Shining Waters

Christmas Eve Family Service
2024-12-24 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Come celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with us on December 24th. We will have a family service at 4:30 PM, followed by a Communion Service at 9:00 PM.

Islington United Church Christmas Eve Choral Service
2024-12-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Everyone is invited to join Islington United Church at 7:00 pm, in person or online, for a Christmas Eve choral worship service.
The choir will lead us in singing familiar carols, hearing the Christmas story anew, and lighting our Christmas Eve candles to welcome the Christ Child.
Come a few minutes early to hear a special flute and piano prelude.

Christmas Communion Service
2024-12-24 21:00 - 22:00 | Midhurst United Church, 91 DORAN RD, Midhurst, ON, L9X 0L5, Canada
Please join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On December 24th, we will have two services. The Family Service will begin at 4:30 PM and our Communion service will start at 9:00 PM. Please come to one or both services!

Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
2024-12-24 22:00 - 23:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Everyone is invited to join Islington United Church at 10:00 pm, in person or online, for our Christmas Eve candlelight and communion worship service.

Resonance - Contemporary Worship Service
2025-01-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Resonance: Contemporary Worship Night
Come join us for a night of uplifting music and heartfelt worship at our Contemporary Worship Night! Located at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, this in-person event promises to be a soul-stirring experience. Let’s come together to celebrate faith, community, and music.
These worship nights happen monthly and include a meal and worship in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. These evening worship services are geared towards young people but all are welcome. This worship experience is geared towards young adults but all are welcome.
Islington United Church welcomes all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, or background.
on January 5th, we are featuring songwriter Jake Wiseman who will be debuting his new music!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and lift your spirits through song and prayer. See you there!

Play and Sing!
2025-01-11 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-02-02 08:30 - 11:30 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Play & Sing! offers space for children and their care-givers to connect in community through play, stories, and music. We offer two 10-week programs beginning January 11th (50 minute sessions on Saturday mornings).
Kids will have time to play freely in the space while parents enjoy tea or coffee before gathering for story time.
Story time will help us get ready to make music, where we will sing and use instruments to help develop basic musical skills and explore the world around us!
Learn more and register online: https://islingtonunited.org/event/play-sing/2025-01-11/

Amahl and the Night Visitors. An enchanting musical treat for Epiphany.
2025-01-11 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-01-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave, North York, Ontario, M4N 3K7, Canada
Amahl and his mother open their door to three strangers—and find a life forever transformed.
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a heartwarming one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, originally created for television in 1951. The story follows Amahl, a poor, disabled shepherd boy, and his widowed mother. One night, they are visited by three kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—on their journey to present gifts to the Christ child. Despite their poverty, Amahl and his mother offer the kings hospitality. The opera beautifully captures themes of faith, generosity, and the transformative power of love.

Queer Youth United
2025-01-14 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Please join us on Tuesdays from 4 pm – 8pm every week – you may drop in at any time between those hours!
Queer Youth United (QYU) is a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group for ages 15-29, where you can come and engage with others in a safe space within the community, while sharing meals, finding support and resources.
We will have more information and photos on our Instagram account over at https://instagram.com/queeryouthunited

Rural Ministry Gathering - Faith Formation: Spiritual Formation in Worship
2025-01-15 19:00 - 20:30 | online event
Rural Ministry Gathering – Faith Formation
Wedneday, January 15, 2025
7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Guest speaker Janice MacLean is host of the Prayer Bench, an online ministry offering resources to deepen spirituality. Her passion in ministry is rooted in sharing the contemplative wisdom tradition. She served with the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion in Israel before joining the Maritime Conference staff as Minister of Christian Nurture & Enrichment.
We are grateful to Janice for joining us for a discussion of faith formation in a rural context. This is a joint webinar with Canadian Shield and Shining Waters lay leaders. There is no cost for this workshop but pre-registration is required. We hope you can join us!
To Register: https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtceqopj4qHt0CZbcdJzF_gNjaubUOEClu#/registration

Davenport Community Land Trust Charter Talks
2025-01-16 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Davenport Perth Community Ministry, 1900 Davenport Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M6N 1B7, Canada
Join us on Thursdays over the next 10 weeks (January 16 – March 20, 2025). The Charter Talks build upon earlier initiatives to have Davenport residents put together their own Davenport Community Land Trust (DCLT) Charter.
This Charter contains several articles dealing with how potential DCLT residents can support one another through resolving conflict, providing appropriate services, ensuring access to recreation activities, and several other initiatives. These talks will take place over 10 weeks in 2025, and each week will include discussions about how we can add to each preexisting Charter article and whether we should include new articles as well. These talks are taking place in the hopes of having a fully completed Charter at the end of 10 weeks.
Help Create a Davenport where:
– No One is Under Threat of Displacement.
– Where Members of the Community feel Safe, are Joyful, have Dignity, and can be Housed; Where Members of the Community have Access to Spaces where they feel a Sense of Belonging.

Speaker Series: United Against Hate––Racism, Religion and Conflict in the Middle East and at Home
2025-01-19 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-26 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-02-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON, M9A 1G9
Registration for the Islington United Church Anti Racism Working Group’s upcoming Speaker Series: United Against Hate––Racism, Religion and Conflict in the Middle East and at Home, is now open. Join us on January 19, 26, and February 2 to learn more from our guest experts about combatting hate and violence in Canada and the challenges of achieving peace in the Middle East. Each week will cover a different topic, including Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Understanding the Historical Causes of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict.
The Speaker Series will be held in the Sanctuary at IUC on Sundays from 1-2:30 pm. Moderated by James Aitchison, all sessions will take place in person as well as live streamed on Zoom.
All are welcome and we hope you’ll join us. Learn more and register online at https://islingtonunited.org/event/speaker-series-united-against-hate-3/

Let's Connect: Lay Leaders Webinar - Communication, Effective Disagreement, and the Fall into Conflict
2025-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 | online event
Communication, Effective Disagreement, and the Fall into Conflict
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Facilitator: Dr. Betty Pries
Staff Facilitators: Diane Matheson-Jimenez and Melody Duncanson-Hales
Due to high demand, “Where two or three are gathered, there is Jesus and Conflict” is back!
Challenges emerge in congregational life when healthy disagreements tip over into conflict and entrenchment. Disagreeing well becomes especially challenging in the context of change or when the reality of change thrusts the congregation into discord. This session defines disagreement and conflict, considers the impact of change, and lays down root principles that support conflict’s transformation.
This webinar is to support and strengthen congregational lay leaders as well ministry personnel as they reflect on their church context, learn about congregational health, explore and identify their own community of faith’s path to healing and wellness, deepen their understanding of their own call to leadership, and discern God’s path for their churches.
We hope you can join us!
For more info and to register: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/communities-of-faith/lets-connect-lay-leader-webinar/

Bingo Night at Bolton United
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Bolton United Church, 8 Nancy Street, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1C7, Canada
Free Bingo Night
Join us for Bingo, Prizes, Pizza and Fun!
To reserve a table call ahead or e-mail us at office@boltonunitedchurch.com or just drop in.
Everyone welcome!

Islington Reads: What I Know About You
2025-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Online via Zoom
Please mark your calendars for January 28, 2025 at 7 pm for Islington Reads on Zoom!
Eric Chacour will join us to discuss his book, What I Know About You. This book, a Giller Prize finalist among other awards, is about a young man whose life is preordained by his family until it takes a turn when he meets a young friend.
Books can be obtained at A Novel Spot Bookshop (phone 416-233-2665 or email novelspotbookshop@gmail.com) if desired. If you would like to borrow a book from the Islington United Church Library, please contact Anne Marriott at anne.marriott@gmail.com.
Hope to see you online soon! Details and to register to receive the Zoom link: https://islingtonunited.org/event/islington-reads-what-i-know-about-you/

Conspiracy Theories and Religion an Evening with Justin Ling
2025-01-30 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Toronto, 117 Bloor St. East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A9, Canada
Join award-winning journalist Justin Ling at St. Andrew’s United Church to explore the relationship between “religion” and “conspiracism.” After his keynote presentation, Justin will dialogue with the Rev’d Morgan Bell (a minister at St. Andrew’s and PhD candidate in theology at the University of Toronto) before fielding audience questions. Freewill donations will benefit the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. This in-person event will also be streamed to YouTube.
Justin Ling is a freelance journalist who covers politics, democracy, national security, misinformation, extremism, and where all those things intersect. He is a contributing columnist to the Toronto Star, a contributor to Foreign Policy, WIRED, and
The Walrus, and has contributed to a swath of other outlets. He hosted the podcasts The Village and The Flamethrowers, and he writes the newsletter Bug-eyed and Shameless, all about our current information ecosystem.
Live stream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUIyc0c-q-g

Conspiracy Theories and Religion: An Evening with Justin Ling
2025-01-30 19:00 - 21:30 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Toronto, 117 Bloor St. East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A9, Canada
Does ‘religion’ cultivate conspiratorial thinking? Are theology and conspiracism the same kind of ‘knowledge’? Or can theological thinking and faith communities offer critical resources to counter the conspiracism that increasingly threatens public life?
Join award-winning journalist Justin Ling to explore the relationship between ‘religion’ and ‘conspiracism’ at St. Andrew’s United Church (Yonge/Bloor) on 30 January. After his keynote presentation, Justin will dialogue with the Rev’d Morgan Bell (a minister at St. Andrew’s and PhD candidate in theology at the University of Toronto) before fielding audience questions.
In lieu of admission, freewill donations will benefit the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. This event is offered online and in-person.

Jazz and Reflection with the Ferrport Jazz Ensemble
2025-02-01 16:30 - 17:30 | Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4E 2T4, Canada
Beach United Church is excited to present The Ferrport Jazz Ensemble on Saturday, February 1st at 4:30pm featuring special guest guitarist, Michael Vuscan, as they share a concert filled with old jazz standards that will leave you humming along in recognition.

Make a Difference speaker: Sistering
2025-02-02 12:00 - 13:30 | St. Matthew’s United Church, Toronto, 729 St. Clair Ave W., Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1B3, Canada
Everyone is invited to our latest Make a Difference speaker series talk on Sunday, February 2 at 12:15 pm.
Lesley Hendry, Director of Growth & Development at Sistering, will tell us about the unique issues facing single women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and trauma in downtown Toronto. Come to hear how Sistering, the only multi-service agency in the city dedicated to serving this vulnerable population, provides low-barrier, practical, and emotional support.
About Lesley: Lesley has extensive experience in the social service sector, and is proud to represent Sistering, a charity that has been empowering women for over 40 years. She looks forward to growing the organization’s capacity and ensuring its sustainability for as long as their services are needed, and is excited to come speak to Bloor Streeters about Sistering!
Learn more about Sistering on their website at https://sistering.org/
The talk and Q and A will take place following the Sunday service in the Oakwood Room behind the Sanctuary at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto), and on Zoomchurch. Get the Zoom link at https://bloorstreetunited.org/worship/worship-with-us/

Feb 13 Webinar: Coffee with Franklyn James
2025-02-13 12:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
Rev. Franklyn James is a theologian, poet, educator, and passionate advocate for social justice. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, he now serves as the minister at West River United Church in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. With extensive experience as an author and educator, Franklyn has devoted his career to fostering holistic growth and empowerment. He also sits on our Scholarship Committee and chairs the Black Clergy Network.
In this webinar, we’ll catch up with Rev. Franklyn! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about his impactful work and his efforts to inspire and uplift through his writing and ministry, exploring themes of faith, community, justice, and resilience.
Register here: https://unitedchurchfoundation.ca/upcoming-webinar-coffee-with-franklyn-james/

Book Launch - Soul Care for Self-Injury
2025-02-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 5–6:30 p.m., Emmanuel College Chapel and Online, Free.
“Soul Care for Self-Injury: Theological Reflection and Spiritual Care Strategies,” a new book by Amy Panton, assistant professor of practical theology at Emmanuel College.
Through a thoughtful theological lens, Amy explores the complexities of self-injury, offering insights and spiritual care strategies for those who support individuals on their healing journey. At the event, Amy will engage in a conversation with Dr. Iris J. Gildea and Shauna Kubossek, discussing key insights from the book, followed by an open Q&A session. Attendees will have the chance to purchase copies of the book with a 10% discount. There will also be food and fun giveaways!
Target audience: spiritual care providers, psycho-spiritual therapists, practical theology students, youth workers, friends and family members of people who self-injure, members of the disability community, mental health researchers, social workers, and people with lived experience of self-injury.
There is a zoom option to attend as well. To RSVP please see their website here.

Supercharge Your Life With Purpose and Impact
2025-02-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 2G8, Canada
United Church of Canada Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and author Afdhel Aziz invite you to join them live in Toronto for a fireside chat on unleashing your ‘inner intrapreneur’. In today’s fast-paced world, finding purpose and meaning in your work is more important than ever. Discover your personal strengths, create a more meaningful career, and enhance your wellbeing.

Valentine Dinner
2025-02-14 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
at
“chez Valentine”
(a fine dining experience)
Midhurst United Church
Friday February 14 2025
~ Doors open at 6:00 PM ~
(Donations will be discreetly welcomed following dinner)
RSVP
phone: 705-722-6331
email: office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca
*If you do not receive a follow-up phone call or email
confirming your reservation, please contact us again.
Seating is limited; please book early to avoid disappointment!
Note: Our menu this year is gluten-free
(gluten-free bread provided)

Spend the Day with The Moderator - Flourishing: Bold Ideas, Daring Connections
2025-02-15 09:00 - 16:30 | Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, Ontario (ON), M3A 2J5, Canada
Flourishing – Bold Ideas, Daring Connections
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Jubilee United Church
9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities.
This free workshop is open to all UCC members, attendees, and youth and young adults. Childcare available if requested. Continental breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch are provided.
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
9:00 am – 9:30 am Registration and coffee/tea
9:30 am – Welcome and Introductions
In person only event held at:
Jubilee United Church (MAP)
40 Underhill Dr. (DVP/Lawrence)
North York, ON M3A 2J5
All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy, and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.
The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect to one another in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.
Is your church flourishing?
(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)
Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?
How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?
Deadline to register is February 12, 2025.
Register online here
Please share this invitation widely within your Community of Faith and with friends and neighbours. All are welcome, we hope you can join the conversation!
PDF of Flourishing Poster
PDF of Flourishing Bulletin Insert

Emmanuel College - 'Day with Emmanuel' Open House
2025-02-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
Discover what makes the Emmanuel community unique!
Join us for an exciting day where you can:
-Meet current faculty and students
-Attend a mini-lecture
-Explore our programs and admissions process
-Get your questions answered
-Connect with new friends over a free lunch
Experience Emmanuel College firsthand!
United Church of Canada members engaged with the Candidacy Pathway towards ordination are eligible for our 100% tuition coverage in the MDiv program!
