By REV. JEFF NOWERS As the days become noticeably longer, Christian communities are in the thick of the 40-day season called Lent. The meaning of the word “Lent,” which originated in Old English, has to do with “lengthening”—the incremental lengthening of daylight hours that leads to the celebration of Easter. In medieval Christianity, Lent was […]
By REV. KAREN DALE Looking from the outside at the walls and often closed doors of a church, it might seem a bit of a mystery as to what happens inside, beyond the Sunday morning worship. Even if the doors are unlocked and there are friendly people waiting with a smile; it is unlikely that […]
By REV. DAVID McCLEARY At the start of the year it is only natural for our minds to cast back to the year that was, while we also look towards the future with expectancy and hope for what this year might hold for us. In principle, we all know that time marches on, regardless. But […]
By REVEREND KATHERINE MCCLOSKEY Beaches Presbyterian Church is a warm and affirming place to be, especially during Advent and Christmas as we journey together toward Bethlehem. It as a time when we, at Beaches, are especially aware of how we might bring the warmth of this season to others. Taking time to pause for a […]
“The best place to find God is in a garden,” wrote George Bernard Shaw. The Green Thumbs gardening group at Beach United Church would definitely agree with this statement. Gardens take many forms and a walk up and down the streets of the Beach attest to this. At Beach United Church the garden wraps […]
On these cold and clear nights, the moon can sometimes appear brighter as it reflects on the snow. When we stand in moonlight, a shadow is created. That moon-lit shadow touches our foot and extends beyond us. Sometimes people are frightened by their shadow, or shadowy side. Maybe it is because we fear our own […]
In an intimate gathering at the Church of St. Aidan in the Beach earlier this month, I asked the audience this question: Have you ever been to a heartwarming end-of-life ceremony, one that you fondly remember, for the right reasons? As a Life-Cycle Celebrant, I help people create end-of-life ceremonies and officiate the event. I […]
The Beach’s rich history will be on display during the City of Toronto’s Doors Open event, May 27 and 28th. The historic church of St. John the Baptist Norway and the adjacent cemetery will throw open their doors so visitors can discover the fascinating history of one of the East End’s oldest places of worship. […]
The Beach Interfaith Outreach Lunch Program has been operational for over 15 years, offering food and fellowship to any person in need. Founding coordinators Arie Nerman and Diane Thomas knew that even a community surrounded by opportunity and advantage had marginalized and disenfranchised individuals needing to be recognized. Arie, particularly, embraced the concept of making […]
The concept of an authentic “Open Doors” mandate is one that I know each church strives to achieve. Keeping the church on a path that makes our church relevant and continue to thrive in our community is always top of mind at Kingston Road United Church (KRUC). A big part of that is continuing to […]
