(About Us)
Come On In
Your Neighbourhood Church
Friendly Personal Service
In this fast paced, high volume world who takes time for the individual? God does, and we do.
Every single person matters to God. We take the same view. We get to know each other’s name, remember birthdays; we visit the sick and the shut-ins. We take notice and care for one another.
Family Matters
These days the family unit is pulled in so many different directions. Coming to church is one thing everybody can do together. We have a number of growing families with children. And we have grandparents (and a few great grandparents).
From the cradle on up there’s something for each generation…and warm times of fellowship when we all come together.
Fusion is the name of our Wednesday evening family ministry. Beginning at 6:30 and ending sharply at 7:30p Children (4-11), Jr. Youth (gr. 6-8) and Parents are welcome to attend groups especially for them. The Teens go a little longer because, well – they’re teens. J At times we will have family dinners, talent nights, and family fun. It’s a good mix. Fusion brings together the family and God.
Close to Home
Do you ever feel like you’ve spent all week just getting from point A to B and back again? Well, we’re just around the corner. The next time you visit the Uxpool have a look down the street. We’re at the corner of Reach and Franklin Sts. next door to the spice factory.
What’s In a Name?
Our movement was formed in the 1860’s on the threshold of the American Civil War. Surprisingly even churches could not agree over the issue of slavery. The word FREE was tagged on to identify Methodists who believed that all persons should be free. (That’s us.) It’s an old issue now, but the name stuck.
Freedom from slavery was not the only issue. FREE also meant that the church was free for all to attend (rich and poor); members of the congregation were free to participate in ministry (not just clergy); worship services were less structured – more …free.
As far as churches go we would also be classified as protestant and evangelical. Compared to others, we are less formal and more relaxed.
What About God?
Well…as you can imagine, we’re pretty big on God. We think He’s loving, patient, compassionate, faithful, forgiving, awesome, (shall I go on?) It helps to have friends in high places.
We have a lot of printed material that outlines our beliefs in more detail. We’d be glad to give you the condensed or whole version if you are interested. (see link below) For now it will suffice to say that we believe in all the major truths covered in a classic statement known as:
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ His only son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell;
the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the
right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From there He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic (means universal) church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
What’s it Like to Attend Our Church?
What to wear? What to wear?
Some wear suits (not many). Other dress more casually. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable. Remember that God is more interested in your heart than your clothes.
What should I do when I come in?
Like we said, we’re less formal and more relaxed, no stuffy atmosphere here. Hang up your coat or keep it with you. Someone will greet you. Sit wherever you like. Don’t be surprised when people say hello and shake your hand during our greeting time.
What are the services like?
Methodists like to sing, and since we think a lot of God, we like to take time telling Him. We think He is alive and interesting and present and personal, so our worship style reflects these things. Some songs are upbeat, others are more expressive of deep adoration. We read Scripture, we pray. Sometimes we give people the opportunity to tell about what our living God is doing in their lives. It’s pretty neat. About once per month we take communion.
Children are free to be children in our services and have fun. But we recognize their need for something different from adults. On the way in make sure they get a children’s bulletin (colouring sheet) and pack of crayons. Nursery care is available through the whole service. After a while the grade school children are released to go downstairs for a program suited to their age.
Are the sermons long and boring?
We sure hope not. Our Pastor’s goal is to explain biblical truth in ways that are meaningful and relevant for our lives today. He has a family and understands what it’s like to make it through the day in the real world just like you. He tries to make the sermons “interactive,” we think you’ll enjoy it.
And… Methodists like to eat.
About once a month we manage to find some excuse to have a meal together after church (it doesn’t take much). If you are there on one of those days, don’t be shy about coming along downstairs. This is one way we mix and mingle and create community.
What We Can Do for You
- We can give you a sense of community. A “place to belong” for you and your family.
- We give you a place to explore your faith, seek God, ask questions and give answers.
- We provide a comfortable environment in which to experience God through worship.
- We’d like to walk with you and support you through life’s struggles.
- We give your family a chance to spend time together.
- We provide an opportunity for you to give back to your community – whether it’s a fun place for kids to play, serving those less fortunate, or just sharing our facilities with other service groups.
- We share God’s love with those around us.
Something to think about…Not every church is a fit for everyone. If, after visiting us you feel our church is not right for you we’d be glad to help you find another church in town better suited to your needs.
