What to Expect on Sunday Morning
Thinking about joining us for the first time? Here's everything you need to know before you walk through the door.
When and Where
We gather in the sanctuary for 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Some people arrive as much as 30 minutes before we begin, and some come right on time. You're welcome to come in through either the front door or the side glass door. Our greeters will be there to welcome you and hand you a bulletin that includes the worship outline, some prayers we say together, and announcements about upcoming events.
What to Wear
Come as you are. Most folks dress neat and casual; come in a suit or come in your jeans — it's all welcome.
The Service
Worship has a contemporary, relaxed, and sociable feel, while still honouring our traditions. We sing four hymns each week, drawn from the United Church's three hymn books, and we use inclusive language for God throughout the service. Our music director is a gift to this congregation; he moves easily between organ and piano, and our choir adds richness to the music each week.
We love the sound of children in worship. Little voices, wiggles, and all you'll never need to shush a child here. Sunday school runs from September through June and we are blessed to have three amazing teachers working with the children.
Accessibility
Both the sanctuary and the hall are accessible.
After Worship
Stick around afterward for coffee, tea, and sweet treats in the hall — it's one of our favourite parts of the morning, and a great way to meet people.
The Community
We're a friendly, welcoming congregation, and we mean that. Whether you're new to town, new to church, or just looking for a different kind of Sunday morning, there's a place for you here.
We hope to meet you soon. All are welcome.
Enjoy walking in Fall together for about 45 minutes on Monday mornings, either in conversation or quietly with a quote /thought/prayer/poem to wonder and wander with. We meet at the church at 9:00. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome
~weather permitting~
First Tuesday of each month, beginning October 6
6:45 – 8:30 p.m., Church Parlour
We live in unsettled times. Old certainties are thinning, and many of us carry a quiet hunger for meaning, for courage, and for a real sense of the Sacred in our lives.
The Mystics have been here before. Through plague, war, exile, and deep unknowing, they learned to listen beneath the noise and found the Holy in creation, in silence, in the human soul, and in the struggle for justice.
Join us once a month as we watch a session together from Convergence, led by Matthew Fox and Cameron Trimble, and share conversation afterward. All are welcome.
Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning October 21,
in the Church Parlour
Maybe you've been part of another church and are wondering what the United Church is all about. Maybe you've never belonged to a church at all. Or maybe you're just curious.
Whatever brings you, you're welcome to join us for four relaxed conversations over coffee:
Come to one session or all four. There's no pressure and no commitment. For those who'd like to become members of Almonte United Church, this is a good place to start, but it's just as good a place to simply ask questions and explore.
Saturday October 17th 1-4PM
Almonte United Church
In 2015, as part of its commitment to support the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Anglican Church of Canada, through Alongside Hopedeveloped the Education for Reconciliation resource, Mapping the Ground We Stand On. This interactive, in person, workshop, also known as the Mapping Exercise, invites participants to explore Indigenous presence on the map of Turtle Island/Canada, the history of Settler arrival, and the relationship of one to the other. It offers an opportunity for learning and reflection on the concepts of Terra Nullius (empty land), the Doctrine of Discovery
As one of our actions towards Truth and Reconciliation, Almonte United Church is inviting you to participate in the Alongside Hope Mapping Exercise facilitated by Karen Luyendyk (St Paul’s Anglican Church in Almonte) and Audrey Lawrence (St Helen’s Anglican Church in Orleans).
Register by October 1st: There is a maximum number we can accommodate. If there is significant interest over that number, we’ll do it again soon 😊
Contact: Evelyn Ironside at evelyn.ironside@gmail.com
AUC is creating a church directory of the congregation and pictures of special events. At present, we are only seeking a show of interest in participating so that we can ensure we have scheduled a sufficient number of photo sessions.
Everyone will receive a free copy of the photo directory and the photo session is also free. You will have the opportunity to purchase a photo or photos for yourself or as gifts.
These will be ready in time for Christmas giving.
To date, we have 34 families who have responded. If you have not yet considered being part of the directory, please do. It's a great way to acquaint ourselves with one another and strengthen the bond of our faith community.
For those who will not be available to come to the church when the photo sessions are scheduled, October 22 to 24, you can submit your own digital portrait for inclusion in the directory, for a cost of $20.00. This will include one copy of the directory. If the photo is copyrighted, a letter from the photographer for its use in the directory is required. Digital photographs for submission must be taken at the best quality setting on the camera for the best resolution, and a file size of at least 1 MB (1000 KB). Vertical photographs are suggested, as well as a dark background without any distractions. Photos taken from websites are not accepted due to their poor quality. If anyone is unable to have their own photograph taken, arrangements can be made to have a photo taken at your place of residence.
If you are interested and will likely want to be in the photo directory, please reply to Bob Lesser at robert.lesser@rogers.com or call (613) 256-1379 and leave a message. Copies of directories from other churches are available for viewing on the table across from the church office.
If you aren’t interested, there is no need to respond.
Singing has been most enjoyable this year as we have had the benefit of a number of new members and lots of enthusiasm. Of course, as always, new members are most welcome.
This year on the Sunday before Christmas we will be doing the cantata Joy which we sang several years ago. At that time a number of folks joined us for this performance and again, this year the invitation is extended. The cantata, as its name suggests, is most joyful and a pleasure to sing. Should you be interested in joining us talk to Neil or simply show up in the Choir Room about 7:30 on Wednesday night. Rehearsals are now underway.
We're looking for a few more people to join the Greeter Schedule. It's an easy yet important job. Duties including greeting folks at the door as they arrive and then passing the offering plate. Please let Rev. Heather Davies know if this is something you can help with once a month.
Reverend Heather Davies brings extensive experience in ministry to the Almonte United Church. She can be reached at 226-668-7331 or by email at: heatherjoandavies@gmail.com
Sunday School has started, as well as a new Youth Group. For information, please see the Sunday Schoolpage.
Enjoy singing? No auditions, just a love for music and singing with friends. Starting in September, choir practice will be on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the church parlour. Come Join Us Then!
For information regarding the cemetery, please e-mail: Elaine Fulton at: fultonelaine823@gmail.com
Annually, during the fall and spring, everyone is invited to join in a weekly discussion group to discuss a selected book. The time and day for the discussion group meetings are noted in the weekly bulletin and on this page.
Need space to host a family gathering, a concert or a meeting? AUC has a variety of spaces for rent, including a large social hall and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a sanctuary with amazing accoustics. Please see the Rentals page, call the church office or leave a message below.