16 Jun 2009: updated announcements, plus recent sermons, and Good News.
16 JUN 2009: Added Parish Nursing JOB OPENING POSTER.

Find the latest Good News and Sermons by clicking here!

Upcoming events/meetings/notices 2009

Wednesday, June 17th
5:00 p.m. Quiet Time – Sanctuary

Sunday, June 21st
12:30 p.m. Christian Development/Community Life – CD/CL Office

Tuesday, June 23rd
7:00 p.m. Social Justice – Staff Lounge

Sunday, June 28th
After the service: Social Justice 4th Sunday Event – Upper Club Room

Sundays in July
Joint services with Trinity-St.Paul’s Church at Trinity-St.Paul’s
Sunday July 26 Summer communion at TSP with Bloor St. Ministry Team

Sundays in August
Joint services with Trinity-St.Paul’s at Bloor Street Church

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPDATE ON REDEVELOPMENT
At the congregational meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd it was agreed that the Redevelopment Committee’s work would continue but shift focus. In light of the current economic climate and the failure of the two hoped for proposals to come to fruition, the Committee will stop pursuing proposals and instead only respond to inquiries made to the church. When the economy improves, this position will be revisited. The Committee also recommended that the congregation plan to be in the current building for at least the next 5-10 years.

OBSERVATIONS
Don’t miss the newest edition of THE UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER, and these great features:
• What does it mean to say “I’m spiritual but not religious?” Our own Pat Clarke comments on what, to many of us, is this paradox.
• Interview with Mark Toulouse, the new principal of Emmanuel College.
• Profile of one of our sister churches – Parkdale United – that has successfully built eco-friendly affordable housing.
• Seven things you never knew about Calvin: it’s not all about the Protestant Work Ethic.
• Local effect of the bombing of Gaza City on a church-supported health clinic.
All this and much more, for only $15 per subscription. Make sure your subscription is up-to-date. You may place a cheque on the offering plate with “Observer” written on the memo line.

FLU PREPAREDNESS
A small team met recently to discuss flu preparedness at Bloor Street United Church and possible approaches. One of the initiatives we have adopted is the placing of boxes of tissue in each pew and dispensers of hand sanitizer in the narthex and McClure Hall.

JILL MINGO APPOINTMENT
Jill Mingo, who was our Silvester Kirby Organ Scholar 2007-2008 while she was working towards her Master of Music Degree, has been appointed Director of Music at St. Andrew's By-the-Lake United Church in Kingston, starting in August. Congratulations Jill!

PARISH NURSE POSITION POSTING
Bathurst & Bloor Street United Church are jointly hiring a parish nurse. The position is ideal for a
RN looking for a flexible part-time job. Full details at the following link (click here for Parish Nursing poster in pdf format)

THE QUIET TIME
Be still and know that God is present
Do you want a quiet place to meditate… to get away from the world and approach God in a quiet place… to just be still?
On Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, we offer a time of quiet music and an opportunity to light a candle for a friend, for someone who is sick or for a situation that is troubling you. We invite you to come in and find The Quiet Centre after work, after a hospital visit, after a long day.

RUMMAGE SALE 2009
If you are cleaning out your garage, attic or basement, please bring things in for the Bloor Street Rummage Sale, which is going to be held in the fall of 2009.
During office hours, items may be left in the bin marked “rummage sale” in the main office. Outside of office hours, items may be left just outside the church office door.
Please note we cannot sell old computer equipment, appliances that are not in good working order, electronics over 2 years old, clothing, and items that are chipped, rusted or stained. Helping us to cut back on the number of items that need to be discarded is greatly appreciated.

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

GUATEMALA SCHOOLS PROJECT (GSP)
The GSP, in which Bloor Street is a contractual partner up to the end of 2009, has been a great success. A middle school was established in the community of El Triunfo, where none existed before, and the community is now contemplating establishing a high school. Since it is anticipated that this project will need more money and oversight in the future, Church Council has asked the Social Justice Committee, in consultation with the congregation, to assess whether Bloor Street has the capacity to continue as a contractual partner with the GSP and, if so, what contractual obligations
Bloor Street is willing and able to take on. The Social Justice Committee will start its consultation with the congregation after church today in the Upper Club room. Church Council has requested that the Social Justice Committee submit its assessment of this project by September 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Tinker at 416-545-0219.

BOOK SALE RESULTS
Our thanks to all who contributed to the success of our recent Book Sale.
The dedicated efforts of our office staff, caretaking staff and many volunteers make the Book Sale possible. We raised over $1,300 in support of outreach projects of the Social Justice Committee.

Sunday, September 6
Congregational lunch follows the service

Friday, September 11
Reel Activism 7:00pm

Sunday, September 13
Church School begins

Sunday, September 27
Speaker event hosted by Social Justice Cttee after the service

Sunday, October 4
Congregational lunch following the service
University Student Supper: Let’s Talk. . . 6:00 – 8:00pm

Friday, October 9
Reel Activism 7:00pm

Saturday, October 17
GoGo Grannies: Autumn Tea & Sale

Saturday, October 24
Giant rummage sale 9:00-3:00

Sunday, October 25
Speaker event hosted by Social Justice Cttee after the service

Sunday, November 1
Congregational lunch following the service
University Student Supper: Let’s Talk. . . 6:00 – 8:00pm

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAN’T STOP THE SPIRIT!
This Pride Festival spiritual service for Toronto’s LGBTTIQ2S communities, family and friends takes place on Sunday, June 21st at 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church (117 Bloor St. E. at Church and Bloor).
Guest speaker: The Honourable Rev. Rob Oliphant, MP – Don Valley West and a United Church Minister. Guest vocalist: Alana Bridgewater, backed by the Forte Men’s Chorus, “Guys Like Us”. Members of the Canadian Opera Chorus supporting St. Andrew’s choir will also take part in the service. A freewill offering will be taken in support of Casey House.

THE WAY OF THE UNIVERSE: WISDOM FOR THE ECOZOIC ERA
The engaging and renowned scholar Dr. Brian Swimme is a mathematical cosmologist on the graduate faculty of the California Institute of Integral Studies and co-authored, with Thomas Berry, The Universe Story.
The Gaia Centre presents Dr. Brian Swimme on Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 27th (lunch provided) at OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor St. W. Registration cost for the whole event is $149/$99 for students and seniors.
To register, call Carol Kilby at 1-705-754-2427 or email info@gaiacentre.org

MUSIC LESSONS
Soprano soloist Erin Bardua is now welcoming voice students of all levels, and beginner to intermediate flute students. Lessons are a great way to improve your confidence as well as your sound! We can work on technique, favourite and new pieces, or musical skills like sight reading.
Erin has a Master of Music in voice performance and a Bachelor of Music in flute performance. Call 416-827-3009.

PARENTS AND TOTS
Parents and Tots from Trinity St. Paul’s invite you to join us for weekday summer outings. There will be no Tuesday morning gatherings of Parents and Tots in July and August. Instead we are planning periodic (bi-weekly?) outings to city parks or attractions. All parents or caregivers with babies or young children are welcome.
If you would like to be on an email list to find out about the upcoming plans, please send a note to shannon.neufeldt@utoronto.ca