JUN 2, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT
​
Our mission calls us to fight conditions that diminish the worth of persons by responding in times of crisis and by helping those who hurt. This #BlackoutTuesday we are suspending our live streamed events because it is our duty to pause and listen to the voices who are crying out against systemic racism in law enforcement and other related injustices in our society. Let us not stand by passively and idly, but compassionately engage in nonviolent dialogue and action to bring change and to protect and empower those who hurt.
​
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE
​
In-person attendance to our events is not possible at the moment. Please participate live in our lectures, meditations, and services here and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified when we go live.
​
Please be well and stay safe. See you all soon!
​
WELCOME TO CENTRE PLACE
​
Welcome to our Inclusive Online Church, an LGBTQ+ affirming, non-dogmatic, interfaith community Beyond the Walls with regular participants and ministers from around the world.
Mindfulness meditation. Meditation centre. History, Philosophy, and Theology lectures. Discussion groups. Retreats. All our events are live streamed on this website as well as our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
​OUR MISSION is to invite everyone into community, to continually learn & grow, to abolish poverty & end needless suffering, to pursue peace everywhere, and to live life meaningfully together.
Centre Place is home of the Toronto Congregation of Community of Christ. Meeting in Downtown Toronto since 1891.
LECTURES
How do you live a meaningful life? What is the self? Do you have free will or is everything determined? What is happiness? Why is there suffering in the world? Does anything have any meaning? Why do we value some things more than others? We explore these and similar questions with lectures and discussion on history, theology, philosophy, religious studies, comparative religion, neuroscience, and more. Participants share a commitment to life-long learning and a passion for exploring the ideas that philosophers and theologians have wrestled with since ancient times.
UPCOMING ONLINE LECTURES
-
SEP 01 - Mapping the Medieval Worldview
-
SEP 08 - Pagan Vikings vs. Christians
-
SEP 15 - The Crusades and Jihad
-
SEP 22 - The Book of Job and the Problem of Evil
-
SEP 29 - The History of the End of the World
ALL EVENTS | WATCH PREVIOUS LECTURES | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
MEDITATION
Our Mindful Mondays are open to everyone: we welcome all religious and ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities and expressions. We respect all spiritual types and sensibilities, from those who simply want to achieve deep relaxation, manage stress, anxiety, and depression, to those who walk the path of spiritual growth. You decide what the meaning of your meditation is.
Our approach brings together the modern, secular mindfulness techniques and research, as well as the perspectives of the ancient contemplative traditions from East and West. This is a judgment-free, non-competitive environment. You can either sit on a chair or on a meditation cushion. There is no cost for this event but donations (minimum $5 suggested) are greatly appreciated. This allows us to offer this program to everyone regardless of their current financial situation.
UPCOMING ONLINE MEDITATIONS
​
-
MONDAYS 8:00 PM: Mindfulness Meditation (Currently suspended) - LEARN MORE
-
WEDNESDAYS 8:00 PM: Logos Meditation (Currently suspended) - LEARN MORE
SUNDAY SERVICE
Our Sunday activities are grounded in a tradition of progressive Christianity that is free from dogma and judgement. All are welcome regardless of background and beliefs. We are an inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming community. We nurture the mind, body, and spirit with lessons, mission updates, meditation, hymns, prayer, and other meaningful activities, while building an inclusive community together. We celebrate open communion on the first Sunday of each month. In addition to those physically present, many more actively participate via Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
​
JOIN OUR ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY AT 12:00 PM EDT
CONTACT US
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
320 Richmond Street East #101
Toronto, ON M5A 1P9
MAILING ADDRESS
260 Adelaide Street East #134
Toronto, ON M5A 1N1
JOHN HAMER
Historian, Theologian, Lecturer, Pastor
pastor@toronto.communityofchrist.ca
LEANDRO PALACIOS
Meditation, Spiritual Formation, Financial Officer
647-348-7755
DIRECTIONS
Centre Place is on the ground floor of the Modern, a new mixed-use tower at the north-east corner of Richmond and Sherbourne (320 Richmond Street E. #101). We're located in the "Old Town" neighbourhood in the heart of downtown Toronto.
If you are coming by transit, the nearest Subway Station is King. Take the street car east about six blocks to Sherbourne.
For drivers coming in from the north and east, take the Don Valley Parkway to the Richmond exit heading west, the church will be on the right. Coming from the west, take the Gardiner Expressway to the Jarvis exit, taking Jarvis north to Adelaide, and then east to Sherbourne. On Sunday mornings street parking in the neighbourhood is free and relatively plentiful and we are located across the street from a Green-P city parking lot.