Birchcliff Bluffs United Church

New Website!

2011-12-05T19:28:00.002-05:00

We've moved! Please go to

http://www.birchcliffbluffsuc.org

for all the latest on our church and congregation!

Thanks,
Robin Bellamy, Communications Committee

Here we Grow Again!

2011-06-09T19:51:00.005-04:00

Birchcliff Bluffs United Church of Canada has really had a lot of miracles in the past few years. Are you aware of them?

We've amalgamated with Birchcliff Heights UC, bringing new life and fresh ideas and MANY loving helping hands. We've set up and now operate Churches By the Bluffs Food Bank, serving over 300 people every week. We've remodeled our lovely church and added an elevator for better accessibility and upgraded our sound system for better coverage.

Yet some things stay the same. Our commitment to the community, for instance, our devout belief in One God who loves us all, our welcoming attitude for those of all races, sexuality, economic or social status, and even those of different creeds are the rocks we are built upon. That's who we are, and who we will always be. You can count on it!

Soon you will see other changes. We will have a new website that replaces this blog. In a few weeks you will only have to click on www.birchcliffbluffsuc.org for information, events, history, and what we have to offer those who need to rent space. We can now be found on Facebook and Twitter (@BirchcliffBluffs) so staying updated is even easier. We're also working on new signs to help people locate us.

We hope you'll join us for worship or one of our community events. We'd love to meet you face to face and get to know you heart to heart!

Upcoming events:

Annual Spring Fest

Saturday, June 11, 2011 9am
Join us for great deals on gently used items, new wonders from our vendors, and amazing food from our grill or our bake sale!

Summer Schedule

During the months of July and August we will be meeting with St. Pauls United Church. In July we will all meet at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Road (near Kingston and Warden) and in August we will all meet at St, Pauls, 200 Macintosh Street (near Kingston and Sandown). If you can't be at the cabin, why not visit God's House!

Rent Space Available

Birchcliff Bluffs is a beautiful church for weddings! Consider booking yours here, and discuss all of the options we have available. If you need space for an office, we've got that too--there are a few rooms in the church that would make a great office for someone just getting started and needing reasonable rent. Burthday Parties, Jack-n-Jills, Awards Banquets, Recitals--we can do just about anything with our space. Call the office for information.

Don't forget to stop by the Bluffs Boutique for deals on a great selection of gently used clothing and other items. The Boutique is open during Food Bank hours on Thursday.

If you have events and information you'd like to add to our Sunday bulletin, our monthly newsletter, our blog, or our website, please send an email to office@birchcliffbluffsuc.org and someone will get in touch with you.

Have a great summer!

Upcoming Events

2011-01-21T09:21:00.009-05:00

WINTER SUNDAY WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Jan. 30 – Dedication of Piano
Feb. 27 – Sunday Service and Annual Congregational Meeting
Apr. 17 – Palm Sunday Service with Music from Resurrection Song
Apr. 24 – Easter Sunday Service
March 8 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Adults - $4.00; Children - $2.00
Followed by Putting on the Ashes Service – 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 16 – Resurrection Song - A musical and dramatic presentation
Apr. 17 – Palm Sunday Service

YOUTH EVENT

Youth Ping-Pong-a-thon - Sat. Feb. 19 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Call the Church Office to register and for information.

STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP

Four Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. - Mar. 23 & 30, Apr. 6 & 13. Saving Jesus: Living the Questions – Cost - $10.00.

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

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Saturday, December 11, 2010 – 7 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible

Get into the Christmas spirit as you relax in our comfortable sanctuary chairs and listen to media personalities read some of your famous Christmas stories:

Avis Favaro – CTV Medical Reporter
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Andrea Gordon – Toronto Star Reporter
Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Don Gray – Filmmaker and Broadcaster
Dave Cooks the Turkey by Stuart McLean

Leon Korbee – Broadcast Journalist, formerly with CTV News
The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier

And as a Special Feature:

The Shower Curtain Productions Puppeteers present
"Spreading the News".

Enjoy Christmas music performed by the Birchcliff Bluffs choir &
Sing your favourite Christmas carols.
Guest musician – Soprano Maria Thorburn.

Admission – Suggested Donation of $15.00 and a non-perishable food item
Proceeds donated to the Churches By The Bluffs Community Services Food Bank

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, December 1st at 7:30 pm: GOOD GRIEF IT’S CHRISTMAS: (Blue Christmas Service). We will have Christmas readings, carol singing and candle lighting for those who wish to remember loved ones who have died. St. Paul’s United Church will be joining us at Birchcliff Bluffs. Cider following the service.

Sunday, December 5th at 10:30 am: WHITE GIFT AND SUNDAY SCHOOL DRAMATIC PRESENTATION
Following the positive response to last year’s annual Sunday School Christmas presentation, music will be a big part of this year’s event, too. “Simply Christmas” will look at the other side of Christmas--the simplicity of the Nativity. Our Sunday School and adult actors will reveal in song, word and drama, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in a humble cattle stall. This date is also White Gift Sunday in the United Church, and unwrapped non-perishable food items will be collected for the food bank.

Sunday, December 12th at 10:30 am: LESSONS AND CAROLS SERVICE. We will be dedicating our lovely, new piano.

Sunday, December 19th at 10:30 am: We will be welcoming back Julia Seager-Scott with her harp. Julia will be accompanied by soprano soloist Ryonwen Derbez, whom we welcome to Birchcliff Bluffs for the first time.

Christmas Eve Service, Friday, December 24th at 7:30 pm:
Following the service: Our third annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Blue lights in memory of someone who has died and white lights to honour those who are important in our lives may be purchased for $10.

Several participants last year, purchased lights in lieu of Christmas gifts. Acknowledgement cards will available to donors who wish to let people know that a light will be lit in their honour on Christmas Eve at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church. Please include a self addressed envelope for us to send you these acknowledgement cards by return mail.

Cider and cookies will be served following the service.

Sunday, December 26 at 10:30 am – Singing Carols and learning their history.

Sunday, January 2 at 10:30 am - Elizabeth Cuthbertson will conduct worship service.

Sunday, January 9 at 10:30 am - Epiphany Sunday and Communion.

FRIDAY FORUMS WITH DECADENT DESSERTS

2010-11-18T10:51:00.007-05:00

All Forums start at 7:30 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2011 - NOBODY’S CHILD – CANADA’S HOME CHILDREN - DON GRAY, Teacher & Film-maker
‘Nobody’s Child’ is the story of the 100,000 abandoned and orphaned youngsters swept up from the slums of Britain and Scotland, separated from families, placed in orphan homes – then shipped by sea to Canada to work on farms and homes, often as indentured servants.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 - TRAVEL TO ROME, FLORENCE, ASSISI and SIENA – CYNTHIA SCOTT, Minister of Birchcliff Bluffs United Church
Hear about St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals and Nature, visit the Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence, see the medieval walls of Siena and Rome and more!

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011
ATTRACTING BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES TO THE GARDEN
MARGARET McRAE, Toronto Field Naturalists
Learn how to provide a safe environment with suitable food, shelter, water and space to attract birds and butterflies to the garden. Margaret McRae’s garden has been certified by the Canadian Wildlife Federation for its Backyard Habitat.

Enjoy a social time with delicious refreshments after the presentation.
Admission: $10.00 at the door.

Homecoming Weekend Celebration at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church

2010-07-19T12:19:00.001-04:00

October 15, 16 and 17, 2010
Wheel Chair Accessible

All present and former members and friends of Birchcliff Bluffs (and former members and friends of the amalgamated congregations of Birchcliff and Birchcliff Heights United Churches) are invited to set this weekend aside (or part of it) to gather & reconnect with each other. Bring your friends too!

Featuring our renovated building which is totally accessible and our new Yamaha Grand Piano!!

Please: 'Search & Find' names and addresses of former members and friends and send information to bbuchomecoming@gmail.com so we can send out personal invitations.

Friday October 15 at 8:00 pm - Concert and Decadent Desserts
Cost: $20 per person

A classical music concert featuring Ross Osmun on our new Yamaha Grand piano! You will be amazed at the quality of the performance and the sound.

Saturday October 16 at 7:30 pm - Dance & Silent Auction
Cost $30 per person

Dance to the fantastic sounds the 21 piece Metro Big Band.
Dress Code: smart casual to dressy
Hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and fabulous silent auction items.

Sunday October 17 at 10:30 am

Sunday Worship Celebration in our renovated sanctuary and welcome centre.
Lunch to follow in the church hall.

Renew old acquaintances.
You will be amazed at the changes we have made.
Catch the Spirit and enjoy the fun and commitment that we share with each other and the community.

For further inquiries call: 416-694-4081 or email bbuchomecoming@gmail.com

Rental Space Available

2010-07-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

Birchcliff Bluffs United Church has several spaces available for rent which are suitable for many different uses at very reasonable rates. With these difficult economic times, we have the answer, very affordable beautiful space.

Currently availability are facilities that are very functional for worship services, conducting meetings, concerts, birthday parties, special occasions or exercise classes which can be rented for a one day event or on a long term basis.

You may wish to inquire about the spacious second floor loft which overlooks the city to the east, south and north. It has lots of windows and light and could be an ideal artist's studio.

We are very flexible and will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Please inquire either by emailing our office at bbuc@bellnet.ca or calling the office at 416-694-4081 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12 noon on Monday to Friday. All other times, kindly leave your telephone message and it will be returned within one day.

May Newsletter

2010-05-14T10:09:00.002-04:00

Minister's Letter

Dear Friends,
By now many of you will have met Robin Martin, our new Church Ad-ministrator. Robin is very conscientious and already a pleasure to have in our office. Please take time to introduce yourself if you are by the church. Her hours are every week-day morning from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.
In February, Lin underwent a double knee replacement. I can’t tell you how much we both appreciated your many prayers and thoughtful cards. That experience reminded me of those of you who have gone through great pain, but who have come through the trials, mending yourselves over a long period of time.
Lin and I will be on vacation for the first week of July and for four weeks beginning August 11. We look forward to spending a few days with children and grand-children at a cottage in Howdenvale on the Bruce Peninsula. August 17th we fly to Italy for three weeks. I will be busy getting some pictures together for one of our Friday Forums, of Rome, Florence, Assisi and Siena.
During the summer we will be co-operating with St. Paul’s. Here is the schedule of our joint summer
services:
Message from the Minister
June 2010
GOOD TIDINGS
Birchcliff Bluffs United Church www.birchcliffbluffs.org
August 2010
Sunday, August 1st at Birchcliff Bluffs with Cynthia
Sunday, August 8th at Birchcliff Bluffs with Cynthia
Sunday, August 15th at Birchcliff Bluffs with Cynthia
Sunday, August 22nd at Birchcliff Bluffs with Leslee
Sunday, August 29th at Birchcliff Bluffs with Leslee
September 2010
Sunday, September 5th at Birchcliff Bluffs with Leslee
While I am away in August, Reverend Leslee Alfano, Minister at St. Paul’s United Church, will be on call for pastoral emergencies (O) 416-261-4222 and ( H) 416-292-7077. Throughout the summer, until August 17th, I can always be reached on my cell phone (416-436-7867).
I wish each one of you a happy, restful and safe summer, with physical and spiritual refreshment. I look forward to seeing you at our summer services whenever you are in town.
Love,
Cynthia
July 2010
Sunday, July 4th at St. Paul's with Leslee Alfano
Sunday, July 11th at St. Paul's with Cynthia
Sunday, July 18th at St. Paul's with Cynthia
Sunday, July 25th at St. Paul's with Cynthia
Page 2
Good Tidings is a published quarterly by Birchcliff Bluffs United Church
33 East Road
(Warden and \Kingston Road)
Scarborough, Ontario
M1N Z9
Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:30 - 12 noon
At other times, please leave a message at (416) 694-4081.
Church Staff
Minister
Rev. Cynthia Scott
Director of Music
Richard Keilman
Church Administrator
Robin Martin
Caretaker
Kirk White
Church Board/Committee Leads
Chair
Beth Moore
Minister (ex officio)
Rev. Cynthia Scott
Finance
James Farmer/Frank Bawcutt
Treasurer
Michelle Kermath
Fundraising/Special Events
Janet Bawcutt
Maintenance/Property
Vicky Kennedy
Outreach
Gail Barkic
Pastoral Care
Margaret Robertson
Presbytery
Beth Moore
Doug Bellamy
Secretary
Kamiliah Joseph
Spiritual Growth - Children and Youth
Marian Martin/Jessie Gordon
Trustees
Janet Bawcutt
Worship
Mary Cannings
Ad Hoc Teams
Rentals
1. Heather White
Stewardship
2. Gail Barkic
Communications
3. Betty McColloch
MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCH BOARD
Now that our visioning process has been completed and work to implement our long range plan has begun; the Board is asking Toronto Southeast Presbytery to authorize us to establish a Joint Needs Assessment Committee. The appoint-ment of the JNAC is the first step in calling a new Minister. We hope to begin that process in the fall. As a retired Minister, Rev. Cynthia Scott is not eligible for a call and may only accept one year appointments so, while she will be with us for one more year, we now need to consider a more long-term arrangement.
The JNAC Report includes six sections. In the first three we look at our com-munity, our pastoral charge and our resources. The last three sections outline the skills we are looking for in a new Minister, the position description for the ministry position and the terms of the position.
The work we did in our visioning process will greatly assist the preparation of the first three sections of the report. Those sections determine whether we are sufficiently viable as a congregation to proceed with calling a new Minister. On the positive side is the wonderful energy in our congregation that is evident in:
 the great productions by Shower Curtain Productions, which just keep get-ting better and better,
 the strong interest in our spiritual development programs, such as the book study of Eternal Life, A New Vision, by John Shelby Spong, participated in by 14 people during Lent,
 the excellent participation and support for events such as our Friday Forums, the Ping Pong-a-Thon, the upcoming bowling evening and our Fall and Spring Fests,
 our strong support of the Churches by the Bluffs food bank and the Bluffs Boutique,
 the willingness of our members to serve on the Board and our new Commu-nications Task Group and to respond willingly to requests for support for our church activities.
Our weakest areas are average attendance at Sunday worship services and our large projected budget deficit. It was great to see such a good turnout on Easter Sunday. We hope that everyone will make a special effort to attend worship as regularly as possible in the fall when we will be under Presbytery scrutiny. Our goal should be an average turnout in the 60 to 70 range. Our worship services provide opportunities to experience spiritual nourishment as part of a supportive community.
To help us meet our budget, we encourage you to keep your offerings up to date, especially as we move into the summer. If you will be away for a while in the summer, you can use pre-authorized remittances (PAR), post-dated cheques or prepayments. If you can afford an extra, special contribution, it would be very helpful. We are attempting to increase our rental income but our envelope giv-ings are our primary financial resource.
As we celebrate the Pentecost message that God’s spirit is alive in our world, we also celebrate the spirit and hope that enlivens our church life and look forward to the next stage in our ministry journey.
Beth Moore
Chair, Church Board
Come One - Come All!
To the Birchcliff Bluffs United Church Spring Fest
Saturday June 5, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Come for the Fun, Fellowship and Food
There is still time to clear out junk and call for a
pickup. Remember one person’s junk is another person’s
treasure.
Available Friday June 4 at 9:00 am? Why not help sort and organize?
Early riser? Saturday, June 5 Have a coffee at the church
while getting the items out for the sale. Celebrate a job well
done with a McBluffs or a Bacon On A Bun
Like to meet people? Sales staff is always welcome.
If you have a special interest area, why not offer to serve there? We will have baking, treasures, books,
sports equipment, etc. Pick a Spot.
Also available Vendors to provide additional opportunities to shop.
The Fellowship Room will be available mornings after May l9th to leave your treasures.
Face Painting!!! By a resident artist!
If shopping is your bag (oh no) please bring your own!
Shop ‘till you drop!
IT WILL BE GOOD FOR YOUR CHURCH.
For more information or article pickup - please call Betty - (4l6)-694-l228
or Margaret - (416) 694-4000
Page 3
Summer Office Hours
The church office will be open regular hours over the summer with the following
exceptions: May 24th, July 1st, August 2nd and September 6th.
Church Administrator holidays is to be announced soon.
Following hours of rehearsals and a great performance of our Easter
drama by our children, regular Sunday School classes have resumed.
Classes will continue with our curriculum-based lessons
until the end of May. During June, Jessie and Marian will be available
for activities during Sunday School time.
We'll break for summer holidays in July and August and will look
forward to resuming Sunday School classes following the Labour
Day weekend. New curriculum has already been ordered, so we'll
catch up and start new lessons in September.
Although we won't be holding a Vacation Bible Adventure program
at our site this year, Knox United Church will host an event August
9 - 13 for children ages 5 - 12.
For further information call 416-293-4424 ext. 13.
Sunday School
Gala Homecoming Weekend 2010
Please, mark this weekend on your calendar so you
don’t miss out on the festivities
Join Gail and Heather on the planning team. First meeting: Sunday
May 16 after the worship service. Help fill in the details for an
amazing homecoming weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity to
socialize and reconnect with those who have moved away – both of
which we named as part of our congregational mission statement.
Please start to collect and submit names and addresses of former
members and friends so that they may be formally invited to join in
on the celebration.
To start the weekend off on Friday October 15th, Richard Keilman
has arranged for an inaugural concert on our new grand piano, featuring
Ross Osmun playing a variety of classical pieces focusing on
Chopin in celebration of Chopin’s 100th anniversary year.
On Saturday evening, of Saturday October 16th Heather White has already booked the 21 piece
Metro Big Band. These musicians and singers will take us on musical trip down memory lane with
famous tunes from the eras that we all love. Get out your dancing shoes! (Google: Metro Big Band
for more details and sample clips of their repertoire.)
Sunday October 17th - worship at 10:30.
Page 4F

Seasonal street views.

2010-03-29T14:33:00.019-04:00

Easter Letter

2010-03-29T13:21:00.001-04:00

Easter 2010

Dear Friends,
Every year, as Easter approaches, I remember the classic story of Steven. Steven was an eight-year old boy. As well as being mentally challenged, he had a heart problem that was growing steadily worse.

It was on a Sunday in April that the church school teacher handed out eight of those L’Eggs pantyhose containers, one to each of the children in the class. She asked them to bring back the containers the next Sunday, with something in them that represented “new life in the spirit”. She presumed that Steven might not be able to fully understand this. In order not to embarrass him, she had all eight containers piled anonymously on the table the next week.

When she opened the first one, it contained a small stone. She imagined the stone might be Steven’s, since a stone doesn’t exactly represent new life. But Billy shouted that the rock had moss on it and moss represents new life.

A butterfly flew out of the next container, and another child boasted that her choice was best of all. The third container was empty. “This one has to be Steven’s,” the teacher thought, and she moved quickly on to the next one. “Please don’t skip mine,” said Steven. “But it’s empty,” said the teacher. “That’s right,” said Steven slowly, “the tomb was empty and that’s new life for everyone.”

That event took place in April. Later that summer Steven’s health got worse and worse, until he died. When people came to the funeral they saw eight L’Eggs pantyhose containers on the casket -- all of them empty.

Easter can be a time for remembering the empty moments in our own lives -- the crucifying experiences, the separations, the empty tombs before which we weep. But Easter should not end that way. As we peer into the mist of the morning, the whisper comes, assuring us that every single one of us is known to God and will never be lost. God’s life-giving power cannot be contained. May God help each of us to hear the message of Easter as we move into the beautiful spring season.

Love, Cynthia

Easter Services 2010

2010-03-29T13:16:00.004-04:00

LENTEN LUNCH SERIES AT St. Nicholas Anglican Church continues every Wednesday until March 31st: 12 noon Mid-Day Prayers; 12:30 Lunch in Robinson Hall. Proceeds support Churches by the Bluffs, Community Services, food bank which is housed at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER DATES:

MAUNDY THURSDAY COMBINED SERVICE, Thursday, April 1st: 7:30 pm at Scarborough Bluffs United, 3739 Kingston Road, at Scarborough Golf Club Road.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE INCLUDES OUR COMBINED CHOIR, April 2nd: 10:30 am at Glen Ayr United, 55 Brimorton Drive, from our church north on Brimley, past Lawrence, turn right on Brimorton.

EASTER SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE, April 4th: 7:30 am. The service will be in a small park at the intersection of Kingston Road and St. Clair, turn right on Brooklawn, turn left when Brooklawn dead-ends into Sunnypoint.

EASTER BREAKFAST follows at Scarborough Bluffs United, 3739 Kingston Road, 1 block east of Scarborough Golf Club Rd.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE, April 4th at 10:30 am at Birchcliff Bluffs United, followed by home-made hot cross buns at coffee time.

“RESURRECTION SONG” here at Birchcliff Bluffs Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m.
New scenes and music will add energy and meaning as we present our annual Easter drama. Following the positive response to our Christmas musical, we’ve updated our usual presentation with seven new songs and additional material. “Resurrection Song” will be presented by Birchcliff Bluff's drama group, Shower Curtain Productions, Through the new lyrics, reflections and scenes you will see and hear the excitement, fears and doubts experienced by Jesus and his followers during Holy Week and beyond.

Admission is $10 per person. Funds raised will support the Churches By the Bluffs Community Services Food Bank and our church’s fund-raising efforts. Refreshments will follow. We look forward to seeing you there.

Welcome to Birchcliff Bluffs United Church

2008-02-06T11:41:00.008-05:00

Minister: Cynthia Scott

We are located at 33 East Road in Scarborough, Ontario, near the corner of Warden Avenue and Kingston Road. Please join us for worship and fellowship beginning at 10.30 a.m. We are pleased that you found us online. We offer you this site to help you become better acquainted with us. We know that by sharing our story with you, we can make it easier for you to become part of this church. We invite you, with members of your family and friends, to worship with us and to join us in community. An active church school as well as nursery care with an Early Childhood Educator are available on Sundays.

Together, we will continue to carry out the mission of this congregation to serve others, bringing them into closer communion with God.

Music Director: Richard Keilman
Choir Practice on Mondays at 7:30 pm with rehearsals on Sundays morning at 9:30 am.
Interested singers are invited to meet with Richard.

Online Events Calendar

2007-08-01T11:43:00.005-04:00

FRIDAY FORUM With Decadent Desserts
Friday, October 30, 2009 - Buenas Dias, Machu Picchu
Cynthia Scott – Cynthia’s presentation will feature photographs from her trip to Chile, Argentina, Peru and Brazil, including a tour of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines seen from a light aircraft and visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina, The Paris of South America and Mendosa, the wine country of the Andes.

Friday, November 27, 2009 – Right to Your Front Door
The home delivery business of days gone by.
Herb Kingston - Historian and former deliveryman for Blantyre Dairy, Silverwoods Dairy and Simpson’s – Herb will present a narrated slide presentation describing the history of milk delivery and other delivery services in Toronto. Herb witnessed first hand the transition from horse and wagon to trucks and ultimately the dwindling away of most home delivery services. He has assembled a wonderful collection of slides and memorabilia that will bring back fond memories.
Friday, January 29, 2010 – Legends of the Nile
Michael and Zenovia Skibinski - Mike and Zenovia will show slides with commentary about their trip to Egypt. Starting in Cairo, they visited ancient sites along the Nile including the Pyramids of Giza, Ramses The Second's great carved temple at Aswan and the temples of Karnak (featured in the filming of Agatha Christie's 'Death On The Nile' ). Come and learn the fascinating history of Egyptian monuments.

Friday, February 26, 2010 – Scarborough, Then & Now.
Rick Schofield – Archivist, Rick Schofield, of the Scarborough Archives, will narrate a slide presentation of the history of Scarborough, featuring early settler history, changes over time and references to the Birch Cliff area when it was the home of the Township Council.
Friday, March 26, 2010 – An Irish Pilgrimage
Cynthia Scott – Cynthia will narrate a slide presentation about her pilgrimage to understand Celtic Christianity. She and her husband Lin visited holy sites from Dublin to Newgrange (a passage tomb predating the Pyramids), to Glendalough (where St. Kevin founded a monastery 900 years before Columbus), to the spiritual sites of the Aran Islands (as remote as any Newfoundland outport) to Dingle and Mount Cashel. The pilgrimage was led by two well-known Christian theologians: Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan.

Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. and are followed by a social time with refreshments.
Admission: $10.00 – Subscription for the series - $40.00. Call 416 694-4081 for tickets.
Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, December 12, 2009, 7:00 pm. Our 11th annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' - "A Christmas Carol" will be held at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church. Media personalities Jim Coyle (Toronto Star columnist), Gill Deacon (CBC talk show host and author of 'Green for Life'), Jane Hawtin (CBC radio & television broadcaster), Don Gray (retired head of Centennial College's Film and Broadcasting program) and Leon Korbee (formerly of CTV) will be the readers who will retell the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation.
Juno-nominated singer/writer Lori Cullen and guitarist Kurt Swinghammer will provide music. As well, the Birchcliff Bluff United Church choir will perform seasonal selections. Refreshments including apple cider to follow.
Admission at the door is a suggested donation of $15.00. A gift of non-perishable food item would also be welcome. Money raised will support the Churches By The Bluffs Community Services Food Bank, which is located at this site.
If you would like to help with the planning, please speak to Beth or Betty for more information.

Church Renovations – Although most of the renovations are completed, there is still some work on-going. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

ATTENTION ALL YOUTH (Ages 12 + ) on Saturday, November 21st @ 7:00 p.m. Birchcliff Bluffs U.C. will be hosting a Ping Pong Evening with Scarborough Bluffs U.C. Youth. For more info please speak to Heather, Marian or Frank.

The Construction Zone

2006-11-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

New photos taken Nov. 12/06 showing progress made this week:

Our new kitchen is huge!

Looking south west in the kitchen.

Looking north west. We will now have
two doors to move in and out of the kitchen!
In addition we have a servery window that
has an aluminum shutter. It is open right now.

Standing where the sinks would be in the women's washroom. The stalls are in. Now we just need the toilets, sinks and counters installed.

Looking north at the new
storage room in the area that
used to be the stairs into the basement.

Let's move upstairs and have a look at the
changes that have taken place there!

Looking down the new stairs to the
double doors on East Rd.

Standing at the top of the new stairs,
looking west. The wall of the Sunday
School room has now been finished and
(to use Michael's word) a new
architectural "thingy" has been installed.

The washrooms on the main floor
are beginning to take shape.

The Pace Quickens...

2006-11-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

These shots were taken on Thursday, November 2nd.

A view of the new East Road door configuration. The steel joists will support the landing.

Not a new pool, but a basement entrance.

The elevator shaft takes shape in the main floor.

A fancy new sliding thingy for the kitchen.

Obligatory art shot.

The Construction Zone

2006-11-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

November 1, 2006

After three months of work, it is exciting to see the progress made each day. Today was no exception. Not only could I see the progress, the scent of fresh paint (primer actually) was in the air.

The stairwell is now complete from the basement to the second floor.
The elevator shaft is almost complete.
The excavation for the new ramp into the basement has begun.
Millwork for the bathrooms has begun (off-site)
Porcelain tile floors (kitchen, washrooms) are expected to be installed in the next week
Windows are expected in the next week

A Day Later...

2006-10-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

A day later and suddenly a wall appears! This is the missing wall in Cathy's interior view, looking south.

The Construction Zone- October 18, 2006

2006-10-18T21:32:00.000-04:00

Steady progress continues to be made each day. Over the past few weeks lots of changes have been made:
- The elevator shaft has been built up to the ceiling in the basement
- A hole has been cut in the floor where the shaft will come up into the main floor and the masons have begun work on the next level of the shaft
- The brick has been cut out in preparation for installation of the new window on the north side of the main entrance
- Drywall continues to be installed and rooms are now taking shape
- Colours of cupboards, paint, counters and flooring have all been chosen
- Work is expected to begin in the next week or so on the ramp into the basement
- RP Dynamics has delivered a portable sound system for our use until the permanent system can be put in place (after the dust settles).

Thank you to everyone for their patience through this time of rebuilding.

The Construction Zone - Sept. 27, 2006

2006-09-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

Progress continues to be made this week. At time of writing, the following work is underway at the Church:

trenches have been dug in order to locate sanitary drains to connect new plumbing
new plumbing has been installed, and connections made to the sanitary drains
the sink hole in the kitchen has been filled and compacted
concrete has been poured in the kitchen, trenches, and where the old stairs were removed on the west end of the building
work has begun in preparation for the building of the elevator shaft
last Friday and Saturday, volunteers dusted and cleaned pews, moved pews into place, brought hymn books, the communion table and baptismal font out of the storage unit
Saturday evening the mixer and microphone purchased as part of our new sound system arrived. Temporary, portable speakers will be used until the permanent speakers are installed
On Sunday, we were able to return for worship!

Photo Gallery

Plumbing for the new kitchen

The stairs to the "attic" have been removed.

Kitchen floor: Before and after concrete poured.

This is the "2nd floor" - former balcony. Although still a work in progress, this is an amazing space.

The Construction Zone - August 25, 2006

2006-08-27T22:09:00.000-04:00

On the main floor, the Chancel floor has been closed in, and is ready for carpet. Here is how it looks without carpet.

Framing in of the balcony wall is complete, and drywall installed - although they got carried away and installed drywall higher than planned. Ooops! This drywall is expected to be removed in order to install glass.

Framing of the enlarged kitchen and food bank room has begun in the basement.

Sink hole

Approx. 5 feet deep, and the full width of the kitchen.

Other:
Locations of the gas lines have been marked in preparation for the new ramped entrance into the basement. Depending on how deep the lines actually are, we may have to either re-locate the line, or make a modification to the ramp. A "test pit" will be dug to determine the actual depth of the lines.
Questions or Concerns? E-mail us at bbuc_renos@rogers.com

Renovations Update August 18, 2006

2006-08-18T22:45:00.000-04:00

What a truly amazing week this has been. As of 6:00 p.m. today, the following has been accomplished:

Demolition:

All the nursery and finance room walls have come down
The nursery ceiling has been removed in preparation for installation of the elevator
The upper level of the Chancel (the back row for the choir) has been removed so that floor is now all one level
The modesty screens in front of the pulpit and organ have been removed
Every wall in the basement (except the wall separating the fellowship room from the Sunday School) has been removed - it looks huge with the walls gone
The stage has been removed
The stairs from the East Road entrance up into the Sanctuary have been removed
The stairs at the back of the Church have been removed
The kitchen floor has been removed. This has uncovered a huge sink hole which I estimate is 5 feet deep at the centre, and almost the entire width of the kitchen.

Construction:

The new curved Chancel steps have been built, and a wheelchair ramp is in progress on the pulpit side of the Chancel
The wall at the top of the existing East Road entrance has been framed
The walls for the new boutique have been framed
Framing has begun on the new washrooms in the basement

Photo Gallery:

As the work progresses, we will continue to take pictures on a regular basis. This first installment of photos is during the first few days of demolition.

The walls are coming down!

The Nursery and Finance Room...

The Basement......Before and during the demolition

Renovations Update - August 11, 2006

2006-08-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Work has begun!

Demolition and removal of the resulting garbage has begun. The labourers have worked very hard this morning. In the short hour I was on-site they loaded one dumpster to the top, had a second one delivered which will be filled and removed at the end of the day today. If all goes well, construction will begin on Monday.

We still have some pews for sale. There are three left that are about 8 feet long, and four of the full length pews.

Interested in purchasing a pew? Have a question or concern? Please Contact the Renovations Task Group!

Renovations Update - August 7, 2006

2006-08-07T20:43:00.000-04:00

Updates regarding the renovation will be posted periodically.

Sorting, packing and storing of the building contents was completed today! A special thank you to: Frank B., Gail, Heather, Ellen, Patrick, Ed, Robert, Leon, Brenda, Lanny, Hannah, Vicky, Mary, Helen K., and everyone else who assisted with this huge job.

We still have a few (solid oak) pews for sale.

If you are interested in purchasing a pew, or have questions or concerns regarding the renovation, please contact the Renovations Task Group at Contact the Renovations Task Group!