Happy Family Day
Fairlawn Avenue United Church 28 Fairlawn Avenue, Toronto, Toronto, CanadaThe church will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 for Family Day
The church will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 for Family Day
RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER -> WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 AT 7:00PM Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent which is the 40 days leading up to Easter. This holy season within the church is meant to be a time of refocusing on our spiritual practices as a way of preparing for Easter. We begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday which focuses our awareness of the fragility of life, as well as our experiences of brokenness, and our need for forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. We will be worshiping in the style of Taizé. Taizé is a small village, south of Burgundy, in eastern France. The village is home to an ecumenical monastic community founded after World War II to provide a place of refuge and forgiveness for those seeking healing and reconciliation after the distress and devastation of war. One of its trademarks is the singing of distinctive music during candlelit services. Taizé music highlights simple phrases, usually lines from the Psalms or other pieces of scripture, sung repeatedly. The repetition is designed to help meditation and prayer. The Taizé monks believe that orange is the color of the Holy Spirit because orange is warm and light. The orange cloth reminds us that the Holy Spirit is present. You are invited to settle into presence with God. Get comfortable. Feel free to close your eyes. May the words and the music carry you.
Instead of wishing away winter, what would happen if we embraced its gift to us? Sometimes winter is not just a season of the year – sometimes it is also a season of the heart. You are invited to join Jean Ward in a four-week exploration of how our northern spirits are shaped by the rhythm of our seasons – in particular, winter and its movement into spring. Through the use of music, poetry, readings and, of course, our collective wisdom, we will journey towards spring together. “Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.” Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED Online Monday evenings – March 6, 13, 20 & 27 – 7:30–9:00pm
Instead of wishing away winter, what would happen if we embraced its gift to us? Sometimes winter is not just a season of the year – sometimes it is also a season of the heart. You are invited to join Jean Ward in a four-week exploration of how our northern spirits are shaped by the rhythm of our seasons – in particular, winter and its movement into spring. Through the use of music, poetry, readings and, of course, our collective wisdom, we will journey towards spring together. “Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.” Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED In person Tuesday afternoons – March 7, 14, 21 & 28 – 1:00pm–2:30pm
Palm Sunday Worship Service Rev. Dr. Ambury Stuart Preaching & Presiding Sunday, April 2 at 10:30am
Maundy Thursday Worship Service Rev Douglas duCharme & Rev. Jean Ward Preaching & Presiding Thursday, April 6 at 7:30pm
Maundy Thursday Worship Service Rev Douglas duCharme & Rev. Jean Ward Preaching & Presiding Eleanor Daley, Director of Music Friday, April 7 at 10:30am
Hosted by John and Elaine McCarthy on Sunday, April 9 at 9:00am in the Assembly Hall. Breakfast will include an opening prayer, coloured hard-boiled Easter eggs, hot cross buns with fixings, coffee, tea, juice and enjoyable company. Please Register before Wednesday April 5.
Easter Sunday Worship Service Rev Douglas duCharme & Rev. Jean Ward Preaching & Presiding Eleanor Daley, Director of Music Sunday, April 9 at 10:30am
Fairlawn’s Affirm Ministry, in partnership with International Day of Pink, will be hosting Martin Boyce’s cross-Canada Courage to Stand Up tour on Sunday, April 16 at 1:30pm, his only public event in the GTA. We’ll have more information in the coming weeks about registering for the event that is being held in the sanctuary. Boyce was a participant in 1969’s Stonewall (or, Stonewall Riots, Stonewall Uprising) in New York City, a pivotal moment in queer/trans history. He remains an activist to this day. The tour is being funded by the U.S. Embassy. Boyce will be interviewed by Michael Coren, Anglican priest, columnist and former broadcaster. Save the date!
Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 at 1:00pm at Fairlawn Avenue United Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Fairlawn Avenue United Church or to a charity you hold dear.