|
|
|
Introduction
Sunnybrook
United Church
12 Stanton
Street
Red Deer,
Alberta, Canada
T4N 0B8
phone (403)
347-6073
|
|
The
following series of questions and answers will assist you in becoming
better acquainted with our church:
- Worship
services are held every Sunday beginning at 10:30 am
- Additional
worship services occur during the Advent and Lenten seasons
- Children
join their parents for the first 15 minutes of each service,
then Sunday School is available
in the lower hall for children 3 years of age and older.
There is also a Toddler Room/Babyfold
available on the main floor for children 2 years old and younger
- Sunnybrook
United Church welcomes all visitors and newcomers to join
with us in our worship services!
Please
click here for a printer-friendly
version of
the information contained on this page.
 What
is the place of children in worship?
All
children are welcome during the worship service. Children
generally attend the beginning of the service and proceed downstairs
to Sunday School following the children's conversation.
Babies and toddlers may wish to go to the babyfold. You
are welcome to keep the children with you throughout the service.
You are also free to breastfeed your child during the worship
service.
back
to the list of questions
Can
I take Communion?
Simply, yes.
The United Church of Canada and Sunnybrook United Church practices
an open table communion whereby anyone no matter what age, race,
creed, denomination, member or non-member, or sexual orientation
may partake in communion.
back
to the list of questions
What
do the colors on the pulpit and communion table represent?
These
symbolize the seasons of the Church year. Advent is blue,
Christmas is white, Epiphany is green, Lent is purple, Easter
is white and gold, Pentecost is red, and finally the Season after
Pentecost is back to green.
back
to the list of questions
Can
I sit anywhere or are some places reserved?
All
are welcome at Sunnybrook. Pews are available on a first
come, first serve basis. Please feel free to sit anywhere
space allows. While some people tend to sit in the same
place every Sunday, others enjoy variety. The choice is
yours.
back
to the list of questions
What
is the "Passing of the peace"?
The
"Passing of the peace" is an ancient custom of greeting one another
as friends and companions on our spiritual journey. It provides
an opportunity to meet familiar faces, news friends, and visitors.
back
to the list of questions
Must
I stand for the Hymns?
Most
people do stand but, if you are not able or are attending small
children or simply feel uncomfortable standing, please feel free
to remain seated.
back
to the list of questions
What
are the 3 different colored books in the pews?
Sunnybrook
has 3 hymn books which draw from three different musical eras.
The red book is more traditional with the green and blue being
more contemporary. The blue book is an original creation
of Sunnybrook and contains worship resources as well.
back
to the list of questions
How
is the theme/topic of scripture for the service chosen?
This
is based upon the lectionary (a three year cycle of readings agreed
upon by various denominations) or a thematic series chosen by
representatives of the congregation.
back
to the list of questions
Do
I have to introduce myself?
No
(although it is helpful). If you do not feel comfortable
doing so, remain seated and the microphone will not be passed
to you. However, please feel free to join us after service
in the lower hall to meet and greet new friends and fellow worshippers.
Refreshments (coffee, tea, and juice) are provided.
back
to the list of questions
 How
will I know what to do during worship?
The
bulletin or folder provided by the usher at the door will guide
you through the steps of the worship service. Some of the
responses are printed, others are found in the blue worship book.
Watching those around you can be another clue, or feel free to
ask your neighbour if you are lost or confused.
back
to the list of questions
Why
is the clipboard passed down the aisle?
It
is called a friendship form. Mostly this enables folks to
know who's in the pew beside them. An address and phone
number is helpful for those who are visitors and newcomers for
us to make initial contact to answer any questions you might have
and to welcome you.
back
to the list of questions
What
about Offering?
The
offering is an opportunity for people to respond in thanksgiving
to the gifts from God in their lives. The amount varies
depending upon the individual's needs and resources.
back
to the list of questions
What
is the basic description of a service?
1.
We Approach God
- Introduction
- Call
to worship
- Prayers
of approach
- Opening
Hymn
2. We hear
God's Word
- Children's
conversation
- Prayer
of Confession
- Anthem
- Scripture
reading (some response)
- Message
3. We respond
to God
- Silent
meditation
- Hymn
- Our
tithes and our offerings
- Prayers
of the people
4. We go
into God's World
- Closing
Hymn
- Commissioning
- Benediction
back
to the list of questions
|
|
