I’m New

SUNDAY MORNINGS

CAN I JUST SHOW UP?

Absolutely!

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a member of our church community.  If you have any questions, they are here to help you.

There is a welcome Table where you can grab a name tag and check out sign-up sheets for events and volunteer opportunities.

We also offer a live-streaming option so that you can join us virtually, too. There is a host to answer questions. We welcome YOU in whatever way works for you to join us!

Everyone is welcome to participate in worship. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been since you were a child, or if this is your first opportunity to explore the Christian faith.

WILL I FIT IN?

We are an “open and affirming church”.  At Woodcliff, you’ll worship with all ages; single people and married couples; families of all kinds; recent immigrants and those whose heritage in North America goes back generations.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHAT I BELIEVE

No problem.  Everyone’s faith journey is different.  Some members of our congregation are lifelong Christians for whom the United Church has always been a home.  Others grew up in another denomination and some are just exploring. Most likely, you’ll find someone at our church who can identify with your journey or finds him or herself in “a place” like you

CHILDREN

From September - June, children are invited to go directly to the nursery where a volunteer will help the children explore and interact with a Bible story.  Children are also welcome to stay with their parents if that feels more comfortable.  We have worship bags with some things for them to enjoy during the service.  Just ask the greeter for one.

WHERE DO I PARK?

We have a large parking lot with several handicap stalls.

ACCESSIBILITY?

Woodcliff is a fully accessible site, with outdoor ramps, an elevator and an accessible bathroom.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Whatever you are comfortable in. We have kids in soccer gear, adults in dress clothes or in casual comfort... there is no dress code. 

Come as you are and be comfortable.

WHERE SHOULD I SIT?

Anywhere you like – really! We value hospitality here and there are no “reserved” seats. It is true that folks tend to sit in the same places week after week, but no one’s nose is going to get out of joint if you happen to sit in their favourite spot. In fact, they will be glad that you have taken the risk of coming to church and more than likely warmly welcome you.

Depending on what time you arrive, you will likely hear music playing, or if you are really early, you might catch the choir rehearsing. Feel free to sit and relax. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING WORSHIP?

Welcome and announcements

One of our leaders will begin the service by welcoming people to worship and giving thanks for the worship team. There is time for a few announcements and we always acknowledge the land we worship on.

Projection

We have moved to “paperless” and “heads-up” worship at Woodcliff. Everything you need to know will come up on the big screen as the service progresses, including words to all the songs and anything else the congregation is supposed to say.

Length of Worship

Roughly one hour.

After the service, we enjoy a time of refreshments in the lower hall.  All are welcome. This is where we can connect and get to know you and we are always happy to answer any questions that might help you to get to know us better too.

Music and singing

Music is a big part of worship. Once again, we want you to be as comfortable as you can, so if you’d rather listen than sing, that’s fine. Likewise, if you feel self-conscious because you don’t think you can sing, don’t sweat it – no one will likely hear you or think twice about it. Plus, God thinks your singing is great!

The music in our service is a blend of traditional Christian hymns and more modern worship songs.  Our choir leads the singing September to June.

All the words are projected on the screen.

Bible Readings and Reflection

Typically there will be 1 reading from the Bible each Sunday. These readings usually come from the “lectionary,” a 3 year cycle of readings chosen by the Christian church as a whole. There are occasions when the worship leader choses to do a sermon series.

There are several translations of the Bible into English from its original Hebrew and Greek. We often use the New Revised Version (NIV).

Offering

The offering is an important act of worship for Christians. It is symbolic of the fact that we believe everything we have comes from the blessings of God. It is also an act of generosity and an important way we can make a difference in the world. The money given goes to support the ministry programs at our church (including salaries) and various programs across Canada and throughout the world to help others. Attendees can donate by pre-authorized remittance (PAR), via e-transfer or by placing money in an offering envelope (available on the welcome table) and placing it in the wooden plates that are passed during worship.

Communion

Once a month we have a Communion service, where we invite people to take part in the bread (gluten free) and juice (we use grape juice) in remembrance of the Last Supper. There are NO restrictions as to who can participate. It is Jesus' table, and YOU are welcome at it, no matter what. Children are as well. However, if you are not entirely comfortable or feel like you need to understand this sacrament better, you are perfectly welcome to stay in your seat. We usually have Communion the first Sunday of the month.

After Worship

Following the service we gather downstairs or outside for refreshments. This is a great time to mingle with other folks and get a sense of our community.

HOW DO I GET CONNECTED?

·        Stay for coffee after the service

·        Join a class

·        Attend an event

·        There is a postcard on our welcome table that you can fill out requesting what you need. 

·        If you wish to book a coffee visit with the minister, you can do that by asking her in person or calling the office.