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Worship
In all that we do, in all that we are, we embody worship. By our actions, simple and profound, we incarnate the love of God. We find new ways to be community, to explore faith and to be God's people. But at the heart of it all, we centre ourselves in the Holy Spirit.
At SMRUC we seek to create worship that engages, challenges, affirms, comforts, inspires and transforms.
Our Worship is live streamed. See past worship on our YouTube channel
Worship @ SMRUC April 21
Worship @ SMRUC April 14 - The Easter Play
Worship @ SMRUC April 7
Journey Worship Path
Sunday 11am
The Journey is worship that weaves together Christian faith and holy strands of popular culture. In the Journey, we experience God in ways that move and touch us every week.
Music is a key component of worship. Music is led by the Journey Band, directed by Jon Wong and Chuck Kroeker.
Tree of Life Worship Path
Tree of Life worship is currently paused during COVID.
The Tree of Life Worship path follows the familiar rhythm of worship in the United Church of Canada including choir music, hymns from Voices United and More Voices, and using the Common Lectionary for scripture readings and reflection.
Life Events
Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism is an important ritual and right of passage. Baptism take place during our regular service.
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
we are born into the brokenness of this world.
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
we are surrounded by God’s redeeming love.
Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity
is the means by which we are received, at any age,
into the covenanted community of the church.
It is the ritual that signifies our rebirth in faith
and cleansing by the power of God.
Baptism signifies the nurturing, sustaining,
and transforming power of God’s love
and our grateful response to that grace.
- From A Song Of Faith
There are no fees or costs associated with baptism. If you are interested in a baptism for yourself or your child please [contact us].
Funerals
For those left to mourn, the death of an individual releases a complex mix of emotions. At the end of a long life the predominant emotions may centre around celebration of a life well lived. In those cases where life has ended because of illness or accident or other tragic circumstance, the emotions will include sorrow, anger, fear and shock. In all circumstances we believe God is with you, sharing in the feelings you are experiencing, and honouring the life lived.
These are the services available to you through the church.
The service: The service can be held in the church sanctuary or in a funeral home. The minister will meet with you prior to the service to select music, scripture readings, etc. and plan the service with you.
The eulogy: This time of remembering can be done by a friend of the family, a family member, or the minister. The eulogy is an important time to help all who have gathered remember with honour the person who has died. It is normally brief (approximately 5 minutes) and serves to spark the memories of all who have gathered.
Music: The church’s music directors and in some cases organists, choir or band can be available for services at the church. Funeral homes often have musicians they contact for services in their building. Recorded music can be accommodated at either location. The music chosen needs to reflect the faith of the church and have meaning to you as the mourner.
Interment: Traditionally interments take place immediately following the service with all those who have gathered going in a procession to the cemetery. While this is still done, many alternatives are now common. Families sometimes choose to have a private interment as a quieter time to say farewell. Interments are often done at some other time, or even on a different day from the actual memorial service. Our minister will try to accommodate whatever your wishes are.
Luncheon and Reception: The church has facilities that can accommodate receptions. Food service can be arranged through a funeral home or caterer.
Fees: There are fees associated with space rental, music staff and ministry staff. Your funeral home can discuss these fees or you can contact the church office.
Weddings
SMRUC welcomes all couples, regardless of identity or orientation, who are are legally entitled to be married to celebrate their marriage vows at St. Mary’s Road United Church.
Please contact us for more information.