FAQ

We know it can be a big decision to attend church for the first time. Here is some information about Manor Road United and our worship that may make it easier to adjust on that first day you come through our doors!

Can I join online?
Yes! Right now all our programming is online. Please email our office at manorroaduc@gmail.com for the link, meeting id, and passcode. See our more about our programming here.

When does worship start?
We begin our worship services at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Who can attend Sunday worship?
Anyone can attend. You do not have to be a member, or know anyone who already attends. All are welcome, and by “all” we really do mean everybody! We welcome you for who you are.

What should I wear to Sunday worship?
Times have changed since the days you could only attend church in your “Sunday best.” Some of us like to dress up but you’ll find that most of us wear everyday casual clothing. Even our minister doesn’t always wear a robe! Come as you are. We believe that God cares more about what is in your heart than in your wardrobe. And so do we.

Is your building accessible?
We have an automatic stairlift that can move people up and down the inside stairs between our worship space and the front entrance. It is able to carry someone in a wheelchair but also has a fold down seat for those using a walker or just wanting assistance on the stairs. It is operated by Manor Road staff. Please call and let us know of your needs ahead of time, we are happy to help!

Where should I sit in the Church?
You can sit wherever you like. We want you to feel at home with us.

What happens during Sunday worship?
Worship at Manor Road United usually lasts about an hour and includes Bible readings, prayers, songs from the hymnbooks and music by our worship band, and a sermon or reflection that relates scripture with our lives today through the lens of faith from our Minister or a member of the congregation. We value creativity and so sometimes our services include a dancer or a dramatic enactment of a scripture story. Greeters will provide you with an order of service that outlines what will happen so you can follow along. After worship we gather for refreshments and conversation.

Do I give an offering?
During our service we also receive monetary offerings from the congregation for the life and work of the church as an expression of our gratitude and vision. While you are welcome to give, as a visitor it is not mandatory to do so.

Do I have to be a Christian to attend church?
No! We would be delighted to have you attend. We simply ask that all who enter our doors do so with a spirit of respect and an open heart.

Who attends Manor Road United?
Our congregation comes from all walks of life and all stages of life. Many people who attend live in the immediate neighbourhood, or did at one time, but that is not true of everyone.

What is the history of the United Church?
The United Church of Canada is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. We minister to over 2 million people in about 3,000 congregations across the country. Ours is a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself.

The United Church of Canada was inaugurated on June 10,1925 as a merging of the Methodist, Congregational, and 70% of Presbyterian churches, and the General Council of Union Churches, centred largely in Western Canada. It was the first union of churches in the world to cross historical denominational lines and hence received international acclaim. Impetus for the union arose out of the desire to serve together a still young and growing country, and a desire for better engagement with the wider world. Each of the uniting churches, however, had a long history prior to 1925. Manor Road United Church came into being as a new congregation in 1925 as well, and we strive to continue to serve as a faithful presence in the community.

What are the beliefs of the United Church?

The UCC aspires to be a church where Christian people across a broad spectrum of perspectives and belief can worship, study, fellowship, and serve together. Although there is a wide diversity of belief in the UCC, in our positions we stand out as being one of the more liberal and progressive denominations in Canada. The church nurtures an open and curious approach to scripture and all things spiritual, a strong social conscience, and has social and ecological justice leanings. We believe in reaching out to those in need, and opening our arms to all members of society, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, income or marital status. We believe we are also called to care for creation.
The most recent creedal statement of The United Church of Canada is entitled, “A New Creed.” It was written as an alternative to the more traditional Apostle’s Creed due to a felt need for a brief, modern profession of faith. It was first published in 1969, and updated in 1980 and again in 1994.

The most recent Faith Statement of The United Church of Canada is entitled Song of Faith and was produced in 2006, by The UCC Committee on Theology and Faith. It is a lovely, expansive, and poetic statement of faith that honours the mystery of faith, the diversity of our church, the realities of our time, and acknowledges our place in a pluralistic world. It presumes an ongoing and developing tradition and faith. We read in its preamble: “This is not a statement for all time but for our time. In as much as the Spirit keeps faith with us, we can express our understanding of the Holy with confidence. And in as much as the Spirit is vast and wild, we recognize that our understanding of the Holy is always partial and limited. Nonetheless we have faith, and this statement collects the meaning of our song.”