News
Stay up to date with news and announcements in and around the church and community.
Lake of Bays United Churches’ Christmas Services
Please join us for the Christmas Season. It is a time of hope, peace, joy and love.
Christmas Music Show with Deb Misener Jones & Noah’s Larks, Dec 14, 2pm at Pioneer
Join us for an exciting Christmas Music Show with Deb Misener Jones and our Noah’s Larks on Sunday December 14 at 2:00pm in the Pioneer Memorial Hall.
Deb Misener Jones provides the finest in live music and family entertainment! Deb’s shows are a lively, fun, interactive “Family Friendly” musical experience for all ages, featuring Christmas Carols, Yodeling, Alpine Cowbells, Audience Participation, German Songs and Music!
Our own Noah’s Larks will also lead us in Christmas Carols.
Admission is free with a donation.
Light Refreshments provided.
Seasons of Life/After Care Presentation at Pioneer, Wed Nov 19 at 11:00
Join us for a Lunchtime Presentation on Wednesday November 19 at 11:00 in the Pioneer United Church Hall. 2370 Highway 60, Huntsville ON
Rev. Donna Bowman Woodall and Cheryl Kinghan will be presenting Seasons of Life / After Care. Learn how pre-planning can ease emotion and financial stress for your loved ones.
All are welcome for lunch and the presentation. Register today to save your seat. 705-789-8982
Book Discussion of “Tending Tomorrow” 2nd & 4th Wednesday by Zoom or at Pioneer, 11-12
Join us for Book Group Discussions, the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00 to 12:00, both in person at Pioneer Memorial Church or by Zoom. (On Sept 24, we will meet at Stewart Memorial as there is a theatre production at Pioneer).
“Tending Tomorrow” Courageous Change for People and Planet by Leah Reesor-Keller.
In the face of environmental and social upheaval, TENDING TOMORROW lays out a path for Christians worried about our collective future and seeking courage and inspiration for the journey ahead. Drawing on metaphors from the natural world, author Leah Reesor-Keller offers foundational, transformative practices for leaders and communities to foster healthier cultures during a time of ecological devastation.
Tending Tomorrow book — Leah Reesor-Keller
Meg Jordan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Meg Jordan's Zoom Meeting
Time: Sep 10, 2025 10:45 AM America/Toronto
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Dwight Lions Remembrance Day Service Sat, Nov 8, 2pm
The Dwight Lions Remembrance Day Service is on Saturday November 8 at 2:00 pm at the Dwight Memorial Wall. This is on Dwight Bay Road next to Canada Post. Refreshments will be after the service at the Dwight Seniors Hall.
SHE VISITS- Sept 24, 25, 26, 27- Theatre at Pioneer Memorial Hall
SHE'S BACK! With her new one-woman show called "SHE VISITS."
Down By The Bays is beyond excited to welcome award winning playwright & actor MAJA ARDAL back to our theatre space at Pioneer Memorial Hall.
Audiences will remember Maja from her recent outstanding performance at Pioneer with her award winning play 'YOU FANCY YOURSELF.'
And here she is again with her most recent play, SHE VISITS.
4 PERFORMANCES ONLY: Sept. 24 @ 2pm, Sept. 25 @ 7pm, Sept. 26 @ 7pm & Sept. 27 @ 2pm.
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With Pioneer Memorial's new elevated tiered seating, there are only 40 seats available for each performance. Advanced on-line tickets are strongly encouraged. If any seats remain, $40 cash will be accepted at the door.
$10 from each ticket sale will be donated to Pioneer Memorial United Church.
Maja Ardal’s adaptation of Friedrich Dűrrenmatt’s masterpiece (Der Besuch Der Alten Dame)—“The Visit of the Old Lady”—is as relevant now as it was when he wrote it in 1956.
The Story. Claire Onassiopolus is fabulously wealthy. After 45 years Claire is returning home to Gardenia, her impoverished small town with a plan. Alfred Gill, one of the town’s most beloved citizens, is chosen to greet Claire and use his charm on her to see if she can help financially as much as possible. Claire and Alfred had a ‘history’ when they were teenagers so Alfred seems the smartest choice to ‘sweet-talk’ Claire. Various people remember her sense of justice, humanity etc. They soon find out about her keen sense of justice.
After Claire is settled in the town’s hotel, with her entourage of two beefy body-guards, two blind eunuch servants, her pet panther and a coffin, and the leaders of the town wine and dine her, Claire tells the folks what she will do for them. She will give the town $80 million and $20 million do be divided evenly among the townsfolk. On one condition, that they kill Alfred Gill. Pandemonium ensues. Disgust from the town’s folk that she should suggest such a despicable thing. Claire explains.
When she was 15-years-old Claire became pregnant by Alfred. He denied it. There was a bastardy case. Two teens were bribed by Alfred to say they slept with Claire. The result is that Claire was run out of town. She became a prostitute and rich, old Onassiopolus was one of her clients and he married her. When he died Claire inherited his wealth and then she plotted to get her revenge on the townsfolk of Gardenia and Alfred in particular. The people refuse her offer. Claire says she can wait. It’s one of the great lines of dramatic literature and how the town’s folk then react is one of the great character developments in a play.
DOORS OPEN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO SHOW TIME.
THERE IS ONE INTERMISSION with refreshments provided by Pioneer Memorial United Church with a cash donation.
Pioneer Memorial United Church is located at 2370 Hwy #60 (at the foot of Tally-Ho Winter Park Road) Hillside, Lake of Bays
DOWN BY THE BAYS is a community cultural hub for performing arts in Lake of Bays. Dot The T Productions, Muskoka Players, Muskoka Stageworks and The Dorset Theatre Company share the stages at the Lake of Bays United Churches in Hillside (Pioneer Memorial Hall), Dwight (Stewart Memorial) and Dorset (Knox United).
We thank the Muskoka Community Foundation Grant from the Township of Lake of Bays for their support of the Down By The Bays community cultural hub.
Bookkeeper Position Available
Bookkeeper position available at the Lake of Bays United Churches
Lake of Bays United Churches are looking for an independent contractor Bookkeeper. Let others, who are looking for a flexible bookkeeping position, know about this opportunity in the Lake of Bays 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
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.
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)
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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
Camp Awesome-Bees For Peace, Aug 12-16, 9-3:30 at Pioneer Church
Kids and youth ages 5-13 are welcome to join our 5 day Camp Awesome-Bees For Peace from Monday August 12 to Friday August 16 from 9am to 3:30pm.
Bee Creative. Let the Bees by our teachers! Explore nature and community with lots of fun, music, games and activities.
Bee Kind. Curious about hidden life on Earth? Let’s learn about our pollinators, gardens and community. Come make new friendships through connecting and having fun!
Bee Loving. Strengthen your awareness of the amazing pollinator community that is crucial for life on Earth. Learn about how you and contribute!
Cost is $175 and partial and full scholarships are available. Cash, cheque or e-transfer to lobunitedchurches@gmail.com by May 24.
If early/later drop off/pickup is needed- 8:30-4:00, please contact Rev. Meg or Judy.
Call Rev. Meg 705-789-6680 or email jordanm@vianet.ca or Judy Bath 705-349-1110 or email jbath2@mac.com
To register: Click on this link
Shakespeare: A Most Rare Vision - June 12-14, 2024 at Pioneer Church Hall
Muskoka Players present "SHAKESPEARE: A MOST RARE VISION"
Written and Performed by Lake of Bays resident, Bill Colgate and directed by his wife, Joan Bendon.
REVIEW:
"Bill Colgate's one-man romp through Shakespeare's works is delightful... Whether you are a serious Shakespeare fan or you haven't thought about the plays since high school, you'll love this show. "Andrew Wagner Chazalon, Editor/CEO of Dockside Magazine.
Tickets $25 (with $10 donated to Pioneer Memorial United Church Furnace Campaign)
Contact dotthet@yahoo.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let us know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $25 per ticket.
Wednesday June 12 at 2 pm, Thursday June 13 at 7 pm, Friday June 14 at 2 pm
Pioneer Memorial Church Hall, 2370 Highway 60 at Hillside, Lake of Bays
As seating is limited to 50 people/performance, reserving your spot is highly recommended.
If seats are still available, $25 Cash only will be accepted at the door. Doors open 30 minutes to show time. There is also a cash-only concession.
REMINDER, $10 from every ticket sold and all concession donations will contribute to the Pioneer Memorial Church's Furnace Replacement Campaign. NOTE: Over $4,000 has been raised so far!
DOWN BY THE BAYS is a community cultural hub for performing arts in Lake of Bays. Dot The T Productions, Muskoka Players, Muskoka Stageworks and The Dorset Theatre Company share the stages at the Lake of Bays United Churches in Hillside (Pioneer Memorial Hall), Dwight (Stewart Memorial) and Dorset (Knox United).
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Advertising spots are available for your business or organization in our PLAYBILL and on the SLIDESHOW on the big-screen TV that runs prior to the show. Only $25 and your logo/message will be proudly displayed to our audience showing your support for this new cultural hub in Lake of Bays.
Contact us asap to get the exposure you want! Or maybe you have some bigger ideas! Let’s talk
“Old Love” Theatre - June 8-18, 2024 at Pioneer Church Hall
Norm Foster's comedy "OLD LOVE" spans three decades, and half a dozen meetings between Bud (Andy Bartle), a salesman, and Molly (Jodie Auckland), his boss's wife. One of them is smitten from the very first meeting—the other, let's just say—less so. Written by Canada's pre-eminent comic playwright Norm Foster this clever and witty play celebrates the pursuit of love, the kind of love that makes you breathe just a little bit faster. Charmingly written, with just a few curse words for effect, Foster's use of one-liner's serve the script well and has the audience smiling, chuckling and laughing throughout the entire play. Dot The T is very excited to bring this production to Pioneer Memorial Hall for 8 performances.
Contact downbythebayslob@gmail.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let us know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $40 per ticket.
Wednesday May 8 at 2 pm, Thursday May 9 at 7 pm, Friday May 10 at 7pm and Saturday May 11 at 2 pm.
Wednesday May 15 at 2 pm, Thursday May 16 at 7 pm, Friday May 17 at 7pm and Saturday May 18 at 2 pm.
Pioneer Memorial Church Hall, 2370 Highway 60 at Hillside, Lake of Bays
As seating is limited to 50 people/performance, reserving your spot is highly recommended.
If seats are still available, $40 Cash only will be accepted at the door. Doors open 30 minutes to show time. There is also a cash-only concession.
REMINDER, $10 from every ticket sold and all concession donations will contribute to the Pioneer Memorial Church's Furnace Replacement Campaign. NOTE: Over $4,000 has been raised so far!
DOWN BY THE BAYS is a community cultural hub for performing arts in Lake of Bays. Dot The T Productions, Muskoka Players, Muskoka Stageworks and The Dorset Theatre Company share the stages at the Lake of Bays United Churches in Hillside (Pioneer Memorial Hall), Dwight (Stewart Memorial) and Dorset (Knox United).
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Advertising spots are available for your business or organization in our PLAYBILL and on the SLIDESHOW on the big-screen TV that runs prior to the show. Only $25 and your logo/message will be proudly displayed to our audience showing your support for this new cultural hub in Lake of Bays.
Contact us asap to get the exposure you want! Or maybe you have some bigger ideas! Let’s talk
Blooming Violet Theatre- April 10-13 at Pioneer Church Hall
Blooming Violet, written by Lake of Bays resident JS Jacklin, is a full-length stage play with 15 characters. Blooming Violet takes you back in time from 1916 to 1952 with a story about an ordinary British working-class woman during an extraordinary time in history.
Without the bells and whistles, and performed by 4 talented actors with no props, period costumes or sets, this heartwarming story comes to life, with a smattering of music and joviality throughout!
Contact dotthet@yahoo.com to RESERVE your spot today. Let Jan know your name, the performance date, number of tickets and e-transfer $20.
Wednesday April 10 at 2 pm, Thursday April 11 at 7 pm, Friday April 12 at 7pm and Saturday April 13 at 2 pm.
Pioneer Memorial Church Hall, 2370 Highway 60 at Hillside, Lake of Bays
As seating is limited to 50 people/performance, reserving your spot is highly recommended.
If seats are still available, $20 Cash only will be accepted at the door. Doors open 30 minutes to show time. There is also a cash-only concession.
REMINDER, $10 from every ticket sold and all concession donations will contribute to the Pioneer Memorial Church's Furnace Replacement Campaign. NOTE: Over $2,500 has been raised so far!
Come to SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Theatre-Feb 29, Mar 1 at 7pm, Mar 2, Mar 3 at 2 pm at Pioneer
Have you booked your tickets for SHIRLEY VALENTINE?
Performed at PIONEER MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH HALL
2370 Hwy 60, Hillside, Lake of Bays
Feb. 29 & March 1 at 7pm AND March 2 & 3 at 2pm
Tickets $40 These performances are a fundraiser for new furnaces at Pioneer Memorial Church ($10/ticket donated for this purpose)
Cash at the door OR reserve a spot with an e-transfer of $40 to dotthet@yahoo.com
Play runs 90 minutes plus one 15 minute intermission. Refreshments available.
The heroine in the actor’s tour-de-force is an ordinary middle-class English housewife. As she prepares chips and egg for dinner, she ruminates on her life and tells ‘the wall’ about her husband, her children, her past, and an invitation from a friend to join her on holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure.
PLEASE NOTE: The content of this play is best suited for mature audiences. Some language may offend.
Entrance is from parking area around the back.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Theatre-Feb 29-Mar 3 at Pioneer
Pioneer Memorial United Church is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Dot The T Productions, a professional theatre company in Lake of Bays, under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Jan Jacklin and Minister, Rev. Meg Jordan.
Together, we will strive to bring entertaining, thought-provoking theatre to the local community with our first production, an award-winning one-woman show, “SHIRLEY VALENTINE” on February 29 and March 1 at 7 pm and two matinees on March 2 and 3 at 2 pm. Cash at the door OR reserve a spot with an e-transfer of $40 to dotthet@yahoo.com
Our 132-year-old heritage church, Pioneer Memorial, is located at 2370 Highway 60, Hillside in Lake of Bays. Our hall will serve as a vibrant cultural hub as we host our inaugural show and pave the way for future theatre productions.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE, written by Willy Russell, is a heartwarming comedy about a middle-aged woman stuck in a boring marriage who wonders what ever happened to all her dreams from her youth.
Jan Jacklin expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Pioneer, a welcoming venue steeped in history and community support. This partnership allows us to bring engaging theatre productions to Lake of Bays and provide a unique experience for both residents and visitors.”
Jan first attended Pioneer one recent Sunday and recognized the potential for pop-up theatre in the spacious hall. When she learned that funds were needed to replace the church furnaces, Jacklin met with Rev. Jordan and church leaders and received an enthusiastic and positive response to her proposal.
Each performance will seat 50 people and 25-50% of each ticket sold (dependent on ticket prices) will be donated for the installation of new furnaces for our church.
This initiative aligns with Pioneer’s commitment to open our doors to the community, preserve the heritage of the church, and ensure its warmth and vitality for generations to come.
We invite you to celebrate this union of heritage and the arts. Be part of the excitement as our charming, historic church takes center stage, becoming a haven for cultural expression in the community.
Sacred Circle Dance at Pioneer-Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, 6:30-8:00
Please join our Circle Dance as an enjoyable way to connect with one another and the Spirit through simple movement to music from around the world. Thursday, January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Rev. Meg Jordan and Star will lead our Circle Dance group. We dance for our own relaxation, joy, growth, awareness and healing, for global peace and earth healing, knowing it makes a difference.
All ages, culture, gender, spiritual beliefs are welcome. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing and be prepared to move gently and joyfully and prayerfully.
Pioneer Church Hall, #2370 Hwy 60, at Hillside
Community Prayer Ministry by Zoom- the third Thursday of the month beginning Jan 18, 2024
We invite you to participate in a community program devoted to a ministry of healing prayer. It will be led by Cathy Ferren, a member of the community of faith who worships at Pioneer Memorial Church and Stewart Memorial and supported by myself as your minister representing all the faith communities in the Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge--Knox United, Stewart Memorial and Pioneer Memorial. We all need healing in so many ways that we connect with our world, and this time together will provide an opportunity to bring those personal needs into a gathering of diverse and caring individuals within an intentional praying community. Rev. Meg
We hope that you will join us for the Community Prayer Meeting, the third Thursday of the month, by Zoom beginning January 18, 2024 at 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Please pre-register at least one week before with Cathy Ferren cathyferrenrhn@gmail.com.