Stewardship

Singing Joy? | Sunday May 16th, 2021

June 11, 2021

The word joy appears times in the gospel according to John during the Farewell discourse, Jesus’ final words to the disciples on the night before his death. Today we ask the question: How do we talk, and sing, about joy during difficult times?

Our service will include music recorded last fall by the Uniting Voices Collective, Matt and four other music directors in Toronto. Our hymns will feature guitar, and we will hear the solo “Homeward Bound.”

On Zoom, the service will also include time to share your own favourite joke or pun, prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
If you would like to share in conversation before the service (as well or instead of after), join Zoom by 10:15 to be placed in a breakout room. Or come even earlier for our Stories and Makers Nest program at 9:55 on Zoom, or any time on YouTube.


Next Sunday

May 23 is the first of two sermon and music exchanges with Northlea United Church. We will hear a Pentecost sermon by Northlea’s minister Lee-Ann Ahlstrom, and music will feature recordings from both Leaside and Northlea. Then, on June 20 we will have our second exchange, with both congregations hearing a sermon by Emily.

Mental Health Sunday and Communion – May 2, 2021

June 11, 2021
Photo by Murray Fenner April 2021 at Leaside United
Today we will be celebrating communion live on Zoom at 10:30am. Bring bread, or something similar, and juice, wine or something else to drink when you join the service. We will share in communion together.
The YouTube service will include a poem “A Single Grape.”

On both Zoom and YouTube, our service will reflect on words from John’s gospel, “I am the True Vine.” We will hear the Leaside Virtual Choir anthem “For the Beauty of the Earth,” as well as sing a new hymn text for “Abide with Me” that connects with today’s scripture (see below). We will also hear another small spiritual practice, and say A New Creed together.

During the reflection, I will also be mentioning that this is Mental Health Sunday, the start of Mental Health Awareness week. The United Church is sharing an online series for everyone May 3-7, including “Mental Health, Wellness, and the Medicine Wheel Teachings” on Monday, and “Trauma Fatigue” on Friday. You can learn more HERE.
Next Sunday is Christian Family Sunday, and we have another fully recorded service perfect for sharing with family and friends. Music will include a Junior Virtual Choir Hymn, a new Leaside Virtual Choir Project, a solo, and a flute duet. The service will celebrate the radical openness of God’s love.

May 16th our service “Singing Joy?” will have a few jokes, some lighthearted hymns accompanied by guitar, music from the Uniting Voices Collective, time for reflection and our final Easter Small Spiritual Practice will be a part of this service on what joy means during these difficult times.

Celebrating 5 years as an Affirming Congregation! April 25, 2021

June 11, 2021
Artist: Graham Lute

Today we celebrate 5 years as an Affirming Congregation! As an affirming congregation, we celebrate the richness of our community when we have diversity in age, gender identity, racial/cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, ability and family configurations. Being affirming is an ongoing process of learning and unlearning. Let’s celebrate together and commit to continue this important work of love.

Our service includes an Opening Prayer written by Leaside’s Affirming Team, which invites us to repeat “All are welcome here!” We hear scripture, including “I am the Good Shepherd” and Psalm 23, and sing “Draw the Circle Wide.” The service begins with “There is Room for All” sung by the Uniting Voices Collective formed by five Toronto United Church Music Directors including Matt Boutda.

On Zoom at 10:30am this morning, we will also share the Junior Choir hymn “My Love Colours Outside the Lines” and will have a time to discuss being an affirming congregation in breakout rooms during the service.

Either way, join Zoom at 11:30am for conversation time.

The Stories and Makers Nest will hear about Moses and the Burning Bush. Join Zoom at 9:55am this morning, or watch any time on YouTube!

Next Sunday

May 2 we will be sharing Communion Live on Zoom, so remember to bring bread, or something bread-like, and juice, wine or another beverage. Our service on YouTube will explore another of Jesus’ I am statements: “I am the True Vine.”

Then, May 9 is Christian Family Sunday, and we look forward to our next Virtual Choir project!

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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