Services

Sunday Services

Our Sunday worship services strive to provide a spiritual experience in which you will be welcomed, comforted and renewed. Everyone is welcome to attend our worship services, which are known for down-home preaching and folksy music. Children are valued members of our church and can attend Sunday school during the time of worship. We aim to create a caring and sharing environment where children can learn about God’s love and the teachings of Jesus through songs, stories, crafts, games, and skits. Sunday service times are: Gilford 9:30 a.m., Churchill 11 a.m. Come as you are — jeans/shorts or a suit/dress, whatever you feel comfortable in. After each service there is time for “coffee” and chat.

Baptisms

baby baptizedThe sacrament of baptism is the right of initiation into the Christian community. It is an act of welcoming, blessing and belonging. It signifies that God’s love surrounds us from the moment we’re born and continues through the rest of our lives. Our church is pleased to do this initiation for infants, children, teens and adults. Baptisms usually take place during regular Sunday morning worship services. Parents or candidates may choose to call upon the support of special family members and friends to be sponsors or godparents. Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian faith. Similarly, we recognize the baptisms of people from other churches. Persons baptized at Churchill-Gilford will receive a certificate and the baptism will be recorded in our church registry. At our church, baptism is open to all people committed to faith.

Weddings

wedding ringsThe United Church believes God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them. The United Church celebrates the marriage of all people who believe in love and want to live faithfully, regardless of their orientation. At Churchill-Gilford, our goal is to work with you to ensure your wedding is meaningful and memorable. Our minister can help you fashion a ceremony that reflects the special way you want to celebrate your relationship. The setting for your marriage may be our church sanctuary or another location of your choice. Fees for weddings have been set by our church board as follows: $400 for non-members, which includes the minister, the custodian and the use of the sanctuary; members receive a discount which can be discussed during arrangements. The use of the organist is to be negotiated separately with the musician. The church hall and kitchen can be booked for receptions for an additional charge.

Funerals

hands on casketOur church is committed to compassionately helping you through your difficult time of loss. We can offer spiritual care to the bereaved and help families and friends celebrate the life of a departed loved one. We believe the participation of family members in the planning process is essential. Our mission is to facilitate a comforting experience during this challenging time. Funerals and memorial services are part of our minister’s pastoral care to our congregation and outreach to the wider community. Services are often conducted in the church sanctuary, but other arrangements can be made. Planning can be done with the minister privately in your home, at our church office or the funeral home of your choice. The format of the service is flexible and will usually include prayers, scripture readings, hymns, other musical selections and memorial words by family members or friends. The church hall and kitchen can be booked for receptions for an additional charge.