Affirming

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!

Earth Sunday – April 18, 2021

April 27, 2021
We are called to be the Church
to celebrate God’s presence
to live with respect in Creation
from A New Creed

Today we celebrate Earth Sunday in advance of Earth Day on April 22nd. Today our service includes the solo “I Got Me Flowers,” the United Church’s National Virtual Choir Project “Peace for the Children,” scripture and reflection, and another small spiritual practice to try this week.

On Zoom, the service will also include the hymn “This is God’s Wondrous World,” announcements, and as our gathering music “God of the Sparrow / O Beautiful Gaia.” If you would like to hear the Gathering Music, please arrive by 10:25am. However you join in worship this morning, you can join Zoom at 11:20am for conversation.

Our Stories and Crafts program will be about Sarai and Abram. For the craft, you’ll need a jar, water, dish soap, food colouring, oil, and your choice of items such as glitter, beans, sequins, or buttons. Join at 9:45 to watch on Zoom at 9:55am, or view any time on YouTube – and remember to share with those you know who are young or young at heart!

Next Sunday

We will celebrate 5 years as an Affirming congregation! The service will include music from the Uniting Voices Collective and an Opening Prayer written by our own Affirming Team. For those joining on Zoom, we will have a time for discussion during the service, and will also sing “My Love Colours Outside the Lines” along with the Junior Choir.

May 2 will be our next opportunity to share Communion live over Zoom.

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.