This is the blog for Bloor Street United Church, a progressive Christian community located in downtown Toronto, Canada. We are an intellectually vibrant congregation, with a strong focus on social justice issues. Our podcasts can be found here. To learn more about us, please visit our website, http://www.bloorstreetunited.orgnoreply@blogger.com (Bloor Street United)Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:43:31 -0700Blogger http://www.blogger.com14125http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/en-usnoBloor Street United ChurchChristianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justiceThis podcast is brought to you by Bloor Street United Church. Located in downtown Toronto, Bloor Street is a progressive, liberal Christian church. Our podcasts feature our weekly sermons, as well as guest speakers. If you're looking for a smart, compassionate take on Christianity and modern life, with a strong social justice focus, check us out. A thoughtful take on compassionate Christianity in our timesBloor Street United Churchcommunications@bloorstreetunited.orgBloor Street United Churchhttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/12/wishing-and-hoping.htmlFri, 2 Dec 2011 05:48:00 -0800tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-2331718186924600593Welcome to the Bloor Street United Podcast for Sunday, November 27th, 2011. This podcast comes to you from Bloor Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile reads a lament from Isaiah, followed by a reflection on how the Occupy Movement was a modern lament against social and economic injustice in our world.<br /> <br /> The podcast can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonnov272011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonnov272011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United Podcast for Sunday, November 27th, 2011. This podcast comes to you from Bloor Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile reads a lament from Isaiah, followed by a reflection on how the Occupy Movement was a modern lament against social and economic injustice in our world. The podcast can be found at&nbsp;http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonnov272011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United Podcast for Sunday, November 27th, 2011. This podcast comes to you from Bloor Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile reads a lament from Isaiah, followed by a reflection on how the Occupy Movement was a modern lament against social and economic injustice in our world. The podcast can be found at&nbsp;http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonnov272011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/10/sermondown-to-basics.htmlSun, 30 Oct 2011 19:14:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-3473521637708246423Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for October 30th, 2011. This is a special day at the church as two couples &nbsp;have brought their children to be baptized. This event is considered during this sermon about Christ's last visit to the temple, a few days before his death. Reverend Martha Ter Kile reflects on what Jesus wanted his critics to understand about his mission, and how these small children today will think about our world 100 years from now.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct302011.mp3">Click here to listen to the podcast.</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for October 30th, 2011. This is a special day at the church as two couples &nbsp;have brought their children to be baptized. This event is considered during this sermon about Christ's last visit to the temple, a few days before his death. Reverend Martha Ter Kile reflects on what Jesus wanted his critics to understand about his mission, and how these small children today will think about our world 100 years from now. Click here to listen to the podcast.Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for October 30th, 2011. This is a special day at the church as two couples &nbsp;have brought their children to be baptized. This event is considered during this sermon about Christ's last visit to the temple, a few days before his death. Reverend Martha Ter Kile reflects on what Jesus wanted his critics to understand about his mission, and how these small children today will think about our world 100 years from now. Click here to listen to the podcast.Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/10/face-of-mystery.htmlSun, 23 Oct 2011 19:57:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-811985311265351111Welcome to the October 23rd edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile talks about whether we can ever really understand God, or whether the divine is more than the human mind can comprehend.<br /> <a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct232011.mp3">To hear the podcast, click here:</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the October 23rd edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile talks about whether we can ever really understand God, or whether the divine is more than the human mind can comprehend. To hear the podcast, click here:Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the October 23rd edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. Today Reverend Martha ter Kuile talks about whether we can ever really understand God, or whether the divine is more than the human mind can comprehend. To hear the podcast, click here:Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/10/margaret-atwood-religionrecovering-our.htmlMon, 17 Oct 2011 05:09:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-1754606882407494931Welcome to a special edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. It is October 16th, 2011, and this podcast features our annual Craddock lecture, given by Canada's most famous novelist, Margaret Atwood. Ms Atwood is the author of many classics of Canadian literature, including The Handmaid's Tale, Surfacing, and The Blind Assassin. This morning she is delivering a sermon entitled "Religion: Recovering our Roots". Her talk draws on themes she has explored in her most recent novel, The Year of the Flood. Her talk is this year's Craddock lecture, an annual event at Bloor Street, where distinguished guests are invited to take over the pulpit for a Sunday to speak about issues of spiritual interest. Ms Atwood spoke to a packed house.<br /> <br /> To listen to the podcast, please click here:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct162011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct162011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to a special edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. It is October 16th, 2011, and this podcast features our annual Craddock lecture, given by Canada's most famous novelist, Margaret Atwood. Ms Atwood is the author of many classics of Canadian literature, including The Handmaid's Tale, Surfacing, and The Blind Assassin. This morning she is delivering a sermon entitled "Religion: Recovering our Roots". Her talk draws on themes she has explored in her most recent novel, The Year of the Flood. Her talk is this year's Craddock lecture, an annual event at Bloor Street, where distinguished guests are invited to take over the pulpit for a Sunday to speak about issues of spiritual interest. Ms Atwood spoke to a packed house. To listen to the podcast, please click here:&nbsp;http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct162011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to a special edition of the Bloor Street United Podcast. It is October 16th, 2011, and this podcast features our annual Craddock lecture, given by Canada's most famous novelist, Margaret Atwood. Ms Atwood is the author of many classics of Canadian literature, including The Handmaid's Tale, Surfacing, and The Blind Assassin. This morning she is delivering a sermon entitled "Religion: Recovering our Roots". Her talk draws on themes she has explored in her most recent novel, The Year of the Flood. Her talk is this year's Craddock lecture, an annual event at Bloor Street, where distinguished guests are invited to take over the pulpit for a Sunday to speak about issues of spiritual interest. Ms Atwood spoke to a packed house. To listen to the podcast, please click here:&nbsp;http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonoct162011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/05/sermon-absence-and-abundance.htmlMon, 30 May 2011 06:03:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-1758568744091229872Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 28th, 2011. This week, our sermon is delivered by guest preacher, Jeffrey Hocking. He reflects on Jesus' &nbsp;curious declaration that after his death, his disciples will accomplish much more than he did while alive. After the sermon, we will hear the choir perform "If Ye love me" by British composer Thomas Tallis. This will be followed by a rousing organ performance of the Fuga by Samuel Wesley, for four hands, performed by our own David Passmore and Honorary Musical Associate, Chrys Bentley.<br /> <br /> Please click here to listen to the podcast:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay282011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay282011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 28th, 2011. This week, our sermon is delivered by guest preacher, Jeffrey Hocking. He reflects on Jesus' &nbsp;curious declaration that after his death, his disciples will accomplish much more than he did while alive. After the sermon, we will hear the choir perform "If Ye love me" by British composer Thomas Tallis. This will be followed by a rousing organ performance of the Fuga by Samuel Wesley, for four hands, performed by our own David Passmore and Honorary Musical Associate, Chrys Bentley. Please click here to listen to the podcast:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay282011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 28th, 2011. This week, our sermon is delivered by guest preacher, Jeffrey Hocking. He reflects on Jesus' &nbsp;curious declaration that after his death, his disciples will accomplish much more than he did while alive. After the sermon, we will hear the choir perform "If Ye love me" by British composer Thomas Tallis. This will be followed by a rousing organ performance of the Fuga by Samuel Wesley, for four hands, performed by our own David Passmore and Honorary Musical Associate, Chrys Bentley. Please click here to listen to the podcast:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay282011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/05/sermonbefuddled-by-faith.htmlSun, 15 May 2011 18:03:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-6146816015552272705Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May15th, 2011. This week, Reverend Martha ter Kuile reflects on the Bible's use of sheep and shepherds as metaphors for &nbsp;Christ and his followers. Following the sermon, the choir will sing George Frideric Handel's "All We Like Sheep".<br /> <br /> Click here to listen:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay152011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay152011.mp3</a><span id="goog_1359839934"></span><span id="goog_1359839935"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May15th, 2011. This week, Reverend Martha ter Kuile reflects on the Bible's use of sheep and shepherds as metaphors for &nbsp;Christ and his followers. Following the sermon, the choir will sing George Frideric Handel's "All We Like Sheep". Click here to listen:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay152011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May15th, 2011. This week, Reverend Martha ter Kuile reflects on the Bible's use of sheep and shepherds as metaphors for &nbsp;Christ and his followers. Following the sermon, the choir will sing George Frideric Handel's "All We Like Sheep". Click here to listen:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay152011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/05/sermon-springtime-grace.htmlMon, 2 May 2011 17:58:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-5291932098724888996Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 1st, 2011. &nbsp;Today our sermon is being delivered by the Very Reverend Bruce McCleod, former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and a longtime member of the Bloor Street Congregation. Today he reflects on the story of Noah's Ark. After his sermon we will hear a performance from Debussy's Petite Suite, for piano ( played with four hands).<br /> <br /> To hear the podcast, click here:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay12011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay12011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 1st, 2011. &nbsp;Today our sermon is being delivered by the Very Reverend Bruce McCleod, former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and a longtime member of the Bloor Street Congregation. Today he reflects on the story of Noah's Ark. After his sermon we will hear a performance from Debussy's Petite Suite, for piano ( played with four hands). To hear the podcast, click here:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay12011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for May 1st, 2011. &nbsp;Today our sermon is being delivered by the Very Reverend Bruce McCleod, former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and a longtime member of the Bloor Street Congregation. Today he reflects on the story of Noah's Ark. After his sermon we will hear a performance from Debussy's Petite Suite, for piano ( played with four hands). To hear the podcast, click here:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMay12011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-sunday-sermon.htmlMon, 25 Apr 2011 05:15:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-6156087868666573789Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011. &nbsp;On this joyous day we will hear Reverend Martha ter Kuile preach on the mystery of Christ's resurrection, an act which many of us today find perplexing, and impossible. Martha reflects on what the resurrection means, and what it meant for Christ's apostles. Following the sermon we will hear a performance of the rousing Allegro &nbsp;from the Concerto for Two Trumpets by &nbsp;composer Francesco Manfredini.<br /> <br /> To hear the podcast click here:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr242011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr242011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)noWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011. &nbsp;On this joyous day we will hear Reverend Martha ter Kuile preach on the mystery of Christ's resurrection, an act which many of us today find perplexing, and impossible. Martha reflects on what the resurrection means, and what it meant for Christ's apostles. Following the sermon we will hear a performance of the rousing Allegro &nbsp;from the Concerto for Two Trumpets by &nbsp;composer Francesco Manfredini. To hear the podcast click here:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr242011.mp3Bloor Street United ChurchWelcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011. &nbsp;On this joyous day we will hear Reverend Martha ter Kuile preach on the mystery of Christ's resurrection, an act which many of us today find perplexing, and impossible. Martha reflects on what the resurrection means, and what it meant for Christ's apostles. Following the sermon we will hear a performance of the rousing Allegro &nbsp;from the Concerto for Two Trumpets by &nbsp;composer Francesco Manfredini. To hear the podcast click here:http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr242011.mp3Christianity,liberal,progressive,left,affirming,ter,Kuile,United,Church,of,Canada,Bloor,Street,United,Church,gay,lesbian,straight,social,justicehttp://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/04/sermonbecoming-blind.htmlTue, 5 Apr 2011 17:47:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-3729147789137724828Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for April 3rd, 2011. This podcast comes to you from Bloor Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Today's sermon by Reverend Martha Ter Kile deals with the role of community in spiritual life. The sermon begins with a story from the Gospel of John where Jesus heals a blind man sitting by the side of the road.<br /> <br /> The podcast can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr32011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonapr32011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/03/sermonflirting-with-destiny.htmlMon, 28 Mar 2011 07:40:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-7744592437480795052Welcome to the Bloor Street United podcast for March 27th, 2011. This podcast comes to you from Bloor Street United Church in downtown Toronto. It is the third Sunday of Lent, and this week, Reverend Martha Ter Kile puts a new spin on &nbsp;a famous story from the gospel of John. Jesus has travelled to Samaria with his disciples. While they go into town to buy food, he meets a Samaritan woman by a well, and strikes up a conversation. She is surprised that a Jewish man would speak to her at all, much less engage in the debate which follows.<br /> <br /> The podcast can be found here:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonmarch272011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonmarch272011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/03/sermonborne-again.htmlMon, 21 Mar 2011 05:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-956208940999136591Welcome to the Bloor Street United Church podcast for March 20th, 2011. Today, Reverend Martha ter Kuile delivers a sermon entitled "Borne Again". She asks whether United Church Christians give too little attention to the contemplative side of &nbsp;spirituality, instead focusing all our energies on doing good works. Following the sermon &nbsp;David Passmore plays a short piano piece by Chopin, arranged by Alf Coward, entitled "Prelude in C Minor".<br /> <br /> To listen to the podcast, click here:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonmarch202011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonmarch202011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/03/sermonsacred-presence.htmlSun, 13 Mar 2011 11:49:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-3510088000665870091Welcome to the Bloor Street United Church podcast for March 13th, 2011. &nbsp;Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Our student Minister, Catherine Elsdon, preaches on the temptation of Jesus in the desert by Satan. Following the sermon, David Passmore plays the lovely piano piece Galiarda by Thomas Morley.<br /> <br /> To hear the podcast, click here:<a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMarch132011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMarch132011.mp3</a>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/03/sermontransfiguration-sunday.htmlThu, 10 Mar 2011 17:55:00 -0800tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-5368438301168727205<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;"Transfiguration Sunday" March 6th, 2011</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This week, Reverend Martha Ter Kuile preaches on the bible passage in which Jesus goes to a mountaintop, where he allows three apostles to see him transfigured as he speaks to Moses and Elijah. Martha discusses whether modern people can make any sense of this strange vision, particularly in a world where many are post-theistic, no longer believing in God at all.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMarch62011.mp3">http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/podcasts/sermonMarch62011.mp3</a></span></span>0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)http://bloorstreetunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/bloor-street-united-church-podcast.htmlMon, 28 Feb 2011 12:53:00 -0800tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907132770899026352.post-7257637317097103891This week's sermon by Reverend Martha ter Kuile is entitled "O Taste and See" This sermon was given as a group of volunteers were busy baking 100 loaves of fresh bread to be handed out to the congregation to friends, strangers and people in need.<br /> <br /> For more sermons, text and audio, please check out our website at http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/sermons/sermons.html<br /> <br /> Click <a href="http://www.bloorstreetunited.org/audio/sermonFeb272011.mp3">"Taste and See" Sermon Feb 27 2011 Bloor Street United Church</a> to listen to the podcast.0communications@bloorstreetunited.org (Bloor Street United Church)