Runnymede Community Church
60 Colbeck Street M6S 1T9 Toronto, ON, Canada

Join us on Sunday, December 20 at 10:30 AM as our Runnymede kids retell the Christmas story through their own homemade videos! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Snuggle up to your screen with your hot cocoa in hand! Don't forget the marshmallows! Our annual Christmas Carol service is online this year, on Sunday, December 13, at the family-friendly hour of 4 PM! Invite your friends and neighbours! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Our annual Christmas Carol service is online this year, on Sunday, December 13, at the family-friendly hour of 4 PM! Invite your friends and neighbours! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Encouraging reflections from Kathy Gooch on Psalm 139.

Those of you reading your Runnymede News will have learned of the passing this morning (October 13) of Sandy Chapman's mother, Betty Rogers. Here is the information from the funeral home. Please be praying for the family.

Latest devotional from "our woman in Cape Town", Kathy Gooch!

Here is Kathy Gooch's latest video devotional, continuing on her theme of the vulnerability of God.

Online Alpha has begun! An amazing group of people gathered together online this past Tuesday evening to explore questions of life, faith and meaning. Their questions are penetrating and REAL. If you're under the age of 35, there's still a bit of room to get on board. Come join the seven people in that group, make new friends, and dig in to these juicy questions! Register here: https://forms.gle/1n6N7huk3G46qraw5

Excellent article by Renee James in the latest Faith Today. A must-read.

See you online this coming Sunday, September 13, 10:30 AM. Get the scoop about what's happening this fall at Runnymede and explore what it means to follow Jesus in community! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

A good word from our missionary Kathy Gooch.

We keep hearing about this time being "unprecedented" .. and you may have lots of questions! Bring them to Alpha Online at Runnymede. Starts Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 PM - and you can come in your coziest sweats! Find the registration form by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://www.runnymedechurch.org/alpha/

Labour Day weekend and we're NOT at Family Camp! Take your device outside on your deck or patio, settle into your hammock or Muskoka chair (or, for more Family Camp reality, your folding camp chair!), and imagine yourself at Family Camp when you tune in to our service on Sunday, September 6, 10:30 AM. Bring your communion elements - maybe a graham cracker? https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Give Netflix a break and come on board online Alpha. Engaging video content, yes - and also real conversations with real people from the comfort of your couch! Starts Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 PM. Find out more and register at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/alpha/

Online Alpha is starting up soon! Hear more about it at our online service on Sunday, August 30, 10:30 AM. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Even if there's only you in front of your screen, God is with you! Join us at our online service: Sunday, August 23, 10:30 AM. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Give Alpha a try from the comfort of your home! Starts Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 PM. Jammies are optional! Find out more and register at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/alpha/

We're meeting IN PERSON in our parking lot, in physically-distanced household groups. First come, first serve access via the sign-up link.

Looking for honest conversations about life, faith and meaning in times of uncertainty? Hop onto online Alpha, coming Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 PM. Find out more and register at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/alpha/

Join us online on Sunday, August 9, 10:30 AM. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Cor. 13:14. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Bring your communion elements to your screen, as we'll celebrate communion together. Join us on Sunday, August 2, 10:30 AM. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

We can't be together physically - but join us online! Sunday, July 26, 10:30 AM. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ Coffee & Chat follows at 11:40 AM on Zoom.

See you on Sunday, July 19, 10:30 AM! (Bring your own ice cream! ) https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

And join us afterwards for Coffee & Chat, 11:40 AM!

Wherever you choose, we'll see you on Sunday, July 5, 10:30 AM at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/. Remember to bring your communion elements (bread or cracker, juice or wine) to your screen. (Hmm, maybe the kitchen might work best this coming Sunday ...)

From the folks at Jesus in the City - the Toronto Blessing. https://youtu.be/jYjLsBMA-1Q

Join us Sunday, June 28, 10:30 AM for online church! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

We can't promise you dad jokes, but tune in anyway on Sunday, June 21, 10:30 AM to connect with our heavenly Father! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Good words from Pete Greig and Dr. King. Repenting of racism leads to ACTION to dismantle systemic and institutional racism. Some laws need rewriting, true, but often the failure of the legal system to bring justice lies in the way it is unjustly and inequitably applied. As the church of Jesus Christ, we prophetically call on the legal system in all its branches (law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, prison) to be accountable to the high standard of God's justice.

We're thrilled to announce the birth of Jacoby Kenneth Hunter, first son of Daryl & Tanya Hunter, who arrived this morning at 1:04 AM, tipping the scale at 6lbs, 14oz. Mommy, baby and even dad are all doing well. A fifth grandchild for Steve and Beth Hunter. Please be keeping this family in your prayers!

Our brothers and sisters. We will see them in glory. We pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, His will for justice and against the sin of racism, here on earth as in heaven. And we pray that any criminal perpetrators would be treated by all police as this murderous terrorist was - arrested alive and unharmed to face justice for their crimes. In Jesus' name.

God, may we be true peacemakers who do not overlook the wounds of Your people or treat them carelessly. Restrain us from pretending and proclaiming a false peace. Keep us in step with what You are doing in our church, our neighbourhood, our country, and the world. In Jesus' name. Join us on Sunday, June 14 at 10:30 AM at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ as we continue to dig into how God calls us to live.

Great to see Canadian Ann Voskamp giving her platform today to Latasha Morrison, who has been working tirelessly for years, in the face of a church that often wasn't prepared to listen, to bring racial reconciliation to a divided church and from there to a divided and hurting world. There are many hopeful signs that the church is listening now. Arise, O God, defend Your cause! (Psalm 74:22)

It's encouraging to see the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada leaning in, listening to the leadership of NAIITS and moving forward in this direction. May we each commit to these action steps for justice.

He has told you, humanity, what is good, and what God is seeking from you: Only to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, Tree of Life Version)... Graphic from Be The Bridge.

A good word of encouragement and practical tips on praying from our Kathy Gooch!

Pentecost Sunday! May 31, 10:30 AM at https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ Art from Cameroon, the Jesus Mafa Project

A place where you can explore questions of life, faith and meaning and share your questions, opinions and doubts. You are welcome! Tonight, Tuesday, May 26, 7:30 PM online. Register here: https://forms.gle/SnShePasaKp9kTJ69

Way back in the spring of 2009, when no one had ever heard of COVID19 or imagined that the world would be gripped by a global pandemic, a bunch of Runnymeders took a trip to Washington DC to learn more about the church's response to poverty, and Pastor Mike took this picture. #morerelevantthanever In the words of an American pastor: The work of the church is essential. "The work of caring for the lonely, the marginalized, and the oppressed is essential. "The work of speakin...g truth to power and seeking justice is essential. "The work of being a loving, liberating, and life giving presence in the world is essential. "The work of welcoming the stranger, the refugee and the undocumented is essential. "The work of reconciliation and healing and caring is essential. "The church does not need to 'open' because the church never 'closed'. We who make up the Body of Christ, the church, love God and our neighbors and ourselves so much that we will stay away from our buildings until it is safe. We are the church. (reflection by Deon K. Johnson) See you online tomorrow, Sunday, May 24, at 10:30 AM, friends, and for Coffee & Chat afterwards! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Alpha starts TONIGHT! Make sure you register at https://www.alphacanada.org/try/#find-an-alpha (type in "Toronto" in location and scroll down for Alpha @ Runnymede) or email [email protected]! You need to register in order to get the confirmation email with instructions on how to join! Take a few seconds now!

If cats have interests and hobbies, so do you! Come share these delightful parts of your life (and encourage your kids to bring the things they're passionate about!) with our Runnymede family at our Share Yourself event, TOMORROW, Saturday, May 16 at 4 PM. If you can let our supreme host Graeme Dymond know in advance what you're bringing, that's helpful - but if you don't get a chance, just show up anyway. Regular Runnymeders will have already received the instructions for joining online. See you tomorrow (with your birds, fish, balls of yarn ....)!

Rather than couch-potatoing with Netflix, connect with a curious and engaged group of people to explore questions of life, faith and meaning. Starts Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 PM. Look for Alpha @ Runnymede on the Alpha Canada website alphacanada.org and sign up!

Snow can't stop us! Come to online church, Sunday, May 10, 10:30 AM (and feel free to bring your mom!) https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

At the end of our service a few weeks ago, we heard this beautiful and powerful blessing sung over us by the churches of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Here is the UK version, released this morning. Receive the blessing of God.

Sit anywhere you like! Join us for online church, Sunday, May 3, 10:30 AM. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Our Kathy Gooch brings a devotion on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

It's Wear Your Jammies to Church Day! Bring your coffee Sunday morning, April 26, at 10:30 AM! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Ernie Johannson was recently recognized in Forbes magazine as one of the 12 top women changing the money industry. The article said: "Ernie Johannson is the Group Head, North American Personal Banking and U.S. Business Banking for BMO Financial. Her focus is on closing the gap between women and money as well as between women and opportunities in the financial services industry. "Ernie believes she can use her position to help more women become effective money managers and se...rve as financial role models for their daughters. She also has made proactive changes to her leadership team mix, ensuring that women make up half of her senior leadership team." Ernie's boss said: "While Ernie would be the first to give all credit to her teams, she’s a tremendous leader who exemplifies boldly growing the good in business and life. The work that her teams are doing to support BMO’s customers with access to hardship relief and government loans, while sustaining our core services throughout the pandemic, are great examples of the important difference the banking sector is making during this extraordinary time. It is wonderful to see her recognized." Way to shine the light of Christ, Ernie!

Isolation may be a great time to work on your relationships! Holy Trinity Brompton (home church to Alpha) is running The Marriage Course starting every Monday. You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.htb.org/marriage

Jesus is alive! What does that mean for us, 2,000 years later? Tune in to our online service, TOMORROW, Sunday, April 19, 10:30 AM! https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Spoiler alert! Come join us for our Easter Celebration Service tomorrow - Sunday, April 12, at 10:30 AM - on our virtual church page. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ Photo credit: Pastor Grant MacDonald of Keele Street Christian Church

Good Friday service, Friday, April 10, 10:30 AM on our online church page. https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ Bring your journal, your Bible and communion elements to your screen for this service of remembrance and reflection. .

Join us tomorrow, Sunday, April 5, at 10:30 AM as we celebrate "stay home" Palm Sunday! Bring your homemade palm branches to wave at your screen! (Thanks, Alice Dearden, for your creativity!) https://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Some of the benefits of online church (courtesy of Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, England)! Check in HERE http://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ at 10:30 AM tomorrow, Sunday, March 29!

Runnymeders, please be praying for our past pastors, Richard & Terry Long. Terry's dad passed away earlier this morning. Our grief is augmented in these times as it's so difficult to gather together to mourn. Pray that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, would be with them and the family.

From our friends at The Sharing Place.

Some of you might have seen this post, or one similar to it, that's making the rounds. We don't know the source of it. However, praying is always a good thing! The time will fall at the end of our online service, so please feel free to pray. CHRISTIANS, UNITE IN PRAYER FOR THE COVID-19 SITUATION Imagine a world day of prayer on Sunday 22 March at 12 noon local time! Imagine if all Christians prayed at home from 12 noon to 1 pm, covering the globe over 24 hours. ... Pray for: 1. The stop of the spread of the virus 2. The recovery of those already infected 3. Peace for the families who lost loved ones 4. Restoration of the economies of the world 5. Wisdom for the governments who have to manage the outbreak. 6. Strength for the healthcare workers on the front lines. 7. Safety for the grocery store and other retail workers who are keeping food and supplies flowing. In the face of a threat that affects the entire world, let's blanket the world in prayer.

Online church again tomorrow, folks! Check in HERE http://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/ at 10:30 AM!

Introducing ... Runnymede Cares! Our "caremongering" group where we can stretch across social distancing to continue to be a caring family, advising one another of needs we know about (including our neighbours' needs) and responding to them. If Runnymede Church is your church home, send us a request to join the group!

So grateful that our DR missionaries, Dave and Sandy Chapman, and our senior pastor on leave, Mike Wilkins and his wife Pam, currently on the West Coast, were able to join us this morning at online church! If you missed our online church service this morning, you can still view it here: http://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Online church starts in 5 minutes! http://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Dear Runnymeders, Be sure to tune in to "Virtual Church" at Runnymede at 10:30 AM on Sunday, March 15 as Pastor Steve leads our online worship service. Huge thanks to Steve Robertson for all his tech giftings! Find "virtual church" here: http://www.runnymedechurch.org/virtual-church/

Dear Runnymeders, Staff have been following the ongoing developments regarding the coronavirus situation here in Toronto with a desire: 1. to be proactive rather than reactive, and stay ahead of the curve; 2. to be good role models for our community in taking care of one another, especially the more vulnerable in our midst; and 3. to be onside with public health measures in helping as much as we can to slow the spread and buffer the effect of COVID-19 on our healthcare system.... Taking into consideration the latest news and information from public health authorities regarding risk factors around large gatherings, and having spent time prayerfully considering the best course of action, we've determined that the best way to gather as the people of God at Runnymede under these circumstances is ONLINE. *Online gatherings will start this coming Sunday, March 15.* There will be an online worship set and Steve's sermon will be available online - watch this space for the links, so you can tune in from your home! Please do check in with all your church peeps, especially those who are newer to our church, and make sure that we have their contact information, as email is generally how we'll be communicating developments. HINT: If they haven't been getting the Runnymede News, we likely don't have their contact information! They can email the church (email address is on our website) to be added to the bcc distribution list. Staff continue to be available to respond to messages left in the church VoiceMail and by email, so please reach out and encourage your peeps to reach out. Let's be creative about how we connect - maybe even via good old-fashioned phoning! And please continue to pray that this virus will be readily contained and quickly eliminated - and thank God for an abundance of soap and water! TIP: If you say the Lord's Prayer while you're washing your hands, you"ll definitely be getting in the recommended 20 seconds, plus you'll be praying multiple times a day!

Our Dave Chapman is featured today by Servant's Heart Ministries, where he serves in the DR.

Springtime fun for kids with our Graeme Dymond!

Andreas is celebrating today, because he was awarded a grant from the Ontario Arts Council! Thank You, God!

"A Wonderful Way to bring in the New Year with Runnymede's Church Family!"

For those of you who don't get our missionaries the Windsors' regular newsy update and prayer letter from Kingfisher Lake, here's the latest one. We're looking forward to another visit from them to our church in late March or early April. Be on the lookout for a truck!

Coming to Runnymede on Sundays January 12 and 19 ... Jason Hildebrand! Part storyteller, part creative catalystJason leads a team at Jason Hildebrand Creative Arts, where he serves as a performer, creative principal, and coach. Jason's ministry involves engaging people in the stories of Scripture and God's love for them through the power of drama. January 12: The Prodigal Son January 19: Life of David