St. Paul's United Church
200 McIntosh Street M1N 3Z3 Toronto, ON, Canada

The weather outside is frightful... but let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Today was my last Sunday at St. Paul's, and I was feted with a zoom party with lots of good wishes and lovely tributes. They gave me this picture from a few years ago taken on the steps of the church by John Smee of the Bluffs Monitor. It's been a great six+ years, and I'll miss my St. Paul's family a lot. But, they will be well, I'm sure, and will continue to be a blessing in the Cliffside community. And I will be taking a few weeks off to catch my breath and do some laundry before starting at East End United. Thank you to everyone who has made this a wonderful time. Blessings abound!

An Irish prayer sent me from Joyce. It makes me think of the many transitions I'm going through right now: Last month, my dad, and this month, leaving St. Paul's. Thank you, Joyce!

Dear CTV News & CBC News , please stop interviewing snowbirds who are angry because "the rules changed" and they might have to pay $2,000 per person to come bac...k to Canada. Nobody cares. Nobody feels sorry for these people. The rules changed because the virus changed. The rules changed just like the government told them might happen. Why not do stories people actually care about? Like why hairdressers and barbers are closed when there hasn't been one case or even close contact of one in NB. Or why the government lets Costco stay open, able to sell anything they want. And if they get caught with too many people the government gives them a little fine. Or stories about people who couldn't see their children being born or be with their parents when they died. Or how long term care homes (Barrie) are still allowing workers to work in multiple facilities, causing every single resident and staff member to test positive. Except 1. Or how about doing some happy stories about how neighbours are helping neighbours, how students are ensuring seniors who live alone get groceries and safe distance visits. The snowbirds made their beds in the sand, now let them lie there. We don't care.

Yes, this is so true.

Clap your hands!

Thank you Carol, for this great video. Let the bells ring!!

For those who are getting ready for moose-hunting season.

SPUC member Suzanne Berrie submitted this poem by Alyce Rogers to the BEACH METRO NEWS in honour of Remembrance Day. Lest we Forget. Thank you Suzanne. https://www.beachmetro.com//letters-to-the-editor-poem-ex/

Welcome to the First Sunday of Epiphany! Virtual church is open. It's been a heck of a week and we need a little time for reflecting on all that's happened and how we look at it from a faith perspective. With the new year, we're starting where it all starts. Genesis 1. Join us! https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org//first-sunday-of-epipha

Thanks, Sandra, for this!

Heart & Vision is a FREE event (Monday, Nov 16th) this year, honouring Anthony Bailey and Hazel Bigby for their leadership around anti-Black racism. Special guests artists include Jackie Richardson. Donations are tax receiptable, and support anti-racism programs.

Remembrance Day service this morning.

Right now, more than ever, we need to remember these words from the late Jack Layton.

Remember, that Jesus never asked why someone was hungry, why they were blind or lame, or why they needed his help.

We are re-opening church this week, but services will also continue online. This week, we honour Remembrance Day. https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org//the-sacred-act-of-reme

Thank you to everyone for the amazing support and generosity in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, as I raised funds for Kids Camping through the UCC. My initial goal was $500, but together we've raised more than $2000! THANK YOU!!! This will help the camps remain viable and offer wonderful opportunities for kids to have that once-in-a-lifetime at summer camp. BTW, the donate page is still open, so it's not too late to push us over the $2500 mark!!! https://raceroster.com//scotia/pledge/participant/10180139

Good Sunday Morning! We're celebrating "All Saints' Day" with online worship, reflecting on The Beatitudes. You know, "Blessed are they...." Don't feel you're much of a saint? Neither do I, frankly. But, all of us who take life one step at a time, endeavour to make the world a better place in small and large ways, and look for the Holy in the Other, are (trust me,) Saints. And blessed we shall be! Check out today's service with a reading of The Beatitudes by Allan, a fresh look at the Beatitudes by Rev. Dan, and a variety of musical accompaniments culminating in the incomparable Satchmo playing "When the Saints Go Marching In." See you in church: https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org//for-all-the-saints-the

Thank you Joyce for sharing this beautiful version of a beloved prayer and benediction.

Something old but new in the hood.

Man, hats off to Procter & Gamble ("P&G") for this bold commercial. This is powerful. I can say I honestly relate to this on so many levels. Receiving "The Look..." so many times, just feeling the prejudgment and bias thrown my way without even opening my mouth, regardless of how Im dressed, being followed in department stores, being in a neighborhood that I "shouldnt" be in and so on. If you wonder what its like being in "my skin" just watch this commercial and acknowledge how it makes you feel. Itll give some insight into what its like having to rise against biases, prejudgment, prejudices, and stereotypes (Im aware that everyone deals with "cultural stereotypes"). This, I can say Ive never felt a commercial so personally like this one. Head over to " us.pg.com/talkaboutbias/ " for more on this and be educated even more. #TalkAboutBias #TimeForAChange #TheTalk

A few pictures from yesterdays in-person worship: Conner on sound, Carol and Stan sanitizing their hands, participants practicing physical distancing, and Maureen sporting a very stylish mask. No singing, no hand-shaking, no coffee and cookies after worship, but Gods presence was undeniably felt.

Holding in prayer students, parents and care-givers, teachers, professors, administrators, teaching assistants, caretakers, bus drivers, and all those who are getting back to school. Be strong and brave, be sensible, wash your hands and wear your mask, and come home safe.

IT TAKES ALL KINDS! Thats the theme of this Sundays worship, based on the Epistle of Paul to the Romans and the Gospel According to Peanuts. Sheila reads, Rev. Dan preaches, and we have special music contributions from Bette Midler and the Shillong Chamber Choir. https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org/post/it-takes-all-kinds

Sunday we have our first in-person worship service since March! Weve asked people to register by calling the church beforehand so we can manage physical distancing and other safety measures. WE ARE ALREADY FULLY BOOKED and at capacity! So, if you havent already registered for this week, please enjoy the same service online: https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org/post/it-takes-all-kinds

Mask, gloves, shield, sanitizer? CHECK! Pews roped off and marked for social distancing? CHECK! COVID test completed and results in? CHECK! (NEG, YAY!!). Ushers trained and ready-to-go? CHECK! All set for in-person worship tomorrow? CHECK! Oh, wait! WHERES THE SERMON?????

Welcome to our newest community partner here at SPUC. The church today is filled with the aroma of Mexico! https://www.moms-kitchen.ca/

The 30 Most Beautiful Places in Toronto, according to a BlogTo list. The Scarborough Bluffs(#2), The Toronto Hunt Club(#16) and Rosetta McClain Gardens(#25) make the grade. https://www.blogto.com//the_15_most_beautiful_places_in_/

Getting serious for a moment with our favorite archbishop...

An interesting read on personality types by how (or if) they return shopping carts to the store or just abandon them in the parking lot. https://getpocket.com//why-don-t-people-return-their-shopp

171 Midland at Kingston Road just keeps getting better and better ... landscaped gardens, metal railings and cedar shingles topping the cake. Zoned for resident...ial apartments on the top floor, anticipation builds for what type of commercial business will be on the first floor of this heritage building that dates back to 1903 in Cliffside Village. A short read on early history, and what the building looked like prior. https://www.acotoronto.ca/show_building.php?BuildingID=8996 See more

Just down the road from SPUC is the Scarborough Foreign Missions. So much history and good work from our neighbours, but sadly they are closing.

Welcome to church! Were online this week, with a fresh reflection by Rev. Dan. on the passage from Matthew, "Where two or three are gathered..." as the cornerstone of our faith in these isolating times. Also, music from Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson, a sing-a-long version of "Come in and Sit Down" played by Haewook Kim, a new song from an amazing 300-voice choir from across the globe, and a surprise Labour Day gift for all those who toiled away on Underwood, Remingtons, or Olivettis. Come, rest from your toil and worship God! https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org//where-two-or-three-are

Our COVID Elves have been very busy this week, not just cleaning and sanitizing, but placing markers, arrows, signs, masks, and hand-sanitizer to help ensure proper care of our church family, friends, and guests. Thank you Faithful Elves!!

Lots of things we can do to support our community and local businesses here in Cliffside.

This was on a poster in my home church when I was quite young. It made a deep impression that is still alive in me.

Wear a mask and wash your hands, no matter which lifeboat youre in.

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!

And, on top of everything, it was a Wedursday, which is always a bad day for mowing the grass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQfhxDld7E

If you missed SPUC yesterday, you missed Heathers reading of Matthew, Rev. Dans reflection on keeping (or sharing) secrets, "What a friend we have in Jesus" New Orleans style (or Nawlinstyle if you like), and a closing song by the Beatles. Lucky you, you can still check it out. https://www.stpaulsscarborough.org//who-are-you-and-what-s

A musical gift from Down Under, via B&B @ Stoney Lake.

If youve ever heard the term white privilege and not understood it or got your back up over it, please watch this. It is a simple, moving, and helpful explanation.

Ok, how can I incorporate this incredible piece of music into Sunday worship? All ideas welcome.