Question 1

What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

When you come to worship at Living Spirit UC, you will receive a warm welcome.  People talk about feeling “at home" at LSUC.  You are welcome to bring a coffee or other beverage into our sanctuary.

Question 2

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

When you come to worship, you are welcome no matter what you choose to wear. We do ask however, that you don’t wear scented products as we have members of our congregation allergic to scent.

Question 3

What do we do on Sunday?

Accepted Answer

When we gather on Sunday, we...
•	Sing together
•	Pray together
•	Care for each other
•	Share good news
•	Listen for God's Word
•	Leave inspired and refreshed
•	Try to make the world a better place

Question 4

What about after church?

Accepted Answer

After worship, we share Mug and Muffins which includes Fair Trade coffee and tea, as well as homemade goodies. We always have time for food and fellowship. The place hums with conversation about last night’s curling or the Sunday sermon or things that are happening in our lives.  It is a time when the community catches up with each other and is a vital part of our worship life. We would love to get to know you better!

Question 5

Do I have to sit in a specific place?

Accepted Answer

No seats are marked as “taken” or for someone’s specific use.

Question 6

What about standing, sitting, and kneeling?

Accepted Answer

At Living Spirit UC, we sit to listen (sermon, readings, special music that someone plays and sings) and we don’t kneel at LSUC.  If you find it confusing, just keep an eye on someone near you and follow what they do.

Question 7

How do I know what is going on?

Accepted Answer

The Order of Service with titles of what’s happening are projected on the screen. When it is the congregation’s turn to read or speak, the text is usually bolded. If the Minister and congregation are to say something together usually you will see “(in unison)” after the title. If the congregation is going to sing something, either the hymn (song) is announced or its title appears on the screen.

Question 8

Does the United Church believe in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

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The Bible is central to the United Church of Canada. It’s at once the holy writings of the Christian tradition, with stories of our ancestors in the faith, a guide for our living, and a source of prayers, songs, and poems. All of this, yet so much more.
We often refer to a passage as “the Word of God”. By this we mean the writer was inspired by God. Yet we also know the various books that make up the Bible are the stories of two ancient communities trying to be faithful to God under difficult  circumstances – ancient Israel and the early Christian movement – and some of what was experienced and written then doesn’t fir with today’s world. We don’t endorse slavery, for example, or stone those who commit adultery.
Nevertheless, in its stories and teachings the Bible has a mysterious power to inform our lives: the story of ancient Israel, a people enslaved, then liberated, who wandered in a wilderness for years, is also the story of our own bondage and alienation. The wisdom of Jesus speaks to us, who are as much in need of healing and liberation today as those he taught and touched 2000 years ago.
United Churches offer opportunities for people to study the Bible, privately and in groups. It’s not easy to understand, so the church encourages us to explore the ideas of biblical scholars and others who have studied the Bible in depth.

Question 9

Do people say the prayers?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. The bulletin may say “in unison” when we say it together or we may take turns. The prayers we have a part in are usually displayed at the screens at the front of the Church (there are printouts on the information stand if it is easier for you to read). 
We all say the Lord’s Prayer together. Often the Minister will say something like “we will pray in the words that Jesus taught us” just before we say the Lord’s Prayer together. If you don’t know the words (or want to check the version- we say it with the extra two lines on the end (For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen) it is found in Voices United (burgundy book) number 921 (top of page). Or it is also displayed on the screen. Sometimes we sing the Lord’s Prayer. The one we most often sing can be found in Voices United #925.

Question 10

How do you present the Psalms (responsive reading during Bible readings) here?

Accepted Answer

You have the choice of reading the Psalm in Voices United (burgundy book) or reading it from the screen. For Voices United look for the page number on the upper part of the page. The “R” for refrain is a line of song that we sing. At the beginning the Refrain is sung twice then the reading starts. You read the part in bold. When the “R” is reached, we all sing the refrain.

Question 11

Laughing in Church?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if something is funny, laugh!

Question 12

Crying in Church?

Accepted Answer

It is okay to cry. Sometimes we hear things or are remembering things that make us feel sad.

Question 13

Clapping in Church?

Accepted Answer

Church has changed! Sometimes the minister invites us to welcome the “newly confirmed” or “newly baptized” and we clap then. Sometimes we clap while singing.

Question 14

Singing in Church?

Accepted Answer

No you don’t have to. You may feel more comfortable standing and having a hymn book open but you don’t have to sing.

Question 15

Do you have children’s programs?

Accepted Answer

We will offer Godly Play: an innovative Montessori based method of faith formation for childhood and beyond. Godly Play allows participants to experience faith building stories through intentional storytelling and imaginative wondering.

Question 16

If I would like a visit from a Minister, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please leave a message @ 780-898-1457; through Facebook -Living Spirit United Church, Drayton Valley or email: livingspirituniteddvunited@gmail.com.(mailto:livingspirituniteddvunited@gmail.com)

Question 17

I don’t have any money to put in the collection plate, is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, God understands. God’s endless generosity to us encourages our own response to contribute in many ways to God’s mission in God’s world. Time, talents and energy shared are also ways to give!

Question 18

I have money to put into the collection plate, how much should I put in?

Accepted Answer

Giving is a personal act of gratitude, compassion, and hope. We believe the church plays a vital role in sharing God’s love in the world, and we invite you to support that work in a way that feels meaningful to you. Whether your gift reflects your passion, your values, or simply a thankful heart, we are grateful for whatever you are able to give.

All donations over $20.00 are eligible for a tax receipt.
Please note that at this time, LSUC does not pass a collection plate during worship. If you’d like to make a contribution, a giving basket is available just outside the worship space.

Question 19

Should I get envelopes or something for offering?

Accepted Answer

We have two options.
1. You can ask for envelopes from our treasurer. Money or cheques made out to Living Spirit United Church can be put in the envelope. Please indicated how you would like the money divided between local church expenses, and the United Church of Canada Church Mission and Service Fund.  If you have other special donations that can be written in Other. Please make sure to leave us your name and address to ensure you receive your receipt.
2. The other option is PAR — Pre-authorized remittance (giving). Arrangements can be made to have a certain amount withdrawn from your bank account every month. If circumstances change, you can change the amount. If you arrange to use PAR, but feel uncomfortable not putting something in the collection plate on Sunday, we offer Pre-Authorized Remittance cards for your use. You can take one of those and put it into the collection plate. PAR helps the church manage its budget as your offering comes in every month.  A pamphlet on PAR is available with further information.
3. Please see the information under “Donations” for other possibilities.

Question 20

Where is the nearest washroom?

Accepted Answer

Midway in the building- north side down a short hallway. Signage outside the door indicates an all-gender space.

Question 21

How physically accessible is the Church?

Accepted Answer

Our current church is on ground level and wheelchair/walker accessible. However, our washroom is not.

Question 22

Does LSUC have a Facebook and an email address?

Accepted Answer

The Facebook site is: Living Spirit United Church Drayton Valley
Our email address is: livingspirituniteddv@gmail.com
For Fair Trade inquiries: fairtradedraytonvalley@gmail.com

UNITED CHURCH

Living Spirit

FAQ