Don Mills United Church

04/08/2020

Here we are still on line. Connected in a new way.Lent is past. Palm Sunday behind us. Holy Week envelops us. All is silent in the Garden of Gethsemane but that kiss.. Judas' kiss of betrayal for 30 pieces of silver- driving things forward to accusations, beatings, mocking and mob-hysteria- to those nails.This week those nails will be driven in to make a point! they think he's KING? very funny!
Good Friday! How GOOD can it be? What good can come from Christ's suffering? from his death? The
"Good" will depend on you and me.
May our reflections during this holy week help make the good of Good Friday a reality in 2020
Edith-Ann

03/31/2020

To keep our community healthy and safe, Michael Garron Hospital is issuing a challenge to all east end sewists to collectively make 1,000 masks a week. We want to see all east enders wearing a fabric mask when they need to be within six feet of other people, especially vulnerable populations and the elderly.
Find out how you can help:
https://www.mghf.ca/mgh1000masks

Calling all sewists! Do you sew or know someone who does? To keep our community healthy and safe, Michael Garron Hospital is issuing a challenge to all east end sewists to collectively make 1,000 masks a week. We want to see all east enders wearing a fabric mask when they need to be within six feet of other people, especially vulnerable populations and the elderly. Find out how you can help:
https://www.mghf.ca/mgh1000masks

03/30/2020

Hi Everyone;
I had no idea how much I would enjoy seeing congregational members online. It was so meaningful yesterday, even I can say, fun. Thank you all who got on.
Next Sunday we will be logging on at 10:45 a m - watch out for more information on how to get on in coming days.
See you then.
God bless
Edith-ann Shantz

03/27/2020

Two things everyone should do, that for some reason the officials are not saying;
1. in the absence of a proper mask, wear any covering over your mouth and nose when "coronarisking"(yup - new word)
2. keep a diary of times and places of your coronarisking

the global experience informs us that, testing is the best thing, and, containment of community spread the next best thing.

until we can ramp up the first we must maximize efforts on the second.

Stay smart and stay healthy!

03/27/2020

Good morning to each of you. Yesterday I was talking with someone who was tired of being isolated with someone who is a constant complainer “morning, noon, and night!” Of course that is difficult to handle. Negativity brings us down. But that made me think of David’s Psalm Ps 55:16,17. Even Kg David had his moments! He writes: “evening and morning and at noon I will murmur and complain.and God will hear me. God will hear my voice and will redeem my soul with peace. Cast your burden upon the Lord”.
Maybe we can’t stop others from complaining but we certainly can apply the wisdom of David to our own lives. God has way more patience and wisdom to offer back to us than someone who is simply annoyed at our complaints. And if you are one who doesn’t believe in “God” even just some ‘self-talk’ can help you let go and bring you some peace. Reading scripture with an open mind, living your life as a prayer of gratitude, even enjoying Kanye West and Justin Bieber’s worship music can move you away from a life of complaints!🎶🎶🌍

03/17/2020

Creative God, global unifying spirit, we live in an anxious time. We are grateful for doctors and nurses, care aides and technicians, janitors and caregivers stretched physically and emotionally.
We are grateful for the researchers and scientists trying to find answers and solutions as soon as possible.
Help us to rise above our own fears to remain true to our callings: to feed the hungry, give water to those who thirst, to clothe the unclothed, free the oppressed, to open the hearts and minds of the blind; and to help those most vulnerable in our day and generation.
Help us to see beyond ourselves to help each other.
In the same spirit that is in all and with all .... we, at Don Mills United offer this prayer.
Rev. Edith-Ann

03/11/2020

How did it all start?

Let's talk about it ... .we are back with our Bible Social Talks, come and join the discussion this Thursday March 12 at 7:30pm at Don Mills United ...

This weeks topic: Genesis 1

Discussion is led by our fabulous Ian McBride!

03/02/2020

Politics of Food:

This Friday, March 6th at 6 – 7:30pm, come and join us for our Potluck Dinner with our Toronto Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin re Politics of Food.

After launching the Danforth Hunger Squad for Second Harvest, Julie witnessed first-hand the effects of income inequality and how it impedes Canadians’ access to nutritious food.

In Ottawa, as Chair of the Liberal Food Policy Caucus and a participant in the All-Party Anti-Poverty Caucus, Julie is working alongside her colleagues to tackle food insecurity and food-related issues.

When: March 6th at 6pm - 7:30pm
Where: Don Mills United Church; 126 O'Connor Dr, East York, Pape & O'Connor

Everyone is welcome!

02/09/2020

Reflection by Gregory Lang: “Be the salt. Be the light.“ Matthew 5 13-14