News
Stay up to date with news and announcements in and around the church and community.
Speakers Series at Pioneer Memorial Church
Join us for our Speaker Series at Pioneer Memorial Church, 2370 Highway 60 at Hillside. All are welcome!
Tuesday, May 6th at 11:30 to 1:00, Kristie Shaver from Food 4 Kids Muskoka. We will serve a light lunch of soup and sandwiches
Kristie Shaver is the Communications Manager for Food4Kids Muskoka as well as their Volunteer Coordinator and Marketing/Social Media Coordinator. Food4Kids Muskoka provides “Weekends Without Hunger” to 320 children weekly (and growing) among 22 schools from Severn Bridge to Huntsville and out to Muskoka Lakes. This program was designed to bridge the gap between the estimated 1000+ children who go without food on weekends, relying heavily on breakfast, lunch and snack programs at schools. food4kidsmuskoka.ca
Sunday, May 18 at 10:30-11:30 Mitch Case, Métis speaker. Lunch will be provided after the church service and a Beading Workshop will follow if you wish to join us.
A proud Metis citizen from the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community. Mitch is a community based historian, focusing on the history of Ontario Métis communities; especially those around the Great Lakes. A Councillor on the Provisional Council of the Metis Nation of Ontario, Mitch was elected on a platform of advancing Métis Self-Government, improving communication, advancing Métis culture, and most importantly advancing the historic claims of Métis community. As a Metis representative at local and regional levels, Mitch is passionate defender of the Métis right to self determination, jurisdiction over lands and resources and the cause of Métis Nationalism. Mitch volunteers in schools, colleges and universities across Ontario where he is invited to speak about Métis culture, history, traditions, rights and contemporary issues. mitchcase.ca
Tuesday, June 3, 10:00-11:30 Marielle and Dave of Helping Buddies Muskoka, We will serve coffee, tea and goodies.
Do you have a to-do list that is too much to tackle on your own? Helping Buddy will come to your house no matter how small the job. For more information about the program, contact: Dave & Marielle, Owners and Helping Buddies 705-349-3699, HelpingBuddy.ca
100th Anniversary of the United Church Celebrations, Progressive Tour Saturday, June 7, Combined Service Sunday, June 8 at 10:30
We are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada!
Join us on Saturday, June 7th at our 4 churches in our Progressive Celebration: 9:30-10:30 at Pioneer for Breakfast, 11:30-12:30 at Stewart for Sandwiches and Lemonade, 1:00-2:00 at Seabreeze with a bagged snack, 2:30-3:30 at Knox United for dessert. 4:00 at the Dorset Pavilion for an Indigenous Fire Ceremony.
On Sunday June 8th all our churches and visitors meet at 10:30 at Stewart United Church for a Combined Service and a Celebration BBQ.
Help us celebrate 100 years- see our churches, learn about our history, meet our members and enjoy some delicious treats.
Coffee House Live Music at Stewart United Church, Dwight - Fri. Oct 3, 7pm
EXPERIENCE AN EXCITING BEST OF MUSKOKA LIVE MUSIC EVENING
WITH SEAN COTTON, CHRISTINA HUTT AND MIKE PHILLIPS
Down By The Bays presents a Muskoka COFFEE HOUSE on Friday, October 3, 7:00 at:
Stewart Memorial United Church, 1212 Dwight Beach Road, Dwight, Lake of Bays
The link for on-line $30 tickets is: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/coffee-house-concert
(You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)
Only 100 tickets available for this intimate concert.
$10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Stewart Memorial Exterior Renovations campaign.
Cash concession available (by donation)
SEAN COTTON: A Georgetown , Ontario native and Toronto expat, Sean Cotton currently creates and performs in the Central Ontario regions of Muskoka and Almaguin Highlands. After retiring from a 20 year career on the road and in the studio as a guitar player and harmony vocalist with performing-songwriting duo The Undesirables, Sean has settled in the village of Burk's Falls, Ontario where he operates a recording studio producing artist, recording his own albums as well as working as a jingle composer for radio.
https://seancotton.ca
CHRISTINA HUTT: Christina can fill a room with her rich, resonant, out-of-this era voice and move you with her honest, charismatic delivery. Once described as a full-bodied glass of red wine, her sound is reminiscent of the soul-stirring vocals you would have heard flowing from a transistor radio in the late 50’s. You will understand why Hutt has been dubbed “the voice” in her hometown of Muskoka, Ontario. She welcomes you into the secrets of her heart with fierce passion and endearing spirit. Christina’s ease in a diversity of genres brings a captivating quality to her performances.
https://christinahutt.com
MIKE PHILLIPS: Phillips has travelled the country, from Vancouver to Toronto to Halifax and back, in pursuit of a musical dream that awoke in him as kid learning on his dad’s guitar, but only after he stopped taking accordion lessons. It was bass guitar that really turned up the heat up for Phillips and he played in garage punk bands doing original music only through to the mid ‘80s. It was then that he started playing guitar as his main instrument and began to perform in a series of three jug bands, first in Halifax, then Vancouver with the Hard Rock Miners, and finally landed back in Toronto with famed party band Jughead.
Tiller’s Folly Live Concert at Stewart United Church, Dwight - Fri. Nov 7, 7pm
Come to the Tiller’s Folly Live Concert of Celtic, Folk and Bluegrass Music on Friday, November 7, 7:00 at:
Stewart Memorial United Church, 1212 Dwight Beach Road, Dwight, Lake of Bays
Tickets are $40 and available at this link https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/tillers-folly-live-concert
(You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)
Only 100 tickets available for this intimate concert.
$10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Stewart Memorial Exterior Renovations campaign.
Cash concession available (by donation)
For over twenty-five years, Tiller’s Folly have been uniting the past with the present as modern-day storytellers of lore, singing the West’s pioneer history to life. From the outset, Tiller’s Folly aspired to create acoustic music that is thoughtful, progressive, yet timeless in nature. Music that is representative of their Pacific Coastal home. They set out to preserve a measure of the West’s colonial heritage in stories & songs.
Drawing influence from Scottish, Irish and Maritime Music traditions, Tiller’s Folly have continued to expand and refine their potent blend of Pacific Canadiana, and ‘beyond.’
“As one of the tightest, and unflinchingly focused, folk bands in the nation, Tiller’s Folly continues to produce music that is both distinctly Canadian and firmly rooted in the Celtic tradition. Stirring Up Ghosts confirms that Tiller’s Folly is a national treasure”
— Peter North / Edmonton Journal
Tiller's Folly website: https://tillersfolly.com
FOR YOUR INFORMATION - This trio are performing at Toronto's top music venue THE HUGH'S ROOM on Nov. 2 (this is a quality show!)
Victoria Day Tea- May 19, 3-4:30 at Pioneer Hall
You are invited to our Victoria Day Tea on Monday May 19 from 3:00 to 4:30 at Pioneer Hall.
Tea, coffee, scones, jams, sandwiches, sweets and a good ole British SING-A-LONG!
We hope that you will dress up for our Tea
Admission by cash donation with all funds to Pioneer Memorial United Church
Todd and Robyn Music Concert-May 23 7:30 at Knox UC
We are excited to present the “Todd and Robyn Music Concert” on Friday May 23 at 7:30 at Knox United Church, 1012 Harvey Street, Dorset.
Only 70 seats-Tickets, at $20 each, can be purchased in Dorset at Pizza On Earth and Pharmasave, online at this link, or at the door (if available) with cash.
Simple songs for simple life: a concept from Todd and Robyn, the husband/wife duo from Bracebridge, Ontario
After moving North in 2021, the pair decided to dive into the vibrant Muskoka music scene! Calling the Bracebridge Hall their second home, Todd & Robyn have had the rare opportunity to develop their live chops all while being supported to write original music. With soulful harmonies and lively tambourine, this Folksy Americana duo will not disappoint.
Todd Blair entered and won first place in the 2023 Huntsville’s Got Talent.
Get your tickets for this fabulous concert as soon as possible so you won’t be disappointed!
Easter Services at Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge
Easter Services
Lenten Study Weekly on Wednesdays- Zoom & in person at Pioneer 10 am
April 13 Palm Sunday begins HOLY WEEK 10:30 Communion at Pioneer with Rev. Meg Jordan, Streamed at Knox at 10:30 with Communion
April 18 Good Friday Pioneer Sanctuary 10:30 a.m.
April 20 EASTER SUNDAY All individual churches open for celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Easter Sunrise Fire @ Pioneer 7 a.m.
Pioneer Memorial 9 a.m. in Hillside,
Stewart Memorial 10:15 in Dwight
Knox United 11:30 in Dorset.
You Fancy Yourself- Theatre at Pioneer - April 23-26
"You Fancy Yourself is a tough explosive work that sends passions spinning across the stage. Ideas tumble like battered leaves caught in a windstorm in Ardal's excoriating vision." —Hamilton Spectator
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Wednesday April 23 (2pm)
Thursday April 24 (7pm)
Friday April 25 (7pm)
Saturday April 26 (2pm)
$40 per ticket Link to purchase (You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)
$10 from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Pioneer Memorial United Church Environmental Lighting Fixtures upgrade fund.
Pioneer Memorial United Church is located at 2370 Hwy #60 (at the foot of Tally-Ho Winter Park Road) Hillside, Lake of Bays.
SYNOPSIS:
You Fancy Yourself is the story of a young girl with a vivid imagination and a stunning ability to enrich the lives of everyone she encounters. When Elsa and her family move from Iceland to Scotland, she is filled with uncontrollable joy over the new adventure she is about to begin. With her infectious energy and love for the dramatic, Elsa stands out both in her community and within her classroom, but this exuberance also targets her as an outcast.
Written and performed by AWARD WINNING playwright, Maja Ardal, You Fancy Yourself, is a hilarious and poignant tale set in the world of playground politics and childhood loyalties, and has been highly praised for its ability to awaken the youthful memories in all of us.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
General seating. 50 seats/performance (If seats are available, you can pay CASH at the door.
There is a CASH concession available (by donation)
Plenty of free parking
Thank you to Capstone Market for your sponsorship!
Lenten Study Zoom or at Pioneer- Wed’s at 10
Weekly Lenten Study, Wednesday in person at Pioneer or by Zoom
Lenten Study Weekly Wednesday Zoom & in person at Pioneer 10 am
Rev Meg will lead this in Pioneer Hall for those who do not have computers.
Meg Jordan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Meg Jordan's Zoom Meeting
Time: Mar 19, 2025 10:00 AM America/Toronto
Every week on Wed, 110 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJAscu-orz4tHNJr8CiQPKsGvbkOMAf-rnyx/ics?icsToken=DJBm3FfeQYKMvgoVoAAALAAAAJHpHWZLCQLN55iuoVxVPINBTjLJVrUxjxZMo2h5EfF9eIPAD-jBqZzNixWGRheuyGSk6EYoBtdCpHTMsDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=xyoHdVilT5esCu9QfYJEjA
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94156015766?pwd=DArObTrZm5fSDaGGiIBcvCGrtLmSKx.1
Meeting ID: 941 5601 5766
Passcode: 463821
---
One tap mobile
+17806660144,,94156015766#,,,,*463821# Canada
+12042727920,,94156015766#,,,,*463821# Canada
Knox Pie & Bake Sale-Every Monday Feb 24 to Mar 31, 10-3
Treat yourself to some home baking.
Fruit pies (baked or frozen $20) and Tarts ( with or without raisins $12 for 6) are available for sale on Mondays from February 24 until Monday March 31, from 10:00 to 3:00.
Cash Only
Knox United Church Community Room
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
Pancake Luncheon Tues. March 4, 11:30-1:30 at Pioneer United Church
Come to our Shrove Pancake Tuesday Luncheon at Pioneer Hall, 11:30 to 1:30 pm.
Enjoy conversation, community and a delicious pancake lunch with friends.
All are welcome.
Pioneer Church Hall, #2370 Hwy 60, at Hillside
SUNDAY SERVICES ARE CANCELLED ON SUN FEB 16, 2025
On Sunday February 16, the church services are cancelled due to the forecasted snowstorm.
Rev. Meg will be filming the service at home and will send it out to our members and post it online.
Stay warm and safe!
Knox Snowball Pie & Bake Sale-Sat Feb 15, 10-3
Treat yourself to some home baking during the Dorset Snowball activities.
Knox Church has goodies for sale, to take home or to enjoy with a hot beverage on the spot.
Fruit pies, Tarts, Takeaway Treats and Hot Beverages
Cash Only
Saturday, February 15, 10:00 -3:00
Knox United Church
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
SUNDAY SERVICES ARE CANCELLED ON SUN MARCH 30, 2025
On Sunday March 30, the church services are cancelled due to the forecasted storm.
Rev. Meg will be filming the service at home and will send it out to our members and post it online.
Stay warm and safe!
Craig Macdonald’s “Winter Survival in the Canadian North” Jan 18 2025, 1:00 at Knox
Knox Community Centre presents Craig Macdonald’s “Winter Survival in the Canadian North”. Craig has amassed a large collection of native-made snowshoes. These artifacts and his extensive first-hand knowledge of snowshoeing will be the basis of his unique and informative presentation.
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm
Knox United Church Community Room
1012 Harvey Ave. Dorset, ON
We hope you will join us!
Advent and Christmas Eve Services
On Sunday December 15, the Third Sunday of Advent we have a combined service at Stewart with all three congregations. We will be voting on the budget for 2025 and sharing a potluck finger food lunch after the service.
The Sunday before Christmas is the Fourth Sunday of Advent when we light a Candle for Love. We will be having a festival of lessons and carols in each community of faith— 9:am in Hillside, 10:15 in Dwight and 11:30a.m. in Dorset. We’d love to see you there.
In the evening on December 22 from 6-7p.m., weather permitting, there will be an outdoor celebration of the winter solstice around a fire at Megan McLeod’s place just down the hill from Pioneer Church. All are welcome.
On Christmas Eve we will have two candlelight services—one at 5 p.m. at Knox in Dorset and one at 7 p.m. at Stewart in Dwight. (N.B.Stewart and Pioneer alternate every year)
On Sunday, December 29 we begin our winter Sunday schedule at Pioneer at 10:30 with a combined service. Stay tuned to hear about plans for streaming the service to Knox in Dorset.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas with many blessings.
Knox Christmas Social, Pie & Bake Sale-Sat Dec 14, 1-3
Knox United Church Christmas Social, Pie & Bake Sale
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
1 to 3 (or until sold out)
Cash Only Please
At Knox United Church- 1012 Harvey Ave, Dorset ON
A Christmas Carol- Theatre at Pioneer United Church - Dec 12, 13 & 14
A Christmas Carol:
by Charles Dickens and adapted by William Colgate and Joan Bendon
Christmas just isn't Christmas without a dose of Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." Published in 1834, it tells the famous tale of a miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge. Over the course of the story, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who give him a new perspective on his life. Ultimately, these encounters teach him the importance of generosity, kindness, and the Christmas spirit.
Thursday, Dec 12 at 7:00
Friday, Dec 13 at 7:00
Saturday, Dec 14 at 2:00
Tickets $25- Go on sale November 4th ($10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Replacement campaign)
Purchase Link: A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens (Adapted by William Colgate and Joan Bendon) (zeffy.com)
(You can decide whether you support the Zeffy platform. To opt out use the dropdown and check “Other” and put in 0%)
In this adaptation by William Colgate and Joan Bendon, the story is told in 60 minutes by 6 actors, playing 15 characters, with all the feels this classic brings during the holiday season.
The Larks will bring audiences into the Christmas spirit with a carol singing 30 minutes before the show starts.
For the 7pm show- the carol singing will start at 7pm and the show will start at 7:30. For the 2pm matinee, the carol singing will start at 2pm and the show will start at 2:30pm.
There is no intermission, but goodies will be on hand prior to the show (cash donations).
Directed by Joan Bendon
Performed by: William Colgate, Ahne Crawford-Ridley, Cydney Jones, James Jones, Aussa Pennial, Phil Ridley
Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
General seating. 50 seats/performance
Plenty of free parking
For ages 8 - 98.
FYI, Sponsorship opportunities for this show are available.
Merry Birthday Theatre at Pioneer UC - Nov 7-9 and 13-16
MERRY BIRTHDAY – written by Lake of Bays residents J S Jacklin
After hearing Holly’s endless rants about friends too busy with the Christmas season to celebrate her birthday, members of her book club decide to invade her home with the good intention of throwing her a surprise party. While awaiting Holly’s arrival, a bevy of dirty little secrets are discovered along with a few truths about themselves.
Purchase your Tickets Here $40 each
Pioneer Memorial Hall 2370 Highway 60, Hillside, ON, seats 50 people/show, is wheelchair accessible and offers plenty of free parking. They also provide a cash concession (by donation) with all donations going to their Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Replacement Campaign. (Also, $10 from each ticket sold will also be donated to this campaign.)
3 performances are part of the Muskoka GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY WEEKEND EVENT ON
NOV. 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm.
Also: NOV. 13 at 2pm, 14 and 15 at 7pm & 16 @ 2pm
Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Show runs 2 hours (including 1 intermission) $40
DIRECTED BY: Jeff Braunstein
STARRING: Robin Clipsham, Carrie Schiffler and Jodie Auckland
STAGE MANAGEMENT: Jan Jacklin
COSTUMES: Barbara Stronach
PROPS: Emeleigh Stroud
Presented by DOT THE T PRODUCTIONS. A professional theatre company who prides itself on producing poignant, thought-provoking stories, usually with humour, to audiences in and around Muskoka. Contracting local artists, thus keeping the local economics active, is a key component to Dot The T’s mandate.
Bake Sale Fundraiser
Dates for Grandma’s cookies
Join at at the Christmas Market on Sat Nov 16 at the Lake of Bays Garden Centre
We will be selling 200 dozen cookies, tarts and special squares as a fundraiser for our churches.