Sacred Jazz: Tangled in the Blues
2026-03-28 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | St. Matthew’s United Church, Toronto, 729 St. Clair Ave W., Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1B3, Canada
Everyone is invited to attend Sacred Jazz: Tangled in the Blues, coming up on Saturday, March 28 at 4:30pm in the Parlour of St. Matthew’s United Church at 729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto (St. Clair and Christie). We will once again be meeting the Sacred through jazz, poetry, and reflection!
We are excited to share the musical lineup that will be gifting us with music:
Rob Clutton (bass)
Adrian Goodman (drums)
Randi Helmers (vocals)
Brodie West (alto sax)
Mikey Zahorak (piano)
Sacred Jazz is truly a unique and special experience, and you won’t want to miss it! It’s hosted by Bloor Street United Church – all are welcome! Questions? Contact Amanda at amanda @ bloorstreetunited.org

Craddock Lecture
2026-01-18 10:30 - 12:30
On Sunday, January 18th, Bloor Street United Church will welcome Rev. Dr. Chris Ferguson to deliver his Craddock Lecture during our 10:30am Worship service. As a life-long ambassador for social justice, with extensive experience in Latin America, the Middle East, and at the United Nations, Chris Ferguson will cast a sharp eye over what has been the experience of the Global South in recent decades while pointing to where transforming power is to be found.
Chris Ferguson is currently the International Visiting Professor at the the Universidad Reformada in Barranquilla, Colombia, and the past General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (2014-2021). He served previously as the World Council of Churches representative to the United Nations and also as its representative to Jerusalem. He was Executive Minister of the United Church of Canada’s Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit and a member of Bloor Street United Church.
After service there will be a light lunch followed by Q&A. We invite you to mark this special occasion in your calendar.
Join in-person in Toronto at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Ave West) or on Zoom. See bloorstreetunited.org for details.

Make a Difference speaker series
2025-10-26 12:00 - 14:00
Transition, Transform Transpire
Join Bloor Street and St. Matthew’s United Churches for a talk about what it is like to be a trans person in today’s climate. We will speak to topics such as gender affirming care, legislation around bathrooms and sports, pronouns, and more. We will also briefly discuss Affirmative Action United/S’affirmer Ensemble and how we, as a community, can live further into our Affirming goals despite the challenges.
The talk will be held on Sunday Oct. 26 at 12:15 pm with Julian Munro, the Re-Affirm Project Coordinator with Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble, at St. Matthew’s United Church in Toronto (729 St Clair Ave West).

How History Can Help Us Understand the Present
2025-09-17 19:30 - 21:30
On Wednesday, September 17th, at 7:30 pm Margaret MacMillan will be speaking on the topic “How Can History Help Us Understand the Present”. The Massey lecturer, World-renowned Historian, best-selling author and Professor Emeritus will educate and inspire with her thought-provoking comments.
What could be more relevant in these current turbulent times. The London Reveiw of Books says that “Margaret MacMillan is a wry and humane chronicler of this troubled world”.
The lecture will be followed by a Q & A.
Arrive at 6:30 pm and stroll through the Marketplace. A variety of products will be available for sale.
All proceeds from the event go to The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers’ Campaign.
Tickets required: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/margaret-macmillan-how-can-history-help-us-understand-the-present-tickets-1333524550829
“The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) is a progressive, feminist organization rooted in the principles of social justice, international solidarity, and substantive equality. The SLF was created with the express purpose of supporting community-led organizations working on the frontlines of the HIV epidemic in countries across Africa.”
“Many of these grassroots organizations were originally formed by small groups of individuals responding to the crisis AIDS had wrought in their own lives and in the lives of their neighbours. Over the years, they have developed into thriving local institutions with deep connections to their communities. The SLF’s community-led partners are turning the tide of HIV and AIDS by providing care and support to women, orphaned children, LGBTIQ individuals, grandmothers and people living with HIV and AIDS.” For further information check out the website at https://stephenlewisfoundation.org/.
The evening is hosted by the Togogo Grandmothers and the Old Orchard Grandmothers. The Togogos and Old Orchard Blossoms grandmothers launched their groups in 2006 in support of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, an initiative of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Both groups were founded as outreach efforts—the Togogos at Bloor Street United Church and the Old Orchard Blossoms at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church—in response to the growing HIV and AIDS crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. Both groups quickly expanded to include women from the community, united in solidarity with grandmothers and grand-others on the front lines of the pandemic. Now, 19 years later, the Togogos and Old Orchard Blossoms mark nearly two decades of dedication and impact. Together, they have raised over $550,000 in support of the Grandmothers’ Campaign, standing as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and compassionate connection.

Sacred Jazz Service
2025-06-21 16:30 - 18:00
Our next Sacred Jazz service, Leaning to the Light 2, is coming up on Saturday, June 21 at 4:30pm in the Parlour at St. Matthew’s (729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto).
Come for a time of music, poetry, and reflection in community. Everyone is warmly welcomed!
Our fantastic musicians are:
Sarah Schmidt-McQuillan (vocals)
Emily Ding (vocals)
Jacob Pozin (trumpet)
Thales Hunter (guitar)
Dylan Matsuda (drums)

The Journey to Reconciliation Gala
2025-05-03 18:00 - 21:00
Tickets now available for The Journey to Reconciliation Gala! Now is the time to RSVP and send in your payments for tickets and donations – all are welcome!
On Saturday, May 3 we will gather in community to enjoy appetizers at 6:00, dinner at 6:15, and special entertainment in the Sanctuary of St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St Clair Ave West in Toronto) after our delicious meal. It’s going to be a fantastic evening of food, music, and more!
All donations will go to Gibimishkaadimin, a canoeing journey of reconciliation engaging Indigenous youth from across Canada, and non-Indigenous youth from southern and eastern Ontario. We hope to raise $20,000. With your support, we know we can reach or even exceed this goal. Please give generously!
To attend or make a donation:
Send payment by e-transfer (to treasurer @ bloorstreetunited.org), online with your credit card via Canada Helps, or by cheque to Bloor Street United Church, 165 Avenue Road, Unit 402, Toronto, ON, M5R 3S4.
Please indicate on your remittance:
_____ Gala Tickets @ $25 = $ _________
Gibimishkaadimin donation = $ _________
Please note, donations are tax deductible, tickets are not.
RSVP and make your donations today, and get ready for an unforgettable evening in support of a great cause!

Make a Difference speaker: Sistering
2025-02-02 12:00 - 13:30
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/

St. Matthew's United Church 100th anniversary
2024-11-24 10:30 - 12:00
St. Matthew’s United Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and everyone is invited to join in the celebrations! Past and present St. Matt’s members and wider church and community members are all warmly welcomed!
Schedule of events:
· Saturday, November 23, 4.30 p.m.: Organ recital in the sanctuary with Dr. Paul Jessen featuring pieces by Buxtehude and Bach
· Saturday, November 23, 5.30 p.m.: Reception in the parlour
· Saturday, November 23, 6 p.m.: Gala dinner in the banquet hall
· Sunday, November 24, 10.30 a.m.: Special worship service with Rev. Eleanor Scarlett preaching
To reserve your tickets for the organ recital and dinner, please email us with names of guests and e-transfer ($25 for each person): marcelle.stmattsunited@gmail.com
Location: St. Matthew’s United Church, 729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto (St. Clair and Christie)
https://www.stmattsunited.com/

Square Dance and Dinner
2024-09-28 15:30 - 19:30
Everyone is invited to learn how to do Square Dancing and Country Dancing! No partner or experience necessary.
We will gather around 3:30pm in the basement of St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto), and the dancing be from 4:00-5:45pm. After that, everyone is invited to stay for dinner from 6:15-7:30pm!
Please RSVP to nancy@bloorstreetunited.org

Jazz Service
2024-09-22 14:00 - 15:00
On an early morning at the end of August 1954 as people bustled along Bloor Street at Huron Avenue, they saw smoke pouring out from the familiar presence of Bloor Street United Church.
Within 15 months, Bloor Street re-opened with a new building that better suited the new day for faithful community in downtown Toronto.
On September 22nd, 2024 we will mark 70 years of resilience and courageous spirit and presence, as Bloor Street United again rebuilds and renews!
We’re doing this with a Jazz Service, because Jazz is the soundtrack of the resilience of human dignity and worth. It’s the collaborative and renewing music of justice and hope. It’s improvisation and melody, rhythm and beat. Jazz is alive!
Join us as Bloor Street United rises up once again, with music, and spirit, for The Jazz Service, Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Church, 729 St. Clair Avenue West. It will be led by Revs. Douglas duCharme (from Bloor Street United Church) and Brian Fraser (Brentwood Presbyterian Church and lead provocateur of Jazzthink Consulting). Music will be led by Mikey Zahorak, and we will have a range of musicians offering musical gifts.
Free to attend. All welcome!

Seniors Social
2024-06-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-02 13:00 - 15:00
Come for a visit, play cards or games, make something by hand, catch up on old friends or make new ones in the St. Matthew’s Parlour from 1-3 pm. Contact Betsy Anderson (andersonbetsy528@gmail.com) if you have questions. All are welcome!

Colours of Spring Concert: A Celebration in Jazz and Brass
2024-05-26 14:00 - 16:00
Colours of Spring Concert: A Celebration in Jazz and Brass of the Season. Join us for an afternoon of amazing music and good vibes. Featuring the Patti Payne Trio and Quaturo de Fleurs a trombone quartet from the Annex Brass Ensemble. Our talented musicians will entertain you with the best of jazz and brass tunes, celebrating the beauty of spring.
This event is not just a concert, it’s a Fundraiser for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Let’s make a difference together! Mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable time filled with music, community, and the spirit of giving. See you at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 26th at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Ave West).
Tickets at the door or online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/colours-of-spring-concert-a-celebration-in-jazz-and-brass-tickets-886804154097?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Here I Stand: A Concert and Conversation with Julian Taylor
2024-05-11 19:00 - 22:00
“Here I Stand:” A Concert and Conversation with Julian Taylor will be an opportunity to listen deeply to Taylor’s music and understand how it resonates with Afro-Indigenous communities in his hometown of Tkaronto. Presided over by Anishinaabe Elder Peduhbun Migizi Kwe and hosted by MPP Dr. Jill Andrews, the evening will include a cafe, a traditional opening and closing, and a time of sharing with St. Matt’s Afro-Tainu minister, Rev. Brigid Maya Douglas, and Afro-Mi’kmaq Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Group founding member, Tamara Este.
This event will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00pm at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto). Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/here-i-stand-a-concert-and-conversation-with-julian-taylor-tickets-847398831717

St. Matthew's Seniors' Social
2024-02-06 13:00 - 15:00
Our next Senior’s Social will be in the St. Matt’s Parlour (in-person only) on Tuesday, January 23 beginning at 1pm. Contact Betsy (andersonbetsy528@gmail.com) for details, or if you have any questions. All are welcome!

Christmas Eve Service
2023-12-24 19:30 - 21:00
Everyone is warmly invited to the joint St. Matt’s / Bloor Street candlelight Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary of St. Matthew’s United Church! The service will be in-person and online, and will include carols and Communion. Details at https://bloorstreetunited.org/worship/worship-with-us/

Longest Night Service
2023-12-21 18:00 - 19:00
Everyone is invited to this year’s Longest Night Service on December 21. Please join us at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary (729 St Clair Ave West) or on Zoomchurch as we mark the season with readings, music, silence, prayers and candle lighting. Details: https://bloorstreetunited.org/christmas-2023/

Stephen Lewis Foundation Benefit Concert
2023-06-04 14:00 - 17:00
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

Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday Service, February 22
2023-02-22 17:00 - 19:30
We invite everyone to St. Matt’s and Bloor Street’s Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday Service! They are offered as a 2for1 this year on Ash Wednesday. Pancakes and bacon with fruit and yogurt toppings and REAL maple syrup will be served in the Community Hall starting at 5:00 p.m. There will be gluten-free pancakes too! Please RSVP to Nancy Gordon – nancy@bloorstreetunited.org – to help us estimate how many pancakes to make. But do come even if you haven’t RSVPed. Pay What You Can donations are welcome at the door.
Our Ash Wednesday Service will be led by Russ and Betsy in the Sanctuary and on Zoom starting at 6:30 p.m. with music from Mikey and Diane. Please plan to come for pancakes and ashes as we prepare together for our 2023 Lenten Journey.
Location:
St. Matthew’s United Church
729 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON
Zoom link on our website at bloorstreetunited.org

GLI Fights Poverty
2022-10-23 12:30 - 14:00
You are invited to the next Make a Difference Speaker Series hosted by Bloor Street and St. Matthew’s United Church’s, coming up this Sunday, October 23 at 12:30 p.m.! This talk will feature Sheila Regehr, who will speak about Basic Income / Guaranteed Livable Income. Following the talk there will be a time for question and answer.
This event will be held on Zoom and projected into the St. Matthew’s sanctuary at 729 St. Clair Ave West in Toronto.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3616118730?pwd=[REDACTED]
Alternatively, you can call 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588, enter ID 361 611 8730, then press # #.​
About the speaker:
Sheila is a founding member of the Basic Income Canada Network and former Executive Director of the National Council of Welfare. Her 29 years of federal public service spanned front-line work, policy analysis and development, international relations and senior management, with a focus on improving fairness and equality, and on gender and race in particular. She has policy expertise in areas of income security and taxation, such as child tax benefits, child support, maternity/parental benefits, pensions and social assistance. Her insight also comes from experiencing poverty as a young parent. Sheila is grateful, in her retirement, to have resources, time and health to do volunteer work and help care for twin grandsons.

Easter Sunday Worship Service
2022-04-17 10:30 - 12:00
Whether you attend church once a week, year, or decade, you are welcome at St. Matt’s and Bloor Street United Churches! We are worshiping together online and in-person.
We offer three ways to experience Easter Sunday:
1. In person: in the sanctuary at St. Matt’s United Church at 792 St. Clair Avenue West at 10:30am. Please see our reopening guidelines and register in advance on our website at https://bloorstreetunited.org/returning-to-worship/
2. Livestreamed: services start at 10:30am on Sunday mornings (doors open at 10am) via Zoomchurch or you can phone in to 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588, and give meeting ID 361 611 8730, ##. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3616118730?pwd=[REDACTED]
3. Afterwards: you can view edited Sunday services via our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Bloorstreetunited
