In church tradition, the Day of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, has become known as a day to bless animals. The link to St. Francis and blessing animals flows from his theological stance regarding the care of creation and a belief of the interconnectedness of all things.
At Beach United Church, we plan to engage in this tradition through an outdoor service on Sunday, May 7 at 10:30am.
Bring your pets! All are welcome – from cats to cockatiels; hamsters to hares!
UPDATE: For photos and videos of our EcoFair 2023, please take a look at our Facebook and Instagram posts!
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We are excited to be hosting an EcoFair at Beach United on Saturday, May 6th from 10am-2pm.
Entry is free and welcome to everyone!
We will have more information on our 35+ vendors, exhibitors and speakers very shortly and will feature them on our social media accounts (Instagram / Facebook), so please stay tuned! If you’re interested in why a church might be interested in environmental issues, please take a look at this blog post.
SPEAKERS IN OUR MAIN HALL:
11am: Lana Goldberg from Environmental Defence Fund on “A Gas Plant Expansion in the east end of Toronto?”
12pm: Paul Dowsett – Retro Fit Coach from The Pocket Change Project
1pm Dr. Lori Stahlbrand from George Brown College on Food Sustainability
IN THE KITCHEN:
12:30pm: Nettie Cronish, organic chef, culinary instructor and cookbook author cooks up some delicious treats and you’ll get to sample
Harpist Kathryn Merriam will be adding the beautiful sounds of voice and harp to the service on Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7 pm.
Kathryn moved many people by her playing at the Longest Night Service last winter, so we are pleased to welcome her back to help us connect to the deep emotions of Jesus’ last days.
Kathryn’s music explores themes of mindfulness, nature, spirituality, seeking, and marvelling at the universe, interweaved with peaceful sound-scapes and psychedelic-folk inspired textures.
Experience the power of light returning to the world on Sunday, April 21, 6.20 am. Gather together near the Leuty Lifeguard Station.
Early in the morning, surrounded by respectable liars, religious leaders, anxious statesmen, and silent friends: you accepted the penalty for living God’s way.
You shouldered and suffered the cross, and with the words, “It is finished!”
You put an end to our hopeless state of death, giving instead the promise of new life.
-Adapted from an Easter prayer “Lord God, Early in the Morning,” from Stages on the Way by John L. Bell and Wild Goose Worship Group.
