When Beach United Church decided to start the journey of becoming an affirming community of faith we realized it might involve some homework. Part of the homework is starting to better understand the 2SLGBTQ+ community; both the challenges and the joys. We’ve prepared a list offering resources both written – whether novels, non-fiction or poetry and for screening – films, tv series or documentaries or listening to a podcast. It was compiled from lists prepared by Toronto Public Library, CBC and personal recommendations.
We hope this list will encourage people to start reading and hearing stories about the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people. The list is a work in progress and meant only to be a starting point.
You might consider adding one of these books to your book club reading list or similarly watching a documentary or film and then discussing with a friend. This is one way we can raise our awareness and walk with others, better understanding some of the challenges they face and learn how we can offer support.
When you walk with someone it makes us all stronger.
Please continue reading for more information on our Christmas Eve services 🎄
We welcome everyone to Beach United Church for our Christmas Eve services this Saturday, December 24th, 2022. Our Carol Service is at 7pm, and our Communion Service will begin at 10:30pm.
Please note – our building is normally fully accessible, but we have been having a mechanical issue with our automatic door mechanism at our front door. Volunteers will be on site to assist, and we look forward to having you here with us!
We have a seasonal update for you from Hastings Withers, our point person person for our Thursday Interfaith Lunch Program. Please see below for an abbreviated blog post, or download the full PDF here!
“BEHIND THE SCENES” – some aspects of how we make a pleasant and welcoming place, with good food that is safe and effective for both our guests and our volunteers:
The Free Community lunch program at Beach United re-started in October after Thanksgiving, and we have had two successful months – made much easier for both volunteers and and guests as COVID restrictions have eased. Presently, church policy requires all volunteers to be masked, and of course there are food safety protocols as well.
Policies and practices are still subject to change, and are communicated regularly to all concerned. This has led to new signage to keep volunteers up to speed with the latest requirements.
Thursday,December 1, Menu
Daily Bread Food bank provides pre-cooked casseroles and soups which just require heating.
In addition, another hot dish was prepared the previous day, a pasta dish – the picture shows finishing touches being added. And sandwiches are prepared and packaged for about half the guests who prefer a take-away bag lunch.
Before the Rush
In this picture, Nella and Barbara (below, left), having finished preparing the food are having a short coffee break before the guests start arriving. Al (below, right) and Greg (not shown) have got the dining room ready, and put up the outside canopy with chairs and a table. The canopy is a valuable addition to making a welcoming place for our guests. Even if they choose to remain outside for a take-away bag lunch, they can have some shelter, and conversation around a table. Putting the canopy up is somewhat challenging, but Al and Greg have it mastered!
9:45am Thursday Morning
Although our announced opening time is 10:00am, last Thursday, Wheel-Trans delivered two of our guests much earlier. While other volunteers are still setting up and getting food ready, Linda (below, right) is welcoming the two guests, Harry and Judy, with a coffee and pastry.
Welcoming Guests Throughout December
Although not all volunteers can be available throughout December, the Beach United Thursday lunch will still be provided regularly throughout the month (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th). And we’ll make a point of displaying this “Welcome” sign, on which guests speaking other languages added their contribution. I only know for sure that it was Patrick who added “Faite” and Li Wen who added the Mandarin word for welcome, which she explained is pronounced “hwan yang”.
Please see below for our Advent and Christmas services and events 🎄
Masks are mandatory for all of our services, with the exception of the Christmas Market – masks are strongly recommended to attend our indoor market in order to keep our community safe.
Sunday November 27 at 10:30am – First Sunday of Advent – We wait for Christmas
Monday November 28 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 1 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 4 at 10:30am – Second Sunday of Advent – A Voice from the Wilderness
Monday December 5 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 2 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 11 at 10:30am – Third Sunday of Advent – Story of Mary
Monday December 12 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 3 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 18 at 10:30am – Fourth Sunday of Advent – The Seven Noels Cantata
Monday December 19 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 4 – Now is the Time
Wednesday December 21 at 7pm – Alban Arthan – The Longest Night
Alban Arthan comes from Druid Solstice traditions – the service will draw on that tradition and will be a contemplative service, engaging poetry, call and response, self-reflection, singing and some art appreciation.
Saturday December 24 at 7pm – Christmas Eve Carol Service
Saturday December 24 at 10:30pm – Christmas Eve Communion Service
