About Stamford United
A PLACE OF WORSHIP
Someone will greet you for Sunday worship at either the St. Peter Avenue
entrance (up the main steps) or as you enter from St. John Street (the
glass doors with wheelchair accessible elevator). Hearing assistance is
available at the console near the St. Peter Avenue entrance inside the
main sanctuary. Ushers will assist you in finding a seat as
well as provide you with an order of service bulletin.
The Sanctuary
is designed and furnished to enable worship.
The congregation sits
in pews that face forward to the Cross of Christ, our Saviour Jesus was
Crucified on a cross but rose again in three days. Between you and
the cross is the Baptismal Font and the Communion Table. These are
symbols of the only two Sacraments of our church. Sacraments are
celebrations of God’s giving of God’s Self as it has been already
revealed through Jesus Christ. Outward and visible signs of the inward
and spiritual grace of God.
The Baptismal Font
is where we welcome all people into God’s family through prayer
and symbolically washing with the simple gift of water just as Christ
washed away the sin of humanity. Baptism is celebrated at various times
through the year during Sunday morning worship.
The Communion Table,
often called the Lord’s Table, is central to our faith. Jesus
shared bread and wine with his followers to remind them of the need of
forgiveness which is given through the grace of God.
Celebration of Communion is held 5 or 6 times a year with prior notice
given.
A
Bible, a Cross and a Candle of Hope
are the only items normally left on the communion table for regular
worship. These are symbolic of: the Word of God, the
Saviour, the Light of the World. The cup and plate, for
bread and grape juice, dedicated here in appreciation of the
ministry of Rev. & Mrs. Hommersen, are symbolic of the
sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ for the unity of all God’s
people. Flowers are usually donated by an individual or family who want
to celebrate or remember someone’s life. They are placed at the front of
the church acknowledging the beautiful gift of God in all creation.
Christmas and Easter are also opportunities to fill the church with such
flowers.
There are two lecterns facing you. The one on the left is
commonly known as a pulpit, that is where the minister speaks and leads
worship. The other lectern is where the Word of God is read.
Members of the congregation will often assist in the worship.
The sanctuary is often filled with the music of our pipe organ,
piano, bell or chime choirs, the voices of adult or youth choirs
and your voice. All add to the praise and grace of worship. The
choir faces you and offers anthems, blessings and leadership in our
singing. There is always room for you in a choir! We are
blessed with many talented voices and musicians. The words we sing
together are found in Hymn Books called Voices United and are
available at your seat with music or in larger print, words only.
Offering
plates will be passed during the service to collect your offering to the
work of Christ’s church locally as well as any gift to the national
church’s Mission and Service fund. Visitors are our guests and not
expected to make an offering. As you decide to join us on a more regular
basis, envelopes are available at your seat and upon request. Numbered
envelopes better enable tax receipts which are issued once each year.
Canadian and United Nations flags, stained glass, plaques and the pipe
organ all are part of the history of our church which remembers
the sacrifice and generosity of those who have gone before us, leading
us to this day.
Following worship every Sunday you are welcome into the gym where
coffee, tea and juice are served. This is a social time of meeting
and getting to know the people who worship with you.
There is often opportunity to pick up books, movies or sign up for
events.
WORSHIP
(*)
indicates when to stand if you are able.
The order
is usually the same each week but a printed bulletin will guide you
through with any changes to the routine.
During July and August regular services are held. Junior
congregation is offered by one teacher to all young children who prefer
to gather together.
A
family service
is a time for you and your church family to worship together for the
full service. On holiday Sundays we normally will adjust worship to be
of interest to all ages. These services are usually less formal and
often involve more active participation. Nursery is usually available at
any time throughout the service on these Sundays for children 5 and
under.
BAPTISM
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This Sacrament is always celebrated at a Sunday morning worship.
Parents are required to meet with the Minister prior to the service.
Because Jesus was baptised, Baptism is about uniting with God’s people
who discover together the need for forgiveness. The United
Church of Canada acknowledges the Baptism of anyone baptised in
the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After Baptism,
the family is strongly encouraged to participate in this or another
church.
COMMUNION
This meal was first shared by Jesus at the conclusion of the traditional
Passover meal remembering how God saved the people of Israel from
slavery. Now through Jesus Christ we have been saved from the
emptiness of death. Eternal life with God is offered and nurtured
in remembering how Jesus’ body, like bread, was broken and his blood,
like wine, was shed for our salvation. The United Church of Canada
normally will use grape juice instead of wine to enable all people to
participate in the sacrament. At whatever age or stage of life,
you are invited to receive this sacrament to nurture your searching
faith or in celebration of your committed faith. Please receive
this bread and grape juice (no alcohol) as the gift of grace it is
intended to be, remembering that having been created in the image of God
we are all equal. This sacrament is also offered at home if you are
physically unable to attend worship.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation class for youth begins in February and runs until the end of Lent. Candidates are then asked to confirm the faith of their Baptismal vows.
MARRIAGE
FUNERALS
Funerals are conducted upon request of next of kin of anyone at any
time. Service is held either at the funeral home or at the church.
Arrangements are made with the Minister. The In-Touch Committee is
also available if requested for catering a reception following the
service, $5 per person.
