Council

New Beginnings Legacy Campaign

March 10, 2022

Dear Leaside United Church Friends,

Leaside United Church provokes many memories for all us. You might say it is feelings like – love, close friendships, family, community and helpful support.

We are a strong church community comprised of a wonderful group of Leaside United members, as well as new friends from the former Presteign – Woodbine United Church, who have contributed great enthusiasm and leadership. With this in mind, it is our pleasure to bring you up to date how NEW BEGINNINGS will continue this spirit.

WOW! We’ve almost reached our goal! $197,031 Pledged!

As you can see from the updated Thermometer, your donations are well on the way to achieving the $200,000 Campaign target. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Your donation could help us achieve our $200,000 campaign target. Please contact: Graham Lute (416-424-2042) Brenda French (416-573-1806) or Ann Fraser (416-727-7888) for any questions, or any recognition opportunities. Thank you.

We are introducing two new “Tour of Leaside United” videos, as well as the NEW BEGINNINGS LEGACY CAMPAIGN brochure which is attached below. We would suggest that you watch one or both of the two videos which are comprehensive tours of the newly renovated church building that were filmed on March 19, 2021. We hope that you are impressed with the renovations.

Also in this post you will find the NEW BEGINNINGS LEGACY CAMPAIGN brochure. Please read through the brochure as well as the NEW BEGINNINGS LEGACY CAMPAIGN RESPONSE FORM. This brochure is designed to assist you with your consideration of a donation. We will need significant support to reach the $200,000 fundraising target to properly complete the funding of our church building renovation. All gifts will be gratefully appreciated.

We invite you to participate and discuss the opportunities and gift options with the campaign co-chairs, on a confidential basis, by contacting;

Graham Lute at (416) 424-2042   glute102@gmail.com
OR
Brenda French at (416) 543-1806   frenchiegroupcanada@gmail.com

Thanks for your interest and consideration of pledging a donation to Leaside United Church.

Brenda French and Graham Lute

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New Beginnings Legacy CampaignRead More »

Peace be with you – Sunday April 11, 2021

April 18, 2021

Today is the second Sunday of Easter. Our service includes the hymn Christ is Alive, music by guest organist Cara Halpin, a reflection on Jesus’ words “Peace be with you” and a small spiritual practice to try during the week.

Over Zoom, the service at 10:30am will also include time to light candles for joys and sorrows and saying A New Creed.

Either way you share in worship this morning, join Zoom at 11:15am for a time of conversation.

You can join Zoom at 9:45 to watch our Stories and Crafts program at 9:55, or watch any time on YouTube. The story will be about the Road to Emmaus.

Looking Ahead
Next Sunday, we celebrate Earth Sunday with scripture, reflection, poetry, and music, including the United Church’s National Virtual Choir Project “Peace for the Children”. As we get ready for Earth Sunday, take a look at the information on the North Toronto Cluster of Churches Green Team initiative Earth Day Bingo HERE!

Then, on April 25th, we will celebrate our Affirming Anniversary, marking 5 years since Leaside United Church first made our affirming commitment.

Lent IV – P.I.E. Sunday with Guest Preacher, Jordan Sullivan

March 25, 2021

March 14th (3.14) is Pie Day, and many people celebrate both math and pastry by eating pie! As an affirming congregation, we’re invited to use PIE day as an opportunity to reflect on our affirming commitment, and be Public, Intentional, and Explicit.

This morning we welcome guest preacher Jordan Sullivan. Jordan is a trans man who worked at the United Church of Canada’s General Council Office from 2000 to 2020, where his work included the work of LGBTQIA2S+ Justice. His sermon today is “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us.”

Jordan has also shared a document with Gender Identity Resources for anyone who would like to read and learn more about gender identity before or after the service. You can read this HERE.

The service today will be the same on Zoom and on YouTube. If you join by Zoom, you may want to return to the YouTube for the two virtual choir projects on YouTube, for better sound quality. Either way, be sure to join Zoom at 11:30am for conversation. You are invited to wear something colourful!

Today our virtual choir will be singing “O Love” with music by Elaine Hagenberg and words by George Matheson. Our first ever junior virtual choir will be singing “Our Love Colours Outside the Lines.” Today, we will also all have the opportunity to meet Rebecca, Children and Young Families Program Leader, during the service.

For today’s Stories and Crafts video you will need a paper plate, markers, a ruler, construction paper, scissors, and glue. Watch any time on YouTube or at 9:55am this morning.

Next Sunday
Our service “Waiting for the Spring” will include the hymn “I Feel the Winds of God Today,” our final Lenten hymn improvisations this year, and a visit from Robbie!

March 28
Palm Sunday we look forward to a live palm parade over Zoom, as well as another Pageant coordinated by Rosedale, which will be shared live over Zoom for the privacy of our children and youth. On YouTube, our service will include scripture, reflection, music, and prayer as we move into Holy Week.

LENT III – “When the Stars Begin to Fall” March 7, 2021 with Rev. Dr. Robert Oliphant

March 18, 2021
Photo by: Murray Fenner

This morning we welcome the Rev. Dr. Rob Oliphant as our guest preacher live on Zoom with his sermon “When the Stars Begin to Fall.”

Over Zoom and in our YouTube service we will be hearing Lenten organ improvisations on favourite hymns “Lord of the Dance,” “Amazing Grace” and “Here I am Lord.” We will also share a prayer using our bodies, as well as the Lord’s Prayer.

Then, after the service, stay for our short Annual General Meeting on Zoom at 11:30am.

Our Stories and Crafts program explores the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. Watch at 9:55am on Zoom, or any time on YouTube.

Next Sunday

We look forward to celebrating P.I.E. Sunday along with Affirm United. We will hear guest preacher Jordan Sullivan with his sermon “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us” as well as two different virtual choirs! Be sure to mark your calendar for this recognition of our commitment to be Public, Intentional, and Explicit in our commitment to being an Affirming congregation.

You may also want to wear rainbow colours while watching the service, and maybe even enjoy a slice of pie!