There is always room for one more
Get InvolvedThere are so many ways to get involved in this community, whether as a volunteer for a single task, serving on an ongoing committee, or participating in a social group or event. Need some help finding your place here? Contact the Church Office at office@islingtonunited.org or 416-239-1131.
Feeding the Neighbourhood
Hospitality Team
The Hospitality Team embodies this ancient Christian practice as integral to church life. Participate in food planning, purchasing, preparation, and serving for ministry programs, special events and Sunday’s coffee hour.
Mabelle Food Program
Volunteers of all ages help prepare and distribute food packages to our neighbours in need each Wednesday morning, from 9:00 am to 12:30pm, in the gymnasium at 49 Mabelle Avenue, off Dundas Street near the church.
Gardening
Church Grounds and Flower Beds
This is an opportunity to be part of a team that gets outside and makes things look beautiful. Seasonal help is needed at various times in the year. Tasks include weeding, watering, pruning, and assisting with spring and fall clean up.
Giving Gardeners
All ages and skill-levels are welcome to help care for the Giving Garden — a source of fresh produce for our local food banks. Duties include garden planning, construction and maintenance, seed planting, transplanting, watering, tending, and harvesting, for both seasonal outdoor and year-round indoor hydroponics.
Social Justice
Affirm
As an Affirming church we aim to be public, intentional and explicit in our commitment to diversity. We are working toward ending discrimination and providing marginalized individuals with a safe place of inclusivity.
Anti-Racism Working Group
This group works in the areas of education, advocacy and taking action toward becoming an anti-racist congregation within The United Church of Canada.
Out of the Cold
Two to three Fridays a year, between November and April, a team of Islington volunteers serves those experiencing homelessness by purchasing ingredients and then preparing a hot supper and a bagged lunch for each guest of the Out of the Cold program at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church.
Mission & Service
Mission and Service is the way we as a United Church witness to God’s love, whether it is with overseas partners, in Canadian outreach, in hospital or university chaplaincies, in supporting small congregations, or in assisting new ministers.
Refugee Support Ministry
Islington United Church has been sponsoring and supporting refugee newcomers for more than 40 years. If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life—give hope and support—or just want to learn more or how you might be able to help, please get in touch.
Right Relations Circle
We are working to understand Canada’s past relationship to Indigenous Peoples, to foster reconciliation, and to live into Right Relations through education, programming, and direct engagement with our Indigenous neighbours.
Reading
Book Club
Islington Reads is an online book club is open to all ages, genders and identities and to members and non-members of Islington United Church.
Islington Reads offers participants the opportunity to read some great books and connect with other readers in a meaningful way.
Family Book Club
An extension of Islington Reads (our online adult book club), our Family Book Club offers opportunities to read a book as a family followed by an all-ages in-person event all about the book! Join us to meet the author, share a meal, and try activities themed around the selected book.
Library
A small collection of Christian literature forms the library of Islington United Church. A book cart is maintained with books displayed according to the seasons of the church. Donations of current Christian books, both fiction and non-fiction, are welcomed.
Readers
Readers’ Guild members take turns presenting the scripture at Sunday morning services. If you have a passion for scripture, this may be a good fit.
Members read an average of once or twice per year. Participate in bringing the Word to life.
Arts & Creativity
Arts and Environment
The Arts and Environment Committee is a fun group that embellishes the Church and Sanctuary for the liturgical seasons of the Church Year. This group includes the Flower Guild, which provides fresh flower arrangements for special occasions and sponsorships. Please join us!
Caring Hands
Join this group of knitters and crocheters who lovingly create items for people in need within our community. We make hats, scarves and mitts for fall/winter distribution to Mabelle Food Program clients.
Stitch Together
This group meets at the church every Tuesday throughout the year from 10 am to 12 pm. Bring handwork stitching projects of any kind and gather with others in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn from others and make new friends.
Music & Song
Senior Choir
Experienced singers are welcomed to learn more about joining the Senior Choir. The choir sings Sunday mornings and practices Thursday evenings.
Children's Chorus
Children aged 6 to 12 are invited to participate in the Children’s Chorus. Practices are Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, preceded by a family-style dinner.
Handbell Choir
Musicians curious about the handbell choir are invited to get in touch to learn more about this unique ensemble that plays seasonally in worship or concerts, and practices weekly Thursday evenings.
Spiritual Growth & Care
Bible Study
Bible Study is offered online twice per week: 10 am on Tuesday (with Dr. Jack Grady) and 10 am Thursday (with Rev. Maya Landell). Join us as we read and discuss Scripture together.
Meditation
Meditation is offered Mondays in person at 7 pm and Wednesdays online at 5 pm. No experience is needed and all are welcome. Sessions are listed on the Events Calendar and on the Meditation page.
Resonance
Resonance is a monthly community dinner followed by contemporary worship. We always welcome folks to help with the set up and execution of this event.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry trains lay persons to provide high quality, confidential, Christ-centred care to people who are hurting. Training takes place annually.
United Church Women
United Church Women (UCW) offers fellowship as well as opportunities to explore faith for all women of the congregation. All women are invited to join us.
Welcome Team
The Welcome Team greets attendees with warmth and friendliness, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and regular members.
YOU Groups
- An evening group meets every third Wednesday in person from 7:30 to 9 pm under the leadership of Pattie Aitchison.
- A second group, You2(too), usually meets every third Monday on Zoom from 1pm – 3 pm under the leadership of Dale Kucharczyk. This open group mixes Bible study with Spiritual practices, often using the characters in a novel to open up our understanding of how connecting with God impacts our lives. In 2025/26 we are using a novel by Sharon Garlough Brown, Sensible Shoes, to learn about and experience six spiritual practices.
Children, Youth & Young Adults
Faith Formation
The Faith Formation committee aims to provide experiences of learning, faith building and community for people of all ages through regular programs, special events and short-term studies (e.g., bible study, book club, enneagram sessions, and so on).
Islington Reads: Family Book Club
Islington Reads: Family Book Club offers opportunities to read a book as a family followed by an all-ages in-person event all about the book! Join us to meet the author, share a meal, and try activities themed around the selected book.
Toddlers, Children & Youth
Supporters play and supervise young children in the Sunday Toddler Ministry, and serve as trained door people and storytellers in the Sunday Godly Play children and youth circles.
Youth Group
Youth Group welcomes those in Grades 6 to 12 to join us Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm from September to June. Once per month we offer a social event in partnership with Etobicoke United Youth – a collaboration of United Churches in the area – either at a member church or offsite.
Young Adults
Young adults (ages 18 to 30) meet monthly for a social event to have fun, get to know new people and build relationships.
Community Partners
Alcoholics Anonymous
Islington hosts a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous group Fridays from 8 to 9 pm. For more information, contact Alcoholics Anonymous directly.
Contact: Alcoholics Anonymous
Bridge
Experienced bridge players are invited to drop in to participate in the bridge group held in Stewart East Hall Tuesdays at from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.
Line Dancing
This weekly class runs every Friday from 9:45 to 11:15 am. Classes are $5 per session; some experience is required.
Narcotics Anonymous
Islington hosts a weekly Narcotics Anonymous group every Saturday from 7:30 to 9 pm. For more information, contact Narcotics Anonymous directly.
Scouts Canada
The 433rd Toronto Scout Group offer programs for boys and girls, from five years old to adulthood, where they can develop outdoor skills, independence, a love of nature, and self-respect.
Women's Fitness
Sally’s weekly fitness class includes cardio, strength training, and stretching and relaxation. It runs every Wednesday from 9:45 to 11:15 am. Contact Sally for more information.