Life Changes

Sign Up Now for Solo Sanctuary Time, Church Tour or Worship Viewing at Leaside United

September 7, 2021

Solo Sanctuary Times
Are you missing having some time in the church sanctuary, just to reflect, pray, and appreciate the space? Starting September 2nd, you can sign up for Solo Sanctuary times. Sign up for half an hour and stay for as much of that time as you would like, as you sit or walk in the sanctuary, light a candle, read scripture or hymn texts, or meditate. Let Emily know if you have any further questions.

Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAAC28AAF5C70-solo

Looking for an opportunity to see more than just the sanctuary? You might be interested in a church renovation tour!

Church Renovation Tours
Join a small group for a tour of the newly renovated church, starting Tuesday, September 7th. Times will be available midday and in the evening with a member of the renovation team.

Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAAC28AAF5C70-church

Worship Viewing
Would you like to watch or rewatch some of the worship that has been shared over the past year, but this time in our sanctuary? Starting September 16th we will have some opportunities to watch a previously shared service in our sanctuary, as another way to enjoy our new space and connect with what our congregation has been doing over the past year.

Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAAC28AAF5C70-worship

Please note these 5 guidelines for any visits inside the church building:
– Anyone (12 and older) must be fully vaccinated
– Masks must be worn inside
– Maintain social distancing (6’ apart)
– A wellness form must be filled out for each visit
– Please arrive 10 minutes early for your visit and enjoy our beautiful landscaping while you wait. Tours and sanctuary times will begin promptly at the start time, and since our doors continue to be locked to walk-ins it will not be possible to join late.

More times for church tours, solo sanctuary times, and worship viewings will be added, so if you don’t see a time that works for you check back with the same links next week!

If you are having any trouble signing up, just let Alison, Emily, or Michele know.

Sunday Worship in September

September 28, 2021

During September weekly worship will continue every Sunday on both Zoom and YouTube at 10:30am as we learn about our new A/V system and what is possible. We look forward to developing our livestream capability and moving towards adding an in-person option as soon as we have the technology in place and it is safe to do so. We will begin Creation Time and explore the theme “Experiencing Creation with all of our senses.” On September 12th we’ll also share a Blessing of the Backpacks as a part of our worship.

The Stories and Makers Nest will restart this Sunday, September 5th at 9:55 am and continue throughout the fall. This program is on Zoom and YouTube (on YouTube on an ongoing basis). The theme this month is “Fruits of the Spirit.”
We continue to collaborate with Rosedale United Church on creating this program and look forward to more weeks with Rebecca, Roberta, and some furry friends.

On September 19th we will begin a monthly outdoor time of worship, with some prayer and readings and more time spent engaging with nature as a way to connect with the sacred. Our theme on September 19th will be Balance as we approach the Autumnal Equinox, and we will take the opportunity to pay attention to the landscape, and native plants on the church property. This outdoor time will include options for all ages, and we welcome the youngest and the oldest to take part. Those who are spiritual but not religious might especially appreciate this approach to connecting with the sacred.

We look forward to the many different ways we will connect with one another in September and throughout the fall.

Together in Prayer – Canada Day 2021

July 7, 2021

Together in Prayer
Canada Day 2021 Vigil
10:30 AM EDT
Thurs. July 1

Join with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders from the United Church of Canada regions of Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls as we unite in prayer. If you do not have a computer connection for Zoom, you can still join with any touch tone phone.

Check your email for Zoom link. Didn’t get an email? Contact HERE for more information.

Pride Sunday – June 27, 2021

June 30, 2021

Our worship this morning will include lighting rainbow of candles as we reflect on our call as an Affirming congregation. We will hear passages from scripture, including the story of David and Jonathan. We will also see a video created by our Affirming Team especially for this service!

Our Stories and Makers Nest will be the final one before the summer! We look forward to a return of Rebecca and Roberta’s program in the fall.

Today’s story is about David and Goliath.

The program can be seen at 9:55am on Zoom, or any time on YouTube. You are invited to continue to share these with other people who are young or young at heart in your life.

If you know families that would like a way to engage without screens, our monthly Church at Home packages will be continuing during the summer. Please email Rebecca or Emily to be added to the list, and share the information with extended family and friends!

Next Sunday
We mark Canada Sunday, with an opportunity for lamenting, celebrating, and committing to the future.

Then we begin our summer worship, taking a simplified approach to our worship as we all enjoy the summer weather and as our staff start getting ready for the fall. Here are a few highlights:

  • Robbie will be making an appearance in both July and August.
  • August 1 we will share a communion service live over Zoom.
  • We will hear a couple of guest preachers, as well as share more services with Northlea United Church
  • Themes include: Sacred Space, It’s Okay Not to be Okay, Live in Love, Wisdom and Deception, and more
  • We will have Zoom and YouTube options every week, which will range from shorter Worship Moments to full services.

We look forward to worshiping with you this morning, and throughout the summer.