By REV. KATHERINE McCLOSKEY When I first arrived at Beaches Presbyterian Church, I was not sure of what to expect. I knew what I wanted to find there beginning with the fact that Beaches Presbyterian is in my favourite Toronto neighbourhood and wondered if it might become my home congregation. Beaches reputation for being a […]
Category: Open Doors
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: This is the season to care for others and call for change
By REV. GREG DALY Anticipation…it’s making me wait. In 1979 Heinz created a message that still rattles around in the heads of Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers alike, calling us all to wait for the good things to come. Ketchup aside, we are once again in a time of waiting. Our yearly journey into winter, […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: Honouring the Hosts of the Land on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
By IMAM IRSHAD OSMAN September 30 marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation known as Orange Shirt Day. Although it is declared as a statutory holiday by the federal government, the day cannot be treated as another day off from work to enjoy a long weekend. Orange Shirt Day carries dark memories from our […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: A lot is ‘happening’ at Kingston Road United Church
By REV. MARTHA MARTIN Perhaps you have heard the saying … “if you want to make God laugh, tell her your plans.” I have thought of that phrase often in the past few years since becoming the minister at Kingston Road United Church. Here’s why I think God is amused at me being in a […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: A welcome to St. John’s Norway both inside and out of church
By REV. MOLLY FINLAY In case anyone was checking, it’s been a crazy couple of years for everyone—but try shifting an institution that is thousands of years old into the 21st Century! No wonder your ministers, imams, rabbis and priests look like Lloyd Christmas after he’s gone through the wind tunnel in Dumb and Dumber. […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: Much-needed food bank at Calvary Baptist Church’s Grace Pascoe Care Centre open on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
By REV. RUTH BARTLETT I know, I know…it’s so cliché. But it’s so true!! What we dream, what we imagine, is far more plausible when there are others working alongside us to get it done. Without teamwork I wouldn’t be writing an article a couple of weeks after the reopening of the Grace Pascoe Care […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: Being grateful for the lives we are able to enjoy
By REV. ANGELA J. CLUNEY The recent Easter weekend was extra special this year. I believe it could be defined as such as it was our most recent attempt at normal life. It was finally the opportunity for family, friends and neighbours to join together for in-person gatherings, worship services, and even the annual Beaches […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church takes a Lenten journey as Easter approaches
By REV. KENESHA BLAKE-NEWELL The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history and legacy in mission, outreach, education, spiritual empowerment and growth for 235 years worldwide and for over 180 years in Canada. We believe our mission and advocate for the social, physical and spiritual improvement of people’s life regardless of the tide that […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: ‘Loving thy neighbour’ helps build the beloved community
By REV. WAYNE WALDER NEIGHBOURHOOD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION Two months ago, my partner Joan and I were walking on the beach, just after sunset. We noticed one of the largest electrical storms we have ever seen…taking place on the other side of the lake. It must have stretched from Hamilton through the east side of […]
Open Doors Spiritual Matters: As we begin 2022, let’s use the days well
By MARGARET DORE BEACH HEBREW INSTITUTE 2022, is it? Or is it 2020 Two, as in 2020 – The Sequel? Does it feel to you like a new year? I need a NEW year. When I last wrote for Beach Metro Community News in spring 2020, the first wave of COVID-19 was descending on us […]