Sunday morning worship is at 10 am. (We are a congregation that likes to sing, so those who gather 15 minutes early, at 9:45, have 10 or 15 minutes to sing our favourite hymns as others arrive.)
Everyone is welcome. Our worship services are informal so come as you are!
There will be people to greet you at both the front and lane doors on Sunday, from 9:30 a.m., and they can answer any questions you have prior to the service, which starts at 10:00am.
Wheelchair access (level access) is off the back alley, where there are also two designated parking spaces.
There is sound enhancement equipment available and envelopes for those who wish to offer a donation and receive a tax receipt.
We work hard to be a scent-free building and an inclusive community.
There is a supervised church school.
Communion services are held on the first Sunday of every month, and we serve bread, grape juice, or rice crackers (and a separate juice goblet) for those with wheat/gluten allergies. ALL, including children, non-members, visitors, doubters and seekers are WELCOME to receive Communion. Communion Sundays are also Food Bank Sundays, when we gather food to share with the wider community.
There are always refreshments and an opportunity to visit together after our Sunday worship services.
The service is usually a little more than an hour in length.
See you here!
A little more information:
Large print bulletins (order of service with hymn words included) are available. Please let the church office know if you would like one. kuchurch@shaw.ca or 250-372-3020
There is a prayer box on the desk in the front entrance way. Prayers placed in the prayer box are spoken by the minister in the “Prayers of the People” during the service. The prayer box has two sections. One section stores paper and pencil for you to write a prayer request. The other section has a slit in the lid for you to place the prayer in. (If you are requesting prayers for someone else, please receive their permission first.)
After the hymn sing we take a few moments to centre ourselves. At this time there is music, the Christ Candle is lit and the prayer box is brought in and placed on the Communion Table.
Music & Choirs: Music is a very important and valued part of the life of KUC.
KUC uses two main hymnbooks: Voices United and More Voices. You will receive those books and an order of service bulletin (program) from Greeters at the doors.
Hymn Sing: This is your opportunity to sing your favourite hymn. The congregation enjoys an informal hymn sing beginning 15 minutes before the worship service, so come for 9:45 and be ready with your choice.
The Folk of Note are the KUC choir, directed by Mary Jackson. They offer music leadership and an anthem most Sundays. Accompaniment is usually piano and/or organ, and sometimes guitar. From time to time we have guest musicians with cello, trumpet, flute, and/or drums. Occasionally there is a vocal solo or small ensemble. Visit our Music & Liturgical Arts page for information about KUC’s vocal and handbell choirs.
Annually we hold a joint UCC service at Riverside Park, at the bandshell. The three United Churches in Kamloops plan and co-lead the service, which is a celebration of our denomination (having celebrated the 85th anniversary of the UCC in 2010, and enjoying that joint service of celebration so much, we have continued to gather jointly annually) and of our church history and church life. To view photos of these occasions, click here.
We have lots of information about our small group ministries, including the Folk of Note if you love to sing, and Healing Pathway if you are interested in a healing ministry. Come visit, or contact the church office.
Baptism
Baptism for adults and children is held as requests are made to our clergy/ministers. Those who wish to be baptised (or parents of children) meet with our minister to prepare for baptism. Baptism is a public action, and is held during Sunday morning worship.
Liturgical Arts
KUC has a creative group of folk who make banners and antependia for our worship space. To see photos of some of KUC’s banners click here. If you are interested in speaking with someone from this group please contact the church office.
Worship at other times and/or places
Worship in the style of Taize
Once a month a service in the tradition of Taize is held. Scheduled Sunday evening monthly services, marked by silence, prayer, reflective music and scripture, (including soaking prayer by Healing Pathway practitioners) based upon the Taizé Worshipping Community in France, are held at 7:00 PM in the lounge, (until the first stage of the redevelopment is complete, when we will return to the Sanctuary).
Worship Service at Berwick-on-the-Park
KUC holds a worship service at Berwick on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 2:30pm.
Weddings
At Kamloops United Church we have a Lay Marriage Minister, Chris Dolson. Weddings are held in the KUC sanctuary or chapel, or at locations outside KUC. Please contact the church office for information about weddings.
Seasonal Special Worship Services
Annually, in early December, a Blue Christmas Service is held at KUC.
Christmas Eve we hold special services that focus on the Christmas Story. The earlier Christmas Eve service is a “worship for all ages”, with a particular focus on families with young children. The late Christmas Eve service is a “Carol and Candlelight service”.
At the beginning of the season of Lent we hold a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, which this year (2013) will include a Mardi Gras evening with dancing. The following evening we will share in a traditional “Ash Wednesday” worship service. All are welcome!
During Holy Week (the week before Easter) there are a variety of activities both on site at KUC and as part of our Tri-Church events (the three United Churches in Kamloops: Mount Paul UC, PLURA Hills UC and Kamloops UC) in other locations. To view pictures of some of these events visit our Photo page.