Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not. Our worship services are open to everyone — members, regular attendees, curious visitors, and those who may never return. All are genuinely welcome. No invitation, membership card, or prior connection to the church is required. Simply come as you are.

A warm welcome. Our services typically last about an hour and include congregational singing (hymns and contemporary worship songs), scripture readings, a short sermon or reflection, prayers, and a time of fellowship afterward. Dress is casual to smart casual — come as you are comfortable. We also celebrate Communion periodically, which is open to all who wish to participate.

We are committed to ensuring that all are able to participate fully. Please contact us in advance of your visit at (709) 377-2056 and we will be happy to provide specific accessibility information for the service location and discuss any accommodations you may need.

Yes — wholeheartedly. Children are a gift to any congregation, and we welcome their presence, their energy, and their questions. Sunday School programming is available for children during parts of the service during the program year (September through June). Younger children are welcome to remain with their families throughout.

Sunday worship is held each week at 10:30 AM. Service locations may rotate between community sites within the Pastoral Charge depending on the season. Please contact us at (709) 377-2056 to confirm the current service location before your first visit.

Yes. Throughout the liturgical year we hold special services for Advent, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, and Remembrance Sunday, among others. We also hold services for community milestones such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and memorial services. See our Events page for dates and details.

Membership in the United Church begins with a conversation with our minister. There is no formal exam or doctrinal test — membership is extended to those who wish to make a commitment to the community and to the Christian faith as understood in the United Church tradition. New members are typically welcomed publicly during a Sunday service. Please contact us to begin the conversation.

Baptism is the traditional entry point into the Christian community. If you have been baptized in any Christian tradition, that baptism is recognized. If you have not been baptized and wish to be, we offer baptism as part of a welcoming process. Neither baptism nor membership is required to attend services, participate in programs, or receive pastoral care.

We offer weekly worship, adult Bible study groups, seniors' fellowship gatherings, and various seasonal events. Our pastoral care ministry is also available to all adults in the community, whether or not they have a prior connection to the church. See our Programs page for full details.

Volunteers are the heart of our community. There are many ways to contribute — from Sunday morning hospitality and music to pastoral visiting, community events, and administrative support. No prior church involvement or religious background is needed. Simply contact us to express your interest and we will find a good match for your gifts and availability.

Absolutely. Our pastoral care is available to all residents of our communities — not just church members. If you or a family member is facing illness, grief, a difficult life transition, or simply needs a listening ear, please contact us. All visits are free, confidential, and given freely without any expectation of church membership.

Yes. We regularly officiate weddings and memorial services for families in our communities, including those with no prior church involvement. We believe these significant moments in life deserve to be marked with care, dignity, and meaning. Please contact our minister to discuss your needs and begin the planning process.

The United Church of Canada is a broadly inclusive Protestant denomination that affirms the Christian faith while welcoming a wide range of theological perspectives. Core convictions include the love of God, the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and care for creation. The United Church is known for its openness to honest questions and its ongoing reformation of belief and practice in response to the Spirit's leading.

The United Church of Canada has been formally affirming of LGBTQ+ persons and their full inclusion in church life since 1988 — one of the first major Christian denominations in the world to take this step. Whitbourne Pastoral Charge is committed to the welcome and full inclusion of all people, consistent with the United Church's longstanding affirmation.