forest hill 
Dear Forest Hill United Friends,
I am very much looking forward to sharing this year’s Holy Week Services with all of you.
On March 29, during our Palm Sunday service we will make a palm parade followed by readings, reflections, songs and prayers. During our time together, we will explore the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, we will witness his sorrow over Jerusalem, and we will wonder at his boldness as he drives the money-changes from the Temple precincts.
On April 3, during our Good Friday service we will hear and reflect on Jesus Seven ‘Words’ from the cross. Again, the service will be a weave of readings, reflections, songs and prayers as we ponder the spiritual depths of Jesus' final hours.
Finally, on Easter Sunday we will gather in a joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection. We will lift our hearts and voices in songs of wonder and praise as we remember the tenancious and surprising hope to which we have all been called. We will lovingly adorn the cross with the beauty of blossoms and share in our Sacred Meal. We will remember the living Christ on whom our hearts rely.
Read more: Palm Sunday - Guest Minister Rev. Debra Schneider
January 4, 2026
Guest Speaker: Rev. Cynthia Stretton
"Holy Time"
On January 4th we will share in worship together.
As I write this, the theme of time overwhelms my spirit. In this season of Advent-waiting, then on to Christmas which will go by in
a flash! Have you ever just stopped to experience time?
To bask in a God Moment. Join me on the first Sunday of the new year to reflect on Holy Time. In this season of gift giving
consider giving that which costs you nothing monetarily… the gift of time.
Oh, and so you might know me I am Rev. Cynthia Stretton.
The year 2026 marks my 40th anniversary of ordination. Those years of ministry have flown by.
I am looking forward to spending some spiritual time with you in January.
May God bless you, your family, and friends with blessings.
And may you be a blessing for someone else.
Rev. Cynthia R. Stretton
October 19, 2025
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
"A Time to Act"
“Rosie the Rivetter” is a popular image from World War 2 era United States, representing the working-class women who rolled up their sleeves to toil in factories and shipyards while the men were off fighting in Europe and the Pacific. She’s typically portrayed in this pose with a curled fist, and the slogan “We can do it.” I found this image of the Virgin Mary in the same pose, when I was looking for graphics for this week’s Biblical story, and it really tickled my fancy.
The real-life “Rosies” were working-class; poorly paid; essential to the economy and the war-effort, but never really given the respect they were due. Millions of them filled heavy-labour jobs that the soldiers had done prior to the war; and millions of them were displaced from the workforce again once the soldiers came home. Somehow the fierceness and determination of those female workers never translated into respect, or decent pay! It feels like the graphic artist here wants us to imagine the strength and the struggles of peasant women like Mary in the same light.
How To Connect to Us RemotelyClick HERE to join the service on your computer or mobile device Click HERE to go to our congregation's YouTube channel Click the "Read More" below for detailed instructions |
May 17, 2026
Guest Speaker: Linda Liang
This Sunday’s service is Ascension Sunday. You are warmly invited to join us. As we gather in that “in-between” space—between Ascension and Pentecost—where we reflect on both Jesus’ physical absence and his continuing presence with us. It is a time filled with promise and hope.
We remember that although Jesus is no longer with us in the same way, he has not left us alone. Through his prayer, we are held in God’s love and protection, and through the Spirit, we are guided to live as he lived. We are invited to see the world as Christ sees it, and to care about what matters to him.
The key message that we can learn from Jesus’ prayer is that we may be one. This is a hopeful call—to be a community where differences are embraced, and where we walk together in faith.
Welcome to be part of this time of worship, reflection, and connection.
Forest Hill United Church is an intercultural congregation in the heart of Toronto.
We're located one short block north of Eglinton Avenue, at Bathurst Street.
Please click the "About Us" icon at the top of your screen for a link to a map.
We worship at 10:30 am between July 1 and Labour Day
Child care is provided during worship
Choir and Church School resume on September 10, 2023