Separation of Church and State
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English and the Bible - The Life of Jesus
Holy ESL! is a place for English learners to practice conversation skills while also learning about the Bible and Christianity.
**Holy ESL! will continue to follow the life of Jesus.** Each week will focus on a short story from Gospels, with free and open discussion about the story and what it means!
**You don't need to be a Christian to join, everyone is welcome!**
You can drop in for one week, or for all weeks!
Learn Medieval Arts, science, dancing and games!
Go Medieval!
Learn Medieval arts, sciences, dancing and games! Have somefun with like minded history geeks.
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
St. Andrew’s United Church
117 Bloor St EAST (near Church Street)
Ring the buzzer for the gate keeper
more info? www.eoforwic.ca
[In-person] Curiosity Café: Imagination
Imagination is our capacity to represent things beyond our immediate physical experience, from possible worlds to abstract ideas or stories. While Blaise Pascal saw imagination as a “mistress of error” leading us astray, other philosophers such as Robin Kelley believe in what he dubs “Radical Imagination.” Specifically, he thought that “imagination can [help us to] … see the future in the present.” So is imagination best conceived of as a useful mental tool, or a vehicle for error and escapism?
In our first Curiosity Café of 2026, we will be reflecting on our own experiences with imagination. To do so, we’ll ask questions like: What are the positive and negative influences that imagination has on our lives? *What is the difference between fantasy, idealization, and catastrophization?* What sorts of functions might they serve? Considering notions of utopia and moral progress, does imagination play a role in politics and society? Is collective imagination possible?
Join us on January 20th for this discussion, co-moderated by returning guest Beatrice Turner and our very own Marybel Menzies, to explore many of the fascinating ways we use imagination in our daily lives, on large and small scales.
**Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-imagination-tickets-1980423462889) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle.
Hope to see you there!
***___________________________________________________________________***
This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us.
By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/).
About the Curiosity Café Series:
For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.
Thursday Club: Social Mystery Night - 6 Strangers, 1 Experience (20s-40s)
**January 22, 2026. 6:30 PM. Your social life gets an upgrade.**
New year. New people. New way to spend your Thursday nights.
You'll be matched with 5 other curious strangers for a surprise group experience. The activity? Secret until Wednesday 10 AM.
**What to expect:**
· 🎲 **Curated Group:** 6 people matched on vibe & interests — not random.
· 📍 **Surprise Location:** Revealed 24h before.
· 💬 **Real Conversations:** No "So, what do you do?" small talk.
**Past Revelia experiences:** Escape rooms, pottery workshops, speakeasies, secret dining, axe throwing, rooftop bars...
**HOW TO JOIN:**
1. Take the 2-min matching quiz here: **[https://www.revelia.ca](https://www.revelia.ca/)**
2. **Wednesday Jan 21, 10 AM:** Get the reveal (Location + First names of your group).
3. **Thursday Jan 22, 6:30 PM:** Show up and enjoy.
4. **Cost:** $13 booking fee (covers matching + organization). Activity paid on-site based on your budget.
⚠️ **Only 18 spots.** Booking closes Tuesday Jan 19, 11:59 PM. *Not vibing? Leave anytime, and we'll full refund you*
👉 **Book your spot:** **[https://www.revelia.ca](https://www.revelia.ca/)**
ESL Practice and Support
St. Timothy's is excited to offer support to newcomers in Canada. Our goal is to provide conversational language practice through informal instruction and feedback, alongside emotional and practical assistance.
We invite all new immigrants, English language students, visitors to Canada, parents of children temporarily attending schools in Toronto, foreign university students, and anyone looking to enhance their language skills. We aim to build a welcoming community where friendships can flourish, help participants establish meaningful connections, learn about life in Toronto, and access practical resources like resume and interview preparation, shopping tips, and guidance on setting up home services or navigating government offices.
We will host a reading group and a career mentoring group every other Tuesday at 10 AM. Our conversation group will take place every Tuesday from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring both large and small group discussions on topics such as current events, cultural exchange, and media stories. The small groups will include a mix of language learners and volunteers who provide gentle feedback. Participants will receive grammatical structures and vocabulary lists related to each topic to guide their conversations and enhance their language learning experience.
Build the Right Mindset, Build an Online Business — Powered by AI
n this webinar, you’ll learn how to think like a modern online business owner and how to use AI to remove overwhelm, speed up execution, and scale without burning out.
Most people fail at building an online business not because they lack tools or ideas — but because they start with the wrong mindset and try to do everything themselves.
You’ll discover:
* The mindset shifts that separate struggling beginners from successful online entrepreneurs
* How to structure an online business that works *with* your life, not against it
* Where AI fits into content creation, marketing, and daily operations
* How to let AI handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growth and strategy
* A simple framework you can apply immediately — even if you’re starting from zero
Whether you’re just getting started or tired of doing everything manually, this session will show you how to build smarter, move faster, and create an online business designed for today’s AI-powered world.
👉 Save your seat now and learn how to build the right mindset, launch your online business, and let AI do the heavy lifting — starting today.
FREE ONLINE: The SR&ED Grant for Business
This **SR&ED general information webinar** will provide an overview of the program. We will guide you through the eligibility criteria, qualifying expenditures, and the free tools and services offered by the CRA.
* Jan 20, 2025, 1 pm to 3 pm ET English session
I would suggest if you own a business and want to receive government funding for your project, thinking of starting a business to learn how you can form your business for maximum benefit, or wish to provide grant writing services to your clients.
There is no charge to attend. Registration is required, as space is limited.
To register: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/sred-webinars.html
If you are a member of LeaderSHIFT, you will receive a detailed package with samples and a detailed guide at no cost. Click on attend.
Some tools to help members:
* [Pre-claim consultations](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/pre-claim-consultation.html?utm_content=2025-05-13_0193&utm_term=SSV) that allow eligible claimants to work with an SR&ED specialist to determine if their project contains SR&ED work before they submit a claim;
* The [SR&ED outreach program](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/sred-outreach.html?utm_content=2025-05-13_0195&utm_term=SSV), which offers targeted sector-specific presentations and one-on-one presentations to businesses, in addition to hosting general information webinars.
We also provide accessible digital resources to help businesses determine their eligibility, calculate expenditures and prepare their claim. These tools include:
* The [Self-Assessment and Learning Tool](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/self-assessment-learning-tool.html?utm_content=2025-05-13_0197&utm_term=SSV), which helps claimants find out if their work is likely to qualify for SR&ED tax incentives and estimate their potential claim amount in about 30 minutes or less;
* The SR&ED Client Portal, available within [My Business Account](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-businesses/business-account.html?utm_content=2025-05-13_0199&utm_term=SSV), which is a secure, one-stop workspace designed to support claimants throughout the claim process.
## Learn about the program
* Register for an upcoming [SR&ED webinar](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/sred-webinars.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0248) on Sept 16, 2025 (English session)
* [Contact us](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/contact-sred.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0258) to book a tailored one-on-one outreach session
* Refer to our [annual program statistics](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/annual-program-statistics.html) web page for updated 2024 to 2025 program information
* Visit our [multimedia gallery](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/multimedia-gallery.html) for infographics, videos, and a podcast feature
## Find out if your work may be eligible
* Refer to our eligibility of work [guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-policies-guidelines/guidelines-eligibility-work-sred-tax-incentives.html)
* Use our quick and easy [Self-Assessment and Learning Tool](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/self-assessment-learning-tool.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0254)
* Request a [pre-claim consultation](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/pre-claim-consultation.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0256) for a project that is either in-progress or completed
## Prepare your claim
* Follow our [step-by-step guide](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-claim.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0260): how to prepare your claim
* Use the [SR&ED Client Portal](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services.html) within My Business Account to start building your claim
* [Contact us](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/contact-sred.html?utm_source=Mailbox&utm_medium=External_Email&utm_campaign=No_Signature_Corporate_item+CPB+SRED&utm_content=2024-10-22_0258) to speak to an SR&ED specialist
Separation of Church and State Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
HAT Get-Together
Join us the 4th Friday of every month at 6 pm at Cherie Bistro for another Toronto Humanist & Atheist get-together! Catch up with friends and welcome new people.
Ryan Cox: Fairness in Education
Most, if not all, systems of education in advanced industrial societies fail to give all participants within them fair chances of achieving certain educational outcomes. They are, in this respect, unfair. What makes them unfair? And what would it take to give all participants a fair chance? According to a standard egalitarian approach—an approach I call the *improper influence approach*—they are unfair because some differences in educational outcomes within those systems of education are due to differences in things like social class background—things that are illegitimate or improper influences on outcomes. To give all individuals a fair chance, on such an approach, would be to eliminate, or at least mitigate, such influences.
This presentation is about why the improper influence approach is the wrong approach to equality of opportunity, and about why we need a different approach to fairness in education. I point to some difficulties with the improper influence approach and introduce a new approach to fairness in education: *the fair chance approach*. I argue that the fair chance approach provides a better explanation of what makes systems of education unfair when they are and of what it would take to give all participants within them a fair chance of achieving certain educational outcomes.
Ryan Cox
https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/ryan-cox.html
Associate Lecturer
Department of Philosophy
University of Sydney
About the Speaker:
I'm a philosopher based at the University of Sydney in the Discipline of Philosophy in the School of Humanities. I am interested in a wide range of philosophical issues, but tend to think and write about issues in political philosophy, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of language. In political philosophy, I have published work on educational justice, the relationship between democracy and social equality, and on questions related to political legitimacy and Indigenous justice. In the philosophy of mind, I have published on our knowledge of our own minds and our knowledge of our own reasons for acting and holding particular attitudes. In the philosophy of language, I have published on the syntax and semantics of why-questions.
I have several research projects underway at the moment. One on philosophical issues relating to educational justice; another on the nature of political legitimacy and its application to Indigenous issues; and another on the nature of first-person thought and, more broadly, the role of perspectival thought in the humanities.
**\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***
This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided at the event. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://youtube.com/live/q_FR4tMGJpY?feature=share).
About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca):
The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life.
In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society.
The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai
Sunday Worship Service
Please join us for a traditional worship service every Sunday, with music from our wonderful choir and organist. Communion (the Lord’s Supper) is a part of every Sunday service. Join us for coffee hour after the service for conversation and a snack
Thursday Discussion Group (formerly Mystic Christianity)
### Thursday Evening Discussion Group
**In\-Person \| Starts at 8:00 PM \(Doors open at 7:30 PM\) \| Drop\-In**
**Starting material:** *[Network of Thought](https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/Network-of-Thought-Krishnamurti-ebook.pdf)* by **Jiddu Krishnamurti**
This weekly discussion group offers a reflective and open space to explore themes of **mysticism, spirituality, and inner transformation** through selected writings and talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Annie Besant, Alice Bailey, and other thinkers whose work invites deep **inquiry into consciousness, freedom, truth,** and **the nature of self-understanding**.
Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the group emphasizes **shared reading, thoughtful reflection, and respectful dialogue**.
Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace—whether through listening, contemplation, or open discussion.
While there is **no requirement to commit before attending**, *the intention is to gradually build a group of participants who are interested in returning regularly and engaging sincerely with the material* and the group process. Newcomers are very welcome, and those who feel drawn to ongoing study are warmly encouraged to continue attending.
This is a **drop-in group**, and no prior background or preparation is required.
**All are welcome.** Come as you are, reflect together, and take part in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.
What is Right? Meet at a Bar
All meetups of the "What is Right?" group are intended, as the name implies, to be exploratory sessions in which participants might freely exchange views, contest and debate positions and, it is hoped, might demonstrate for one another what a principled conservative position ought to be. Among the various traits that a conservative thinker should have is a desire to preserve what our civilization got right, and to make innovations only with an abundance of caution and humility.
In order to get to the Bishop and the Belcher Pub, note that despite its Bloor Street address, it is actually located one block south of Bloor at the intersection of Church St. and Hayden St.
Separation of Church and State Events Near You
Connect with your local Separation of Church and State community
BreadBreakers Community Dinner: Dialogue Across Divides
**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.**
In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy.
Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds.
**At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com.
Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event.
We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures.
**Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.**
BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.
Improv Church
IMPROV CHURCH!
7PM \| Vine Church \| Ages 14\+ \| $10
A short sermon. A team of pro comedians. Zero rules.
They don’t preach it back—they rip it open, react, and run wild with it.
Expect laughs. Expect questions. Expect the unexpected.
This is church turned inside out.
Uncensored. Unscripted. Unapologetic.
Last Saturday of every month \| 7PM
Buy your tickets at the door, or online ahead of time:
[thevineva.org/worship/improv-church/](http://thevineva.org/worship/improv-church/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5UNB76JC7-akqpbaSn-4H6JuOA6iTl5rIkmBfOaKKR0seKcd7Vqr9d79KA0g_aem_r2KcYCZ-Cr7akGszFEtDog)
2501 Gallows Rd \| Dunn Loring\, VA \| 22027
BreadBreakers One-Meeting Book Club: Of Mice and Men
**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?**
Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect:
* We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck.
* This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity!
* Snacks :)
* BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level.
* We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library.
* Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396)
* Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss!
**I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?**
BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table.
But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.**
BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.
Stretch & Sip (Yoga Church) FREE Mindfulness/Breathing/Yoga
A unique worship experience for adults looking to engage their mind, body, spirit, and taste buds!
Sundays, 5PM
Join us each Sunday for a guided time of stretching, meditation, and mindfulness (think Yoga Church) – followed by a free mocktail and conversation!
It’s a great day to end one week – and begin another.
No reservations needed; just show up. (Invite a friend!)
[https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip](https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5PvfHVivaZWvu3F4k-dNoYLoXZ9EkAZKcaOcJ2fBP09QM_svyEG0tkZgIH-w_aem_GVuOBm_3I478NQM3Lkqe0A)
2501 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027
Improv Church (Comedy Show)
"**Besides — laughing together is good for the church — *and* for people who have no interest in the church. Just come. It’s good."**
The Emcee is the Pastor of the church who just so happens to be an improv comedian that has performed across the country.
Improv is about telling stories - the highs and lows - and learning to see the humor, and maybe you'll even find some faith in the process.
Read more:
https://www.thevineva.org/worship/improv-church/
Cost is $10, buy directly from the church:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/9TEZQJ4VZ75X5/checkout/UFLOGDN65GU5CHJPI6QFSFKJ












![[In-person] Curiosity Café: Imagination](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/c/a/highres_532242954.webp?w=640)
















