Past Events

Past Events at Centretown United Church

2022Oct

Atlantic Voices - Weathering the Storm

The program features moving selections by East Coast composers and arrangers, with a special emphasis on our Scottish heritage. A highlight of the program will be two brand-new arrangements of songs by the late Nova Scotia songwriter Robbie Smith. The Fumblin Fingers band will perform at 2 pm to get you warmed up for the main concert.

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Ottawa Independent Writers Book Fair

Book lovers! Here’s your chance to stock up on books and support local! Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW), Ottawa’s largest writing community, is proud to host the biggest Book Fair in Ottawa, and the first in over two years, featuring over +30 of Ottawa and area’s best award-winning authors. Our writers cover all genres: fiction, memoir, young adult, fantasy, children’s, science fiction and much more… The authors will be there in person to talk about and sign their books. Come out for this unique opportunity to support the incredible literary arts in the National Capital Region! When: Saturday, June 4th Time: 12:00 to 4:00pm Where: Centertown United Church at 507 Bank St, The Glebe

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Tone Cluster - Live Concert - June 5, 2022 at 3 pm

Tickets are now available for Many Voices, One Song, Tone Cluster’s first live concert in over 2 years, and the first under the leadership of new artistic director, Deirdre Kellerman. Featuring music by Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, Laura Hawley, Ysaye Barnwell, Jason Robert Brown, and many more, including the world premiere of Face the World, written for Tone Cluster by Shane Raman.

It’s easy to focus on our differences, but what unifies us? This concert will reflect on the human experience and what it is that connects us to each other. Sunday, June 5th at 3:00 pm Centretown United Church 507 Bank St, Ottawa

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Christmas Hamper Project 2021 Successfully Completed!

This year we gave out 178 hampers, which represented over 500 individuals. Each recipient was referred to us through a Drop In or Emergency Food Centre. Each hamper contains gift cards that should provide groceries for a week, a warm greeting card, and personalized gift. The success of this project depends on many volunteers to adopt, pack, and deliver these hampers. Equally necessary are the financial donations which allow us to purchase gift cards. To undertake a project of this size we depend on people to organize the volunteers. A huge thank you to the organizing team. Thank you to all those who partnered in the Christmas Hamper Project. Your participation made someone's Christmas a little brighter.

A donation to the Christmas Hamper fund can still be made at: www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject . If donations are so generous that we receive additional funds, they will be shared with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre and Centre 507 to assist recipients, who struggle to make ends meet throughout the entire year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Christmas Hamper Project!!

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Christmas Hamper Project 2020 Successfully Completed!

This year we gave out 180 hampers, which represented over 506 individuals. Each recipient was referred to us through a Drop In or Emergency Food Centre. Each hamper contains gift cards taht should provide groceries for a week, a warm greeting card, and a gift. The success of this project depends on many volunteers to adopt, pack, and deliver these hampers. Equally necessary are the financial donations which allow us to purchase gift cards. To undertake a project of this size we depend on people to organize the volunteers. A huge thank you to the organizing team. Thank you to all those who partnered in the Christmas Hamper Project. Your participation made someone's Christmas a little brighter.

A donation to the Christmas Hamper fund can still be made at: www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject . If donations are so generous that we receive additional funds, they will be shared with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre and Centre 507 to assist recipients, who struggle to make ends meet throughout the entire year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Christmas Hamper Project!!

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Christmas Hamper Project 2019 Successfully Completed!

This year we gave out 182 hampers, which represented 557 individuals. Each recipient was referred to us through a Drop In or Emergency Food Centre. Each hamper included a Christmas dinner, food for a week, toiletries, cleaning supplies and a gift from Santa. The success of this project depends on many volunteers to adopt, pack, and deliver these hampers. Equally necessary are the financial donations which allow us to purchase turkeys and other perishables. To undertake a project of this size we depend on people to organize the volunteers. A huge thank you to the organizing team. Thank you to all those who partnered in the Christmas Hamper Project. Your participation made someone's Christmas a little brighter.

A donation to the Christmas Hamper fund can still be made at: www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject . If donations are so generous that we receive additional funds, they will be shared with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre and Centre 507 to assist recipients, who struggle to make ends meet throughout the entire year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Christmas Hamper Project!!

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Centennial Choir Presents "Brass Christmas" - Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30 pm

Lively music for the Chrismas season, including John Rutter's uplifting Gloria and popular audience sing-along carols. The choir will be accompanied by 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, a tuba, timpani and all manner of other percussion instruments. This will surely be a holiday blast! Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 at 7:30 pm, Centretown United Church

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Musica Viva presents The Twelve Days of Christmas on Monday, December 9th at 7:30 pm

Join Musica Viva Singers under the direction of Scott Richardson for an evening of seasonal music in a concert with selections as varied as “Yorkshire Wassail”, “Hanukah Prayer for Peace” and “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas”. Monday, December 9, 2019 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) Centretown United Church

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Vocestra Chorus presents "A Not So Silent Night" - Saturday Dec 14th at 7:30 pm

Vocestra Chorus is an acapella choir. Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Centretown United Church. Tickets are $20. 12 and under free.

Art and Music Night

An Evening of Art and Music, Saturday Nov 23rd at 7:30 pm Featuring Studio 507 Artists and Tone Cluster Choir

STUDIO 507 AND TONE CLUSTER CHOIR PARTNER FOR AN EVENING OF ART AND MUSIC by Linda Pollock

It’s a Wednesday afternoon and Joseph is at his easel in Studio 507 adding splashes of colour to his whimsical painting of skaters dancing across the Rideau canal on a wintry afternoon.

Joseph is one of about a dozen community artists who regularly paint at Studio 507. Some of his paintings have been exhibited in local galleries. The Studio welcomes community artists who want to connect with the artistic community. It provides the materials: canvasses, paint, brushes and easels. Most importantly it provides encouragement and guidance from professional Ottawa artists who volunteer as mentors. Participants find a friendly space to be themselves and to strive for artistic excellence. The Studio is a joint program of Centretown United church and Centre 507, a community drop-in located on the 2nd floor of the church at Bank St. and Argyle. The Studio operates every second Wednesday of the month and periodically offers workshops on various painting and mixed media topics.

Tone Cluster choir is a 35 person auditioned choir offering a queer-positive environment where singers can be themselves while striving for choral excellence. Tone Cluster and Studio 507 are partnering to present an evening of art and music in Centretown. The choir is performing “Quiet No More: A Choral Celebration of Stonewall” which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in NewYork.

Following the concert, at approximately 9 p.m., the audience is invited to a reception and art exhibit featuring the works of Studio 507 artists. Audience members can enjoy snacks and mingle with the singers and artists. Paintings and art cards will be available for sale.

It all takes place on Nov. 23rd, at Centretown United church, 507 Bank St. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30. Concert tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and can be bought online at www.tonecluster.org/upcoming-concert-quiet-no-more/ . For more information on Studio 507 please visit: www.centretownunited.org .

May 11 Tea and Knitting Supply Sale

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Musica Viva Singers Present "Mass in Blue"

Monday May 6th, 2019 at 7:30 pm. at Centretown United Church. Join Musica Viva Singers under the direction of Scott Richardson for a vibrant performance of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue. Premiered in 2003 as Jazz Mass, it is a dynamic, uplifting, and popular jazz setting of the Latin mass. The work features driving grooves and blues harmonies, short piano solos with Tom Sear on Keyboard and dynamic musical interplay between soprano soloist, Maghan McPhee, and the choir ensemble. Rounding out the evening is a selection of gospel/blues favourites including Stand by Me and Heaven Somewhere. Monday, May 6, 2019 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street.

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The Atlantic Voices choir: "Music from the Big Land - Songs of Labrador"

Sunday January 27th at 3:00 pm. at Centretown United Church.

The Atlantic Voices choir present "Music from the Big Land - Songs of Labrador" Sunday January 27th 3 pm here at Centretown. Doors open at 2:10 pm for the 'Fumblin Fingers' pre-show.

Refreshments and Silent auction following the show.

For more information click here

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Christmas Hamper Project 2018 Successfully Completed!

For Christmas this year our organization, with the help of people like you, provided 176 hampers for families and individuals in the Centretown area of Ottawa.

A donation to the Christmas Hamper fund can still be made at: www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject . If donations are so generous that we receive additional funds, they will be shared with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre and Centre 507 to assist recipients, who struggle to make ends meet throughout the entire year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Christmas Hamper Project!!

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The Canadian Centennial Choir presents "Carols and Lullabies"

Tuesday December 11th, 2018 at 7:30 pm. at Centretown United Church.

The choir will perform their Christmas concert with a Latin Flavour. Carols and Lullabies will feature Conrad Susa's "Christmas in the Southwest" for chorus, harp, guitar and marimba, as well as other works with percussion accompaniment, and some Christmas carols and songs with a Latin beat. Tickets are $20 available at the door.

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Musica Viva Singers present "Winter Heartbreak"

Sunday December 2nd at 2:30 pm. at Centretown United Church.

This concert will include percussive selections including James Rolfe's "Lullaby", Chilcott's "Where Riches Is Everlasting", "Three Venezuelan Carols", and "White Winter Hymnal". Tickets are $20 available at the door.

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Tone Cluster and Studio 507 Art and Music

Saturday Nov 24th at 6 pm at Centretown United Church.

For the second consecutive year Tone Cluster Choir has invited Studio 507 to partner with it to present an evening of art and music at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St.

On Nov. 24th at 6 p.m. the Exhibit of paintings and note cards by Studio 507 artists opens in the "gallery" (downstairs Dining Hall).

At 7:30 p.m. the choir concert, ALL . THAT. JAZZ. begins in the sanctuary.

The choir will be accompanied by the Rakestar Arkestra Jazz Band. Following the concert everyone is invited to a reception, exhibit and art sale in the gallery. There is no charge for the exhibit. Tickets for the concert are available, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 for students at: www.tonecluster.ca

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"Songs & Sweets"

Saturday Nov 10th at 7 pm at Centretown United Church.

Our choir and bell choir will be offering a night of music and sweets. Come to be entertained while enjoying delectable desserts. Tickets are $10, available from any choir member or through the church office. Proceeds towards the Congregational Challenge.

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Writers Festival - One on One with Charles Frazier - Hosted by CBC’s Adrian Harewood

Friday Nov 9th at 7 pm at Centretown United Church.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival with support from the US Embassy & Consulates in Canada will host this event. In his powerful new novel, Varina, Charles Frazier returns to the time and place of Cold Mountain, vividly bringing to life the chaos and devastation of the Civil War. Books are available for purchase at the event: Proceeds support the free children's literacy programs. For more information, including tickets, go to www.writersfestival.org

Acorn Canada movie "The Organizer"

Friday June 22nd, 2018 at 7 pm at Centretown United Church.

This is an independent film about the rise and fall of Acorn in the USA. This film is about community organizing, collective action and the people who make things happen. Doors open at 6 pm, pay what you can (Suggested $10-$20)

Atlantic Voices Choir presents "Goin' Down The Road"

Sunday May 27th at 3pm at Centretown United Church.

The Atlantic Voices perform a concert "Goin' Down the Road". Prior to the concert the Fumblin' Fingers band will be performing.

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Mother's Day Tea with a Cookie Twist

Saturday May 12th from 2-4 pm. at Centretown United Church.

It is hoped that you will attend and bring a friend to celebrate Mothers Day. Tickets for the tea are $10. In conjunction with the tea, the ladies are challenging the men to take part in a MENS ONLY cooking-baking contest. There will be three categories: Best Tasting, Best Decorated, and Largest. Our guest judges will be Mayor Jim Watson and Chef Bruce Wood, the chef who works in our church kitchen with the FoodWorks programs, through Operation Come Home. All proceeds from the tea and from the cookie sale will go toward the Congregational Challenge.

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The International Writers Festival presents: "The Boy on the Beach" written by Tima Kurdi

Thursday April 19th at 7:00 pm. at Centretown United Church. Hosted by CBC's Judy Trinh.

Join us for an intimate and poignant conversation about the family of Alan Kurdi—the young Syrian boy who became the global emblem for the desperate plight of millions of Syrian refugees—and of the many extraordinary journeys the Kurdis have taken spanning countries and continents. Tima Kurdi first saw the shocking photo of her nephew in her home in Vancouver, Canada. But Tima did not need a photo to understand the truth—she and her family had already been living it.

For more information go to: www.writersfestival.org

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Tone Cluster presents "Radio Cluster" Concert

Saturday March 24th at 7:30 pm. at Centretown United Church. “Radio Cluster” – tune into Tone Cluster’s radio channel for a selection of pop and eclectic pieces, also showcased at the quadrennial Canadian LGBTQ Choral Festival Unison in Calgary over the Victoria Day weekend 2018.

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Octopus Books presents: As We Have Always Done - author Leanne Betasamosake Simpson in Conversation with Tracey Lindberg.

Tuesday March 13th at 7:00 pm. at Centretown United Church. Across North America, Indigenous acts of resistance have in recent years opposed the removal of federal protections for forests and waterways in Indigenous lands, halted the expansion of tar sands extraction and the pipeline construction at Standing Rock, and demanded justice for murdered and missing Indigenous women. In As We Have Always Done, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson locates Indigenous political resurgence as a practice rooted in uniquely Indigenous theorizing, writing, organizing, and thinking.

Pancake Supper!

Tuesday February 13th at 5:30 pm. at Centretown United Church. Pancakes, sausage, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, syrup and whipped cream. You won't want to miss this! Tickets are $10 and you can buy them through the church office (613-232-9854).

Come in from the Cold

Come in from the Cold - Homelessness can be history

Sunday February 4th at 2:30 pm. at Centretown United Church. Every year, 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness. Last year in Toronto alone, 70 people died because they did not have a place to call home.

Be a part of the converstation on how we can end and prevent homelessness.

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The Atlantic Voices Choir present "Age of Sail" Concert

Sunday January 28th at 3 pm. "Age of Sail" at Centretown United Church. Doors open at 2 pm with a pre-show concert by the "Fumblin Fingers Band". Silent auction and refreshments following the show. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance through Jan 26. For more information go to www.atlanticvoices.ca

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Christmas Hamper Project 2017 Successfully Completed!

For Christmas this year our organization, with the help of people like you, provided 141 hampers for families and individuals in the Centretown area of Ottawa.

A donation to the Christmas Hamper fund can still be made at: www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject . If donations are so generous that we receive additional funds, they will be shared with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre and Centre 507 to assist recipients, who struggle to make ends meet throughout the entire year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Christmas Hamper Project!!

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Centennial Choir Concert - Let There Be LIght

Tuesday December 12th, 7:30 pm "Let There Be Light" at Centretown United Church. Centennial Choir's 50th season opens with a holiday concert of inspiring compositions on the theme of light. They include Morten Lauridsen’s sacred motet O Nata Lux; several works by Norwegian-born American composer Ola Gjeilo; excerpts from J. S. Bach’s Cantata 140 and B Minor Mass; Laura Hawley’s Alhamdoulillah (Live, Love, Share), sung in French and Arabic; Charles Baker’s Three Hanukkah Songs; and a choral banquet of traditional and contemporary seasonal works. To celebrate their five decades of musical performance, CCC alumni will add their voices to several pieces. Advance tickets are $22, $18 for senior/student. $25 at the door, $22 senior/student. Reception to follow, celebrating the choir's 50th Anniversary. For more information go to www.ccc-ccc.ca

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Musica VIva Concert - A Celtic Seasonal Celebration

Monday December 4th at 7:30 pm (Doors open at 7pm) Music from the broad Celtic tradition, with a mix of gentle and rousing numbers. The choir will be accompanied by piano, harp, and flute, and Atlantic Voices members will join the choir for a few selections. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For more information go to www.musicavivaottawa.ca/winter-concert/

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STUDIO 507 ART EXHIBIT & CONCERT

by Tone Cluster—quite a queer choir

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa

(free parking at Glashan school, 28 Arlington Ave., just west of Bank St)

  • 6:00 -7:30 p.m. Exhibit open
  • 7:00 p.m. Concert doors open
  • 7:30 -9:00 p.m. Concert “Upon Another Midnight Queer” - A celebration of the season through diversity and multiculturalism.
  • 9:00 -10:00 p.m. Post-concert reception, bake sale, art exhibit & sale
Concert Tickets:

$18 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students. Free admission for accompanied children under 12

Season subscription (3 concerts): $45

Tickets for concert available at: www.tonecluster.ca or at The Leading Note, 370 Elgin St. Ottawa

For more info on Studio 507 go to: centretownunited.org

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Writers Festival - Song and Story: An Evening with Tomson Highway

Thursday, November 16th at 7:30 pm - Ottawa International Writers Festival,

Ottawa International Writers Festival presents Song and Story: An evening with Tomson Highway, hosted by CBC's Adrian Harewood.Thursday November 16th, 7:30 pm here at Centretown United. For more information go to www.writersfestival.org

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Writers Festival - One Day Closer with Lorinda Stewart and Amanda Lindhout

Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 at 7:30 pm - Ottawa International Writers Festival,

Ottawa International Writers Festival presents One Day Closer with Lorinda Stewart and Amanda Lindhout, hosted by CBC's Lucy van Oldenbarneveld. Wednesday November 8th, 7:30 pm here at Centretown United. Tickets are $30 at the door. For more information go to www.writersfestival.org

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Centre 507 Fall Fling

Friday, October 27th, 2017 - Centre 507 Fall Fling

The fifth annual Fall Fling will be held on Friday, Oct. 27th, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. here at Centretown United.

Share an evening of good food and entertainment with friends and supporters of Centre 507. Tickets are $30 —call Centre 507 at 613-233-5626 x221 to order.

Featuring music. Chili dinner for all palates. Silent auction and door prizes. All proceeds will go to the Centre 507 community to provide food and support programs. Tell your friends. Parking is available at Glashan Public School – 28 Arlington Ave

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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty being marked by Dignity for All

Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 over the lunch hour

For the past four years, people across Canada have been serving up food for thought on street corners in cities across the country. Poverty activists and people passionate about human rights are calling for a Federal Anti-Poverty Plan to eradicate poverty and hunger for the 860,000 people in Canada who use food banks each month and the millions of others struggling to get by.

Folks representing Centretown United will be on Bank Street over the lunch hour handing out Chew on This! lunch bags and materials and engaging passersby on food insecurity and the need for a national anti-poverty plan.

For more information go to dignityforall.ca

To read Centretown News article on the campaign go to http://www.centretownnews.ca/centretown-united-fights-hunger/

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Writers Festival - Adam Gopnik

Sunday, October 15th, 2017 at 7 pm - Ottawa International Writers Festival,

Ottawa International Writers Festival presents At the Strangers' Gate: Arrivals in New York author Adam Gopnik, hosted by Peter Schneider. Sunday October 15th, 7pm here at Centretown United. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information go to www.writersfestival.org

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Raising Our Voices for African Grannies

Saturday October 14, 2017, 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm) at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street,

Grammas to Ambuyas Present "Raising Our Voices for African Gannies"

Featuring: Big Soul Project with Deep Groove Band and Guest Artist Coco Love Alcorn

Proceeds to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, Stephen Lewis Foundation

Tickets: Adults $25 ($30 at door), Children 10 & under: $10. Available at: BigSoulProject.com; Compact Music: 206 and 785 Bank St.; Grammas to Ambuyas members: Cindy Delage (613 232-5932) & Sheila Jenkins ( 613 235-3107)

To see full size poster with detailed information click here

Everyone Welcome!

Anniversary Sunday

Sunday, September 24th 2017 - Anniversary Sunday at Centretown United,

We will be celebrating Centretown United's 9th Anniversary. Following our worship service we will join together in fellowship and the UCW will provide a luncheon of sandwiches, cake and ice cream. We hope you will attend and bring a friend!

2017 Pride Parade

Pride Parade

Sunday, August 27th, 2017 start time 1:30 p.m., Starts at Bank St. & Gladstone Ave, up Gladstone to Kent St., down Kent to Laurier, Laurier to Bank St., Bank St. back to Somerset.

We at Centretown United have invited our community and members of other United Churches to join us for our 10:30 am worship service and then stay for a free-will BBQ with net proceeds going to the Centretown Emergency Food Centre.

Following the BBQ on can wither watch or walk in the parade. We will be serving refreshments on Bank Street and providing space inside for those wanting to eat inside.

There will be parking at Glashan, or if you explain to the street guards that you are parking in our church lot, they will allow you access.

Dream Glider CD Launch

Live CD Release Concert

Monday, June 26th, 2017 7:00 pm: "Dream Glider" a CD by Peter Crouch, Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. A live concert of the music from Peter's debut album, "Dream Glider", showcasing his original compositions for trumpet and piano. Performing alongside Peter, fellow trumpeter Emily Bellman and featuring Nick Rodgerson on piano. Tickets: $10.00 at the door, CD's for $15.00 are available at the concert.

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Centretown United BBQ & Strawberry Socail

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Annual BBQ and Strawberry Social, Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. Hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw and Strawberry Shortcake. Great food, great fellowship. We hope you will join us. Tickets: $12.00, Children 10 and under $6.00. For tickets, please contact the church office at 613-232-9854.

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Centretown Book Group

Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 at John and Phebe McLelland's: The book group will be discussing Ihmael Beah's "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier". Everyone is welcome.

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Atlantic Voices Concert - "Sea of Love"

Sunday May 28th, 2017 at 3:00 pm: Atlantic Voices: "Sea of Love", Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. Come early, 2 pm for the Fumblin' Fingers pre-show. Silent auction and refreshments following the concert.

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Rummage Sale

Saturday May 13th to Saturday May 20th, 2017: Rummage Sale featuring mainly clothes, baby items, some nearly new items. Hours: Saturday May 13th: 9 am - 5 pm; Monday to Friday May 15th to May 19th: 12 noon to 7 pm; Saturday May 20th: 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Sunday. Click here to see larger poster.

Monday May 8th, 2017 at 7:30 pm: Musica Viva Singers: "Transcanada", Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. Please join us for a singing tribute to Canada's 150th - we are excited to present a program of Canadian music from every corner of the country! Songs we know and love by Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, Joni Mitchell and others . Click here for ticket information. Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 at 7 pm:   "CLIMATE CHANGE AFTER PARIS" - a public meeting at Centretown United. 
  • Mardi Tindal, former Moderator and leader of the United Church Delegation to COP21 will be interviewed by Dennis Gruending, author of 'Pulpit and Politics' followed by a Question & Answer and a panel discussion featuring:
    • Tony Clarke, Director of the Polaris Institute
    • Graham Saul, Director of Ecology Ottawa
    • Karri Munn-Venn, Senior Policy Analyst, Citizens for Public Justice
  • ​Hosted by Centretown United Church, Co-sponsored by Citizens for Public Justice, Ottawa Presbytery, Ecology Ottawa, Polaris, and others. Free admission.
  • Friday March 4th, 2016 at 7:30 pm : The Centretown Book Group has chosen 'A Thousand Farewells' by Nahlah Ayed as its next selection. "In 1976 Nahlah Ayed's family gave up their comfortable life in Winnipeg for the squalor of a Palestinian refugee camp in Amman, Jordan. The transition was jarring, but it was from this uncomfortable situation thay Ayed first observed the people whose heritage she shared. The family returned to Canada when she was thriteen, and Ayed ignored the Middle East for many years. But the First Gulf War and the events of 9/11 reignited her interest. Soon she was reporting from the region full-time, trying to make sense of the wars and upheavals that have affected its people and sent so many of them seeking a better life elsewhere.  In 'A Thousand Farewells', Ayed, CBC's well-known Middle East correspondent, describes with sympathy and insight the myriad ways in which the Arab people have fought against oppression and loss as seen from her own early days witnessing protests in Amman, and the wars, crackdowns, and uprisings she has reported on in countries across the region."
  • Tuesday February 9th, 2016 at 5:30 - 7 pm: Pancake Supper: Menu: Pancakes, bacon, sausage, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream. Tickets available from the church office.
  • Sunday November 22nd 2015 at 11:30 am: Learn at Lunch - Plan to stay after the service on November 22nd for soup and bread, fellowship, and a chance to learn more about refugees here in Ottawa. Marilyn Law of Rideau Park United Church will speak of here congregation's experience with refugee sponsorship and support. Members of Centretown's ad hoc committee on refugee settlement will report on recent developments in the city and possibilities for our congregation. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
  • Friday November 27th 2015 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group will meet at Betty Gross's house to discuss 'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban'.
  • Saturday November 14th 2015 at 8:00 pm: BADBADNOTGOOD BENEFIT CONCERT   Nothing bad but all good. This is the truth about this talented jazz/rap trio recently short listed for the Polaris music prize. These three are not only great, innovative musicians; they are good, generous young men.  On Nov. 14th they are performing a benefit concert in support of Centre 507, a Drop-In Centre serving disadvantaged people located in Centretown United Church, and the Artistic Expressions Studio. The Studio provides a fully equipped creative space to community artists who cannot afford their own art supplies and are seeking to belong to a community of artists. Come and hear these talented young musicians live, giving back to the community through their music. The concert MC will be Alan Neal, CBC radio host.  Details in attached poster. Click here to see poster. 
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  • Friday October 2nd 2015 at 7:30 pm at the home of Phoebe and John McLelland: Book Group Meeting to discuss the book, The Other Face of God: Welcoming the Stranger, by Mary Jo Leddy. This is a timely discussion in light of the current movement to welcome more Syrian refugees into Canada. 
  • Wednesday June 24th 2015 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm: Centretown's Annual BBQ & Strawberry Social - hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and Strawberry Shortcake.  Great food, great fellowship - hope you will join us and bring a friend.
  • Friday June 19th 2015 at 7:00 pm: David Suzuki: Letters to My Grandchildren
  • In this inspiring series of letters to his grandchildren, David Suzuki offers grandfatherly advice mixed with stories from his own remarkable life and explores what makes life meaningful. He challenges his grandchildren - and us - to do everything at full tilt. He explains why sports, fishing, feminism, and failure are important; why it is dangerous to deny our biological nature; and why First Nations must lead a revolution.
  • Opening by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Anishnaabeg Elder; MC: Lucy Sharratt, coordinator at Canadian Biotechnology Action Network; Co-Sponsored by Ecology Ottawa, Canadian Organic Growers-Ottawa St Lawrence Outaouais Chapter, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), Public Service Alliance of Canada - National Capital Region.
  • Friday June 5th 2015 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss The Spiral Garden by Anne Hines on Friday, June 5th at 7:30pm at the home of Linda Pollock, in Old Ottawa South. This book is available through the Ottawa Public Library. All are welcome. Please confirm with Linda if you plan to attend and to get directions or if you need a drive to the gathering. We hope you enjoy the read and will join us for fellowship and discussion. 
  • Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm : WORKING TO IMPROVE PALLIATIVE CARE Come and hear a panel of experts discuss end of life and palliative care as it is now and as it should be in Canada. The panel will include:
    • ​NDP MP Charlie Angus - recently passed a parliamentary motion calling for a Pan-Canadian strategy for Palliative Care
    • Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Canadian Psychiatry Association
    • Dr. Jeff Blackmer, Canadian Medical Association
    • Maryse Bouvette, Canadian Nurses Association
  • Co-hosted by Centretown United Church and NDP MP Paul Dewar. Come for a lively discussion and to get involved. Parking at Glashan Public School. 
  • Wednesday February 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm : .Emergency Meeting to discuss the impact of recent cuts to 
  • program funding of Centre 507. A time to listen, dream, and plan next steps.  Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street at (Argyle). Everyone Welcome!. Sponsored by Centretown United Church. Click here to see more information. 
  •  Tuesday February 17, 2015 at 5:30 -7:00 pm : .Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and whipped cream. Join us in the dining hall. Tickets: $10.
  • Friday February 6, 2015 at 7:30 pm : The Centretown Book Group has chosen 'The Other Wes Moore', written by Wes Moore, as the next book selection. It tells the story of two African-American kids with the same name, living in the same neighbourhood and city. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison for felony murder. Here is the real-life story of two boys and the journey of a generation. There are 12 copies of this book in the OPL, and it is also available from the library as audio and ebook.  All are welcome. We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • Sunday December 21st, 2014  11:30 am (following the church service):  Congregational Christmas Party. Everyone is welcome. Sandwiches and sweets will be served. If your last name is between A-M, please bring sandwiches, bagels, or crackers and cheese; If you last name is between N-Z, please bring cookies, squares, or fruit. This is always a fun time of fellowship - plan to stay, even if you've never been before!
  • Friday November 21st, 2014  7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group.  The discussion will be on the book "Consumption" by Kevin Patterson.  Spanning countries, generations, and cultures, Consumption is an epic novel of the Canadian Arctic, and a penetrating portrait of generational division and cultural dissonance between northern and southern Canadians.  We have invited a young Inuit guest from Hall Beach, Nunavut to share with us about her experience growing up in the far north today.  
  • Saturday November 1st, 2014  10 am to 1 PM: Open House at Centretown United (507 Bank Street):
  •   Discover your community in action at Centretown United Church. The following will be open for information and tours:
    • Centre 507 - Adult drop-in support
    • Emergency Food Centre - Providing nourishment for all
    • Artistic Expressions - Offering a space for creativity
    • Christmas Hamper Project - Donations of groceries and gifts for Christmas
    • Prayer Shawl Knitters - Handmade goods for those in need
    • Tea Room
    • Pie Sale (pre-ordered)
    • Rummage Sale
    • Music in the Sanctuary (Jazz piano and bass): 11 am to 12 Noon
    • All are Welcome!. 
  • September 28, 2014 (Sunday), 10:30 am: Anniversary Service:  We are celebrating the 6th Anniversary of Centretown United Church. After our worship service and the Ice Bucket Challenge, the UCW will be providing a hot soup and sandwich lunch. 
  • June 25, 2014 (Wednesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: BBQ & Strawberry Social:  Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and Strawberry Shortcake! Great food, Great fellowship, hope you will join us and bring a friend! 
  • May 23, 2014 (Friday), 7:00 pm: Centretown Book Group - 'Take This Bread' by Sara Miles:  One early, cloudy morning when I was forty-six, I walked into a church, ate a piece of bread, took a sip of wine. A routine Sunday activity for tens of millions of Christians - except until that moment I'd led a thoroughly secular life, at best indifferent to religion, more often appalled by its fundamentalist crusades. This was my first communion. It changed everything. The holy work of making creation whole is no picnic, and Miles shares one story after another about selfish Christians, city bureaucrats, the concept of "faith-based charity", the sadness of seeing so many hungry children and the challenges faced by homeless people in San Francisco. The journey of faith recounted on these pages is inspirational, a sign of what a faithful woman and a church community driven to service can accomplish in the name of the One who called us to feed others"
  • April 30, 2014 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm:   

    Ottawa Town Hall: Tax is Not a Four Letter Word

     Please join Canadians for Tax Fairness, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Centretown United Church for the launch of Tax is Not a Four Letter Word.
    The event will feature a presentation by the book's editor Alex Himelfarb (Director of the Glendon School of International and Public Affairs at York University and a former Clerk of the Privy Council) and responses by Dennis Howlett (Executive Director of Canadians for Tax Fairness) and Toby Sanger (Canadian Union of Public Employees Senior Economist) as well as time for questions from the audience.When: Wednesday, April 30, 2014  7:30pm - 9:00pmWhere: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St., Ottawa (at Argyle) Parking is available at Glashan Public School, 28 Arlington Ave.Tax Is Not A Four Letter Word takes a close look at what we get for what we pay and what we lose when we pay less. It's ultimately a call to action to change the conversation about taxes, for all our sakes. More information about Tax is not a Four Letter Word can be found here. Copies of the book will be available for sale.This event is part of the Faith and Public Life series sponsored by Centretown United Church. Click here to see full-size poster. March 4, 2014 (Shrove Tuesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - in the dining hall. Come and join us for pancakes, syrup, sausage and bacon. Toppings include: Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas and Whipped Cream. It is a great night of fun and fellowship and we look forward to seeing you there.
  • February 28, 2014, (Friday) 7:30 - 9:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERSThe next book Centretown's Book Group has chosen is "Into The Abyss - How a Deadly Plane Crash Changed the Lives of A Pilot, A Politician, A Criminal and A Cop", by Carol Shaben. On an icy night in October 1984, a Piper Navajo commuter plane carrying 9 passengers crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, killing 6 people. Four survived: the rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and the criminal he was escorting to face charges. Despite the poor weather, Erik Vogel, the 24-year-old pilot, was under intense pressure to fly - a situation not uncommon to pilots working for small airlines. Overworked and exhausted, he feared losing his job if he refused to fly. Larry Shaben, the author's father and Canada's first Muslim Cabinet Minister, was commuting home after a busy week at the Alberta Legislature. After Paul Archambault, a drifter wanted on an outstanding warrant, boarded the plane, rookie Constable Scott Deschamps decided, against RCMP regulations, to remove his handcuffs - a decision that profoundly impacted the men's survival. As they fought through the night to stay alive, the dividing lines of power, wealth and status were erased and each man was forced to confront the precious and limited nature of his existence. The survivors forged unlikely friendships and through them found strength and courage to rebuild their lives. Into the Abyss is a powerful narrative that combines in-depth reporting with sympathy and grace to explore how a single, tragic event can upset our assumptions and become a catalyst for transformation. There are 24 copies of this book available at the Public Library as well as an eBook version available for download from the Library. The meeting will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Linda Pollock's home. All are welcome to join the discussion and fellowship. Please let Linda Pollock know if you are able to attend and/or if you need a ride.
  • Robbie Burns Dinner - Friday January 24th, 2014
Appetizers 6-6:30 pm   Piping of and Address to the Haggis 6:30 pm Menu: Cream soup, Roast beef, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, haggis, cranachan for dessert (or unsweeted fruit salad), tea/coffee Following dinner Garth Hampson will entertains us in song and lead us in the singing of many Scottish favourites. Sponsored by the Centretown United United Church Women.  All welcome!
  • January 24, 2014 (Friday), 6:00 pm
  •  
    • January 12, 2014 (Sunday), 4:00 - 6:00 pm

    ISHMAEL BEAH LAUNCHES HIS NEW BOOK - RADIANCE OF TOMORROW

    Octopus and co-sponsor Centretown United Church are thrilled to present Ishmael Beah in celebration of his new novel Radiance of Tomorrow.  In conversation with CBC Ottawa's Adrian Harewood, Ishmael will be sure to captivate us all.  Tickets are $10/$5 low income,students, unwaged. They're available at our Octopus Books at 116 Third Ave. Books will be available at the event, and of course, you can have them signed after the reading. When Beah’s A Long Way Gone was published in 2007, it soared to the top of bestseller lists, becoming an instant classic: a harrowing account of Sierra Leone’s civil war and the fate of child soldiers that “everyone in the world should read” (The Washington Post). Now Beah, whom Dave Eggers has called “arguably the most read African writer in contemporary literature,” has returned with his first novel, an affecting, tender parable about postwar life in Sierra Leone. At the centre of Radiance of Tomorrow are Benjamin and Bockarie, two longtime friends who return to their hometown, Imperi, after the civil war. The village is in ruins, the ground covered in bones. As more villagers begin to file back, Benjamin and Bockarie try to forge a new community by taking up their former posts as teachers, but they’re beset by obstacles: a scarcity of food; a rash of murders, thievery, rape, and retaliation; and the depredations of a foreign mining company intent on sullying the town’s water supply and blocking its paths with electric wires. As Benjamin and Bockarie search for a way to restore order, they’re forced to reckon with the pain of their past and the uncertainty of their future. With the gentle lyricism of a dream and the moral clarity of a fable, Radiance of Tomorrow is a powerful novel about preserving what means the most to us, even in uncertain times. It marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Ishmael Beah.
  •  
  • November 22nd, 2013 (Friday), 7:30 - 9:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERSThe next book Centretown's Book Group has chosen is Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, a novel about Elizabeth Keckly, a former slave who gained her professional reputation as a dressmaker to the elite in Washington and mad history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Keckly became a trusted witness to many private moments between President Lincoln and his wife. The book is readily available from the Ottawa Public Library. The Book Group will meet on Friday, nov 22nd, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the home of Karen and Jim Fee to discuss this novel. All are welcome to join the discussion and fellowship. Please let Linda Pollock know if you are able to attend and/or if you need a ride.
  • November 13,14 (Wed, Thurs) evenings at 7 pm, Exhibit closes at 9pm; Nov 16th (Sat) 1:00 pm, Exhibit closes at 5 pm:  
  • ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS ART EXHIBIT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS - Nov. 13-16, 2013
  • The Artistic Expressions Studio presents its 2nd annual ART EXHIBIT.  The public is invited to view the art and attend events presented by Special Guests of the Studio on Nov. 13 and 14, evenings, and Sat. afternoon, Nov. 16.  The Special Guests include a jazz and blues performance by The Centretown Brass Quintet, featuring Peter Crouch on trumpet, 7 p.m., Nov. 13; piano stylings by William Blais of Ambient Melodies, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.; and a panel discussion, “Living the Dream – A Healthy Society for All”  sponsored by the Douglas Coldwell Foundation, Sat. Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m.  The panel will feature authors and physicians Vincent Lam and Ryan Meili, and former MP and journalist Dennis Gruending.   The Studio’s mission is to provide an equipped studio space to artists of our community living with a variety of serious challenges. These artists may frequent drop-ins, live in rooming houses, shelters or on the street.  Despite these circumstances they are talented and serious artists and their work deserves to be exhibited, admired and collected. The Exhibit and all events and will be held at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. at Argyle.  All events are free but donations to the Studio are welcome. For more information see centretownunited.org or centre507.org.   Free parking is available at Glashan public school, 28 Arlington Ave. Click HERE to see full-size poster.
  • October 25th, 2013 (Friday), 6:00 pm:  
  • CENTRE 507 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER Centre 507 is 30 years old! To mark 30 years of faithful service to the most vulnerable citizens in our community we are holding a celebration and fundraising dinner. Please join us for an evening of food and conversation with friends of the Centre. Local restaurants are donating the food for the dinner. There will be a silent auction offering a wide range of services, dinning and entertainment auction items to fit all budgets. Special guests will include some of the founders of the Centre. We are hoping to see many United church folks who have generously donated both time and funds to 507 over all these years. Come and celebrate with us. Tickets are $25.00 each and are available at Octopus Books, 116 Third Avenue, or kittygalt@centre507.org
  • October 1st (Tuesday), 2013 7:00 - 9:00 pm:  
  • Maude Barlow - Book Launch for Blue Future  In Blue Future, international bestselling author Maude Barlow offers solutions to the global water crisis based on four simple principles:Principle One: Water Is a Human Right chronicles the long fight to have the human right to water recognized and the powerful players still impeding this progress.Principle Two: Water Is a Common Heritage and Public Trust argues that water must not become a commodity to be bought and sold on the open market.Principle Three: Water Has Rights Too makes the case for the protection of source water and the need to make our human laws compatible with those of nature. Principle Four: Water Will Teach Us How to Live Together urges us to come together around a common threat — the end of water — and find a way to live more lightly on this planet. Tickets from Octopus Books $5 in advance, $10 at the door. More info and tickets: Octopus Books - Maude Barlow Book Launch
  • September 29th (Sunday), 2013 10:30 am:  
  • Centretown's 5th Anniversary Service and Luncheon  Join us at 10:30 am for Centretown United Church's 5th Anniversary Service followed by a light luncheon in the dining hall. All are welcome.
  • September 20th (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERS  Where Mary Went, by Lynne Sherry McLean (2010) is the next book group selection. Lynne Sherry Mclean is a band member of Six Nations of the Grand River. Besides being a wife, a mother of three, a writer and a teacher, she is also a member of the Aboriginal rock and roll band Crooked Trail.A brief description of her book: Mary FIsher has not had an easy life. Forced into a residential institute after the death of her mother, she and her siblings suffer appalling abuse and neglect. While many around her languish, Mary grows stronger. A precocious child, Mary matures into a resilient woman with a kind heart and quick smile that endears her to everyone she meets and two men in particular: Gmiwan, a sensitive artist whom she marries, and Tom Dunsby, the mayor of her town. When Gmiwan goes off to war, Mary struggles to raise her yound son alone during the Depression. Spanning three decades, Where Mary Went is part one of an epic two-volume series.There are 5 copies of this book available at the Ottawa Public Library.  Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss this book on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at 7:30 pm.  All are welcome.  We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • June 26th (Wednesday), 2013  5:30 - 7:00 pm:  Centretown's Annual BBQ & Strawberry Social  Join us in the dining hall for a BBQ & Strawberry Social: Wednesday June 26th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and strawberry shortcake.  All are welcome.
  • May 10th (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERS Flight Behaviour, by Barbara Kingsolver is the next selection of the Centretown Book Group.   The novel’s heroine, one Dellarobia Turnbow, is 28 and fleeing an existence that has become untenable, desperately trading the familiar safety of her good-hearted, dull-witted husband and their two small children for she’s not sure what.There are many copies of this book available at the Ottawa Public Library both in paper and as an e-book.  Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss this book on Friday, May 10th, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the home of Karen Lamberton.  Please confirm with Karen if you plan to attend and please contact Linda Pollock if you need a drive to the gathering.  All are welcome.  We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
    • February 20th to March 20th, 2013 every Wed morning from 10 am to 11:30 am: The Faith Formation Committee is offering a 5-week study group during Lent on the book - "In The Heart of the Temple, My Spiritual Vision For Today's World" by Joan Chittister.  Chittester has been a key spiritual voice for more than 30 years.  In this book she combines the spiritual practices of the Rule of St. Benedict with the contemporary struggle for social justice, feminism and ecology.  Chittister addresses today's pressing moral, political, economic, environmental and spiritual questions and challenges individuals of every religion and political persuasion to unite in a bold vision through which we learn to honour the earth, its people and all of life.
  • March 6th (Wednesday), 2013 7:00 pm: The Inconvenient Indian: An Evening with Thomas King
  •  The Inconvenient Indian is a critical and personal meditation that Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be "Indian" in North America.

    For the past five decades, Thomas King has worked as an activist for Native causes, as an administrator in Native programs, and has taught Native literature and history at universities in the U.S. and Canada. King was the first Aboriginal person to deliver the prestigious Massey Lectures, and is also the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels and two collections of short stories.

    He will be interviewed by Waubgeshig Rice, author and local news video journalist on CBC Television.

    Location: Centretown United Church (507 Bank Street, corner of Bank and Argyle)

    Tickets: Pre-purchased tickets cost $5 in person or $6.50 online. Tickets are $10 at the door. They can be picked up at either Octopus Books location (116 Third Avenue or 251 Bank Street, 2nd Floor), or purchased online at http://octopusbooks.ca/ Event Sponsors: Aboriginal Service Centre - Carleton University, Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW),  Centretown United Church, Department of English Language and Literature - Carleton University, First Peoples Council - Carleton University, Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement Ottawa (IPSMO), KAIROS Canada, Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) - Carleton, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) - National Capital Region,  Random House of Canada, School of Canadian Studies - Carleton University Wabano Centre,
  • March 1st (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm: The Centretown United Book Group is reading "The Beauty of Humanity Movement" by Camilla Gibb and will be discussing it at the home of Jim and Karen Fee. This novel is set in Vietnam between the early 1900's and today.  It tells the story of Old Man Hung who has survived the colonialism of the French, the misery of the communist era and the trials of the Vietnam war by selling pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup, from the cart that he pushes all over Hanoi.  His story is interwoven with the story of a young Vietnamese-American woman who has returned to Vietnam to try to learn what became of her artist-father who disappeared during the communist regime.  We learn of the ways in which the people seek meaning in their lives in the midst of struggle through nature, poetry, music and food and through their care for one another.  Camilla Gibb is a Canadian writer whose previous novel won the Giller Prize competition in 2010.  
  •  February 26 (Tuesday), 2013 7:00 pm: The Eco Tour with David Suzuki & Jeff Rubin; The Eco Tour comes to Ottawa! Join award-winning geneticist and broadcaster David Suzuki and award-winning, bestselling author and economist Jeff Rubin for an evening of discussion of how to create a truly sustainable future.  Suzuki and Rubin share a belief that a sustainable future can only be found at the intersection of ecology and economics. Let's build that meeting place. Presented in partnership with Random House of Canada and Centretown United Church. Click here to see full-size poster.
  • February 13 (Wednesday), 2013 7:30 pm: Nation to Nation: A Discussion about Aboriginal Rights; Jean Crowder - Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs in conversation with Ed Bianchi - KAIROS, Emma Lui - Council of Canadians, and Jennifer King - First Nations Child & Family Caring Society.  Click here to see full-size poster.
  • February 12 (Tuesday), 2013 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Supper: Menu - Pancakes, real maple syrup, sausage and bacon. Pancake toppings include blueberries, strawberries, bananas and whipped cream. This is a great night of good food and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there!
  • January 25th, 2013 (Friday), 6:00 pm: The UCW is once again hosting a Burns Dinner. The evening will begin with appetizers at 6 pm, a Roast Beef Dinner at 6:30 pm. There will be the traditional Ode to the Haggis, toasts to the Lads & Lasses and Robbie himself, bag piping, and evening will finish with Garth Hampson leading us in song. 
  • December 12, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:00 pm:

Townhall Meeting

    • A Public Discussion on the Line 9 Pipeline
      • Proposed pipelines are facing stiff opposition on the West Coast. Now there is more discussion about west-to-east pipelines.
      • Will Line 9 carry tar sands oil through Ontario and Quebec?
      • What would be the
      • environmental impact of this?
      • How would it affect First Nations and local
      • communities?
      • Join us for a public discussion on these important issues.
    • Featuring: Maude Barlow, Caleb Behn, Ronald Plain and Ben Powless
    • LOCATION: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street at Argyle
    • December 12, 2012 7:00 PM
    • Free Admission
    • Sponsored by: Centretown United Church and The Council of Canadians
    • Background information at: www.canadians.org/pipelines
  • November 27, 2012 (Tuesday), 7:30 pm: 

Emergency Townhall Meeting

Omnibudget bills and your environmental laws  

  • Please join us for a public debate on how the Harper government’s omnibus budget bills affect water and environmental protection.
  • Speakers:
    • Megan Leslie, NDP Deputy Leader and Critic for the Environment
    • Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party
    • Ben Powless, Indigenous Environmental Network
    • Emma Lui, Water Campaigner, Council of Canadians
  • Moderated by: Anil Naidoo, Campaigner, Council of Canadians
  • Location: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street (@Argyle), Ottawa
  • Sponsored by: Centretown United Church and the Council of Canadians
  • November 21-24, 2012 (Wed-Sat):
    • ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS STUDIO - ART EXHIBITION AND GUESTS
    •  Centretown United Church
    • Nov. 21-24
  • Artistic Expressions Studio is holding its first public art exhibit of the work of its artist members at Centretown United Church.  The exhibit will be held Wednesday,Thursday and Friday evenings, Nov. 21-23 from 7-9:30 pm, Thursday and Friday afternoon, 3:30-6:00 pm and Saturday afternoon, Nov. 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm. Each evening viewing will feature a distinguished guest; Wed. evening, 7:00-7:45 pm, in the sanctuary, the Honourable Ed Broadbent speaking on The Equality Project, Thursday evening, 7:00-9:30 pm, in the Inner Room, pianist, William Blais, playing classical, pop and folk selections, and Friday evening, 7:00-7:45 pm, in the sanctuary, the Shout Sisters Choir.  Following each guest appearance the audience is invited to view the artwork in the Inner Room.  This exhibit has been enabled by a one-time grant from the Watkins Fund for Innovative Ministries, United Church Foundation.
  • The Artistic Expressions Studio is a joint project of Centre 507, a drop-in for people living with poverty, addictions and mental illness, and Centretown United Church.  The Studio provides these artists with a safe, equipped studio space and the painting and sculpting materials with which to create their art. Two professional Ottawa artists, Lisa Thomas, painter, sculptor and teacher, and Ginger McCoy, painter and potter, volunteer in the studio twice a month to encourage and mentor the artist-members.
  •  The Ottawa library has 9 copies of Vanier's book available and if you prefer to listen to your books there are 5 audio copies as well.
  • The fall selection of the Centretown Book Group will be "Becoming Human" by Jean Vanier.  
  • June 18, 2012 (Monday), 6:30 pm: Bill C-38 Townhall: Join Paul Dewar, Irene Mathyssen and Hoang Mai at a townhall meeting to discuss the impact of the budget and omnibus bill on our community, the economy, environment and retirement security.Audio recording of evening: Part 1 (52 mins), Part 2 (30 mins).
  • June 6, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm at the church (in the Inner Room): Dr. Peter Larson, a Canadian observer, will share his eye-witness account on his recent field-trip to Israel-Palestine.  The topic for the evening is entitled "Will There Be Peace in Jerusalem?".  Peter has wide experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and with several federal government departments and agences.  In recent years, he has taken a particular interest in human rights issues in the Middle East and has made several trips to the area, including: the Palestinian occupied territories of the West bank, Israel, and Iran.  He is a member of the National Capital Chapter of the Canadian International Council, and serves as Chair of its Middle East Study Group.  All are welcome! 
  • May 30, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm at Centretown United :
  • "Our Dreams Matter Too"
        • an evening with Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director First Nations Child & Family Caring Society(www.fncaringsociety.com)
        • this event is co-sponsored by KAIROS and Centretown United Church
        • Click here to see the poster. Audio recording of evening: Part 1 42 mins,Part 2 38 mins
  • May 14, 2012 (Monday), 7:30 pm at the Booth Building (Rm 2-2), 165 Sparks Street :
  •       "Canadian Churches and the moral responsibility to address global warming"
        • Did the Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change have an impact?
        • Join a discussion on what Christians and our government must do to address global warming.
        • Panelists:
          • Green Party - Elizabeth May
          • Conservative Party - Hon. Michael Chong
          • NDP - Anne Minh-Thu Quach
          • Liberal Party - Ted Hsu
          • Moderator: Rev. David Illman-White, Minister at Centretown United Church
        • This public event is organized by The Commission on Justice and Peace of The Canadian Council of Churches and Citizens for Public Justice.
        • Click here to see the poster.
  • May 11, 2012 (Friday), 7:30 pm at the church: Centretown Book Group meets to discuss "Annabel", a novel by Kathleen Winter. It tells the story of a child, born on the remote coast of Labrador, who appears to be neither fully boy nor girl. It is a haunting story of family, identity and the universal longing to belong. This novel was a finalist in both the Giller Prize competition in 2010 and the Governor General Literary Awards. All are welcome. We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • April 29, 2012 (Sunday), 10:30 am: Covenanting Service with Rev. David Sherwin. Luncheon in the dining hall following the service.
  • February 29, March 7, March 14, March 21 (all Wednesdays), 2012 at 10:00 - 11:30 am in the Kindergarten Room: Lenten Study to explore "Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty", a book for Christian faith communities trying to live out the justice mandate to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, and to seek just relations within society. Everyone Welcome! Each session is stand-alone, so attend any or all!
  • February 21, 2012 (Tuesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - in the dining hall. Come and join us for pancakes, syrup, sausage and bacon. Toppings include: Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas and Whipped Cream. It is a great night of fun and fellowship and we look forward to seeing you there.
  • February 17 (Friday), 2012 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group - All are welcome. Discussing "As Long as the Rivers Flow" by James Bartleman. In his novel Bartleman, a former Canadian diplomat and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and member of the Chippewas First Nation, explores the consequences of Canada's residential school system through three generations as told by 47-year old Martha, her mother, and Martha's son and daughter. A Globe and Mail review concluded that this is a book all Canadians should read.
  • February 8, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Post-Secondary Education: Accessible and Affordable for All. Please join us to hear  Rathika Sitsabaiesan in conversation with Erika Shaker. - Sponsored by Centretown United Church & CCPA (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives).  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • December 6 (Tuesday), 2011 at 7:30 pm: Housing Crisis in Attawapiskat: the Way Forward, at Centretown United Church with Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins-James Bay and friends. 507 Bank St. at Argyle. Free admission.Free-will donations to Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund for Attawapiskat.  Parking available at Glashan Public School, 28 Arlington Ave. This event is co-sponsored by Kairos and Centretown United Church. Click here to see poster with more information.
  • November 18 (Friday), 2011, 7:00 pm: "Lemon Tree" - A film by Israeli writer-director Eran Riklis. All are welcome. Free Admission. Those interested are invited to stay for snacks and discussion. Click here to see full-size poster.
  • September 24 (Saturday), 2011, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm: "Called to Sustainable Living" - Participate in worshops by The Otesha Project and Seventh Generation Community Projects - Information Sharing - Practical Strategies for Change - Displays by local environmental groups. Click here to see poster.
  • June 23 (Thursday), 2011, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm: Centretown United Annual BBQ and Strawberry Social: BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. Salad and of course strawberry shortcake!  Hope you will attend and bring your friends. Good food - Great Fellowship!
  • May 16 (Monday), 2011, 7:30 pm: HUMBLE BEAUTY - SKID ROW ARTISTS - A DOCUMENTARY BY LEIA SCHWARTZ AND MADELINE DIMAGGIO.
  • April 20, 2011, 7:30 pm: Ottawa-Centre Federal Environment Debates.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • March 12, 2011, 10:00 am: Faith and Public Life series: Bill Blaikie, Manitoba Minister of Conservation, United Church Minister discusses faith and public life.
  • March 2, 2011, 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Shannen's Dream - An Evening with M.P. Charlie Angus - making sure every First Nations child has a proper school and a quality education.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • February 9, 2011, 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Eradicating Poverty in Canada (Bill C545) - An evening with NDP MP Tony Martin.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • September 19, 2010, 3:00 pm: Jazz Vespers with Peter Woods, saxophone and Brian Browne, piano - In celebration of Centretown's anniversary and in support of Centre 507..  - Click 'here' to see poster.
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Centretown Book Group

Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 at John and Phebe McLelland's: The book group will be discussing Ihmael Beah's "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier". Everyone is welcome.

2017S_Poster

Atlantic Voices Concert - "Sea of Love"

Sunday May 28th, 2017 at 3:00 pm: Atlantic Voices: "Sea of Love", Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. Come early, 2 pm for the Fumblin' Fingers pre-show. Silent auction and refreshments following the concert.

Rummage sale poster 2017 sm

Rummage Sale

Saturday May 13th to Saturday May 20th, 2017: Rummage Sale featuring mainly clothes, baby items, some nearly new items. Hours: Saturday May 13th: 9 am - 5 pm; Monday to Friday May 15th to May 19th: 12 noon to 7 pm; Saturday May 20th: 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Sunday. Click here to see larger poster.

Monday May 8th, 2017 at 7:30 pm: Musica Viva Singers: "Transcanada", Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St, Ottawa. Please join us for a singing tribute to Canada's 150th - we are excited to present a program of Canadian music from every corner of the country! Songs we know and love by Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, Joni Mitchell and others . Click here for ticket information.

Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 at 7 pm:   "CLIMATE CHANGE AFTER PARIS" - a public meeting at Centretown United. 

  • Mardi Tindal, former Moderator and leader of the United Church Delegation to COP21 will be interviewed by Dennis Gruending, author of 'Pulpit and Politics' followed by a Question & Answer and a panel discussion featuring:
    • Tony Clarke, Director of the Polaris Institute
    • Graham Saul, Director of Ecology Ottawa
    • Karri Munn-Venn, Senior Policy Analyst, Citizens for Public Justice
  • ​Hosted by Centretown United Church, Co-sponsored by Citizens for Public Justice, Ottawa Presbytery, Ecology Ottawa, Polaris, and others. Free admission.
  • Friday March 4th, 2016 at 7:30 pm : The Centretown Book Group has chosen 'A Thousand Farewells' by Nahlah Ayed as its next selection. "In 1976 Nahlah Ayed's family gave up their comfortable life in Winnipeg for the squalor of a Palestinian refugee camp in Amman, Jordan. The transition was jarring, but it was from this uncomfortable situation thay Ayed first observed the people whose heritage she shared. The family returned to Canada when she was thriteen, and Ayed ignored the Middle East for many years. But the First Gulf War and the events of 9/11 reignited her interest. Soon she was reporting from the region full-time, trying to make sense of the wars and upheavals that have affected its people and sent so many of them seeking a better life elsewhere.  In 'A Thousand Farewells', Ayed, CBC's well-known Middle East correspondent, describes with sympathy and insight the myriad ways in which the Arab people have fought against oppression and loss as seen from her own early days witnessing protests in Amman, and the wars, crackdowns, and uprisings she has reported on in countries across the region."
  • Tuesday February 9th, 2016 at 5:30 - 7 pm: Pancake Supper: Menu: Pancakes, bacon, sausage, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream. Tickets available from the church office.
  • Sunday November 22nd 2015 at 11:30 am: Learn at Lunch - Plan to stay after the service on November 22nd for soup and bread, fellowship, and a chance to learn more about refugees here in Ottawa. Marilyn Law of Rideau Park United Church will speak of here congregation's experience with refugee sponsorship and support. Members of Centretown's ad hoc committee on refugee settlement will report on recent developments in the city and possibilities for our congregation. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
  • Friday November 27th 2015 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group will meet at Betty Gross's house to discuss 'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban'.
  • Saturday November 14th 2015 at 8:00 pm: BADBADNOTGOOD BENEFIT CONCERT   Nothing bad but all good. This is the truth about this talented jazz/rap trio recently short listed for the Polaris music prize. These three are not only great, innovative musicians; they are good, generous young men.  On Nov. 14th they are performing a benefit concert in support of Centre 507, a Drop-In Centre serving disadvantaged people located in Centretown United Church, and the Artistic Expressions Studio. The Studio provides a fully equipped creative space to community artists who cannot afford their own art supplies and are seeking to belong to a community of artists. Come and hear these talented young musicians live, giving back to the community through their music. The concert MC will be Alan Neal, CBC radio host.  Details in attached poster. Click here to see poster. 
  •  
  • Friday October 2nd 2015 at 7:30 pm at the home of Phoebe and John McLelland: Book Group Meeting to discuss the book, The Other Face of God: Welcoming the Stranger, by Mary Jo Leddy. This is a timely discussion in light of the current movement to welcome more Syrian refugees into Canada. 
  • Wednesday June 24th 2015 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm: Centretown's Annual BBQ & Strawberry Social - hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and Strawberry Shortcake.  Great food, great fellowship - hope you will join us and bring a friend.
  • Friday June 19th 2015 at 7:00 pm: David Suzuki: Letters to My Grandchildren
  • In this inspiring series of letters to his grandchildren, David Suzuki offers grandfatherly advice mixed with stories from his own remarkable life and explores what makes life meaningful. He challenges his grandchildren - and us - to do everything at full tilt. He explains why sports, fishing, feminism, and failure are important; why it is dangerous to deny our biological nature; and why First Nations must lead a revolution.
  • Opening by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Anishnaabeg Elder; MC: Lucy Sharratt, coordinator at Canadian Biotechnology Action Network; Co-Sponsored by Ecology Ottawa, Canadian Organic Growers-Ottawa St Lawrence Outaouais Chapter, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), Public Service Alliance of Canada - National Capital Region.
  • Friday June 5th 2015 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss The Spiral Garden by Anne Hines on Friday, June 5th at 7:30pm at the home of Linda Pollock, in Old Ottawa South. This book is available through the Ottawa Public Library. All are welcome. Please confirm with Linda if you plan to attend and to get directions or if you need a drive to the gathering. We hope you enjoy the read and will join us for fellowship and discussion. 
  • Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm : WORKING TO IMPROVE PALLIATIVE CARE Come and hear a panel of experts discuss end of life and palliative care as it is now and as it should be in Canada. The panel will include:
    • ​NDP MP Charlie Angus - recently passed a parliamentary motion calling for a Pan-Canadian strategy for Palliative Care
    • Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Canadian Psychiatry Association
    • Dr. Jeff Blackmer, Canadian Medical Association
    • Maryse Bouvette, Canadian Nurses Association
  • Co-hosted by Centretown United Church and NDP MP Paul Dewar. Come for a lively discussion and to get involved. Parking at Glashan Public School. 
  • Wednesday February 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm : .Emergency Meeting to discuss the impact of recent cuts to 
  • program funding of Centre 507. A time to listen, dream, and plan next steps.  Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street at (Argyle). Everyone Welcome!. Sponsored by Centretown United Church. Click here to see more information. 
  •  Tuesday February 17, 2015 at 5:30 -7:00 pm : .Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and whipped cream. Join us in the dining hall. Tickets: $10.
  • Friday February 6, 2015 at 7:30 pm : The Centretown Book Group has chosen 'The Other Wes Moore', written by Wes Moore, as the next book selection. It tells the story of two African-American kids with the same name, living in the same neighbourhood and city. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison for felony murder. Here is the real-life story of two boys and the journey of a generation. There are 12 copies of this book in the OPL, and it is also available from the library as audio and ebook.  All are welcome. We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • Sunday December 21st, 2014  11:30 am (following the church service):  Congregational Christmas Party. Everyone is welcome. Sandwiches and sweets will be served. If your last name is between A-M, please bring sandwiches, bagels, or crackers and cheese; If you last name is between N-Z, please bring cookies, squares, or fruit. This is always a fun time of fellowship - plan to stay, even if you've never been before!
  • Friday November 21st, 2014  7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group.  The discussion will be on the book "Consumption" by Kevin Patterson.  Spanning countries, generations, and cultures, Consumption is an epic novel of the Canadian Arctic, and a penetrating portrait of generational division and cultural dissonance between northern and southern Canadians.  We have invited a young Inuit guest from Hall Beach, Nunavut to share with us about her experience growing up in the far north today.  
  • Saturday November 1st, 2014  10 am to 1 PM: Open House at Centretown United (507 Bank Street):
  •   Discover your community in action at Centretown United Church. The following will be open for information and tours:
    • Centre 507 - Adult drop-in support
    • Emergency Food Centre - Providing nourishment for all
    • Artistic Expressions - Offering a space for creativity
    • Christmas Hamper Project - Donations of groceries and gifts for Christmas
    • Prayer Shawl Knitters - Handmade goods for those in need
    • Tea Room
    • Pie Sale (pre-ordered)
    • Rummage Sale
    • Music in the Sanctuary (Jazz piano and bass): 11 am to 12 Noon
    • All are Welcome!. 
  • September 28, 2014 (Sunday), 10:30 am: Anniversary Service:  We are celebrating the 6th Anniversary of
    Centretown United Church. After our worship service and the Ice Bucket Challenge, the
    UCW will be providing a hot soup and sandwich lunch. 
  • June 25, 2014 (Wednesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: BBQ & Strawberry Social:  Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and Strawberry Shortcake! Great food, Great fellowship, hope you will join us and bring a friend! 
  • May 23, 2014 (Friday), 7:00 pm: Centretown Book Group - 'Take This Bread' by Sara Miles:  One early, cloudy morning when I was forty-six, I walked into a church, ate a piece of bread, took a sip of wine. A routine Sunday activity for tens of millions of Christians - except until that moment I'd led a thoroughly secular life, at best indifferent to religion, more often appalled by its fundamentalist crusades. This was my first communion. It changed everything. The holy work of making creation whole is no picnic, and Miles shares one story after another about selfish Christians, city bureaucrats, the concept of "faith-based charity", the sadness of seeing so many hungry children and the challenges faced by homeless people in San Francisco. The journey of faith recounted on these pages is inspirational, a sign of what a faithful woman and a church community driven to service can accomplish in the name of the One who called us to feed others"
  • April 30, 2014 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm:   

    Ottawa Town Hall: Tax is Not a Four Letter Word

     Please join Canadians for Tax Fairness, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Centretown United Church for the launch of Tax is Not a Four Letter Word.

    The event will feature a presentation by the book's editor Alex Himelfarb (Director of the Glendon School of International and Public Affairs at York University and a former Clerk of the Privy Council) and responses by Dennis Howlett (Executive Director of Canadians for Tax Fairness) and Toby Sanger (Canadian Union of Public Employees Senior Economist) as well as time for questions from the audience.When: Wednesday, April 30, 2014  7:30pm - 9:00pmWhere: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St., Ottawa (at Argyle) Parking is available at Glashan Public School, 28 Arlington Ave.Tax Is Not A Four Letter Word takes a close look at what we get for what we pay and what we lose when we pay less. It's ultimately a call to action to change the conversation about taxes, for all our sakes. More information about Tax is not a Four Letter Word can be found here. Copies of the book will be available for sale.This event is part of the Faith and Public Life series sponsored by Centretown United Church. Click here to see full-size poster.

    March 4, 2014 (Shrove Tuesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - in the dining hall. Come and join us for pancakes, syrup, sausage and bacon. Toppings include: Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas and Whipped Cream. It is a great night of fun and fellowship and we look forward to seeing you there.

  • February 28, 2014, (Friday) 7:30 - 9:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERSThe next book Centretown's Book Group has chosen is "Into The Abyss - How a Deadly Plane Crash Changed the Lives of A Pilot, A Politician, A Criminal and A Cop", by Carol Shaben. On an icy night in October 1984, a Piper Navajo commuter plane carrying 9 passengers crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, killing 6 people. Four survived: the rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and the criminal he was escorting to face charges. Despite the poor weather, Erik Vogel, the 24-year-old pilot, was under intense pressure to fly - a situation not uncommon to pilots working for small airlines. Overworked and exhausted, he feared losing his job if he refused to fly. Larry Shaben, the author's father and Canada's first Muslim Cabinet Minister, was commuting home after a busy week at the Alberta Legislature. After Paul Archambault, a drifter wanted on an outstanding warrant, boarded the plane, rookie Constable Scott Deschamps decided, against RCMP regulations, to remove his handcuffs - a decision that profoundly impacted the men's survival. As they fought through the night to stay alive, the dividing lines of power, wealth and status were erased and each man was forced to confront the precious and limited nature of his existence. The survivors forged unlikely friendships and through them found strength and courage to rebuild their lives. Into the Abyss is a powerful narrative that combines in-depth reporting with sympathy and grace to explore how a single, tragic event can upset our assumptions and become a catalyst for transformation. There are 24 copies of this book available at the Public Library as well as an eBook version available for download from the Library. The meeting will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Linda Pollock's home. All are welcome to join the discussion and fellowship. Please let Linda Pollock know if you are able to attend and/or if you need a ride.
  • Robbie Burns Dinner - Friday January 24th, 2014

Appetizers 6-6:30 pm   Piping of and Address to the Haggis 6:30 pm

Menu: Cream soup, Roast beef, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, haggis, cranachan for dessert (or unsweeted fruit salad), tea/coffee

Following dinner Garth Hampson will entertains us in song and lead us in the singing of many Scottish favourites.

Sponsored by the Centretown United United Church Women.  All welcome!

  • January 24, 2014 (Friday), 6:00 pm
  •  
    • January 12, 2014 (Sunday), 4:00 - 6:00 pm

    ISHMAEL BEAH LAUNCHES HIS NEW BOOK - RADIANCE OF TOMORROW

    Octopus and co-sponsor Centretown United Church are thrilled to present Ishmael Beah in celebration of his new novel Radiance of Tomorrow.  In conversation with CBC Ottawa's Adrian Harewood, Ishmael will be sure to captivate us all. 
    Tickets are $10/$5 low income,students, unwaged. They're available at our Octopus Books at 116 Third Ave. Books will be available at the event, and of course, you can have them signed after the reading.
    When Beah’s A Long Way Gone was published in 2007, it soared to the top of bestseller lists, becoming an instant classic: a harrowing account of Sierra Leone’s civil war and the fate of child soldiers that “everyone in the world should read” (The Washington Post). Now Beah, whom Dave Eggers has called “arguably the most read African writer in contemporary literature,” has returned with his first novel, an affecting, tender parable about postwar life in Sierra Leone.
    At the centre of Radiance of Tomorrow are Benjamin and Bockarie, two longtime friends who return to their hometown, Imperi, after the civil war. The village is in ruins, the ground covered in bones. As more villagers begin to file back, Benjamin and Bockarie try to forge a new community by taking up their former posts as teachers, but they’re beset by obstacles: a scarcity of food; a rash of murders, thievery, rape, and retaliation; and the depredations of a foreign mining company intent on sullying the town’s water supply and blocking its paths with electric wires. As Benjamin and Bockarie search for a way to restore order, they’re forced to reckon with the pain of their past and the uncertainty of their future.
    With the gentle lyricism of a dream and the moral clarity of a fable, Radiance of Tomorrow is a powerful novel about preserving what means the most to us, even in uncertain times. It marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Ishmael Beah.

  •  
  • November 22nd, 2013 (Friday), 7:30 - 9:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERSThe next book Centretown's Book Group has chosen is Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, a novel about Elizabeth Keckly, a former slave who gained her professional reputation as a dressmaker to the elite in Washington and mad history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Keckly became a trusted witness to many private moments between President Lincoln and his wife. The book is readily available from the Ottawa Public Library. The Book Group will meet on Friday, nov 22nd, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the home of Karen and Jim Fee to discuss this novel. All are welcome to join the discussion and fellowship. Please let Linda Pollock know if you are able to attend and/or if you need a ride.
  • November 13,14 (Wed, Thurs) evenings at 7 pm, Exhibit closes at 9pm; Nov 16th (Sat) 1:00 pm, Exhibit closes at 5 pm:  
  • ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS ART EXHIBIT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS - Nov. 13-16, 2013
  • The Artistic Expressions Studio presents its 2nd annual ART EXHIBIT.  The public is invited to view the art and attend events presented by Special Guests of the Studio on Nov. 13 and 14, evenings, and Sat. afternoon, Nov. 16.  The Special Guests include a jazz and blues performance by The Centretown Brass Quintet, featuring Peter Crouch on trumpet, 7 p.m., Nov. 13; piano stylings by William Blais of Ambient Melodies, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.; and a panel discussion, “Living the Dream – A Healthy Society for All”  sponsored by the Douglas Coldwell Foundation, Sat. Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m.  The panel will feature authors and physicians Vincent Lam and Ryan Meili, and former MP and journalist Dennis Gruending.   The Studio’s mission is to provide an equipped studio space to artists of our community living with a variety of serious challenges. These artists may frequent drop-ins, live in rooming houses, shelters or on the street.  Despite these circumstances they are talented and serious artists and their work deserves to be exhibited, admired and collected. The Exhibit and all events and will be held at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. at Argyle.  All events are free but donations to the Studio are welcome. For more information see centretownunited.org or centre507.org.   Free parking is available at Glashan public school, 28 Arlington Ave. Click HERE to see full-size poster.
  • October 25th, 2013 (Friday), 6:00 pm:  
  • CENTRE 507 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER Centre 507 is 30 years old! To mark 30 years of faithful service to the most vulnerable citizens in our community we are holding a celebration and fundraising dinner. Please join us for an evening of food and conversation with friends of the Centre. Local restaurants are donating the food for the dinner. There will be a silent auction offering a wide range of services, dinning and entertainment auction items to fit all budgets. Special guests will include some of the founders of the Centre. We are hoping to see many United church folks who have generously donated both time and funds to 507 over all these years. Come and celebrate with us. Tickets are $25.00 each and are available at Octopus Books, 116 Third Avenue, or kittygalt@centre507.org
  • October 1st (Tuesday), 2013 7:00 - 9:00 pm:  
  • Maude Barlow - Book Launch for Blue Future  In Blue Future, international bestselling author Maude Barlow offers solutions to the global water crisis based on four simple principles:Principle One: Water Is a Human Right chronicles the long fight to have the human right to water recognized and the powerful players still impeding this progress.Principle Two: Water Is a Common Heritage and Public Trust argues that water must not become a commodity to be bought and sold on the open market.Principle Three: Water Has Rights Too makes the case for the protection of source water and the need to make our human laws compatible with those of nature. Principle Four: Water Will Teach Us How to Live Together urges us to come together around a common threat — the end of water — and find a way to live more lightly on this planet. Tickets from Octopus Books $5 in advance, $10 at the door. More info and tickets: Octopus Books - Maude Barlow Book Launch
  • September 29th (Sunday), 2013 10:30 am:  
  • Centretown's 5th Anniversary Service and Luncheon  Join us at 10:30 am for Centretown United Church's 5th Anniversary Service followed by a light luncheon in the dining hall. All are welcome.
  • September 20th (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERS  Where Mary Went, by Lynne Sherry McLean (2010) is the next book group selection. Lynne Sherry Mclean is a band member of Six Nations of the Grand River. Besides being a wife, a mother of three, a writer and a teacher, she is also a member of the Aboriginal rock and roll band Crooked Trail.A brief description of her book: Mary FIsher has not had an easy life. Forced into a residential institute after the death of her mother, she and her siblings suffer appalling abuse and neglect. While many around her languish, Mary grows stronger. A precocious child, Mary matures into a resilient woman with a kind heart and quick smile that endears her to everyone she meets and two men in particular: Gmiwan, a sensitive artist whom she marries, and Tom Dunsby, the mayor of her town. When Gmiwan goes off to war, Mary struggles to raise her yound son alone during the Depression. Spanning three decades, Where Mary Went is part one of an epic two-volume series.There are 5 copies of this book available at the Ottawa Public Library.  Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss this book on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at 7:30 pm.  All are welcome.  We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • June 26th (Wednesday), 2013  5:30 - 7:00 pm:  Centretown's Annual BBQ & Strawberry Social  Join us in the dining hall for a BBQ & Strawberry Social: Wednesday June 26th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and strawberry shortcake.  All are welcome.
  • May 10th (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm:  
  • ATTENTION CENTRETOWN BOOK LOVERS Flight Behaviour, by Barbara Kingsolver is the next selection of the Centretown Book Group.   The novel’s heroine, one Dellarobia Turnbow, is 28 and fleeing an existence that has become untenable, desperately trading the familiar safety of her good-hearted, dull-witted husband and their two small children for she’s not sure what.There are many copies of this book available at the Ottawa Public Library both in paper and as an e-book.  Centretown Book Group will meet to discuss this book on Friday, May 10th, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the home of Karen Lamberton.  Please confirm with Karen if you plan to attend and please contact Linda Pollock if you need a drive to the gathering.  All are welcome.  We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
    • February 20th to March 20th, 2013 every Wed morning from 10 am to 11:30 am: The Faith Formation Committee is offering a 5-week study group during Lent on the book - "In The Heart of the Temple, My Spiritual Vision For Today's World" by Joan Chittister.  Chittester has been a key spiritual voice for more than 30 years.  In this book she combines the spiritual practices of the Rule of St. Benedict with the contemporary struggle for social justice, feminism and ecology.  Chittister addresses today's pressing moral, political, economic, environmental and spiritual questions and challenges individuals of every religion and political persuasion to unite in a bold vision through which we learn to honour the earth, its people and all of life.
  • March 6th (Wednesday), 2013 7:00 pm: The Inconvenient Indian: An Evening with Thomas King
  •  The Inconvenient Indian is a critical and personal meditation that Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be "Indian" in North America.

    For the past five decades, Thomas King has worked as an activist for Native causes, as an administrator in Native programs, and has taught Native literature and history at universities in the U.S. and Canada. King was the first Aboriginal person to deliver the prestigious Massey Lectures, and is also the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels and two collections of short stories.

    He will be interviewed by Waubgeshig Rice, author and local news video journalist on CBC Television.

    Location: Centretown United Church (507 Bank Street, corner of Bank and Argyle)

    Tickets: Pre-purchased tickets cost $5 in person or $6.50 online. Tickets are $10 at the door. They can be picked up at either Octopus Books location (116 Third Avenue or 251 Bank Street, 2nd Floor), or purchased online at http://octopusbooks.ca/ Event Sponsors:
    Aboriginal Service Centre - Carleton University,
    Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), 
    Centretown United Church,
    Department of English Language and Literature - Carleton University,
    First Peoples Council - Carleton University,
    Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement Ottawa (IPSMO),
    KAIROS Canada,
    Odawa Native Friendship Centre,
    Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) - Carleton,
    Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) - National Capital Region, 
    Random House of Canada,
    School of Canadian Studies - Carleton University
    Wabano Centre,
  • March 1st (Friday), 2013 7:30 pm: The Centretown United Book Group is reading "The Beauty of Humanity Movement" by Camilla Gibb and will be discussing it at the home of Jim and Karen Fee. This novel is set in Vietnam between the early 1900's and today.  It tells the story of Old Man Hung who has survived the colonialism of the French, the misery of the communist era and the trials of the Vietnam war by selling pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup, from the cart that he pushes all over Hanoi.  His story is interwoven with the story of a young Vietnamese-American woman who has returned to Vietnam to try to learn what became of her artist-father who disappeared during the communist regime.  We learn of the ways in which the people seek meaning in their lives in the midst of struggle through nature, poetry, music and food and through their care for one another.  Camilla Gibb is a Canadian writer whose previous novel won the Giller Prize competition in 2010.  
  •  February 26 (Tuesday), 2013 7:00 pm: The Eco Tour with David Suzuki & Jeff Rubin; The Eco Tour comes to Ottawa! Join award-winning geneticist and broadcaster David Suzuki and award-winning, bestselling author and economist Jeff Rubin for an evening of discussion of how to create a truly sustainable future.  Suzuki and Rubin share a belief that a sustainable future can only be found at the intersection of ecology and economics. Let's build that meeting place. Presented in partnership with Random House of Canada and Centretown United Church. Click here to see full-size poster.
  • February 13 (Wednesday), 2013 7:30 pm: Nation to Nation: A Discussion about Aboriginal Rights; Jean Crowder - Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs in conversation with Ed Bianchi - KAIROS, Emma Lui - Council of Canadians, and Jennifer King - First Nations Child & Family Caring Society.  Click here to see full-size poster.
  • February 12 (Tuesday), 2013 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Supper: Menu - Pancakes, real maple syrup, sausage and bacon. Pancake toppings include blueberries, strawberries, bananas and whipped cream. This is a great night of good food and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there!
  • January 25th, 2013 (Friday), 6:00 pm: The UCW is once again hosting a Burns Dinner. The evening will begin with appetizers at 6 pm, a Roast Beef Dinner at 6:30 pm. There will be the traditional Ode to the Haggis, toasts to the Lads & Lasses and Robbie himself, bag piping, and evening will finish with Garth Hampson leading us in song. 
  • December 12, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:00 pm:

Townhall Meeting

    • A Public Discussion on the Line 9 Pipeline
      • Proposed pipelines are facing stiff opposition on the West Coast. Now there is more discussion about west-to-east pipelines.
      • Will Line 9 carry tar sands oil through Ontario and Quebec?
      • What would be the
      • environmental impact of this?
      • How would it affect First Nations and local
      • communities?
      • Join us for a public discussion on these important issues.
    • Featuring: Maude Barlow, Caleb Behn, Ronald Plain and Ben Powless
    • LOCATION: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street at Argyle
    • December 12, 2012 7:00 PM
    • Free Admission
    • Sponsored by: Centretown United Church and The Council of Canadians
    • Background information at: www.canadians.org/pipelines
  • November 27, 2012 (Tuesday), 7:30 pm: 

Emergency Townhall Meeting

Omnibudget bills and your environmental laws  

  • Please join us for a public debate on how the Harper government’s omnibus budget bills affect water and environmental protection.
  • Speakers:
    • Megan Leslie, NDP Deputy Leader and Critic for the Environment
    • Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party
    • Ben Powless, Indigenous Environmental Network
    • Emma Lui, Water Campaigner, Council of Canadians
  • Moderated by: Anil Naidoo, Campaigner, Council of Canadians
  • Location: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street (@Argyle), Ottawa
  • Sponsored by: Centretown United Church and the Council of Canadians
  • November 21-24, 2012 (Wed-Sat):
    • ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS STUDIO - ART EXHIBITION AND GUESTS
    •  Centretown United Church
    • Nov. 21-24
  • Artistic Expressions Studio is holding its first public art exhibit of the work of its artist members at Centretown United Church.  The exhibit will be held Wednesday,Thursday and Friday evenings, Nov. 21-23 from 7-9:30 pm, Thursday and Friday afternoon, 3:30-6:00 pm and Saturday afternoon, Nov. 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm. Each evening viewing will feature a distinguished guest; Wed. evening, 7:00-7:45 pm, in the sanctuary, the Honourable Ed Broadbent speaking on The Equality Project, Thursday evening, 7:00-9:30 pm, in the Inner Room, pianist, William Blais, playing classical, pop and folk selections, and Friday evening, 7:00-7:45 pm, in the sanctuary, the Shout Sisters Choir.  Following each guest appearance the audience is invited to view the artwork in the Inner Room.  This exhibit has been enabled by a one-time grant from the Watkins Fund for Innovative Ministries, United Church Foundation.
  • The Artistic Expressions Studio is a joint project of Centre 507, a drop-in for people living with poverty, addictions and mental illness, and Centretown United Church.  The Studio provides these artists with a safe, equipped studio space and the painting and sculpting materials with which to create their art. Two professional Ottawa artists, Lisa Thomas, painter, sculptor and teacher, and Ginger McCoy, painter and potter, volunteer in the studio twice a month to encourage and mentor the artist-members.
  • November 16, 2012 (Friday), 7:30 pm: Acclaimed as a man "who inspires the world," (Maclean's) and a "nation builder" (Globe and Mail), Jean Vanier has made a difference in the lives of countless people. In this provocative book, Vanier shares his profoundly human vision for creating a common good that radically changes our communities, our relationships, and ourselves. He proposes that by opening ourselves to outsiders, those we perceive as weak, different, or inferior, we can achieve true personal and societal freedom. Becoming Human is not only a book of extraordinary ideas, but a revolutionary call to action.
  •  The Ottawa library has 9 copies of Vanier's book available and if you prefer to listen to your books there are 5 audio copies as well.
  • The fall selection of the Centretown Book Group will be "Becoming Human" by Jean Vanier.  
  • June 18, 2012 (Monday), 6:30 pm: Bill C-38 Townhall: Join Paul Dewar, Irene Mathyssen and Hoang Mai at a townhall meeting to discuss the impact of the budget and omnibus bill on our community, the economy, environment and retirement security.Audio recording of evening: Part 1 (52 mins), Part 2 (30 mins).
  • June 6, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm at the church (in the Inner Room): Dr. Peter Larson, a Canadian observer, will share his eye-witness account on his recent field-trip to Israel-Palestine.  The topic for the evening is entitled "Will There Be Peace in Jerusalem?".  Peter has wide experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and with several federal government departments and agences.  In recent years, he has taken a particular interest in human rights issues in the Middle East and has made several trips to the area, including: the Palestinian occupied territories of the West bank, Israel, and Iran.  He is a member of the National Capital Chapter of the Canadian International Council, and serves as Chair of its Middle East Study Group.  All are welcome! Click here to see the poster.
  • May 30, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm at Centretown United :
  • "Our Dreams Matter Too"
        • an evening with Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director First Nations Child & Family Caring Society(www.fncaringsociety.com)
        • this event is co-sponsored by KAIROS and Centretown United Church
        • Click here to see the poster. Audio recording of evening: Part 1 42 mins,Part 2 38 mins
  • May 14, 2012 (Monday), 7:30 pm at the Booth Building (Rm 2-2), 165 Sparks Street :
  •       "Canadian Churches and the moral responsibility to address global warming"
        • Did the Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change have an impact?
        • Join a discussion on what Christians and our government must do to address global warming.
        • Panelists:
          • Green Party - Elizabeth May
          • Conservative Party - Hon. Michael Chong
          • NDP - Anne Minh-Thu Quach
          • Liberal Party - Ted Hsu
          • Moderator: Rev. David Illman-White, Minister at Centretown United Church
        • This public event is organized by The Commission on Justice and Peace of The Canadian Council of Churches and Citizens for Public Justice.
        • Click here to see the poster.
  • May 11, 2012 (Friday), 7:30 pm at the church: Centretown Book Group meets to discuss "Annabel", a novel by Kathleen Winter. It tells the story of a child, born on the remote coast of Labrador, who appears to be neither fully boy nor girl. It is a haunting story of family, identity and the universal longing to belong. This novel was a finalist in both the Giller Prize competition in 2010 and the Governor General Literary Awards. All are welcome. We hope you enjoy the story and will join us for fellowship and discussion.
  • April 29, 2012 (Sunday), 10:30 am: Covenanting Service with Rev. David Sherwin. Luncheon in the dining hall following the service.
  • February 29, March 7, March 14, March 21 (all Wednesdays), 2012 at 10:00 - 11:30 am in the Kindergarten Room: Lenten Study to explore "Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty", a book for Christian faith communities trying to live out the justice mandate to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, and to seek just relations within society. Everyone Welcome! Each session is stand-alone, so attend any or all!
  • February 21, 2012 (Tuesday), 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - in the dining hall. Come and join us for pancakes, syrup, sausage and bacon. Toppings include: Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas and Whipped Cream. It is a great night of fun and fellowship and we look forward to seeing you there.
  • February 17 (Friday), 2012 at 7:30 pm: Centretown Book Group - All are welcome. Discussing "As Long as the Rivers Flow" by James Bartleman. In his novel Bartleman, a former Canadian diplomat and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and member of the Chippewas First Nation, explores the consequences of Canada's residential school system through three generations as told by 47-year old Martha, her mother, and Martha's son and daughter. A Globe and Mail review concluded that this is a book all Canadians should read.
  • February 8, 2012 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Post-Secondary Education: Accessible and Affordable for All. Please join us to hear  Rathika Sitsabaiesan in conversation with Erika Shaker. - Sponsored by Centretown United Church & CCPA (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives).  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • December 6 (Tuesday), 2011 at 7:30 pm: Housing Crisis in Attawapiskat: the Way Forward, at Centretown United Church with Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins-James Bay and friends. 507 Bank St. at Argyle. Free admission.Free-will donations to Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund for Attawapiskat.  Parking available at Glashan Public School, 28 Arlington Ave. This event is co-sponsored by Kairos and Centretown United Church. Click here to see poster with more information.
  • November 18 (Friday), 2011, 7:00 pm: "Lemon Tree" - A film by Israeli writer-director Eran Riklis. All are welcome. Free Admission. Those interested are invited to stay for snacks and discussion. Click here to see full-size poster.
  • September 24 (Saturday), 2011, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm: "Called to Sustainable Living" - Participate in worshops by The Otesha Project and Seventh Generation Community Projects - Information Sharing - Practical Strategies for Change - Displays by local environmental groups. Click here to see poster.
  • June 23 (Thursday), 2011, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm: Centretown United Annual BBQ and Strawberry Social: BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. Salad and of course strawberry shortcake!  Hope you will attend and bring your friends. Good food - Great Fellowship!
  • May 16 (Monday), 2011, 7:30 pm: HUMBLE BEAUTY - SKID ROW ARTISTS - A DOCUMENTARY BY LEIA SCHWARTZ AND MADELINE DIMAGGIO.
  • April 20, 2011, 7:30 pm: Ottawa-Centre Federal Environment Debates.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • March 12, 2011, 10:00 am: Faith and Public Life series: Bill Blaikie, Manitoba Minister of Conservation, United Church Minister discusses faith and public life.
  • March 2, 2011, 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Shannen's Dream - An Evening with M.P. Charlie Angus - making sure every First Nations child has a proper school and a quality education.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • February 9, 2011, 7:30 pm: Faith and Public Life series: Eradicating Poverty in Canada (Bill C545) - An evening with NDP MP Tony Martin.  - Click 'here' to see poster.
  • September 19, 2010, 3:00 pm: Jazz Vespers with Peter Woods, saxophone and Brian Browne, piano - In celebration of Centretown's anniversary and in support of Centre 507..  - Click 'here' to see poster.