St. Paul's United Church Scarborough

Jesus promises us that where two or three are gathered, he will be there. Even if we are not actually gathered in the same room, we can gather in spirit and be assured of God's presence. During the Covid-19 crisis, the best advice we have received is to practice 'social distancing' as a way of limiting its spread and protecting the health of individuals and the community; and, as church, we want to do our part in that, but also lean into our faith despite the social distance.

The United Churches in Scarborough are coming together for joint service on Sunday, March 1st at 10:30. Our guest preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Richard Bott, Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and worship will be led by the ministers of the United in Scarborough congregations. Our choirs are joining forces in an 80+ voice musical tribute. Location is at Woburn Collegiate, 2222 Ellesemere Road. There's plenty of free parking, and everyone is welcome! #sermon #Sermon

During the season of Epiphany (from Christmas to Lent), we'll be reflecting on some of our old traditions, singing some (very) old favourites, but also exploring some new ways of celebrating God, singing our faith, and listening for the Spirit. Each week, we'll pray the Lord's prayer in a different way with a different voice. From Mahalia Jackson to Susan Boyle, from our own choir's interpretation to that of Soweto Gospel Choir in South Africa, each one offers a new voice to

Well actually, that's the problem. Not that Jesus is coming, but we're all too busy. Shopping, baking, cleaning, and worrying about the holidays. New flash: that's not what it's about!! Come by Sundays in December as we prepare for Christmas by pausing, catching our breaths, and reflecting on the meaning of the season beyond the tinsel and wrapping paper. Even the Grinch figured that out! Sundays at 10:30. Be there or you might be a wreck by the 25th! #sermon #Sermon

Sunday we honour the fallen, but also commit ourselves anew to building a world where peace and justice flow like a never ending stream. 10:30 a.m. #sermon #Sermon

Jesus encounters Zachaeus in a tree -- and odd place by any measure. Where do we meet Jesus? Discuss. Sunday at 10:30 (remember to Fall Back!). #sermon #Sermon

What's the right thing to do, when you think your motives may not be 'pure?' On the eve of the federal election, it's time to ponder values and needs in our complex society. Join us for the discussion Sunday morning at 10:30. #sermon #Sermon

Marlene Britton will be our guest preacher on Sunday, October 13th. Marlene is the Minister of Vocations for Shining Waters Region (the GTA and more), and will be sharing her experiences of ministry and teh church through her extensive career. it will be a very engaging, dynamic time! Don't miss Marlene's inspiring message. #sermon #Sermon

The fifth Sunday of the month is 'Make a Joyful Noise!' service -- worship and celebration with a musical focus. We'll sing some old favourite hymns, learn some new ones, and enjoy the talents of some guest musicians! Be there or be square! Sunday, 10:30 a.m. #sermon #Sermon

This week, we're reflecting on a trip to the Potter's House -- no, not that kind of pot! The kind that's made of clay as in Jeremiah 18. When we're encouraged to leave things behind us (as in Vegas), how to we manage life when it gets shaped in a different way than expected? #sermon #Sermon

With the arrival of September, we're back in full gear at St. Paul's. Join us for a celebratory service and a welcome-back bbq on Sunday, September 7th 10:30. #sermon #Sermon

And, as the song goes, the living is easy! So is worship on Sunday mornings, with a relaxed casualness, lots of old-time hymn singing, and a spiritual message of faith and encouragement. Again, as with summers past, we are blessed with lay worship leadership by members of the congregation, while Rev. Dan focuses on fall planning, pastoral care, and some personal R&R. Andrea Whitehouse, Opah Murozoki, Rhiannon Hill, and Brian Elcombe will each share with us their faithful ins

Once a year, the United Churches in our area gather for a large meeting. All the ministers as well as lay reps from every congregation attend. Our region is called 'Shining Waters,' and encompasses much of the GTA and goes up beyond Orillia. Because Rev. Dan will be at the meeting, St. Paul's (like most other churches in the region) will be using a worship service provided by the Regional Office and led by lay members of the congregation. We're blessed that Heather and Allie

We're getting closer to Easter, but first we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem with Palms and Hallelujahs, just before the darkness of Holy Week descends. 10:30 Sunday -- we'll even supply the palms! #sermon #Sermon

There has been a lot in the news recently about funding for autistic children and their families. The Behaviour Team, based at SPUC, provides intensive therapies and support and is on the front lines of working with autism and other challenges. On Sunday, we'll continue our Lenten series on Radical Hospitality by learning about this work, how we support this ministry, and how it is part of our walk to the Cross. Sunday @ 10:30. #sermon #Sermon

We continue our reflections on radical hospitality this week in conversation with Tanya from Sashbear / Family Connections. Tanya leads a support group at St. Paul's for parents of children with severe behaviour, emotional, and psychological issues -- often leading to the risk of self harm. What does it mean to be the 'prodigal' in such a context? How do we love and honour those who are hard to love because they have hurt us? Sunday 10:30. #sermon #Sermon

During Lent we're discovering 'radical hospitality with our community partners. This week, our text is 'about being tested,' and we'll be talking with Ruth, a member of one of our numerous groups that support those living with addiction. God is revealed in surprising ways -- sometimes, God looks like a bunch of alcoholics meeting in a church basement. Join us at 10:30. St. Patrick's Day treats after worship! #sermon #Sermon

During Lent we'll be reflecting on radical hospitality, and how we exercise this at SPUC. Each week, we'll meet someone from one of the many groups and organizations that gather at SPUC: dance, twelve-step, parenting support, autism guidance, and cub & guides. Each group is an extension of our ministry and support to the community, making St. Paul's a 'community hub.' Sometimes this is stressful, and occasionally inconvenient for our members -- but that's OK. Otherwise, if o

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and we observe this Holy Day with a service of remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening. Pastor Paul and Rev. Dan will take us through a short liturgy that culminates in the 'imposition of ashes,' a spiritual rite in which the ashes of last years' Palm Sunday palms are used to make a cross on the forehead. All are welcome. #sermon #Sermon

Well, that certainly looks like a $10 church word. Come Sunday at 10:30 to help us figure it out. Not as hard as it looks. #sermon #Sermon