| News and Events Archive
Selected News and Events
items will be archived on this page.
2011
The Green Way of Closing the Gap
We are very grateful to receive a generous donation in support of the “greening” of Islington United.
An anonymous donor has directed the gift to the remediation of our building – to “close the gaps” in the doors, walls, and windows that permit warm air to escape and drive up our heating costs.
Thank you for this generous gift that will help us meet our conservation goals.
Social Justice News
The United Church of Canada recently issued a news release outlining concerns about Bill C-10, “Safe Streets and Communities Act” (Omnibus Crime Bill) presently before the House of Commons...
[Read more...]
The Moderator's Advent message
Our 2011 Christmas Wish
The Order of Islington
Congratulations to Laura Kennedy and Ted Wilson, this year’s recipients of The Order of Islington. View the photos and videos from the 2011 Order of Islington Ceremony.
Sōl Power Official Startup
Exciting news – our 48 solar panels are now live! They are connected to the Toronto Hydro electrical grid and are creating clean, “green” energy for our community!
Although Sōl Power has been fully operational since October 20, we held the “official opening” at the Solar and Green Building Open House hosted at the church Saturday, October 29. [Read more...]
More Than a Rummage Sale!
It certainly was “more than a rummage sale!”
Again this year – thank you: we were blessed with your generous donations of great merchandise for our busy shoppers who visited on Friday night and Saturday morning. [Read more...]
News from The United Church of Canada
- Emergency Appeal for Horn of Africa
With reports from our partners in the Horn of Africa getting worse,
the United Church is launching an emergency appeal for the region.
See the Press Release and the Emergency Appeal video.
Helen’s New Truck
at the Vila Ulonge Medical Mission
Mozambique
Back in August 2005 Islington United’s members and friends raised enough money (over $21,000!) to purchase a truck that was converted into a medical
vehicle for the Vila Ulonge Medical Mission in northern Mozambique.
On August 28, 2011, Helen Meyer set out with the health team to conduct their annual “eye outreach.” Ophthalmologists from Europe will travel around the region this week treating and saving the eyesight of dozens of people with Helen and the team. Last year alone, they helped over 60 people recover or retain their sight!
Helen’s New Truck continues to help others in this remote part of Africa. Thank you to Barb and Al MacLellan for sharing this inspiring news.
Solar Power at Islington United!
[Read all about it...]
Drought Relief for the Horn of Africa
The United Church of Canada has congratulated the federal government for its commitment to provide an additional $50 million in financial support to humanitarian organizations delivering assistance to people in East Africa who are suffering as a result of the worst drought in 60 years. The church also welcomed the government’s decision to establish the East Africa Drought Relief Fund which will be used to benefit those most affected by the drought. In addition, the federal government will match the charitable donations of Canadians who take action to support charities, like the United Church, in their relief efforts
If you would like to donate to Drought Relief in the Horn of Africa, you can make a donation online at www.united-church.ca/africa or send a cheque payable to The United Church of Canada – Drought Relief to:
The United Church of Canada
300 – 3250 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Or, the Islington United Church Office will forward your cheque for you. The United Church directs all monies to relief – none goes to administration.
Robert G. Trimble Award News
When he retired in 1993, Islington United Church honoured the Rev. Robert G. Trimble by endowing an annual award at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. We have received the following letter from this year’s recipient.
Dear Trustees Islington United Church,
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for presenting to me a $600 award in honour of the Reverend Robert G. Trimble.
As I embark on my final year of studies at Emmanuel College, and plan for my courses, it is comforting to know that I have the support of the Senate of Victoria University.
Thank you for your generosity.
Blessings,
Vicki Johnson
Closing the Gap
Thank you to everyone who made an extra donation during the last quarter of FY11 to help “close the gap” on a potential shortfall of revenue.
The financial statements and report will be prepared and reviewed by an auditor over the summer for presentation at the Annual Financial Meeting on Monday, September 19 and the Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 25.
Bulletin insert from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Lenten Message from the Moderator
News from the Green Team
Take The Great Carbon Footprint Challenge
How will you reduce your carbon footprint?
"Adapt for Lent" a CBC Metro Morning interview with Michael Shewburg
A Big Thank You!
Heartfelt thanks to our amazing team of families who provided a fabulous feast – a “Taste of the Philippines” – for our Barrio Fiesta Saturday, March 12.
Thank You From Youth Without Shelter
Thank You for Your Generous Financial Support at Christmas
Letter From Youth Without Shelter
An Update from Church Council
You've been SNAP'd!
SNAP Etobicoke Reports on "Christmas in Islington"
2010
"A Christmas Story" by Mark Aitchison
An excerpt from "Christmas in Islington" on Sunday, December 12
Christmas in Islington 2010 - Music Highlights
You've been SNAP'd!
SNAP Etobicoke Reports on "Christmas in Islington"
Order of Islington Service November 7, 2010
Highlights of the service on YouTube
Announcing the Don Banks Music Award
Islington United Church and the Music Ministry are delighted to announce the inauguration of The Don Banks Music Award to recognize and encourage young musicians.
[Read more...]
Congratulations!
The Order of Islington
Congratulations to the following recipients of The Order of Islington for 2010.
David Allen, Gloria Ledger
Hugh Goodwillie, Julie Smith
May Hutzel, Claire Tettmar
View the photos of the ceremony and the recipients
More Than a Rummage Sale!
Our prayers were answered! (Read more...)
Greening Islington!
The projects undertaken this past summer each had a “greening” component as Islington United looks for practical and tangible ways to “live with respect in Creation”.
[Read more...]
Summer News 2010
Called to be God's Lighthouse
Thanks to those who let their light shine!
Closing the Gap
Thank you to everyone who made an extra gift to help “close the gap” in our financial plan for FY10 (July 2009 to June 2010). During the final three months of the fiscal year – April, May and June – we received $55,591 towards our projected deficit!
[Read more...]
Social Justice News
Islington’s Social Justice Team continues to be busy. Here’s an update.
In June, at the request of the Social Justice Team, Church Council sent a letter to Mayor David Miller requesting that holiday shopping not be extended to statutory holidays such as Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.
The team is also looking into the possibility of starting or supporting a community garden. Meanwhile, those who wish to buy local produce can shop at the farmers’ markets at Sherway Gardens (The Queensway between Hwy 427 and The West Mall) on Fridays and the Etobicoke Civic Centre (Burnhamthorpe and The West Mall) on Saturdays. A third market will be available at Montgomery’s Inn (southeast corner of Dundas and Islington) on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 pm until October.
Called to be God's Lighthouse
A message from the Loaves and Fishes Committee
The United Church of Canada’s 85th Anniversary
A time to remember, renew, rejoice, - and make new connections!
[Read more...]
Happy 85th Anniversary
We are a united church! This week, include Canada’s largest Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada, in your prayers.
[Read more...]
The Moderator’s Easter Message
Easter People Gather and Respond
Project 20/20 Update
You’ve’ probably noticed…
Our new electronic signs have been installed on the northwest and southwest corners of our property.
[Read about this project...]
Read:
Haitian Earthquake Response: The United Church of Canada
Read:
A Letter of Thanks from: Youth Without Shelter
Islington United Needs Your Support and Commitment!
Give with a Grateful Heart!
Read the November 30, 2009 Financial Update
2009
Christmas Project
We have exceeded our goals for this year’s Christmas Project!!! [Read More...]
The GO Project was an enormous success. [ Read all about it. ]
 The Order of Islington
Congratulations!
The following members of Islington United Church have been nominated by the congregation to receive The Order of Islington:
Don Hunter
Joan Hunter
Betty MacGregor
Lynda Sharpe
Harold Shipp
Maureen Wilson
The Service of Investiture was held on Anniversary Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary followed by our annual Fall Turkey Supper. [Read more about the Order of Islington...]
Welcome Lauren!
Welcome to Lauren Hodgson our new Children and Youth Program Associate [Read about it ]
Called to Be God’s Lighthouse
A Letter from the Chair of Church Council
Notes from Our March 2009 Annual Meeting
Called to Be God’s Lighthouse
Many thanks to all who attended our annual meeting on Sunday, March 9. As Church Council, it is very important to us to present the 2008 year-end results and share our plans for 2009 with the congregation for questions, feedback and thoughtful approval.
[Read more]
2008
NOTES
FROM YOUR CHURCH COUNCIL – DECEMBER
2008
Order Of Islington:
Thanks to Robert
Picard and contacts at The United Church of
Canada,
excerpts
from
Islington United’s Order of Islington
services are now available on You Tube. [See
the video]
The United Church of Canada's YouTube channel
can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/user/unitedchurchofcanada?gl=CA&hl=en
The 2008 Christmas Project
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
A Letter from Youth Without Shelter:
On behalf of all of the residents at Youth
Without Shelter thank you for your wonderful donation
of gift bags, which were filled with many treats
for each resident during this holiday season.
The holidays mean so much to many as a special
and joyous time that they spend with their families
and for many of our youth, we are their family.
With your help we have been able to maintain
quality programs and services for our youth,
enabling them to live responsibly and independently
in society, once they’re ready to move
out on their own. Your donation directly impacts
the lives of the youth who reside here.
Thank you for thinking of homeless youth this
holiday season!
P.S. The bags your group puts together are always
amazing!
Youth Without Shelter (YWS) was one of Islington
United’s Christmas Projects; we provided
new bath towels and toiletries for its clients.
YWS is an emergency shelter for homeless youth
ages 16-24 in Toronto. It is committed to diverse
client-focused services in a safe and non-judgmental
environment. Here’s what one former YWS
resident says about it: “Since I
came to YWS I see life in a different aspect.
What I
realized is there are different people with
different problems, and for every situation
there is a
solution.”
View the Project
20/20 Planning Team Report (.pdf)
Update on
Helen’s New Truck
From the Vila Ulonge
Medical Mission Mozambique
Helen’s New Truck, purchased with donations
from members and friends of Islington United Church,
is providing much-needed assistance for the Vila
Ulonge Mission’s mobile clinics and eye outreach
program. In September a volunteer team of three
ophthalmologists and three nurses travelled through
northern Mozambique treating 830 patients with
various eye disorders including 50 cataract operations.
Conditions and instruments are somewhat primitive
but all 50 lenses were implanted successfully.
Helen Meyer writes: “The Lord really blessed
us. Thank you for your part in making this happen!”
Helen’s newsletter is posted on the bulletin
board outside the Church Office. Come and read
more and see the photographs.
In Memoriam
Sunday November 2, we commemorated All Saints’ Day when
we remember all the “saints” who have gone before us but who
are also with us still. [ Read
more... ]
Our Sunday
School’s New Name
Discovery Quest
As part of our 20/20 vision to revitalize our Sunday School a number of projects
are in the works:
- A new and renewed team of teachers and leaders – we
have 22 so far!
- Engaging curriculum – Seasons of the
Spirit (at first service) and the Workshop Rotational
Model (WoRM)
(at second service)
- Graded and age-appropriate classes
- Refurbished classrooms (see the concept drawings
for Room 6 at coffee hour)
To symbolize this renewal and to help communicate
with and engage the larger community the children
voted on a new name and selected Discovery Quest.
Congratulations to Brendan and Sean Cop who suggested
this new name!
At Discovery Quest children will have the opportunity to discover their spirituality,
seeking out and discovering God’s hope and meaning for their lives.
Report from the Congregational
Meeting - Wednesday, May 7
Read
the report...
Notes
from Your Church Council October
2008 [ Read
the report... ] (pdf opens
in a new page)
LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE!
Report
for June – August 2008
Rummage Sale Results:
The Rummage Sale was restored to Islington in
full force on Saturday, October 25.
What a success story! Not only did we exceed our $5,000 financial goal, we
raised over $9,500 which will be directed to our 2007 Mission and Service (M&S)
commitment.
Not only did we generate money for Islington United
Church, but we reached out and helped the community
by providing a shopping venue with good quality
items at very affordable prices.
Thank you to all who supported the sale by making such fabulous donations,
shopping and/or working at the sale. It was, indeed, a mission possible!
New Baptismal Banner:
A new Baptismal Banner was
dedicated during Worship services
on Sunday October 12. [Read more and
view the banner...]
Congratulations
to: Ward
Allen, Ransford Chambers, Dorothy Loughrey,
Audrey Stevens,
Betty Tansley and Doug Watson
who received The
Order of Islington on
Anniversary Sunday,
October 19, 2008.
Visit
the United Church Observer on-line
Read the September cover story in the Observer, "Their
time is now" , which features Sarah
Chapman of Nova Scotia, our 2008 GO
Project Coordinator. And one of the 2007 GO
Project participants, Charley Switzer from
Alberta, is included in the same article.
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Revised:
January 7, 2012
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