AUC REGULAR SERVICES: 

Summer schedule: Victoria Day through Labour Day,  we have one Sunday service at 10:00 am

Fall/Winter schedule:  9:00 & 10:30am

We have two services most Sundays throughout the school year.  The early service appeals to people who like things a little more traditional.  We use traditional hymns and use language that is a little more “churchy”.  We often have special music and we always have a sermon at this service.

The later service at 10:30 is more family-oriented.  The first part of the service is very kid-friendly.  We sings appropriate hymns that kids will learn, and we use language that children understand.  The scripture lesson is interpreted through drama. The choir performs at this service, and you’ll find that we usually have a sermon time, but not always.

VISITING US FOR THE FIRST TIME

Everyone is welcome to attend and experience our worship service. It doesn't matter if you have no religion, are of another religion, or if you've simply never been to church before. You will be greeted warmly, treated with dignity, and your privacy will be respected.

Why Worship?

If everything in the whole of creation belongs to God, then it is all a gift to us.  When we become conscious of this gift, our hearts and spirits fill with gratitude and blessing.  Worship invites this response, and gives voice to it.  Our hymns and prayers are in thanksgiving to God.  Our lessons and teachings serve to deepen our gratitude.  Worship is a communal effort.  We experience a joy and an energy when we come together that is different from our own individual prayer and meditation.  Worshipping together lifts us all, and provides loving embrace for all who come, whether old or young.  It’s like having a dinner party, and holding hands together around the table before you start to eat.  That’s worship!

When You arrive

When you arrive in the building you will be greeted by someone with a button on that says “Greeter” or “Worship Team”. If you’re inadvertently missed by the greeters, make your way to the Sanctuary and an Usher will greet you and offer you an Order of Service and copy of the Weekly Announcements.

Children

We are delighted to welcome your children into our worship experience. Infants and children under 3 may be cared for in the nursery either by our qualified and screened nursery personnel, or by yourself (you can hear the church service from there). Children older than 3 begin in worship with adults, and then (at a designated time during the service) go downstairs with leaders for children's Sunday School. You may accompany your child downstairs if you wish, and stay for all or part of the program.

Where Stuff Is and What It's Called

Entering the Sanctuary

Welcome and Announcements

The Ministers will begin the service with a few verbal announcements. The weekly announcements are printed and distributed each week to all worship attendees. If you become a member, you will also receive a monthly copy of our "Tidings" Newsletter. During the service, you can refer to the Order of Service, which is essentially a program guide of the worship service.

Communion

We celebrate communion at God’s table about four times a year.  Our early service though, includes communion once a month, on the first Sunday of the month, except during the summer.

Communion is holy and sacred but it does not have to be sad.  It is a joyful remembrance of Jesus, who he was, what he taught us, and how he showed us to live for others.  We hope you will be filled with this love and joy each time you participate.

But if you are uncomfortable, especially if it is your first time, you will not be forced into it.  In our church, children are always welcome at the table, but some parents do not feel comfortable allowing this.  This is your choice as a parent and we accept it either way.

If you ever have questions about communion, please do not hesitate to speak to one of our ministry staff about it.

The Offering

The offering is an act of worship for Christians. It is symbolic of the fact that we believe everything we have comes from the blessings of God. It is also an act of generosity. Offerings support the ministry programs at our own church (including salaries) and various programs across Canada and throughout the world to help others. If you decide to make regular contributions to Aurora United, you may ask at the church office for envelopes or pre-authourized remittance (PAR)information that will permit us to issue a tax receipt at the end of the year. See our Stewardship page for more information.

Music and Singing

Christians love to sing! (Well, most of them. Some just like to listen.) We are blessed at AUC with a fantastic music ministry including our Music Director/Organist, chancel choir, and guest instrumentalists. Feel free to join in or just listen. There are hymn books in the pews (“Voices United”) for those of you who like to read the music. Hymn numbers are displayed on two signs, on either side of the chancel.

Colours of the Décor

The décor in the sanctuary usually follows the seasons of the church year. The year begins four weeks before Christmas, a season called Advent (“waiting”)

coffee time

Following the service, we gather in the Social Hall downstairs for coffee and fellowship, after the 10:30 service. If you’re a newcomer, you are most welcome to attend and,

• meet the Ministers and Ministry Team

• view brochures and other information about our church

• visit our "Welcome Booth", to help with questions and introductions

• mingle with other folks and chit-chat

Hearing Assistance

An infrared hearing assistance system is available for your use. Please ask the ushers or greeters for a headset.