Gale Presbyterian strives t
o be a welcoming and safe space for people of all ages\, gender identities
\, racial and cultural backgrounds\, sexual orientations\, abilities\, eco
nomic circumstances and family configurations.
Each of us shou
ld be celebrated for who God has made us to be: a unique part of God’s bea
utifully diverse creation. “For just as the body is one and has many parts
\, and all the parts of the body\, though many\, are one body\, so it is w
ith Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospita
lity to strangers\, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
If it’s been a while\, or a very long time (or ne ver) since you walked into a church\, you might feel a bit nervous or even intimidated to come through the doors.
Please don’t!
Gale wou ld like you to know that you are a welcome traveller on the journey regard less of your “church/no church” experience or background. You’ll meet peop le who are both long-haulers (have made church a part of their lives forev er) as well as people who have ventured on this spiritual journey more rec ently. All share a curiosity about how God’s love and Jesus’ message appli es to everyday life. The weekly sermons feed\, encourage\, inspire\, and s ometimes challenge listeners to live the life God wants for all people.
Here are some answers to some common questions:
What time should I arrive: Anytime between 10:15 a nd 10:30 will get you here on time! Chat with others\, reflect on your own \, or catch up on church activities by reading the announcements on the sc reen before things get started.
Parking: We have a large lot and plenty of spaces around the church as well as a covered port ico where you can drop off a passenger before parking if you wish. Handica pped parking is available closer to the door.
What should I wear: No special expectations here. Wear what makes you comfortab le – we don’t require formal dress or head coverings. (But if you want to wear either\, that’s ok!) You will find people dressed in jeans\, in dress es\, wearing ties\, or no ties with casual tops. Shorts in summer.
< strong>As you enter: There is a large welcoming narthex where peo ple often chat before the service. You will see two open doors that lead i nto the sanctuary where the service is held. There are greeters who will s ay hello and help you find a seat if you wish. (very comfy cushioned seats !) If you have time before or after the service\, there’s a library next t o the sanctuary if reading is something you enjoy.
Accessibi lity: There are designated wheelchair locations in the sanctuary and parking spots in the lot. There are washrooms available\, also wheelch air accessible.
What about children: Jesus said to bring the children to him\, and so Gale does. Children are welcome in the sanctuary\, as well as at the communion table. Sunday School is held durin g the church service. Children are invited (but not required) to leave the sanctuary with teachers after the children’s story. There is a nursery fo r younger children\, but if you prefer\, you can keep your child with you. Or\, you can go into the nursery and still watch the service through the window. Church volunteers go through a police check.
Music:<
/strong> Yes\, there is singing\, and the words are on a screen for all to
read. There’s a choir and a praise band so the music is varied and inclu
ded to strengthen the day’s message. Expect to see the minister frequently
leading with guitar while the music director plays piano or clavinova. So
metimes other instruments are involved in special musical presentations. Offering/Giving: Gale recognizes that “giving” happe
ns in a variety of ways\, including monetary\, as well as the gift of tale
nt and time. There is a donation plate inside the Sanctuary Doors availabl
e for those who are able to financially support the church. The donations
help pay for the staff\, including our minister\, as well as the costs of
running a facility. If able\, you just place your donation into the plate
before you sit down. If you put the money inside an envelope with your nam
e and address on the outside\, the offering will be recorded for an income
tax receipt. Order of Service Welcome Coffee hour: There m
ay be coffee\, juice\, and cookies available after the service. Everyone i
s welcome to stay and visit. Directions
Although things
can change\, a typical service is as follows:
Announce
ments
Call to worship
Hymn
Children’s story
Hymn
Scripture Reading
Sermon
Reflection (often music provided by cho
ir)
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Offering\, Prayer\, HymnBenediction\, Sending Hymn
Need t
o find us? Join us in our location 10 Barnswallow Drive at the corner of
Barnswallow Drive and Church Street West (Highway 86) on the northwest cor
ner of Elmira\, ON.\, Canada.
Gale Pre sbyterian is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (Ho -den-o-show-nee)\, Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-nah-bey)\, and Chonnonton (Chi-naw n-ton) peoples.
This is part of the Haldi mand Tract\, which encompasses six miles on either side of the Grand River .
We acknowledge this territory’s signifi cance for the Indigenous peoples who lived\, and continue to live\, upon i t and whose practices and spiritualities were tied to the land and continu e to develop in relationship to the territory and its other inhabitants to day.
We acknowledge that The Presbyterian Church in Canada has been a part of the residential school system.
And together we seek a new relationship with the First Nations of this land\, one based in honour and deep respec t.
Please be considerate of individuals who may be sensiti ve to scented products. We ask that you do not bring in\, use or wear sce nted products during your stay.
We are implementing a new Sunday mornin g program model.
< em>Click here for the Fall programming schedule.
To read more\, click here: http://presbyterian.ca/safe-church/
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