
2023-06-16 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-05-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Humbercrest United Church, 16 Baby Point Rd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
A night filled with food, fun, and fellowship. Beginning with a variety of activities, games, and crafts, and ending with family worship – the night will be filled with fun for all ages. Dinner included!

2023 Faith and Welcoming Communities Forum
2023-06-15 09:00 - 15:30 | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Ct, North York, Ontario, M3C 1Z5, Canada
Are you Interested in Greater Collaborations Between Newcomer Service Providers and Faith Communities? Would you like to Engage in Discussions about Building Resilience in this new Post-Pandemic World?
Toronto Noth Local Immigration Partnerhsip (TNLIP), in collaboration with the Toronto Quadrant LIPs, cordially invites you to the much anticipated: 2023 FAITH AND WELCOMING COMMUNTIES FORUM! This Year’s theme is one that is close to us all – Post-Pandemic Resilience and Community Integration. It is a great opportunity for newcomer service providers and faith communities – both sectors vital to helping newcomers – to promote collective well being and strengthen partnerships.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 1, 2023
When? June 15th at 9:00 am
Where? In-Person at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in North York!
The event registration is open to you and up to 6 staff members from your Newcomer Service Agency or Faith Organization.
See the event flyer for more information about this community initiative as well as details on how to register. Please spread event info widely in your networks! Breakfast and lunch is provided!
If you have any questions, please contact astha@torontonorthlip.ca

Midweek Midrash
2023-06-14 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.

Seasons of Love - A Musical Cabaret, Auction & Sparkling Reception
2023-06-11 19:00 - 22:00 | 76 Anglesey Boulevard Toronto, 76 Anglesey Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada
Seasons of Love, created by Kate Brown, Director of Inclusion & Engagement, is a musical cabaret of highlights from the 1800s to present day, using a combination of photo slides and music.
Valley Voices Community Choir will be joined by a live band and a children’s chorus. Professional theatre friends, such as Cary Shields, who performed in Rent on Broadway, will appear as we traverse through some of the best-known songs of each era. What’s more, for some of your favourite pieces, the audience gets to sing along.
To follow, we will enjoy a Sparkling Reception, some very enticing Silent Auction items, as well as a short Live Auction, MC’d by the hilarious Orr brothers.
Online auctions items can be viewed at https://www.32auctions.com/HVUCJune2023 where bidding begins 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 4 to 8:45 p.m. Sunday, June 11. As items become available, they can be viewed, prior to the opening bidding date. See our church website www.hvuc.ca for further details or call 416-231-2263.
Auction items will include original artwork and theatre tickets, as well as special events, such as dinner for six prepared by a professional chef, and a weekend at a cottage and much, much more.
This event is a fundraiser with proceeds supporting a refugee family and the ministries and programs of HVUC. Tickets are also available by calling the ticket line 416-231-2263 x39

Table of Reconciliation
2023-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | North Bramalea United Church, 3 Howden Blvd, Brampton, Ontario, L6S 4L6, Canada
There is a seat for you at the table – come be part of something BIG that God is doing in Brampton! Sunday, June 11 you’re invited to the Table of Reconciliation at @NBUCchurch! Admission is free and doors open at 7pm. NBUC is an affirming church and all are welcome! Join in-person or online.

A Taste of Syria: Refugee Fundraising Dinner
2023-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, Ontario (ON), M3A 2J5, Canada
Get ready for a night of delicious food, entertainment, and all for an amazing cause! Jubilee United Church is hosting a fundraising dinner called “Taste of Syria” on Friday, June 9th at 6:00 pm. This event is in support of the Refugee Committee’s mission to sponsor a Syrian family and bring them to Canada.
The menu for the dinner is no ordinary meal, it is an authentic Syrian cuisine created by the brother-in-law of the Syrian family Jubilee is sponsoring. Think hummus, fattoush, falafel, chicken and more!
We don’t want anyone to miss out on this amazing meal, so don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available upon request.
Rev. Bri-anne Swan will be offering entertainment.
All of this for only $30 per person, with proceeds going towards supporting the Refugee Committee’s sponsorship program.
In addition to the ticket price, there will also be opportunities to make tax-deductible donations.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and enjoy a fantastic evening with great food and even better company.

Festival of Faith 2023 - Called Through the Wilderness
2023-06-09 - 2023-06-11 | Canadore College, 15 College Drive, North Bay, Ontario, P1B 9V5, Canada
Shining Waters is Invited!
Canadian Shield Regional Council is holding a new in-person learning event called the Festival of Faith and are inviting folks from Shining Waters Regional Council to come join the fun! This inaugural gathering will be held at Canadore College Residence and Conference Centre in North Bay.
The Festival of Faith is open to everyone, not just regional reps and ministry personnel, so please share widely. As such registration will be capped at 200 participants, so don’t hesitate and register now! Take advantage of the early bird registration and save.
For more information on guest speakers, location, accommodation and workshops please see our Festival of Faith 2023 page on the Canadian Shield Regional Council website.

Taizé at Northlea
2023-06-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
Join the group in the Pines for Taizé on June 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm for quiet reflection and music in the middle of your busy week. The group will move inside if the weather is inclement so bring a mask just in case. Seating is provided but you can also bring your own comfy chair for this relaxed alternative service.

ICHM AGM Equiping churches to support mental health and wellbeing
2023-06-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Online via Zoom
InterChurch Health Ministries Canada will host its 2023 Annual Meeting on June 7th starting at 6:30 P.M. EDT. Opening the event this year is Daniel Whitehead, CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. Daniel spearheads the movement to equip churches to support mental health and well-being in their community.
Registration is free for ICHM Community Members. Register Today.
Guests are welcome to attend, with a donation of $25, at
Guest Registration https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/80639?v2=true

reVITALize
2023-06-07 12:00 - 2023-06-09 15:00 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1Y9, Canada
reVITALize is a gathering for ministry leaders and lay people to REFRESH, LEARN, and BE SUPPORTED. Speakers talk about what is revitalizing them at the moment, and time is given for people to gather with friends and colleagues and meet new folks. All denominations and traditions welcome!
Speakers: MiYeon Kim, Graham Singh, Tamsin Robson, John Pentland, and more!
Conference Dates: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm – Friday, June 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Locations: St. Andrew’s United Church, the Atlantic School of Theology, and other locations in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Cost:
Early Bird: Register on or before March 1st: $205 plus Eventbrite fee
Regular: Register after March 2nd: $225 plus Eventbrite fee
Wednesday evening concert: Your registration includes a ticket to a concert by Sarah McInnis, from the Annapolis Valley!
Learn more and register at www.revitalizeconference.ca

Stephen Lewis Foundation Benefit Concert
2023-06-04 14:00 - 17:00 | St. Matthew’s United Church, Toronto, 729 St. Clair Ave W., Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1B3, Canada
Everyone is invited to a concert benefiting the Stephen Lewis Foundation hosted by the Togogos group from Bloor Street United Church! The concert will take place on June 4 at 2pm at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto).
The New Horizons Band of Toronto is a music education and performance program for adults who wish to play a concert band instrument in a friendly group setting. The NHBT Wind Ensemble showcases our most experienced players. This group performs regularly across the GTA area and plays a mixture of classical, popular and concert band music. Today’s benefit performance will feature music by Healey Willan, John Philip Sousa, Francis McBeth and more! We are proud to help support the work of Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign by sharing music. For more information about NHBT, please visit https://newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca/
Togogos are one of more than 125 groups across Canada involving hundreds of grandmothers and “grand-others”. We are part of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign which raises funds for work in sub-Saharan Africa. Check out the SLF website to learn more about the Foundation’s work: stephenlewisfoundation.org.
All net proceeds from our fundraising efforts go directly to the SLF which provides food, school uniforms, health care, grief counselling, community-building skills training, and field workers to support sub-Saharan grandmothers in meeting the many challenges facing them.
Get your tickets today at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/concert-tickets-590243122067?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Queerspace!
2023-06-04 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

Pride Sunday at Humber Valley United Church
2023-06-04 10:30 - 13:00 | Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9A 3C1, Canada
Celebrate Pride at Humber Valley United Church. Join us on Sunday June 4 at 10:30am for Sunday Service with guest speaker Heather Beamish. Following this, we will have a Celebratory Reception at 11:30am.

Seasons of Love - Online Auction Portion
2023-06-04 09:00 - 2023-06-11 21:30 | 76 Anglesey Boulevard Toronto, 76 Anglesey Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada
Prior to the culminating evnet “Seasons of Love -a Musical Cabaret + Sparkling Reception and Auction”, we are opening the online acution portion of this fundraiser at 9:00am on Sunday, June 4 to 9:30pm Sunday, June 11.
At no cost, online auctions items can be seen at https://www.32auctions.com/HVUCJune2023 where viewing of items begins immediately (items being added daily), and bidding becomes live June 4 at 9:00am. See our church website www.hvuc.ca for further details or call 416-231-2263.
To attend the Fundraiser, held live at Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd, Etobicoke, call the ticket line 416-231-2263 x39 or go to the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-a-musical-cabaret-sparkling-reception-with-auction-tickets-634239165417
Created by Kate Brown, Director of Inclusion & Engagement, “Seasons of Love” is a musical cabaret of highlights from the 1800s to present day, using a combination of photo slides and music which takes place on
Valley Voices Community Choir will be joined by a live band and a children’s chorus. Professional theatre friends, such as Cary Shields, who performed in Rent on Broadway, will appear as we traverse through some of the best-known songs of each era. What’s more, for some of your favourite pieces, the audience gets to sing along.
To follow, we will enjoy a Sparkling Reception, some very enticing Silent Auction items, as well as a short Live Auction, MC’d by the hilarious Orr brothers.
Auction items will include original artwork and theatre tickets, as well as special events, such as dinner for six prepared by a professional chef, and a weekend at a cottage and much, much more.
This event is a fundraiser with proceeds supporting a refugee family and the ministries and programs of HVUC. Call the ticket line at 416-231-2263 x39

Art as Inspiration for the Mind
2023-06-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
The impetus for this dialogue is that these issues matter to us all.
Engaging in the arts changes the course of your life and your brain. Beginning from childhood, the arts foster mental development, sculpt brain maturation, and lessen the effects of poverty and social disadvantage. As we age, art provides a buffer against cognitive decline, allowing us to maintain an island of humanity in the face of a sea of mental, physical and brain loss.
Join us for this free event with music, dialogue & workshops hosted by Dr. Luis Fornazzari MD, FRCPC, Behavioural Neurology, University of Toronto.

Cuba: Sanctions, Faith, Solidarity and Hope with Rev. Dr. Carlos Ham
2023-06-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Ontario
The Seminario Evangélico de Teologia (SET), established in 1946 is an ecumenical pastoral training centre in Matanzas, Cuba. Rev. Dr. Carlos Emilio Ham is the Rector of SET and a pastor of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba. The Evangelical Theological Seminary is the only ecumenical seminary in Cuba and provides training for Cuban, Latin American and Caribbean pastors from an ecumenical, contextual, and liberating vision, committed to social service.
Numerous Canadians have been hosted by SET, building on long time Canada-Cuba relationships, and so, it is with warmth and anticipation that we look forward to welcoming Carlos here.
Please join us. If you wish to endorse the event or require more details, contact Lori Neale, lneale@united-church.ca. Venue is accessible. Refreshments will be served.
Lots of opportunity for networking and growing faith, solidarity and hope.
Event Organizers: The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The United Church of Canada, and The Canadian Council of Churches
Endorsed by: Cubability, PWRDF,

Toby's Place Talent Showcase & Silent Auction
2023-05-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 4P8, Canada
Our first in-person fundraiser since before the COVID-19 pandemic. To help fund cooking classes, crafting workshops, mental health supports (and more!) we are hosting a talent show and silent auction. Tickets are by-donation at the door, with a suggested donation of $20. With talent from Toby’s and Dorothy’s Places and various community members, the show is sure to rock your socks off!

Words & Music - Joni Mitchell 6-Part Lecture Series
2023-05-29 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.

Cummer Avenue UC Community Open House
2023-05-28 09:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Cummer Avenue United Church, 53 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 2E5, Canada
Visit our Community Open House
Saturday/Sunday, May 27/28, 2023
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Part of Doors Open Toronto! This year’s theme is “City of Sound”.
Explore the newly renovated space . View displays of our renovation project, current programming and more!

Midhurst United Church - Spring Roast Beef Dinner
2023-05-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Midhurst UnitedChurch, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Enjoy a delicious take meal including – Roast Beef and gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables, salad and a selection of our famous homemade pies.
Vegetarian option is available.
Take-out style….
Tickets available @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/takeout-beef-dinner-tickets-626243951517
*note: ticket sales end Tuesday, May 23.
On Saturday, May 27 dinners can be picked up at the Church drive-thru at your scheduled time and then easily reheated at your convenience.

Campfire and Sing-along at Northlea in the Pines
2023-05-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
You don’t even have to be able to sing to come to this fun, family event. Whether the weather cooperates or not, we will be gathering at Northlea – in the pines if it doesn’t rain and inside if it does, for a fun hour of singing and gathering round the campfire. Marshmallows and hot chocolate and maybe even some S’Mores will be available to enjoy!! So come on out and have some fun with us.
Note: the picture shown here is from the last event that was held indoors due to gale force winds…we still had a blast!

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!

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.
