I’m New!
We can’t wait to meet you. Our hope is that you will feel at home at St. Albans no matter where you are in your life or your faith journey. St. Albans is an LGBTQ-affirming Christian community rooted in the Anglican tradition. We have a lot going on, but typically meet new people for the first time on Sunday mornings. If you would like to connect with someone before showing up for the first time please send a note to office@stalbanschurch.ca.
Sunday Mornings!
Our Sunday morning service is central to all that we do at St Albans. It starts at 10:00 am and usually goes to about 11:00 or 11:15. We would love for you to join us. If you want to check us out online, our services are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
What to Expect On Sundays!
We understand that you may be a little nervous on your first visit. Visiting somewhere new can be intimidating – let alone a new church! If you come alone, you may wonder who will sit beside you and whether anyone will speak to you. If you are coming with children, you may want to know where is a good place to sit, and if there’s child care. If you have been away from church for a while or have never set foot inside a worship space before, please know that we are working hard to make you feel at home.
We have a Sunday School program for children aged 4-10 during our 10am service. Although we understand that children may want to stay with their parents in an unfamiliar space. Children who stay in the service are welcome to join in worship and to be kids, so don’t worry if they make a little noise or wander around the church.
Arriving
When you arrive at the main entrance on Daly Ave just west of King Edward, you will be greeted by a member of our community who will offer you a smile and the booklet. The booklet will be your guide through the service and have all the elements you need to participate. You are welcome to sit wherever you want in the church–there are no reserved seats! If the coffee and tea are ready when you arrive,you are also welcome to have a cup before the service or to take it to your seat.
The Service
The service usually begins with a greeting and a song. The lyrics can be found in the booklet, along with all the other words said.
For the next hour or so the service unfolds. We will read from the bible, say prayers together, listen to a reflection on the readings and how it may apply to our individual lives and community, called a sermon. Following the sermon, collection plates are passed around and community participants contribute financially to the life and work of the church in the community. Newcomers are not expected to contribute, but feel free to give if you would like.
After the offering, we share Holy Communion (aka Eucharist). At St. Albans everyone who would like to is invited to participate in communion! If you are not comfortable receiving communion you are most welcome to come forward for a blessing. Communion at St. Albans can include receiving (and eating) a piece of bread (Gluten-free is available) and drinking wine (from a common cup). You are not obligated to take both elements and if you would rather receive in one kind that is perfectly ok. We get that drinking from a common cup is not a regular practice for most people!
At different parts in the service the congretaion will stand and sit. You are welcome to assume the posture that is most comfortable to you. Feel free to sit, stand or kneel for prayers, there is no right way!
After The Service
After the service many people hang around to visit. If you are feeling comfortable, we hope you will join us for for coffee, tea and snacks at the back of the church.
We look forward to welcoming you on a Sunday soon!
