Who is welcome at Grace United church?
Everyone! This includes LGBTQ folks, half-asleep teenagers, squirmy toddlers, middle-aged people, older people, questioners, ‘saints’, ‘sinners’, and people who can only put $2 in the collection plate. Everyone. Seriously. You are a beloved child of God. That is a pretty amazing thing!
What can I expect at church?
When Grace United Church gathers for worship, there is a reading from the Bible, lots of singing, and time for prayer. Sometimes we celebrate a baptism, or a special meal called communion. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Is worship in English or French?
Most of the worship service is in English, but we also sing, pray and read Scripture in French. Grace United Church includes francophones and anglophones. Grace is interested in growing in bilingualism. We also welcome songs & prayers in other languages!
When is worship?
Church is on Sunday mornings. In the summer (June-September) it is at 10 am. For the rest of the year (October-May) it is at 11 am. There are occasionally worship gathering at other times – for Christmas Eve, a special prayer service…
Where do I go?
From June-September: 646 chemin des Érables in Rupert. From October-May: 537 route 105 in Chelsea.
Where can I park? What if I need a ride?
Both churches have plenty of spots in the church parking lot. If you or someone you know would like a ride to church, please let us know. Church members from Grace live across the Gatineau Hills, including in Rupert, Wakefield, Chelsea, Cantley and Gatineau. There is likely someone coming to church from nearby who could pick you up.
What about kids?
Kids are always welcome at church! During the school year, they begin worship with the grown-ups. After about 15 minutes, they can choose to remain with their grown-ups, or to go to Sunday School with one of our two experienced teachers. Throughout the year, we keep colouring and Bible-themed children’s books available for kids. Everyone understands that kids (especially young ones) can sometimes be loud or squirmy. This is ok – we’re glad your family is here!
WHY IS WORSHIP IMPORTANT?
Lots of reasons! Spiritual life can be lonely if it is a journey walked alone. Worshipping with others is an important spiritual practice. At church we learn together, pray together, eat together, and sing together. The United Church of Canada strongly values community. At church, we may meet Jesus for the first time, or come to know him more deeply. Jesus said “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) At church, we listen for the Spirit, we find new questions and we seek to live in love as followers of Jesus. Sometimes we are hurt or disappointed…but we are also heard, forgiven, cherished and loved.
WHAT ABOUT HOLIDAYS?
We always have worship services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Both of them are normally at 537 route 105 in Chelsea. On Good Friday, the worship services is usually at 10 am. On Easter Sunday, the worship service is usually at 11 am.
We always have some special events throughout Advent in December. There is a Christmas pageant, wreath-making service and more. On Christmas Eve, we usually have an early service in Rupert Quebec and an evening service in Chelsea Quebec.
We often have other special services throughout the year, such as Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
To ask about holidays and special occasions, please give us a call (819-593-1112) or write to our office administrator at mail.for.grace.16@gmail.com. You can also check “The Low Down” newspaper, which often has a classified ad with details for Christmas services.