Dear Friends,
In the heart of downtown Toronto, there lies a sanctuary of compassion and inclusion—Saint Luke’s United Church. Here, we live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ where the city streets bustle, stories intertwine, spirits converge, and lives are transformed. We write to you today not just as our friends but as disciples of a sacred mission seeking your partnership.
Saint Luke’s is more than just a church; it is a beacon of hope in a world filled with trauma and despair.
Our small congregation, though financially humble, is spiritually rich, drawing strength from the diverse tapestry of people who grace our pews.
We are discerning the Spirit leading us toward a Ministry with Newcomers. Stephanie, an Indigenous woman who has been living in a tent across the street of Alan Gardens for a year, shares her story during the worship service. Her resilience and presence among us remind us of the urgent need for justice and solidarity within our community.
We at Saint Luke’s have a long history of social ministry in downtown Toronto which is how we came to be known as “The House of Friendship.”
Currently, we support a meal program that distributes 600 meals/week to those who are food insecure and we host a food bank that serves over 900 people weekly.
But today, we find ourselves in a financial crisis that places at risk our ability to keep our doors open for those outreach programs and to build the social ministry for the long-term.
The weight of maintaining our historic building over the years has depleted our reserves and the members of our small diverse congregation have limited financial capacity.
The meal program and the food bank are self-supporting from outside donations but the congregation with its small staff needs to be functioning to keep Saint Luke’s open and running for these programs to exist here.
We require about $12,000/month to do that. Shining Waters Region is providing some assistance and Kindred Works has begun covering some of our building-related costs.
A redevelopment plan offers much hope for the future, but the road ahead is long and we need your support to sustain our ministry in the interim. We humbly ask for your assistance in ensuring that the beating heart of Saint Luke’s continues to thrive.
Your generosity will enable us to uphold our commitment to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice—the essence of our United Church faith.
Together, let us continue to be a source of light and love in the heart of Toronto’s inner city. We invite you to make your donation by: • E-transfer to saintlukesunitedchurchtoronto@gmail.com (please also send an email message so we can get your contact info for charitable donation receipt) Through our website https://saintlukesunitedchurch.com (tap “Donate” at top right and select option 1 “General”) Cheques to Saint Luke’s United Church, 353 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON, M5A 2S3.
For more information or to discuss substantial and/or on-going financial support, contact: David G. Hallman, Chairperson, Saint Luke’s Church Council, dhallman@sympatico.ca
With deepest gratitude and blessings
David G. Hallman,
Chairperson of the Church Council,
Saint Luke’s United Church
