A Place where Hands Work Together

All Ages Afternoon Drop In: Loving February coming up!

January 20, 2023

Twenty people took part in “Let it Snow in January!” an All Ages Afternoon Drop In. We made scones and hot chocolate, discussed joy and created joy jars – a small spiritual practice that can be meaningful at any age. It was a wonderful afternoon, and we will be having another one soon! Loving February will be on Friday, February 17th from 12:30-4. We will make and eat cupcakes, among other things. Drop in for some or all of the afternoon! (Please note that we have a small number of unaccompanied child spaces, and unaccompanied children must register ahead.)

But these afternoon drop ins are definitely not just for children. They have been carefully designed to meet a number of our congregation’s goals, and to have fun while doing so!

These events:
– use our newly renovated kitchens
– take advantage of our beautiful outdoor space
– incorporate art, crafts and/or music (in different ways depending on the date)
– intentionally create intergenerational spaces where different ages can interact with one another and build relationships
– serve our community by offering (limited) unaccompanied child spaces on PA days (dates are chosen according to the PA days of the TDSB and TCDSB)
– connect with values that are important to our faith (gratitude, love, joy, and others)
– have opportunities to engage with mindfulness/small spiritual practices
– allow us to eat and talk together

In addition to February 17th, save the date for Friday, June 2nd: “Joyful in June” featuring Strawberry Shortcake.

Some of the scones made (and eaten) at Let it snow in January! on January 13, 2023 – shown hear before going in the oven.

In the Wild and The Wounded Christ

June 19, 2022

There will be two times of worship this Sunday:

At 9:15am on the church lawn join us for our April In the Wild gathering, as we plant seeds together, and then take them home. All ages and levels of gardening interest welcome!

At 10:30am join us in-person, on Zoom, or on YouTube as we continue our Healing Series during the Season of Easter.

Today we continue our last Sunday of the month Healing Series with the theme “Wounded Christ” as we hear the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples staying in a locked room after his death. The story draws attention to Jesus’ wounds as a part of his resurrection. How might this story change how we think about our wounds and scars? Could this story bring new insight to the idea of healing?

We will be lighting candles for joys and sorrows as we have been doing throughout this Healing Series. If you have any candles you would like lit, please email Emily at emily@leasideuc.com (and include any words you would like spoken) by Saturday evening, or write them down as you arrive if attending in-person.

Our music includes the beautiful anthem “I Choose Love,” which will be sung live during the service, as well as the sung blessing “A Celtic Prayer.”

Once again, we will have colouring pages that connect to the story, for anyone who is young, young at heart, and/or finds colouring and movement a meaningful part of your spirituality.

Looking Ahead

On Sunday, May 1 will be our Annual General Meeting Sunday. We will begin with a Community Breakfast on the church lawn at 10am, with the opportunity to share in conversation and activities from reflecting on future directions, to signing cards, to create some sidewalk chalk art. The service will begin at 10:45am and will be followed by a short meeting. The morning will conclude with desserts.

Sunday, May 8 will be our first Story Time at 9:30am on the church lawn. There are some beautiful picture books that can be enjoyed for both their art and their message by all ages. Come for this all ages gathering before out 10:30am Mother’s Day service.

In The Wild – Sunday April 24 at 9:15am

June 19, 2022

In the Wild: a time for spirituality in nature for all ages – our next gathering will be Sunday, April 24 at 9:15am!

We’ll be focusing on planting seeds this month, and will be able to take home small pots to plant in your garden, or gift to others. We already have donations of seeds for several different plants, but if you have some you’d like to share, you’re welcome to bring them along. This will be on the front lawn, and you may want to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

For more information contact Emily Gordon.

Arts & Crafts Group

June 19, 2022

The Arts and Crafts Group will meet on Wednesday, September 25th from 6:30-8:30pm at Leaside United Church in the lobby in front of the Church Office. Come with projects you are working on or just come to sit and visit. Quilting Bee atmosphere with lots of fellowship and different projects on the go, knitting, painting, embroidery, sewing, cross stitch etc. Any questions contact Michele Petick.