Glen Morris United Church

06/07/2026

It’s been a while since it was necessary to “corral” everyone following a busy coffee time and gather in the sanctuary for worship, but that was exactly how the celebration began at Glen Morris United Church for our 4th Annual Pride Service. This year’s service was made even more special as we also celebrated our recent vote to become an Affirming Ministry.

With many new and familiar faces filling the pews, we were welcomed with the joyful singing of Oh, What a Beautiful Morning and meaningful greetings from County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. A thoughtful and inspiring service, including communion, was led by our wonderful minister, Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai
with Rev. Cait Mack from St. George United Church assisting with communion, as all were invited to ‘come to the table.’

The choir, under the direction of Music Director Lynn McRuer, shared beautiful anthems, including the introit We Are a Rainbow, written by Rev. Michiko’s father, David Kai. Colourful rainbow decorations created by Deb Fraser and Karen Murray-Hopf added to the celebratory atmosphere.

A group photo of “the whole rainbow gang” concluded the service, after which everyone made their way to the manse lawn to enjoy fellowship in a beautiful outdoor setting and, of course, a delicious picnic lunch featuring pulled pork on a bun and vegan chili.

A heartfelt thank you to Rev. Michiko for their leadership and guidance throughout this event, as well as to the members of the Affirming Committee for their dedication and hard work over the past two years: Donna Jarvie, Deb Fraser, Lynn McRuer, Don Taylor, Charlotte Taylor, Kay Mac, Joy Hancock, and Karen Murray-Hopf.

It was a joyful day of celebration, community, welcome, and belonging - a beautiful reminder that there is a place for all at Glen Morris United Church.

06/05/2026

Thank you Cassandra Turnbull at The Paris Independent for sharing our story!

06/02/2026

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Glen Morris United Church marked a significant milestone as the congregation voted overwhelmingly – with 88% in favour – to become an Affirming Ministry under the banner of Affirm United. Glen Morris United Church is now the first church in the County of Brant to receive this designation.

Under the guidance of Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai, the church’s Affirming Committee spent more than two years engaging the congregation in thoughtful reflection and discernment about what it means to become a fully welcoming and inclusive faith community. In the closing remarks of the congregational meeting, Rev. Michiko shared:

“This kind of radical welcome and hospitality changes and saves more lives than you can imagine.”

To celebrate this meaningful moment, we warmly invite you to attend our fourth annual Pride Celebration, Worship and Picnic on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Join us for coffee at 10:00am with worship at 10:30am. A picnic of pulled pork on a bun, salads and desserts (gluten free and vegetarian options available) will conclude the celebrations.

Don’t forget to wear your rainbow colours!

If you wish to join us online, check this link - https://www.glenmorrisunited.ca/events/celebrate-pride--1267

05/27/2026

The weekend's rain finally ended for a delightful afternoon together at Glen Morris United Church’s Pentecost service and picnic on Sunday, May 24, at the beautiful Harkness farm.

Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai led an engaging alternative worship service filled with movement, music, and reflection, followed by a picnic featuring hotdogs roasted over an open fire and plenty of delicious dessert treats.

A heartfelt thank you to the Harkness family for their generous hospitality. It was a truly special afternoon of fellowship, laughter, and community connection.

Thanks to Jackie Sandilands for photos.

05/19/2026

We are sharing the sad news of the passing of former community resident Louise Martin on May 17, 2026. In July 2024 Louise’s 100th birthday was celebrated at Glen Morris United Church!. A sister to John Harkness (formerly of West River Road) Louise and her husband Dick (predeceased) raised their five children - Clint, Gary, Dave, Deb and Sheryl - on the Brant-Waterloo Road and were active in this community. Louise’s obituary and funeral details are at the link below.

View Elizabeth Louise Martin's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/19/2026

Glen Morris United Church’s Koinonia group recently enjoyed a day trip to The Watering Can Flower Market in Vineland, Niagara’s botanical destination. The group spent a pleasant afternoon enjoying delicious food and wandering through the market’s colourful displays of flowers, pots, jams, gift items, and spectacular floral arrangements. Visitors especially admired the beautiful moss art murals found throughout the store. The bakery was also a popular stop, featuring tempting treats such as rhubarb shortbread squares, pies, and fresh scones. Adding to the special outing, former minister Rev. Brenda Otawa was able to join the group for the day.
Back row left to right - Brenda Otawa, Ingrid Douglas, Irene Heltner, Karen Varga, Jane Shorney, Raza Mazeika (standing), Liz DeGroote. Middle - Marion Morton. Front row left to right - Kate Berg, Melissa Borges, Lynn McRuer.

05/16/2026

All are warmly invited to join for worship on Sunday, May 17, 10:30am under the leadership of Rev. Randy MacKenzie. We'd love to see you for coffee time before the service starts at 10:00am in our heritage room! If you are joining us from home, click this link for zoom access.
https://www.glenmorrisunited.ca/events/sunday-worship--1371/2026-05-17

05/11/2026

What a wonderful day at Glen Morris United Church as we participated for the very first time in Doors Open Along The Grand on Saturday, May 9, 2026! We were thrilled to welcome 52 visitors who came to tour our beautiful heritage church and grounds. Guests travelled from nearby - such as Paris, Georgetown, Simcoe, and Hamilton, Woodstock - and even as far away as New Delhi, India!

In the Robson Community Room, a recording by the choir played as visitors viewed three of the Glen Morris Tweedsmuir Books — the rich history of this community, lovingly compiled by Hester Walker on behalf of the Women’s Institute. A large screen also featured a slideshow highlighting people, events, and memories from the past 10 years in the life and work of this faith community. Visitors also enjoyed a special handout highlighting the history and heritage of our church which is now available to anyone in our heritage room.

In the sanctuary, guides shared stories of the building, the people, and the significant moments that have shaped more than 176 years of worship and community life. Music Director Lynn McRuer and pianist Margaret Fleury demonstrated the church’s original pump organ, beautifully restored by Stuart Aitkin for the 150th anniversary celebrations in 1999, as well as the magnificent pipe organ, built in Ontario in 1868 and acquired by the church in 2006.

We were honoured to be one of only five County of Brant sites (one of 18 sites throughout Brant/Brantford/Six Nations) participating this year and loved having the opportunity to open our doors and share this special place with so many visitors.

Much thanks to Margaret Fleury for her amazing organizational skills, allowing so much to get done in one morning by a hard-working group of volunteers - thank you all - during our “cleaning bee.” Thank you as well to our decorating team, who created a wonderful permanent collage of artwork in the Robson Room featuring paintings of both the church and manse by various artists, as well as hanging some other artwork around the church. A big thanks to Munro Fraser for making two large frames for artwork in our Heritage Room and to Donna Jarvie for the beautiful flowers in the sanctuary. And finally, thank you to our 'hosts/tour guides' on Saturday - Deb Fraser, Lynn McRuer, Margaret McPherson, Margaret Fleury and Karen Murray-Hopf.