Greetings from Bloor Street United Church,
The warmth and sun of this time are extra welcome this year as we move into a new stride in getting ourselves back to a more normal world and in our new partnership with St. Matthews. Bloor Streeters decided to worship and share some program activities with St. Matthews United for the next few years as 300 Bloor Street West is transformed into new sacred and office space. This remains an “informal but formal” arrangement, confirmed by both congregations in May and tied together with friendly activities, joint worship and shared ideas.
It has been wonderful to receive such a warm welcome from St. Matt’s especially since it is a tall order to be gracious when a much larger congregation appears on your doorstep. At Bloor Street we have our own ways of doing things, some of us are still missing our former church home and we are experiencing the uncertainty that always comes with change. A thank you to St. Matthew’s not only for the welcome but the steadying “it’s ok” as we find ways to do things together. And we are succeeding. Hybrid services welcome you online or in-person. Shared music including both choirs has become a highlight for everyone.
This summer as in the past we are joining with Trinity St. Paul’s to share services and now St. Matt’s will be part of this summer ritual, too. Services on July 3, 17, 24 and 31 will be in person at St. Matt’s and online. July 10 and all of the August services will come from Trinity St. Paul’s and will also be online. The Reverends Martha ter Kuile and Lauren Hodgson lead July, and the Reverends Russ Daye and Cheri DiNovo take over in August.
And if you are wondering where you can find our offices now that 300 Bloor Street West is being transformed, we are happy to have you drop by 165 Avenue Road, Suite 402 – right at the corner of Davenport and Avenue Roads. We anticipate some meetings and programming will resume there in September as well as at St. Matt’s. This website will be kept up to date on what’s happening, when and where.
May the blessings of a warm sun, a growing and productive garden and a walk along a beach or forest trail be with you.
Sandra Cruickshanks
Chair, Church Council
