Come share​ our Vision
 To know God through Jesus Christ and to reflect God's love as the church in a changing community and world.
Information on ways to make Donations click HERE
For letter from our Treasurer click HERE
For PAR sign up form click HERE
For PAR cancellation form click HERE
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Burton Avenue United Church is a dynamic Christ-centred community of faith. For over 145 years, we have served the community of Allandale and the surrounding Barrie area, through meaningful worship, spiritual nurture and outreach into the community and wider world. We are inclusive, open, welcoming, willing to push the boundaries and take risks in order to be the hands and voice and heart of Christ. If you are looking for a church home where you will be welcomed, nurtured and challenged, Welcome to Burton Avenue United Church!

EXPLORE BURTON aVENUE uNITED church

What's NEW

Sunday Worship
This week, Sun., Nov. 29th, we will continue livestreaming from the sanctuary and we will also welcome into the sanctuary those who are part of our in-person congregation, along with volunteers in leadership.  
We begin with the Prelude and announcements at 9:50 a.m.  Click on our YouTube channel link  Our channel does not change and is always on the BAUC website. Once you are at the channel you may have to look for the live video. If you can't join us live, it will be will posted to the YouTube channel once the livestream ends. You may have to hit a down arrow to find past livestreams. Or if the livestream does not work we will record the service and post on YouTube when we are done.  If you have Celebrations & Thanksgiving that you wish named on Sunday, email them to the church office by 12:00 p.m. on Friday.  Reminder:  Weekly Announcements are due to the office by Wednesday afternoon.

Upcoming Worship
Sunday, Nov. 29 - 1st Sunday of Advent and celebration of Holy Communion.  In preparation for Communion, you are invited to think about what you might use for the elements of bread and grape juice…. perhaps it will be just that or maybe it will be crackers & Juice, toast and tea or cookies and milk,  muffin and coffee. We will be eating the “bread” together and then drinking the “juice”, so we encourage you to have individual cups.  For those who are here in the sanctuary, the elements of gluten-free bread and grape juice will be provided. At the present time, we continue in person worship for those who are on the list for in-person.  If you would like to be added or removed from that list, please contact the office.   It would be very helpful if you are part of that invited group, if you could let the church office know that you are attending before Friday prior to each Sunday.

From Open Hands United
*Hurricane Eta Update* (Appeal for Funds) Click Here for all infomation.

2021 Church Calendars – limited numbers are now available from the church office to purchase for $10.00 each.

Newsletters - the latest newsletter will be emailed or mailed on Friday.  Those who attend in-person worship will find their copy on their pew.  Thanks to Edd Taylor for putting together another great record of our ministry together.

Are You Missing In Person Worship? If the answer is "yes" and you are comfortable with attending Sunday Church Service in person, consider volunteering for;
1.  Preparation and/or running the PowerPoint for the in-person congregation. For further information as to the skills and time needed contact Jody Lee.
2. Ushering. This no longer includes counting offering or folding bulletins but consists mainly of helping people into the building for worship in a safe manner following the safety protocols. To see the usher procedures before committing yourself, contact Brenda Young.

Snowflake Tree - We will be having a drive- thru gift drop off for the Snowflake tree gifts this year. Members of BAUC that are participating can drive by to drop their gift off on November 28th between 1-3 in the BAUC parking lot. Santa's helpers will be on hand to help collect gifts. If you are unable to drive by to drop off your gift during this time please call the church office to arrange a time prior to this date to drop your gift off at the church. Gifts are due back by November 29th to allow Samaritan House time to deliver the gifts. If you did not receive a gift but would still like to participate Samaritan House has informed me that they have several teens that were not included on the list that would be happy to receive a mall or store gift card. You could drop these by the church office or on our drive-by with teen gift card written on the envelope.

Drive Thru Victorian Tea
Circle Saturday, December 5 on your calendar. We are having a fund raiser Victorian Tea and we need your help!  If you have some homemade Strawberry Preserves to donate or can make some scones, call Nancy Sawyers at 705-739-5832.  Please drop off these items at the kitchen door of the church on Saturday December 5 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Arrangements can be made to pick them up if you are unable to deliver. The Drive Thru starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and lasts until 4 p.m. or until we run out of scones!!!!  Cost is $10.00 and you will receive a package of six scones, some Devon Cream, Strawberry preserves and a tea bag.  Payment is COD! (cash on delivery).  You can place your order by calling Joanne at the church (705-726-0401) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday to Friday just to give us an idea of numbers. Spread the word and then come on down, pick up your scones, drive home, make some tea and enjoy!

Worship Survey - We sent out a brief survey to help us in our worship planning for the coming weeks and months. The survey is set up so each person in your household who attends Burton Avenue can fill out the form. Please respond by November 28th.  Please click here to access the survey if you have not already done so.  We need you to complete the survey even if you have been ushering.  

Church Office News - We have some new email addresses as we have updated our system in order to be able to access all office files remotely if needed. Joanne Black in the office can be reached at joanne@bauc.ca and Andrea Wheaton can be reached at andrea@bauc.ca  The public church email address is now burtonaveunitedchurch@bauc.ca 

Baking for Busby
Want to support the Busby Outreach team but making sandwiches isn't your thing? How about baking!
The Busby Outreach team is always happy to receive fresh baked goodies such as cookies, muffins, bars... for their Outreach van. Items should be individually wrapped and can be dropped off at the centre at 88 Mulcaster Street Monday to Friday between 10-3. Drop off at the side door.

Calling for Volunteers for Selection Committee
We are looking for a few volunteers to serve for a limited time on a selection committee for a part-time position at the church. As approved by the Board, we are looking to find someone to work as an IT consultant to assist with all matters related to the computer hardware and software used at the church. The Committee's first task will be to determine the scope of the position and then carry out a search to find someone. If you are interested in participating on this committee, please contact Islay Scott, thank you.   Alan J McGee, Chair

Book Club - Our Dec. 29 selection is The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. All are welcome to join us; contact Islay to add your name to the Zoom invitation list.  

Your Pictures & Names on Livestream - We have a collection of photographs that we use on our worship powerpoint slides that we have taken at church gatherings or you have submitted.  If you do not want your image on those slides, since they are now being livestreamed, please let us know.  We would not put your name with the image. If you have provided us with your photos/drawings and you do not want your name on the photo credit, also please let us know.  If you do not want your full name  spoken in the livestream at any point in the worship , please let us know.  You can contact the church office with any concerns.  Thank you.

Upcoming Conversations regarding Supervised Consumption Site in Barrie
Seeking to Reduce Harm: The Politics of Harm Reduction and Supervised Consumption
Thurs., Nov. 26, 7 pm
Zoom Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/98626625347
Description: We filmed a conversation between City Councillors Joe Cressy (City of Toronto, Board of Health Chair) and Ann-Marie Kungl (City of Barrie, Board Member for the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit), where the two discussed: supervised consumption, harm reduction and why politicians are encouraged to support life saving measures. We will begin by watching the 30 minute video, and then share in conversation.

Upcoming:  We are still working on firming up dates for three more conversations within this series. The focus will be: around personal stories of harm reduction and supervised consumption, the costing/public safety of harm reduction and supervised consumption and the theology of harm reduction.  As always, if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, to myself:   Jeffrey Dale jdale@united-church.ca

Movember is almost over! Hi folks, a Movember Team (“BAUC Mo Men”) to help raise funds for  mental health as well as innovative medical research and groundbreaking tests and treatments for prostate cancer and testicular cancer are almost finished.  To make a donation go to: https://movember.com/t/bauc-mo-men?mc=1

Sandwiches for The Busby Centre - The David Busby Centre is once again accepting “prepared” sandwiches! If you are interested in volunteering to provide the traditional four loaves of sandwiches, please send Andrew Telford an email and he will follow up with details. If not able to deliver, Andrew will make arrangements to pick them up at your door. Sandwiches are needed on Mondays now and the ideal drop time is between 10-3pm at the 88 Mulcaster location (McDonald St. entrance)  Also, the Busby Centre will now issue tax receipts for all invoices collected and totaled at the end of the calendar year. 

A Cross-Canada Conversation on the International Decade for People of African Descent - On Thurs., Nov. 26, please join us for A Cross-Canada Conversation on the International Decade for People of African Descent. The Canadian Council of Churches is sponsoring this event and the United Church is actively involved.  The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Afua Cooper on the realities of current systemic anti-Black racism in the Canadian context and challenges to the Canadian church. It will also feature a multifaceted panel discussion from diverse Christian voices across Canada, small group discussion in breakout sessions, and a time of prayer.  United Church General Secretary Michael Blair will be one of the speakers at this event.  Sign up today, and help spread the word among your networks by sharing this Facebook post.

Kairos sponsorship group is thankful for a group of men from our church who have volunteered to take turns social distance walking once a week with the father of the Syrian Family that Kairos sponsored to help him practice English. The group is called Walk with Wissam.We are so thankful for all BAUC's generosity toward this family. We are now only need $960 to cover their travel costs.  Anyone interested in supporting this please contact Ruth.

ONGOING News


Church Office Hours - There is someone in the office to answer phones and emails Mondays through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Click here for the protocol for making an appointment to see staff in the building.    Click here for information on the protocol for booking a small group meeting in the church building.

​​​Masks for Sale - I am making and selling fabric face masks.  I have 2 sizes available (child and adult) and several colours and fabric designs.  These masks have a wire insert for fitting around the nose and a pocket area where you can add a filter if you wish.  They are available for pick-up or delivery (in Barrie).  They are $10 each with 100% of sales going to Burton Avenue United Church.  To order, please email Cate F.D. through the office or directly if you have her contact info.  Thank you to all the people who who have ordered masks.  Your support has been amazing!  Thanks, Cate.

​​Weekly or Monthly Offering  - An email was sent with details from the Treasurer about how you can continue with donations if you wish to do so. The information is also on our website. If you need help finding this information, please contact the church office.

Pastoral Care - many of us have been keeping in touch through phone calls, emails and even snail mail. What a blessing it has been that we can still connect to one another in those ways. This has been a good time for so many of us to get to know others in our church that we did not yet know! Remember that Pastoral Care is a ministry that all of us share and need to participate in, however we can.  Whether you are making contact or receiving contact, we are caring for one another. Whether you are on the prayer list or you are praying for those on the list, we are caring for one another.  Whether you are listening to someone's concerns or you are voicing your worries, we are caring for one another.  As we continue to be apart, we will need to continue to stay in touch and care for one another in all the ways that we can. ​

Youth Inc. Burton Buddies – if you need contact information for your buddy so that you can send a card, a drawing, a message, please contact the church office.

Email Updates  - We are corresponding to the congregation through Mailchimp. The email comes from the church office email address and is the easiest way for us to send updated information. Check your junkmail if you are not receiving these emails. Or perhaps the office does not have your correct email so send a quick note to  burtonaveunitedchurch@outlook.com  And if you wish to be removed from the email list, you can unsubscribe.

Fraud Prevention  Even with this terrible virus with us, there are people out there who are trying to scam money from people using this COVID-19 situation.  Please go to www.antifraudcentre.ca for all the different type of fraud scams and how to protect yourself. If you have been scammed please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

lend a helping hand

Barrie Food Bank -  is in need of juice, jam and toilet paper.

Busby Street Centre - the centre is in need of the following items: deodorant, travel size shampoo, conditioner and body wash, razors, toothpaste, socks, and face masks, other items such as men's clothing, food staples and cash donations are always appreciated.

Youth Haven - is in need of the following items. Grocery Gift cards, Bus passes (10 rides), Hygiene products; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant. Clothing; new underwear and socks, mittens, gloves, winter hats, hoodies, sweat pants, winter jackets. Call the shelter  at  (705) 739-7616 before dropping off as Covid 19 protocols are in place. 

Youth Haven  All residents have been moved to a motel for their health and safety and that of their staff.   The shelter will remain open for EMERGENCY services only.  If you wish to make a donation, please contact Youth Haven (705-739-7616) WEEKDAYS between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to arrange a time. Donations will be accepted WEEKDAYS between 10 a.m and 6 p.m. Items they currently can accept are pre-packaged foods including snacks, cleaning supplies such as hand sanitizer/soap, as well as unused board games/puzzles. Financial donations can still be made online at youthhaven.ca  

The Listening Post Barrie - celebrating the training of 5 new volunteers. The need for people to connect and be heard compassionately through  face to face listening (with covid protocol) is greater than ever due to the isolation people are experiencing from Covid. New volunteers good news!  We are also celebrating an invitation to return to listening at the library and a new relationship with the Elizabeth Fry Society and the Gilbert Centre.  If you are interested or know someone in the community (we are seeking to diversify our listener demographic) who has a heart for connecting with people and a desire to accept them just as they are please send them our way. We offer online training. listeningpostbarrie@gmail.com or 705-229-6513. 

Need to talk? Listening Post Barrie is listening! The goal of our listening is to offer another person unconditional love and humanity, even if it is only for a brief moment.  Would you find it helpful to share your story and be heard during this time of physical distancing? Do you know someone who would like to be heard? The volunteers with the Listening Post Barrie are ready to listen through 3 phone lines every Friday from 1:30-3:30 pm! We started on July 17. Our phone numbers are. 705-230-6656, 705-230-6161 and 705-230-6078. Call the first number between 130 and 330 on Fridays. If it is busy... call the next and so on.  Our volunteer listeners are not crisis counsellors, but we are people trained in the art of active listening. We are available to offer connection and support through the gift of deep listening.  

The Open Hands Mission Team is supporting a number of projects in Nicaragua including the building of a school.  Donations in support of the Nicaragua Mission should be made payable to "Open Hands United Mission.

             ON THE WEB
Please email blindalleyarts@rogers.com for corrections, changes, or additions to the website.

Burton Avenue United Church Facebook Page
Please feel free to invite your friends and family to like the page and join us at our events.
https://www.facebook.com/BurtonAvenueUnitedChurch/

On Going


During our time out of the building due to Covid-19, these announcments may not apply

 Nametags – If you would like a nametag or you need a new one please sign up in the foyer or let the office know.  Children & Youth can have nametags too.  If parents prefer just first names on the children’s tags let us know.  And remember to wear your nametag.  It helps us get to know one another.

Resource Corner - Both the Affirm Team and the Truth & Reconciliation Committee have compiled books and other resources that you can borrow or keep. On the bulletin board right outside the sanctuary the Outreach Committee have posted information about Mental Health Awareness – take any flyers or information that you need.

Car Pool to Church – Are you able to occasionally offer rides to church for those needing them?  We are wanting to collect a list of those able to offer rides.  If you wish more information or are able to offer rides, please speak to Andrea Wheaton.

Parking Lot - Did you know that on Sundays there is parking on the other side of the school next door to us?  There is also the lot behind the school which can be accessed from Cumberland St. or there is now a road from our lot to it. Please leave the parking spaces closest to the church for those who have difficulty walking a further distance.

People with hearing aids!!  The sanctuary is equipped with a loop system which works with your hearing aids.  You must have a “T coil” installed and activated.  Set your hearing aid to “T coil”.

Notice to Church Members and Guests Our services and events may be photographed or videotaped for the purpose of informing our members or the public.  If you have a concern about your image being used in these situations, please let us know.