NELSON UNITED CHURCH
"We dare to live the Way of Jesus,
Embodying the Love of God"
SUNDAY WORSHIP
If you come in person for the 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) service, our Ushers will greet newcomers and answer any questions.
If you can’t make it in person, the service is streamed live on our YouTube Channel. Streaming starts at about 9:50 am and includes a chat box. We would love it if you would say hi in the chat box and tell us where you’re watching from.
What happens before and after church?
All the doors at NUC are open on Sunday mornings, whether you enter from the doors on Silica or Josephine Streets or the door off our parking lot (Wheelchair accessible). There will be greeters to welcome you, answer any questions, and help you find your way around the church. After the service, you'll find coffee, tea, and refreshments in the Hall when you can chat with others, talk with the minister or browse the used book display.
What's the service like?
The worship service starts at 10:00 a.m. with introductions and announcements and lasts about 60 to 70 minutes. It combines time for reflection with great music, both for listening and singing. The minister’s reflection, or sermon, is brief and based on the Lectionary readings (the Biblical passages assigned for each week of the Christian year.) The theology is progressive and looks for the metaphors in biblical scripture that relate to the challenges we all face today.
The "Order of Service" is presented in a Powerpoint display on a large screen. The lyrics of the hymns are projected, as are the text of the service inwhich the minister and congregation will interact.
What about parking?
There is street parking in the neighbourhood and limited parking at the back of the church for those with limited mobility.
How accessible is the church?
The Sancturay, office, lounge, and restroom are wheelchair accessible through the back door.
The sanctuary has spaces available for wheelchairs and walkers.
The Church Hall and restroom are wheelcahir accessible through the main front door.
Masks are no longer required by law to be worn to attend church services. However, we want to ensure that you’re comfortable and safe when you’re in the church, whether it’s Sunday morning worship or small group gatherings. If you feel comfortable wearing a mask, you are encouraged to do so, no judgement. You are welcome here.
Will I have to stand up or be singled out? No.
We welcome visitors and will greet you at the door or in the welcoming space, and we'll do our best to make you feel at home. You'll never be called on or introduced from the pulpit unless it's been arranged in advance.
Will you ask for money? No.
If you'd like to donate to the life and work of the church, you can do that without anyone watching. There is a collection plate as you enter the Sancturary for this, or you can donate online. It’s a personal choice and you're welcome regardless.
Do I have to sing? Only if you want to!
With talented musicians and choir, hymns are a huge part of Sunday mornings. We hope you’ll join in as you feel comfortable, but it’s up to you.
Where do I sit? What do I wear?
Sit wherever you like. If you’d prefer not to be captured by the camera live streaming the service, you can sit in the balcony or at the back under the balcony. The camera only captures the Chancel area (the part of the sanctuary containing the altar, pulpit, and seats for the clergy and choir).
As for what to wear, some people like to dress up for church, others come in shorts and tees. There's no dress code at NUC. You can come in your soccer clothes, or your pj’s for that matter – you’ll always be welcome!
Our Sanctuary is wheelchair accessible
It is also equipped for
the hearing impaired
What about the kids?
Children are welcome and cherished at NUC. There’s a space for families with young children right near the front of the sanctuary, with some quiet activities and small toys. This way, children can see everything that’s happening up front and feel included. Parents or grandparents are invited to be with their young ones. Ushers will offer activity bags with crayons, markers, and colouring sheets. There’s a time early in the service for "A Word for All Ages" — a story to think about. Sunday School is offered twice a month, while others who'd like to stay in the sanctuary can do just that. If you have very young children, there is a nursery room upstairs behind the balcony.