Metropolitan United Church

About 75 people stayed after the Sunday worship service on June 24, 2007 to discuss and eventually approve the amendments to the agreement with Lancer Corporation to develop the north end of Metropolitan's property.

The motion was passed almost exactly as presented, the only change being that the Trustees will seek Presbytery Approval "as necessary". The motion references the attached document.

The financial future of Metropolitan United Church will be shaped by decisions the Congregation makes at its Sunday, June 24 meeting after the Sunday worship service. At that time, amendments to Met's agreement with Lancer Corporation, the company chosen to develop the north section of our property (the North Property), will be considered. All are encouraged to attend, to hear the details of our intricate arrangements with Lancer, and to help make a wise decision for our future.

The Board and Trustees (the committee that looks after the major decisions about church assets) feel that it's important to have the meeting before the summer holidays start in earnest, because depending on what the congregation decides, there may be important work that needs to get done over the summer. This is a “general meeting" with legal status, like the Annual General Meeting held in February. It is regrettable that it takes place on Pride Day, when many want to get away and join the celebrations, and when others have already left for vacations. The Board acknowledges that there is never an ideal time for Congregational meetings. For background information on the motion, please >>see here<<.

Metropolitan United Church is situated on a large property in Toronto's downtown core.  In 2005 and 2006, we embarked on a capital fundraising campaign to help us prepare for the future and responsibly steward the physical spaces and real estate affiliated with the church.

This part of our site will keep you up to date on the status of our progress in this area.

At Metropolitan United Church, we have a long history dating back 180 years.   And we're looking forward to a long, vital future as well.  But we know the world is changing, and we must change too.

To remain relevant in the years ahead, we recognize that we must provide worship experiences that appeal to a diverse range of people.  That's where Emerging Spirit comes in.

Emerging Spirit is an initiative focused on establishing and nurturing a new relationship between the United Church and Canadians, especially people between the ages of 30-45, because this is one of the first Canadian generations to grow up largely outside of the church. Many are at a turning point in their lives where they're considering major decisions about career directions, marriage and children, and setting down roots. Many are also considering questions about spirituality and whether or not they could participate in a faith community. The goal of Emerging Spirit is to help the church be a more open, welcoming place for all who visit or seek to join the church.

Emerging Spirit's provocative national media campaign is now appearing in magazines across the country. This campaign will invite people who are curious about religion, spirituality, and moral issues to explore these topics with others at a new website designed for non-church-goers and by visiting a United Church congregation.  Visit the site at www.wondercafe.ca

In 2005/06, we renovated Met's dank, dark sub-basement.   After 130 years of under-utilization, the lower level of the church now offers more than 11,000 square feet of usable space.

These new facilities enhance the social-service programs for which Met is respected and appreciated in the heart of our great city, as well as our youth and Christian Education programs, rich musical life, committee work, special events, celebrations and fellowship.

As part of the upgrades, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and climate control, fire and safety systems have all been brought up to state-of-the-art levels. The entire floor is equipped with a sprinkler system, and the mechanical and electrical systems have been sized to provide for easy renovation and growth in Phase II of this ambitious program. New washrooms, including accessible facilities, are in place. A new ventilation system for the nave, lacking until now, is included. Even new blowers for the organ!

The renovation and expansion of the upper levels of the church, is just ahead.