Faith Journey

You are welcome here! Join us for worship at 10:30am on Sunday! With inspiring music in a variety of styles – from traditional hymns to worship bands, moments of collective prayer, sermons that offer insights, reflection and a message of hope, worshipping at Westminster provides a time for connection to God within an inclusive community of faith.

Whether you’re new to church or have been on your faith journey for a while, you’ll find a space that is affirming and accessible to all.

At our communion table, everyone is welcome. No matter where you are on your faith journey, we invite you to partake in this sacred moment of connection, remembrance, and grace. Communion is symbolic of Jesus’ deep love for us. We believe that the table is a place of belonging, where everyone is invited to experience God’s presence.

We provide concord grape juice (non alcoholic), bread, and gluten free bread. Congregants are welcomed to the front one section at a time by ushers, or the option to be served communion at your seat for those with limited mobility. You will be offered the bread and the juice. Once all have been served we participate in a communion prayer.

Rev. Michelle Robinson leads engaging sessions where we dive into books and bible verses that explore topics such as social justice and the historical context and modern applications of the Bible. Whether in-person or online, our studies connect scripture with real-world issues, encouraging deep discussions and personal growth. It’s a welcoming space for anyone looking to understand God’s Word in a meaningful way while addressing today’s challenges.

Some past books and studies that we have explored are:

• How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns
  • Author Pete Enns explains “that the Bible is not an instruction manual or rule book but a powerful learning tool that nurtures our spiritual growth by refusing to provide us with easy answers but instead forces us to acquire wisdom.”
• We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor People’s Campaign Edited by Liz Theoharis
  • Focused on a biblical passage and a corresponding reflection from the book “We Cry Justice” written by scholars, community organizers, pastors, low-wage workers and people in poverty. How does scripture speak into our world affected by poverty and injustice?
• Lenten Bible Study “The Hurt We Carry, The Hope We Find” from the Everything Happens Project
  • Lent begins with Ash Wednesday with the words, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” For 40 days we face the truth: life is fragile, and so are we. This study will explore the meaning of the season of Lent through scripture reading, video clips, reflection and discussion.

Curious to learn more and explore topics like these? Have a suggestion for a bible study topic?

Christian education at our church is for everyone, from children to adults. We offer engaging programming that helps deepen faith and build community at every stage of our lives. Our children’s programs are designed to spark curiosity and an introduction to bible stories, while our youth ministry fosters growth, connection, and a deeper understanding of faith. For adults we offer a variety of ways to explore scripture, discuss relevant topics, and spiritually enrich our lives. No matter your age or stage in life, there’s a place for you to learn and grow with us!

The labyrinth in the Sanctuary is open from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

The labyrinth is a winding path that leads to the center. We traverse this path in prayer and meditation. We invite you to drop by and enjoy a healing walk along a sacred path.

Westminster is pleased to open it’s doors not just to congregants, but also to anyone from the community that wishes to engage with this peaceful, centering faith practice.

Baptism is a response that followers of Jesus make to the Good News of God’s love that Jesus shared and lived. God, who made us, and sustains our life, comes to us in friendship and love. This is made known to us in the story of Jesus of Nazareth. We believe that Jesus shows us how entirely God is committed to our well being, and how God invites us to follow the way of love.

Jesus began and continues to draw all kinds of people into the living fellowship of those who trust themselves to his way, who in doing so find meaning and fulfillment in life. Baptism is the special ritual, or sacrament, of entry into this fellowship.

This makes Baptism a crucial moment in life. It is an occasion for the affirmation of faith in God through Jesus Christ. And it is also the public declaration of a commitment to follow God throughout all of life.

Youth in high school who are seeking to delve into their faith can participate in Confirmation Classes. Guided by Rev. Michelle Robinson, you will explore your relationship with God, faith practices, scriptures, and more within a group of fellow teens. We will take field trips, share in prayer and reflection, participate in worship on Sundays, and learn how Jesus is present in our lives. At the end of the classes there will be a celebration during Sunday worship where participants have the opportunity to share a profession of faith and be welcomed as a member of Westminster United Church and The United Church of Canada.

Would you like more information on Confirmation Classes?

Affirmation of Faith is a meaningful experience where a person chooses to publicly declare their belief in God and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, following a time of learning, reflection, and spiritual growth.

At Westminster, you are supported in your journey by the minister and the congregation where you have the opportunity to explore beliefs, scripture, and faith practices. Affirmation of Faith celebrates your decision to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and become an active member of the church.

Would you like more information about Affirmation of Faith?

Everyone is welcome at Westminster United Church! Anyone can attend worship and events here at any time as an adherent. The difference between a member and an adherent is mainly about formal commitment. Adherents are completely welcomed and as involved as they would like to be in church life, while members have taken steps to officially join and may participate in certain church council decisions or responsibilities of the church.

There are three methods of becoming a member of Westminster United Church:

• Confirmation classes for youth in high school
• Affirmation of faith for adults
• Transfer of membership from another United Church

Would you like more information about membership at Westminster United Church?

Westminster is pleased to celebrate marriages of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We believe marriage is a covenant between two people who love each other, who trust that love, and who wish to share their future together in love and faithfulness. In the Christian context, marriage vows are made before God and a gathered community in a service of celebration and worship.

Would you like more information about Weddings?