Upcoming Events
Community Garden - Planting the Garden
Community Garden - Planting the Garden
May 19 from 12-2pm
We’ll be gathering to plant the garden. We’ll begin with a brief tutorial. Tools will be provided but if you have gardening gloves, a hand trowel or soil knife please bring them. Bring your own lunch to eat before we get started. (FREE HERBS BY THE FENCE!)
Email garden@springgardenchurch.ca for more information.
Support Local Seniors
Are you interested in connecting with and supporting seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in two events at 175 Cummer Avenue:
Community Corner Life in and around Spring Garden 17 Thursday, May 9th from 1:45-3pm—TBD.
Thursday, May 23rd from 10am-12pm—High School Dance Performance
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out to these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at emilykielstra@ springgardenchurch.ca.
Welcome Newcomers Tea
Newcomer's Welcome Tea
Join us on Sunday, May 26th to give a warm welcome to our neighbours who are newcomers to Canada. We are looking for volunteers who can offer support anytime between 3PM and 6:30PM, whether it be helping with set-up, clean-up, table hosting, and/or providing home-baked treats. As many of the folk coming to this event are ESL speakers, it would be especially helpful to have volunteers who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi and Spanish. Email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you are available to volunteer or you would like more information.
Retreat
BOOKED FULL - CONTACT SAM LEE TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST.
We believe in a communal God that invites us into community. This year, our theme is abiding in Christ through prayer. One great way of doing this is to come to a retreat to unplug, get away from the city, and to enjoy God's creation in community. Come join us for a time of rest and renewal as we spend time together at Fair Havens! Register is now closed, email Sam Lee to go on the waiting list.
Date: May 31, 8pm - June 2, 1:30pm
Location: Fair Havens Ministries
Note: Arrival/check in 6:30pm-8pm
Cost: $170 per adult, $90 children/youth*
*Pricing includes food, lodging, and a camp shirt. Attendees will have to find their own transportation to the retreat centre.
You can find more information about Fair Havens through their website, including accommodations.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to email samlee@springgardenchurch.ca
Register is now closed, email Sam Lee to go on the waiting list.
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There are many different room configurations. Please refer to Fair Haven's website for more details.
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They can accommodate all dietary restrictions, so feel free to add that information when you sign up.
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Here’s a sample schedule although things may change as we get closer to the retreat.
Schedule
Friday
6:30pm-8pm - Arrival/check in
8:30pm - snacks
9pm – Big Group
10pm - Quiet time/bed
Saturday
8:30am – Breakfast
10:00am – Morning Session
11:00am – Group photo & free time
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm - Afternoon Free to Choose
5:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Evening Session
9pm – Campfire
11:00pm – Quiet Time/Bed
Sunday
8:30am – Breakfast
10am – Sunday Worship & Communion
11:00am - Pack up for home
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Home
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There are a few people who are ride sharing, if you are interested, please let Sam Lee know.
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There are a number of activities that will be available for you. We will have a few group activities planned as well. Please refer to this link and the schedule for activities listed on Fair Haven’s site.
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For those of you who can’t join us for the whole retreat but would like to attend the Sunday morning, please email Sam. If you'd like, you can enjoy the grounds till 5 pm on Sunday.
Our main speaker will be:
Curt Erb
Curt crew up on the Saskatchewan prairie but has spent most of his adult life in Toronto including 32 years of ministry with Immanuel Baptist Church in Toronto. He served in roles related to youth, worship, community outreach, camp, families, and leadership development, all in the context of teams. While pastoring, he enjoyed collaborating with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec in youth ministry and support of other pastors.
The Arrow Leadership program was significant in Curt’s life, helping him clarify personal vision and build stability and competence as a Jesus-centered leader. A number of years after completing the program he began serving as a mentor to younger leaders and in addition to continuing in the mentor role, now works with the ministry in resource development, program delivery and supporting other mentors in the program.
Curt is a strategic thinker and enjoys helping churches articulate their purpose, values and vision. He has a Master of Theological Studies and is an Adler Trained Coach.
Curt and his wife, Rowena are parents of two wonderful daughters. They enjoy sharing good food with friends and spend as much time as they can in Muskoka.
Register is now closed, email Sam Lee to go on the waiting list.
SGC Gym Nights
SGC Gym Nights
If the form does not show below, go to: https://forms.gle/1GuYpTodDNuV6Ss78
2024 Annual Meeting
Save this date for the Annual Meeting after our Worship Gathering. This will likely be an in-person or a hybrid event.
Links:
SGC Financial Statements
The Annual Report
Yard Sale
Saturday, June 22nd from 9 am to 12 pm, is NeighbourLink’s 4th Willowdale Yard Sale held here at Spring Garden Church. Read more here.
HOST A TABLE AT OUR SPRING GARDEN MARKET:
There are various ways to participate in the Community Market at Spring Garden Church (112 Spring Garden Ave). See the options below and choose the one that best applies to you. This market is reserved for yard sales only, not artisans or businesses.
"Yard Sale Vendor" Condo or Apartment dwellers looking to host a yard sale or those who would prefer to sell in a communal spot can register with this ticket. Cost: $25 (add a table and chair for $20)
"Mom 2 Mom Sale Vendor" A section of the market will be a Mom 2 Mom Sale for moms to buy/sell together. Register with this ticket if you'd like to be in that section. Cost: $25 (add a table and chair for $20)
"Community Organization Table" Neighbourhood associations, community groups and non-profits are welcome to host info booths at the market. Email Sebastian at sebastian@neighbourlink.org to sign up for this ticket.
See more at https://neighbourlink.org/yardsale.
Bike Blessing & BBQ
Join us for a great time as we bless all modes of transportation without motors, which includes:
BBQ
Bike and Garden blessing
Bike Tune-up
Ride through the Neighbourhood
Please bring your bikes, scooter, unicycles, etc.., and bring your plates and cups (if you need to remember, we will provide one). This will be a good day to leave your car at home too!
VOLENTEERS NEEDED, contact Sam if you can help.
Summer Camp Week 1
SUMMER CAMP WEEK 1
July 15-19, 2024
Our day camp is now full. To add your child(ren) to the waitlist, please fill out the following form: http://tiny.cc/daycampwaitlist2024.
Additionally, we are looking for adult volunteers to help during the camp weeks. Please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you would like to support our camp in this way.
Summer Camp Week 2
SUMMER CAMP WEEK 2
July 22-26, 2024
Our day camp is now full. To add your child(ren) to the waitlist, please fill out the following form: http://tiny.cc/daycampwaitlist2024.
Additionally, we are looking for adult volunteers to help during the camp weeks. Please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you would like to support our camp in this way.
Summer Camp Week 3
SUMMER CAMP WEEK 3
July 29th - August 2nd, 2024
Our day camp is now full. To add your child(ren) to the waitlist, please fill out the following form: http://tiny.cc/daycampwaitlist2024.
Additionally, we are looking for adult volunteers to help during the camp weeks. Please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you would like to support our camp in this way.
Mother's Day Tea
Mother’s Day event for Single Moms - May 11th
As a way of showing appreciation for single moms in our community, NeighbourLink is organizing a Mother's Day Tea on Saturday, May 11th here at Spring Garden Church. As part of supporting this event, we are collecting beauty items that can then be added to gift hampers for the moms. Please drop off any donated items in the West Lounge, either on weekdays between 9am-3pm or on Sunday mornings. You can also contribute financially towards the gift hampers: https://www.neighbourlink.org/mothersday. If you have any questions, email Emily.
Support Local Seniors
Are you interested in connecting with and supporting seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in two events at 175 Cummer Avenue:
Community Corner Life in and around Spring Garden 17 Thursday, May 9th from 1:45-3pm—TBD.
Thursday, May 23rd from 10am-12pm—High School Dance Performance
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out to these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at emilykielstra@ springgardenchurch.ca.
SGC Gym Nights
SGC Gym Nights
If the form does not show below, go to: https://forms.gle/1GuYpTodDNuV6Ss78
75th Anniversary Celebration
Spring Garden Church, 1951
We are sorry, we have reached our maximum amount of people that come come.
Support Local Seniors
Are you interested in connecting with and supporting seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in two events at 175 Cummer Avenue: Community Corner Life in and around Spring Garden 17 • Wednesday, April 3rd from 6:30-8:30pm—Show Choir Performance • Thursday, April 25th from 4-6pm—Movement Class They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out to these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at emilykielstra@ springgardenchurch.ca.
Creation Care Sunday
Park Clean Up — Sunday, April 21st at 12pm, help us to clean the park and area around Spring Garden Church. Bring a bagged lunch. Intergenerational serving opportunity where we can show God’s care by caring for his creation.
Community Garden - Preparing the Garden for Planting Sunday April 21 11:45am- 1:30pm* *inclement weather dates Mon Apr 22 or 29 4:30-6:30pm
We’ll be gathering to divide and transplant our growing collection of perennial herbs in preparation for planting. We’ll begin with a brief tutorial. Tools will be provided but if you have gardening gloves, a hand trowel or soil knife please bring them. Bring your own lunch to eat before we get started. Email garden@springgardenchurch.ca for more information.
Welcome Newcomers Tea
Newcomer's Welcome Tea
Join us on Sunday, April 7th to give a warm welcome to our neighbours who are newcomers to Canada. We are looking for volunteers who can offer support anytime between 3PM and 6:30PM, whether it be helping with set-up, clean-up, table hosting, and/or providing home-baked treats. As many of the folk coming to this event are ESL speakers, it would be especially helpful to have volunteers who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi and Spanish. Email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you are available to volunteer or you would like more information.
Spring Clothing Swap
Join us at 11:30 am (after worship) on Sunday, April 7th for a springtime Clothing Swap. Starting on March 3rd, we will begin collecting children’s, men's and women’s clothing still in good condition. Please drop off these items at the church's West Lounge either on a weekday between 9am and 3pm or on Sunday mornings. If you would like to help with sorting the clothing prior to the swap or if you have any questions about the swap, please contact Manuela at stephensmanuela@gmail.com.
SGC Gym Nights
SGC Gym Nights
If the form does not show below, go to: https://forms.gle/1GuYpTodDNuV6Ss78
Easter Egg Hunt & Refreshment
Join us for our Easter Sunday Worship Gathering, starting at 10am Online and in-person. Our kids and youth will continue their worship following their blessing. Kids and Youth should be aware that following our worship, they are invited to (and should!) join us for an Easter Egg Hunt.
HUNTS | AGE GROUP/GRADE | APPROX. START TIME
First Hunt | 0-3 y/o (toddlers/Pre-K) | 11:45am
Second Hunt | 4-5 y/o (JK-SK) | 11:55am
Third Hunt | 6-8 y/o (Gr. 1-3) | 12:05pm
Fourth Hunt | 9-10 y/o (Gr. 4-5) | 12:15pm
Fifth Hunt | Youth (Gr. 6-12) | 12:25pm
Five minutes prior to each hunt, an announcement will be made to parents and children in the West Lounge to go outside and get ready to participate. In order to ensure the smooth running of this event, please ensure you respond promptly to the announcements. Alternatively, you and your child(ren) may simply wait outside for their hunt to begin. Once your child(ren)'s hunt is complete, they will be able to claim their chocolate egg prizes. Please be sure to indicate whether your child(ren) have any allergies; there will be allergy friendly options available for children who cannot eat standard milk chocolate eggs.
One last note, hosting this event outside will only be possible if the weather holds up. If the weather is unsuitable for an outdoor hunt, it will happen downstairs in the multipurpose room.
We will also be sharing Easter refreshments.
Easter Sunday Worship Gathering
Join us for our Easter Sunday Worship Gathering, starting at 10am. Online and in-person. Our regular Children’s program available for JK-Grade 5, youth will stay upstairs.
Easter Sunrise Liturgy and Communion
Come at 6:45 am to the church (in-person only) for Liturgy and communion.
Good Friday Worship Gathering (Copy)
Good Friday 10am - Good Friday Worship with Communion .
Join us for Worship at 10 am on Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday Evening Prayer and Communion
As we journey through Lent, join us for a time of reflection, liturgical reading, and prayer.
Email anne.barron020@sympatico.ca for the Zoom link.
Support Local Seniors
Are you interested in connecting and supporting with seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in two events at 175 Cummer Avenue:
Iranian Dance Class on Thursday, March 14th from 4:30pm-6:30pm
Chinese Dance Performance on Thursday, March 28th from 7-9pm
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out to these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, Christian worshipers celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, an event that took place the week before the Lord's death and resurrection. Palm Sunday is a moveable feast, meaning the date changes every year based on the liturgical calendar. Palm Sunday always falls one week before Easter Sunday.
Join us in-person or online for our Palm Sunday Worship Gathering at 10am.
Baptism class
If you are interested in getting baptized, please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
Support Local Seniors
Are you interested in connecting and supporting with seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in two events at 175 Cummer Avenue:
Iranian Dance Class on Thursday, March 14th from 4:30pm-6:30pm
Chinese Dance Performance on Thursday, March 28th from 7-9pm
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out to these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
Blessing & Farewell to Jeremy, Kaitlyn & James
We will be blessing and saying our farewells to Jeremy, Kaitlyn, and James during our Sunday Morning Worship Gathering.
Baptism class
If you are interested in getting baptized, please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
Baptism class
If you are interested in getting baptized, please email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
SGC Gym Nights
SGC Gym Nights
If the form does not show below, go to: https://forms.gle/1GuYpTodDNuV6Ss78
Welcome Newcomers Tea
Newcomer's Welcome Tea
Join us on Sunday, February 25th to give a warm welcome to our neighbours who are newcomers to Canada. We are looking for volunteers who can offer support anytime between 3PM and 6:30PM, whether it be helping with set-up, clean-up, table hosting, and/or providing home-baked treats. As many of the folk coming to this event are ESL speakers, it would be especially helpful to have volunteers who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi and Spanish. Email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca if you are available to volunteer or you would like more information.
Ministry Resource Meeting
Join us Sunday February 25th following worship at 11:45am for our 2024 Ministry Resource Meeting where we will:
1. Discuss and Vote on our Ministry Budget for 2024.
2. Approving minutes from the previous meeting.
While only members can vote, everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion, whether you are a member or not, whether you've been here many years or just a few weeks.
Proposed Ministry Budget 2024
Our annual budget expresses our commitment to our shared life and ministry. It is a step of faith and giving space for God to move. Our budget has increased because we believe that this is the direction God is calling us towards.
Support Local Seniors
Volunteering with Seniors
February 1,15 & 29
Are you interested in connecting and supporting seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in three events at 175 Cummer Avenue.
Thursday, February 1st from 1:30 -3:30 PM - Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 15th from 6:30-8:30 PM – Singing and Dance Performance
Thursday, February 29th from 4-6 PM – Art Show
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out of these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at: emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
IHOP Tuesday
To mark the beginning of Lent (and to have fun and fellowship), join us in-person to enjoy pancakes together. More info to come.
Join a Group for Six Weeks
As people who worship a triune God, we believe we are called to embrace spiritual growth as a collective, not simply as individuals. We also believe that we are all made in the image of God and are, therefore, created to belong in the community. With these things in mind, we invite you to be part of a Home Group for six weeks
during Lent.
During the Lenten season, we will journey with Jesus to the cross, specifically exploring the self-emptying love of Christ. As a guide for our Home Groups gatherings, we will draw from Henri Nouwen’s book, The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility. We encourage you to purchase this book (you can find it on amazon.ca or at indigo.ca), though you do not need to have the book in order to
participate in a Home Group.
If you would like to join a Home Group for the 6 weeks of Lent (Feb. 14th—Mar. 31st), please sign up at tiny.cc/SGCHomeGroups by Wednesday, February 7th. If you have any questions, email Emily at emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
Visioning and Planning Meeting for our Community Garden
February 10 at 10 am followed by a potluck lunch
Exploring how we can best share our resources to care for creation, our community, and each other. Details to come! Contact community garden email for more information or to share ideas: garden@springgardenchurch.ca
There is also a meeting hosted by A Rocha on Sunday Feb 11 in the afternoon at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church exploring ways churches can engage in Creation Care. For more information go to: arocha.ca/event/churches-caring-for-creation-toronto-on/
Support Local Seniors
Volunteering with Seniors
February 1,15 & 29
Are you interested in connecting and supporting seniors in our community? If so, Willowdale Manor and NeighbourLink North York are inviting us to participate in three events at 175 Cummer Avenue.
Thursday, February 1st from 1:30 -3:30 PM - Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 15th from 6:30-8:30 PM – Singing and Dance Performance
Thursday, February 29th from 4-6 PM – Art Show
They are looking for volunteers to connect with and offer support to the seniors who will be coming out of these events. If you are interested in receiving more information or you are available to volunteer at the events, contact Emily at: emilykielstra@springgardenchurch.ca.
New to Spring Lunch
Are you new to Spring Garden Church? We invite you to join us for lunch after worship from 12-2PM on Sunday, Jan. 28 to meet others and learn more about our church community. Lunch will be provided. To let us know you would like to come, please fill out the form at http://tiny.cc/newtospring. If you have any questions related to the lunch, email Sam at samlee@springgardenchurch.ca.
Event Timing: Jan 28, 2024 (After worship & refreshments)
Event Address: East Lounge
Contact us at samlee@springgardenchurch.ca
Cost: Free!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/A7nVnJJmfPZryHAB9