I'm New! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Children are an integral part of Hillcrest United through much of the church year (except for summer Wednesday evening services in July and August).

There is a children’s play space at the back of the sanctuary where children can sit with their parents or children can sit in the pews with their folks. Children sit with the adult(s) they came with until the minister, Rev. Hati, invites them to be together up front for children’s time.

Following the time up front, children (2 years and older) are led downstairs to Sunday School by their teacher(s), if you wish them to participate. Your children are welcome to stay with you in worship if they wish, as are babies.

You can accompany your children up front during the story time in worship. Our teaching with children centres on biblical stories, activities and awareness of the world they live in.
There is a baby change table in the unisex washroom downstairs.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper or ‘the meal’) is a remembrance of the “last supper” that Jesus shared with his disciples before his death. Jesus said “Do This in Remembrance of Me.” And so, we do. We remember in the sharing of bread and wine (grape juice). It is a sacred act, connecting us with God and Christ and each other.

The United Church of Canada practices an “open communion table” where all who seek to live as Jesus would have them live, regardless of denomination, or being members or non-members are welcome to receive communion. We offer communion to both adults and children. Those who do not wish to participate in communion are welcome to stay seated.

The minister always provides instruction so everyone will know what to do. We celebrate Holy Communion during the second Sunday of each month, using bread/rice crackers and grape juice.

Yes, we baptize both children and adults. You do not need to be a member of the congregation. Please contact the church ((250) 500-1781) if you would like to learn more.

An offering is collected during the service by the passing around of offering plates. Many folks put cash on the offering plate.

Regular attendees give money in a number of ways – through the use of a numbered offering envelope that they bring to church and put on the plate, or by pre-authorized giving (a monthly withdrawal from their bank account).

The funds are used to support the church’s ministry. This includes expenses at Hillcrest including the financial support for our minister and also the national United Church of Canada’s ‘Mission and Service Fund’ that supports people in need in Canada and around the world. You also have the option of contributing funds for ‘local outreach’ projects.

Tax receipts can be provided for donations over $20 – as long as we have your name and address. Envelopes are provided for this.

Yes, Hillcrest United is a registered charity. Our charitable business number is 118957778 RR0001. Donations to Hillcrest United are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

A New Creed is the Statement of Faith for the United Church of Canada. It’s simple and also very beautiful:

We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.

We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.

Thanks be to God.

In 2006, the United Church of Canada authorized “A Song of Faith” a longer, poetic “Statement of Faith for Our Time” (www.united-church.ca/beliefs/statements/song faith).

You can learn more about the United Church of Canada and its life – go to www.united-church.ca

You can also contact our Minister Tuesday through Friday at (250) 500-1781.

At Hillcrest United we enjoy an informal style of worship that is biblically based. Our Sunday services include hymn singing, celebration jar (what are you celebrating / thankful for?), time with the children, scripture reading, reflections on the scripture and prayer.

Through our services we hope to create an atmosphere of exploration of faith where folks can make connections between their daily lives and their beliefs. Questions, doubts, and curiosity are encouraged as part of our ongoing spiritual lives.

The service has a printed bulletin which folks follow (its on the table as you enter the sanctuary). In the bulletin, the words that the people say together at various times during the service are bolded. Having said all of this, it’s not the same all the time.

Yes, that is a very important part of our ministry. We faithfully visit those who are in hospital or confined to homes. Also, our minister offers confidential care to those who are grieving, struggling with depression or critically ill. Please contact our minister at ((250) 500-1781) to request a visit.