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- Can persons who are not members of Christ Church be married in the church?
Yes,
at the discretion of the minister. Christ Church is a sacred place of worship and requires
that wedding services be Christian in tone: reflecting the attitudes, the beliefs and the
principles of faith in Jesus Christ. If you wish to pursue this further you should review
our Wedding Page.
- Do non-members pay additional fees for the use of the church for a wedding?
Yes, non-members pay a "maintenance fee" in addition to the regular fees paid to
the minister and staff by anyone being married in Christ Church. An up-to-date schedule of
fees is included on our Wedding Page.
- Does Christ Church limit photography during a wedding?
Yes, photography is not permitted during the religious service. Videotaping is permissible
providing that the camera person does not use lights and does not move around during the
service. Please refer to our Wedding Page.
- How do I reserve Christ Church for my wedding?
Once you have discussed the requirements detailed on our Wedding
Page and can accept the arrangements outlined, you are ready to confirm your
reservation of the church for your wedding and its rehearsal. This should be done as far
in advance of your wedding date as possible. Call the Church Office (905 822 9834) and
make an appointment to see one of the ministers.
Periodically, a discussion for parents interested in baptism is held during an evening
at the Church. Call the church office for the next
scheduled date.
- I am not a member of Christ Church, but I would like to have my child baptised. Is
this possible at Christ Church?
For child baptism, at least one parent (or guardian) must be a member in good standing at
Christ Church or agree to fulfil their obligations at another Christian Church where they
are members. (See Policy on Baptism, and Baptism
Page)
- Will Christ Church baptise my grandchild, though her/his parents are not members?
Normally we require that at least one parent be a member. However, if the parents are
prepared to have the Church Council appoint a member of the congregation to act as
sponsor, the Council may be asked to make an exception to this policy. (See Policy on Baptism)
- I welcome to come to a worship service at Christ
Church, though I am not a member of the United Church?
Of course you are welcome to come to worship, whether or not you are a member of any
Christian Church -- or indeed any other faith group. If you do come as a
“stranger”, please introduce yourself to one of the ministers after the service.
- I hear that Christ Church practices an “Open Communion”. What does this
mean?
In the United Church of Canada we celebrate "an open communion". That
means persons invited to participate in the sacrament are not required to be members of
Christ Church, or even of the United Church of Canada. More important, we believe, is the
spiritual relationship with God.
If you seek to live your life in harmony with God’s law of love, and God’s will
for you, then you are welcome to share in the grace that is given in the Sacrament of Holy
Communion.
- How do I become a member of this church?
If you are already a member of the United Church of Canada or another recognized Christian
denomination, you may transfer your membership to Christ Church. You will be welcomed
during worship on an appropriate Sunday. If you are not already a member of this or
another church, we will ask you to make a public “Profession of Faith” as part
of your reception into the congregation. If you have not been baptised, that will be done
at the same service. If you are a youth, you may be asked to participate in
our popular “Communicants Class" before making your “Profession of
Faith”. Members of the Communicants Class are normally in Grades 9 and 10.
- I’m comfortable at Christ Church, but I don’t want to become a member,
formally. What should I do to participate fully as a non-member?
As an adherent, you are encouraged to participate fully except for service in a few
official positions which are reserved for full members of the church.
- What is the difference between “members” and “adherents”?
Adherents are able to participate in all programs and activities of the congregation,
except for service in a few official positions which are reserved for full members of the
church. However, members have made a public commitment to the church and have stated their
intention to support the church financially and by their participation in the worship
activities of the church. This strengthens their tie to Christ Church and the United
Church of Canada. Also, at least one parent must be a member to have a child baptised at
Christ Church.
- Is there an annual membership fee?
There is no fee to belong to Christ Church. However, members are encouraged to give a
portion of their income to support the work of the church. Christ Church pays some
assessments on a “per member” basis and provides some services to all members
(e.g. the newsletter), so there are incremental costs associated with every member. The
operating budget of Christ Church amounts to about $1,300.00 per household. Please refer to
“Stewardship" at Christ Church for guidance.
- My children attend a Christ Church program, but I do not wish to come to church or
become a member. What are my obligations to the church, if any?
Programs at Christ Church are oriented to your growth in a Christian context. If you show
no interest as a parent, your child will not receive the full benefit of the program.
Christ Church does not charge children (or their parents) for participating in its
programs. However, to the extent that you are unwilling or unable to contribute to the
cost of the program and facilities, someone else is funding your child’s activity.
Please consider joining us as an adherent supporter, if not as a member, and contribute
some of your energy and money to the programs of the church.
- We no longer have much interest in the church, but we would like to keep our names on
the membership roll (in case we need a minister for a funeral). Is this ok? If not what do
you suggest?
Membership means more than having your name on the roll. When you joined the church you
undertook certain obligations as a member and so stated to the congregation at a public
service to receive members. If you have drifted from these vows, you should give serious
thought to your relationship with God and the church. We hope that you will decide to get
involved and try again. If you are really no longer interested in the church, nor willing
to support, you should ask to have your name removed from the roll.
- Can my group run a “casino night” at Christ Church to raise funds for a
worthy cause?
Gambling in all its forms (lotteries, casino nights, bingo, etc.) and contests played for
prizes are unacceptable methods of raising funds for or in Christ Church. (Policy on
Fundraising, 2004)
- What approval do I require for my group to run a fundraising project at Christ
Church?
If you are a group within the congregation of Christ Church, you should get the approval
of the Chairperson of the Church Support Committee.
If yours is an "outside group" wishing to use Christ Church facilities for your
fundraising actvity, you must have specific approval of the Church Council.(Policy on
Fundraising, 2004)
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