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.
September is here and we want to know what you'd like to be involved in this fall ! Whether it's Bible study, a walking group, or something else, your input will shape what we start. Take a few minutes to fill out our survey:
https://forms.gle/LafVPxnJpzts7KmZ6
Prefer paper ? A printed copy is available outside the church office. Submit soon so we can make decisions by the end of the month,
to begin early October.
Have you found a home here at Almonte United?
We'd love to make it official!
On September 20, we'll be welcoming new members into our community. Becoming a member isn't about signing on to a strict list of rules or reciting an exact creed. It's simply about saying "yes" to a shared faith in God, committing to walk together in Christian service, and joining a community that's open, inclusive, and glad to have you exactly as you are.
If you've been wondering whether this might be for you, let's talk about it!
Call, email or drop by the office
On Wednesday, September 9th from 6 - 8 pm join us at the Mississippi Mills Open House at John Levi Community Centre. Come and speak with our representatives and hear how AUC excites them and what has brought them here, and what keeps them coming back. Ask any questions you may have about the Almonte United Church and we'll have the answers.
We'd love to have you join us at the table
Andrew Jahn is once again raising funds for the
Lanark County Food Bank- The Hunger Stop.
The Hunger Stop relies entirely on community support.
At his concert, 100% of proceeds helps bring food and hope
to those who need it most.
As the cost to feed families only increases and as inflation and the cost of living forces individuals into food insecurity, Andrew and his volunteers are making a difference.
The next concert is Saturday August 29, 3-5pm at Almonte United Church on 106 Elgin Street. (in ALMONTE)
Please consider making a donation and attending!
The Lanark County Food Bank - The Hunger Stop: https://lanarkcountyfoodbank.ca/
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
While Rev. Heather is on vacation this Sunday, August 23rd we welcome
Rev. Brenda Reinkeluers who is filling in once again. Her scripture choice for this Sunday is Romans 12:1-8 which is a reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans and the call to be a living sacrifice for God.
While Rev. Heather is on vacation this Sunday, we have
Rev. Brenda Reinkeluers filling in. Her scripture choice for this Sunday will be the New International Version of Matthew 15:(10–20), 21–28 .
It begins ....
10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
15 Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” ...
Join us to hear the rest !
The church office is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in August, but Reverend Heather will be away from the office from August 10th until the 30th inclusively.
In case of a pastoral emergency during her absence,
please contact Rev. Heather Kinkaid at
613-619-5966 or grovesprings@sympatico.ca
Home Hospice North Lanark is offering a new 7-week Grief and Bereavement Support Group. This supportive group provides a safe, compassionate, and confidential space where participants can share their experiences, learn healthy coping strategies, and connect with others who understand.
Program Details:
Over the next three weeks we will be reading almost all of Matthew 13, which is a series of parables Jesus shares with the crowds coming to see him.
Diana Butler Bass (historian, public theologian, and author) writes that "the word 'parable' means to 'overturn' or 'cast aside.' The parables are stories told by Jesus and intended to upset what we think!"
This week it's the parable of the Sower. When we think of this parable, the image that comes to mind is the Canadian Bible Society logo which a figure sowing seed from a cloth bag. It's a gentle image, and yet this parable is anything but gentle; it's unsettling.
We're looking forward to unpacking that together on Sunday so come curious about what gets overturned
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.
Welcome to our new minister Reverend Heather Davies. Come out and join us in welcoming our new full time minister.
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 Thursday 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.