JOIN US IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM
SUNDAYS , 10:30AM https://zoom.us/j/8339952710?pwd=R0k0ZXI3WllFR2xFMW9UWEdjTDlOZz09
Meeting ID: 833 995 2710 Password: 1111 Phone in: 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588
SUNDAYS , 10:30AM https://zoom.us/j/8339952710?pwd=R0k0ZXI3WllFR2xFMW9UWEdjTDlOZz09
Meeting ID: 833 995 2710 Password: 1111 Phone in: 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588
IT'S PLEDGE TIME!
Some UU history for canvass month by John K. Sproule, Treasurer
One hundred years ago, All Souls Unitarian of New York met in a red and white stone building at Fourth Avenue and 20th Street, affectionately called the Holy Zebra.
They put the Holy Zebra on the market, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. 1929 began the Great Depression. Their buyer lost his shirt in stock market, and couldn’t make payments. All Souls foreclosed and got back their white elephant, but couldn’t sell it.After the Holy Zebra caught fire in 1931, they demolished it and cleared the site. They tried to at least rent it as a parking lot, but the city wouldn’t give them a permit. All they could get was $400 a year for billboards.
All Souls could not make mortgage payments, and their debt kept climbing. By 1935, they owed $230,000. In 1938, they just gave the Holy Zebra to one of their debtors. Even so, in 1945, the mortgage on the new building stood at $355,640.
After negotiations, the bank agreed to settle for $250,000 cash, IF the full amount was paid in 1945. The church immediately started fundraising!
The war was soon over, and optimism was back in fashion. Members remembered that they were America’s elite, and actually had bags of cash. It was like the final scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The loan was repaid, and All Souls held a burning of the mortgage ceremony.
All Souls could not make mortgage payments, and their debt kept climbing. By 1935, they owed $230,000. In 1938, they just gave the Holy Zebra to one of their debtors. Even so, in 1945, the mortgage on the new building stood at $355,640.
After negotiations, the bank agreed to settle for $250,000 cash, IF the full amount was paid in 1945. The church immediately started fundraising!
The war was soon over, and optimism was back in fashion. Members remembered that they were America’s elite, and actually had bags of cash. It was like the final scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The loan was repaid, and All Souls held a burning of the mortgage ceremony.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Glenn Tarver Pledge Campaign Underway
For the past several years ( coinciding with COVID ), there haven't been any requests of members for increased donations. Unfortunately during that time our financial situation has been hurt by:
Book Club At our first meeting (online using Zoom), we discussed Tara Westover's autobiography, "Educated." It describes her life from |
Don Heights is running a canvass drive for the first time since COVID, and that’s all I’m asking for: $250,000. Just kidding! But our investment fund has been dropping dangerously for two years, and I am asking everyone who can to please step up and show that same “Wonderful Life” spirit. We have a few generous key members who give over $3,000 each, but we cannot ask them to do it alone. What value do you get from Don Heights? What can you give to keep us going? ~ John [email protected] President's Message, continued...
childhood to young adult overcoming a massively difficult and isolated home life to achieve high academic honours at Harvard and Cambridge. I have a copy of the book if anyone wishes to borrow it. Our next Book Club meeting will be Monday January 22 at 11:00. We will be discussing the book "Jake and Janet" by Nelles Van Loon. Another lively discussion is anticipated. Sharyn has copies of the book to lend. You are invited to join us and bring a friend, (a good way to introduce newcomers to our congregation). Growing Our Congregation Committee The most important new development occurred at our most recent meeting attended by representatives from Toronto First and Neighbourhood Congregations. Their concerns and issues are very similar to our own. Our goal is to work cooperatively, find creative solutions, and cost share the expenses. I'm optimistic. Bill's Coffee House Month after month, we have enjoyed exceptional performers. Thank you to John Sproule (technical support), Audrey Chin (talent scout), Janis Daly and Ed Cartwright. December 8 features Susan Park (vocals and Steve Andersen (piano). January 12 it's Paul Shakespeare. |
Sunday services this month:
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DEC 3 |
DEC 10 |
DEC 17 |
DEC 24 |
DEC 31 |
Terri Palmer |
EVENING CHRISTMAS SERVICE |
Rev. Lynn Harrison |
Linda Schofield |
Janis Daly & Sheila White |
"Wants and Needs" Moderator: Glenn Tarver |
"A Very Jazzy Christmas" 6:30 pm music, 7 pm start |
"Comfort and Joy (Even Now)" Moderator: Janis Daly |
"'A Christmas Tree' by Charles Dickens" |
"Resolutions: Make 'em, break 'em, who needs 'em? " |
Music: Don Heights Singers |
Music: Don Heights Singers |
Music: Don Heights Singers |
Music: Curated |
Music: Rob Sutherland |
Christmas Cakes for Sale
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Our 2023 Christmas Service
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Susan Park takes to our stage at Bill's Coffeehouse at Don Heights on Friday, December 8 at 8 pm live and on Zoom . She will be accompanied by Steve Andersen on piano and Jeffery Grannum on bass. Then it's the Open Mic portion, starring anyone who'd like to perform.
If you'd like to RSVP as a performer or a guest, there is a form. Or just show up. Hot coffee, sweets, good music and good company await you. Don Heights pays our feature act. |
The suggested $5 cover charge helps us foot the bill. Pay at the door or for Zoom viewers, send an e-transfer to:
[email protected]. |
A jam-packed December Upcoming Events:
Monday, December 4 11 am Publicity Committee Monday, December 4 7 pm on Zoom Multifaith Spiritual Dialogue "2024 Parliament of the World's Religious" Wednesday, December 6 11 am on Zoom Sunday Services Committee Wednesday, December 6 and every Wednesday 5 pm on Zoom Coffee Hour with Judy Newman Thursday, December 7 1 pm on Zoom Virtual Online Vegan Lunch Group every Thursday 7 pm Don Heights Singers every Thursday* In person Friday, December 8 7:45 pm In person & on Zoom Bill's Coffeehouse at Don Heights Sunday, December 10 "A Very Jazzy Christmas" 7 pm start In person & on Zoom) 6:30 pm, doors open, Tuesday, December 12 Board Meeting 7 pm on Zoom * No rehearsal after Dec. 14th until Jan. 4, 2024 (cont'd) Happy Birthday to ...
Starch Solution is a way to eat/stay healthy On the third Sunday of the month, there's our plant-based, Starch Solution Potluck. We all know how delicious fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes are, especially when accented with an array of herbs. Learn about this healthy way to live through food by taking part in this experience of whole food, plant-based, vegan dining.
Music Notes by Sheila WhiteOur next Potluck Supper and Open Rehearsal will happen on Thursday, December 14, an opportunity to share a meal and treat yourself to a free concert where you can sing along if you so choose. The next Meal & Melodies will be in the Spring, following our idea of making these a seasonal tradition, spring, summer, fall and winter. Consider inviting friends or family members because it's a relaxed and fun time. Potluck starts at 6 pm, and singing at 7 pm.
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Events (cont'd)Wednesday, December 13 7 pm on Zoom
7 pm UU A to Z: W, X, Y and Z Arts and Literature Part 1 Thursday, December 14 5:30 pm In person Don Heights Singers Potluck and Open Rehearsal Sunday, December 17 Starch Solution Potluck (plant based) after Sunday Service Tuesday, December 19 1 pm Social Action on Zoom Sunday, December 24 10:30 am In person & on Zoom Christmas Eve morning service: "A Christmas Tree" story Monday, December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS! Tuesday, December 26 10:30 am Do-Be-D0 Group In person Thursday, December 28 11:30 am Men's Group on Zoom Friday, December 29 3 pm Women's Group, location TBD Sunday, January 7 Immediately after service, Potluck Sunday the first of every month now. 8TH PRINCIPLE:
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This Month's Wise Words
"It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's a time for idealism -- not for ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but for compassionate action."
~Marian Wright Edelman ~ (1927)
~Marian Wright Edelman ~ (1927)
This Don Heights Unitarian Web Bulletin is a publication of: EDITOR: SHEILA WHITE
Don Heights Unitarian Congregation 18 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 3S2 416-444-8839 [email protected] Website
Don Heights Unitarian Congregation 18 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 3S2 416-444-8839 [email protected] Website