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. 1st, 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, email them to the church office by 12:00 p.m. on Friday.  Announcements are due to the office by Wednesday afternoons.

Upcoming Worship
Sunday, Nov. 8 - Remembrance Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 15 - Our 147th Anniversary 
At the present time we will continue in person worship with the initial group of invited worshipers until further notice. If you are part of that invited group, It would be very helpful if you could let the church office know that you are attending (before Friday) prior to each Sunday.

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.

Socktober - The Outreach Committee extends a heartfelt thank you. Our Socktober sock and toiletry drive exceeded our expectations. Thanks to your generosity we collected too many socks to count. Let's just say we got a lot! The drive ended with 3 vehicles jammed packed with new socks, underwear and toiletries; 1 vehicle full for each of the shelters, Busby, Youth Haven and Elizabeth Fry. As well, we collected boots, coats and winter wear and some sleeping bags and tents. Together we made a difference!

Halloween Car Rally was a great success! - A sincere thank you to all who helped with or took part in our BAUC Halloween Car Rally. We raised $400 for the church, we collected many much-needed items for Youth Haven, the Busby Centre and 16 people who had their day brightened when they opened your handwritten note.  Just as importantly, we spent an afternoon "together" with friends, neighbours & church members who we likely hadn't seen in ages. We thank the 8 residents of the IOOF who judged the cars--they were thrilled to be invited to help and got just as much out of it as we did.  We are planning on having a Christmas themed rally in early December --how else can we get "together"?  Spread the word about how much fun this one was and find at last one new group/family to join us.  The Nayler family won for "closest to the secret time".  The Boone/Murphy family impressed the judges with their decorated vehicle &  won in that category. The Hendersons & Campbell Kennys tied for best costumes. All will receive a Dairy Queen gift card.

Snowflake Tree - We will still be collecting gifts for children in our community, but we will be doing it a bit differently this year due to COVID. If you are interested in participating in this gift-giving project please email Christine Nayler. The name of a child, their age and a small wish list will be sent to you via email. If you don’t have access to email you may call Christine and a name will be given to you over the phone.  Names will be available on Monday November 2nd and gifts will be due by November 29th. The gifts should be unwrapped with the name and number provided to you. Please keep the gifts under $50.00. Stay tuned for drop off details.

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 

Under Our Roof Campaign -  This week we are looking forward to another video clip that celebrates a ministry that happens because of the time, talents and treasure shared under the roof of Burton Ave United Church.  The roof replacement started this week and we are grateful that financial contributions are coming in for this campaign to help cover the costs.  We are also grateful for the many time and talents shared even during the pandemic.  While we have video clips planned up until our Anniversary Sunday on Nov. 15, we also thought that maybe you have a video clip of what you would like to celebrate because of the ministry under our roof.  We will plan to create one video out of all the clips so send it to the church office in an mp4 format before year end! 

Book Club - The Book Club is holding a Zoom Meeting November 24 at 7pm. We will be discussing The Skin We're In by Desmond Cole. Our December 29, 2020 selection is The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. All are welcome to join us; contact Islay at ilascott@sympatico.ca 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.

Movember is near! Hi folks, It’s that time of the year again when Burton United will be putting together 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. So far we have Jeff, Chris, Andrew, Tom, Dave, Dan and Greg on this year’s team and there is ALWAYS more room (Mo SISTERS). If interested in being part of the team this year, go to: https://movember.com/t/bauc-mo-men?mc=1
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Accommodation needed for growing  family
The second Syrian family that the Burton Ave Refugee Sponsorship Group was involved with, are looking for larger accommodation for their growing family.  They have lived in a two bedroom apartment for the past three and a half years, and with the expected arrival of a third child in December, they are outgrowing their living quarters.  Their name is on a wait list with Barrie Housing for a subsidized townhouse  but it could take a long time to get something.  If anyone knows of a small house or townhouse for rent at a reasonable rate, please contact Lois Delaforce.

Survey in Response to a Supervised Consumption Site in the City of Barrie
As part of this application process, the Barrie community is invited to offer their opinion on two proposed locations for a SCS in the city by filling out a survey now available online, The survey is open from October 7 to October 30. When going to the link you must click on the survey’s link found on the information page. https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Drugs/opioids/Supervised-consumption-sites
 
Meetings with the United Churches of Barrie to discuss engaging in the SCS Conversation
During these times together, we will discuss how we would like to, as the United Churches of Barrie, engage ourselves in the conversation around Harm Reduction and the proposed Supervised Consumption Site in the City of Barrie.
 October 20th, 2020 – 12 pm – 1 pm
Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/98041756427
October 21st, 2020 – 7 pm – 8 pm
Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/95911934586
October 22nd, 2020 – 12 pm – 1 pm
Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/98041756427
 
Books to Borrow- The Local & World Outreach Committee in partnership with Affirm and Truth & Reconciliation Teams have started a Social Justice lending library. We have books for all ages. These are some of the books available  Policing Black Lives - Robyn Maynard , The Skin We're In - Desmond Cole, White Fragility - Robin Diangelo, How To Be An Anti-racist - Ibram X. Kendi. Here are the titles of some of the new children’s books available to borrow. Sometimes People March, Antiracist Baby, The Proudest Blue, The Colour of Us, Say Something, Stepping Stones -A Refugee Family’s Journey and Same Sun Here. If you are interested in borrowing one of these books, email Christine Nayler. We are also accepting Anti-Racism/Social Justice books to add to our library.  If you have any books you would like to donate, let Christine know.  

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. 

David 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.

Kairos sponsorship group welcomed the family of 7 from Syria last October and is celebrating the completion of our year of sponsorship. We are so thankful for all BAUC's generosity toward this family. They are struggling to learn english since the YMCA classes are online and very short so if there us anyone interested in offering online English conversations to support their learning please contact Ruth McDonald. We are also looking to fully cover their travel costs for which we need another $2500.  Anyone interested in supporting this please contact Ruth. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.  

​​​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.

Burton Ave United in Broadview Magazine, June edition - several people have mentioned the picture and article about The Listening Post featuring Rev. Ruth McDonald. The article was written by our own Julie McGonegal. There is also a mention of our congregation in an article on Growing Congregations.  Click here  to read more.
 
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.

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  

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 - needs toiletries, toilet paper, coffee, sugar, cream, powdered milk, peanut butter, oatmeal, juice boxes, granola bars, tear top pastas and soups and bottled water. Or sign up in the foyer to make/deliver sandwiches to the Centre on Wednesdays.

Youth Haven -  They need school/work snacks, Mr. Noodles, pasta (not spaghetti) Chef Boyardee type meals, soups, canned veggies/fruits, deodorant, socks, underwear. Items are used in the shelter and provide food packages to youth living on their own. Donations can be dropped off at 22 Wellington St. E.  

 Listening Post Barrie We nurture listeners and create spaces in Barrie where people can be heard one-on-one with compassion, respect and in confidence because listening is a gift for both the sharer and the listener. To volunteer email Ruth McDonald at listeningpostbarrie@gmail.com.

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.