Worship and Faith
Our worship is warm, inclusive, and grounded in the Christian faith tradition. Sunday mornings are a time to gather together in community, to open ourselves to the presence of God in our lives, and to explore the relevance of the Gospel message to current social and political issues. Members of our congregation take regular leadership in worship services through reading scripture, singing in the choir, and writing and offering prayers.
We meet every Sunday for worship at 10:30am, both in-person and on Zoom. While we worship regularly on Sunday mornings, we also host a weekly bible study, a bi-weekly prayer and reflection group, and our 25+ member choir rehearses weekly. During the seasons of Advent and Lent we host book studies, reflection groups, and retreats. Read on to learn more – we hope you join us!
Upcoming Special Services
September 29, 2024: Orange Shirt Day Service with Louise Johnson
October 6, 2024: Blessing of the Animals and World Communion Sunday
October 13, 2024: Thanksgiving Sunday
October 20, 2024: Musical Accompaniment by Tom Reynolds’ Jazz Trio
October 29, 2024: All Souls’ Sunday & Taize Service
Children's Church Program
Our Children’s Church program is for children ages 4 and up. It takes place in the Memorial Room (off the Narthex) at Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church from 10:30-11:30AM. Your child is welcome to attend on a weekly or on a drop-in basis!
Our teachers, Jeorgina Taganas and Lucy Nhung Ngo, are warm and engaging. Our Children’s Church uses the new United Church curriculum, “The GO Project”, which you can read more about here. Our Children’s Church time includes stories, games, arts and crafts, and more!
This program is a great way for children to make new friendships, learn about faith, and have lots of fun.
For more information, contact Jeorgina at rosenkim@yahoo.com
I’m new to church. What can I expect?
Coming to church for the first time (or for the first time in a long time) can be intimidating! We are so glad that you are considering joining us to worship and connect with God. Here is a bit of what you can expect on Sunday mornings.
On Sunday mornings, the church doors open at 10am, and service starts at 10:30. The main doors we use for worship are those closest to Bloor and Robert Streets, and there is an accessible entrance off Bloor Street a bit further west. Every week, a dedicated greeter (or two!) will welcome you at the door and offer you a bulletin. Feel free to let the greeters know you are new here!
If you arrive before service starts, you are welcome to sit in the Sanctuary and to take a quiet moment to settle in. Our worship services are guided musically by our Director of Music, choir, and soloists. Our repertoire includes United Church hymns found in the red hymn books (i.e. Voices United, More Voices) as well as classical, world, and pop music.
Generally, the Minister or guest preacher prepares a sermon which reflects on lessons from scripture, placing scriptural texts in context of our own lives and current issues. Members of our congregation take turns every week offering the land acknowledgement, reading scripture passages, and offering prayers of the people. Sometimes we have periods of silence for contemplative prayer, where we empty the self and still the mind in order to open ourselves to the presence of God.
On the first Sunday of every month, we partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our approach to Communion is one of radical welcome – that is, everyone is welcome at Christ’s table, whether you are baptized or not, and whether or not you call yourself a Christian! ALL are welcome at Christ’s table.
After service, we gather in our garden or the Narthex (the foyer attached to the Sanctuary) for coffee and treats. Coffee hour is a time where we catch up, get to know one another, and meet new people. You are warmly invited to stay and say hello! You will find our community welcoming, curious, and engaging.