Faith Formation is a core ministry at Kamloops United. This group initiates and co-ordinates opportunities to grow in our faith.
The Faith Formation Core Ministry is committed to the development, delivery and over sight of faith formation programs for all age groups at KUC.
Back: Dawne Taylor, Carole Hutchings, Rev. Teri Meyer, Rae Samson
Front: Chris Dolson and Rev. D. Bruce Comrie
We see our purpose as:
- encouraging Christian growth through life-long learning
- celebrating and nurturing spirituality of children, youth, families, baby boomers and seniors
- being agents of change to engage the congregation with their hopes and dreams for faith formation by offering congregational forums and providing opportunities for discussion and study groups
- caring for the innate souls/spirits of children and youth
- helping individuals within the congregation idenity, name and claim their spiritual gifts, and encourage such gifts to be offered for the good of the whole faith community.
Ways we grow our faith:
Sunday morning worship is an opportunity to grow our faith.
Children’s Church is offered Sunday mornings, September to June, led by Dawn Aziz, using Godly Play.
A Tri-Church Youth Group for youth (grades 8-12) from the 3 United Churches, and others who wish to participate, is co-ordinated by a Tri-ChurchAdvisory Group (made up of 2 people, including clergy, from each of the 3 United Churches in Kamloops). Currently, the youth programme is in transition and exploring leadership and programme possibilities.
Ministers meet with persons in preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and Faith Renewal.
During Advent (the season before the Christmas season) the Faith Formation group plans special activities for worship and community building. In Advent 2010, they worked with the Worship and Core Music Team, bringing in musicician/singer/songer-writer, Linnea Good to enhance our worship experiences and celebrate the season.
Spirituality Through Scripture is an Adult Education program that meets weekly in the evening during the fall and winter. This group is led by Chuck Anderson who is a member of the congregation and is a retired Religious Studies professor.
Various book studies are carried out throughout the year. Stay tuned for the latest evening or lunch hour study.
A Breakfast Lectionary Study is held Wednesday mornings at Kamloops Seniors Village, led by Rev. D. Bruce Comrie.
Worship in the tradition of Taizé, France, is held monthly in the KUC Sanctuary with leadership and music provided by the Rev. Teri Meyer. This is a contempletive service, based upon the reflective format from Taizé; noted for repetitive chants and musical verses, times of silence, prayer and scripture. Unlike the traditional Taizé services in France, there may be a member(s) of the KUC Healing Pathway Team present to offer ‘soaking prayer’ – a form of healing hands, done while seated.
Kamloops United Church has “an every member plan” with The United Church Observer, the national magazine of the United Church of Canada. Those who attend KUC and wish to receive the Observer can inquire through the church office.
Opportunities to serve are also opportunities to expand, challenge and deepen our faith. There are many ways KUC serves the community: pastoral visits with those who are hospitalized or otherwise unable to get to church; participation in the PIT Stop (hot meal program on Sundays); sharing the gift of music (vocal and handbell choirs; musical accompaniment – drums/guitar/flute, etc…); through wider community leadership (serving on Boards of Directors for such groups as the Kamloops Food Bank / Food Action Centre, the Kamloops Christian Hostel); staffing the “Welcome Desk” at the front entrance to KUC on weekdays; offering particular gifts and skills (teaching, web skills, marriage minister, hosting gatherings following memorial services, creating and gifting shawls to the ill or grieving…)
We invite you to join us in our faith journey. You are welcome here!