Worship
Worship Services
We celebrate and express our faith through worship.
Worship is our central ministry. We gather:
To celebrate God's presence
To seek God's purpose for us in God's world
To listen to the scriptures and teachings
To be inspired by the minister's preaching
To praise through music and prayer
To pray for ourselves, others, and the world around us
To find hope, challenge, renewal, courage, strength, joy, peace
To meet God.
We have a place for meditation and a time of joyful Christian fellowship.
Sunday Service
First time visitors
Everyone is welcome to attend and experience our worship services. Most of the people in our church come in casual clothing, some in dressier attire--whatever they feel most comfortable wearing. Greeters are at both entrances to welcome visitors and members and answer any questions about the morning. Ushers are at the doors of the sanctuary to give out bulletins and to help people to get settled. By 10:30, people have gathered in the sanctuary ready for worship. The Christ candle is lit. The service is about an hour in length. A blend of contemporary and traditional worship awaits us.
Children
Junior Church children sit with their families until about 15 minutes into the service when they leave to take part in the Junior Church program. Parents and caregivers are invited to make use of nursery care available for infants and toddlers during the service. We have a qualified Nursery Coordinator on staff. The nursery is located on the main level a short distance from the Sanctuary. Any of our ushers or greeters can direct you. People will understand, however, should you prefer to keep your child with you during the service.
Let us get to know you
If you would like us to be in touch with you, there are a couple of ways. Sign our guest book located in the lobby, and leave your phone number or address. Alternatively, there are cards in the pew. You can write down your contact information and leave the card on the offering plate when it comes around during the service.
Announcements
Announcements about the life and work of Olivet appear on the overhead screen as people gather in the Sanctuary. The service begins with a welcome. The minister or members of the congregation may step forward to highlight a few key announcements.
Offering
The time of Offering in the service is a time of giving thanks to God for the gifts He has given us. Offerings support the work of Olivet, its overhead costs, and various United Church programs across Canada and the world through the Mission and Service Fund. Visitors are welcome to participate if they choose to.
Coffee time
Following the service, people gather in the parlour directly across from the Sanctuary for refreshments and conversation. Everyone is invited to enjoy a cup of tea, Free Trade coffee, or juice, and goodies. Chat with old friends and new.
Before leaving
Visitors are welcome to take home any information sheets or Olivet newsletters placed alongside the guest book on the table in the lobby. Have a look at our bulletin boards in the hallways. Get to know us.
Other Services
Baptisms
Baptism is a sacrament of the church in which we acknowledge that we are God's children. The United Church of Canada celebrates both infant and adult Baptism. Baptism occurs during the regular worship service. Baptizing parents will meet with the minister at least once before the Baptism occurs. For more information and to explore the possibility of Baptism at Olivet, please contact the church office at any time.
Weddings
A wedding is an event of commitment and joy. Olivet is pleased that you are interested in celebrating your marriage in our church in the Christian community and we hope we can help to make your wedding a meaningful and significant Christian celebration.
Marriage Policy at Olivet
We affirm that marriage is a gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God. In marriage we offer one another the promise of lifelong companionship, rich expression of human affection and sexuality, and nurture for the children.
Marriage as an institution can undergird each relationship and provide stability for society. The church affirms the value of marriage and that the church must work both to redeem and care for the institution and to support those entering into a covenant relationship with each other.
Marriage is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals. It creates holy ground on which the two, and all others, must walk carefully and gently, yet forthrightly and with courage. It takes precedence over other relationships. It calls for caring which heals hurts and tends growth.
We will welcome any two people requesting marriage who are in a faithful and committed relationship.
The marriage ceremony will be conducted by the called minister or his/her designate. The called minister may conduct the ceremony either in the Sanctuary or at another location.
You are also welcome to rent the sanctuary for your wedding with another minister who is properly licensed for marriage, subject to the approval of Olivet's Council.
First Steps
We hope Olivet's Wedding Guide will help in your planning. Call the church office with any questions or to arrange an appointment.
Funerals and Memorial Services
Funerals and memorial services are services of thanksgiving to God and celebrations of life. At some point we are all faced with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one. Our minister is here to help you through the service.
Please see our Funeral and Memorial Service Guide for help with your plans. Call the church office with any questions or to arrange an appointment.
Music at Olivet
There is Music
At Olivet, music is a major part of worship and our congregational life.