Rideau Park United Church

Your First Visit?

New To Rideau Park?

We know the feeling: standing at the entrance of a room, looking in, and realizing you don't know anyone there. It can be a little intimidating, right?

At Rideau Park, we sincerely want to be friendly and welcoming to everyone who walks in our doors. On Sunday morning and through the week there are many opportunities for you to get involved, feel connected and feel at home.

Our website is a great place to learn about what goes on in our faith community. And if you are thinking of coming on a Sunday morning check out the First-Timer Top Ten Questions list below. If you still have questions, please contact one of our ministers. They would be happy to speak with you anytime.

10. How should I dress for church?
Comfortably and casually. There is no dress code at Rideau Park and we welcome you just as you are.

  9. How will I know what to do at the right time during the service?
At the front door, a greeter will hand you a church bulletin that will walk you through the service.

  8. What if I don’t know anyone else who goes to Rideau Park?
Both newcomers and regulars often come on their own. After the service we enjoy Fair Trade tea and coffee, juice and cookies in our church hall, so please join us.

  7. How much money should I put in the collection plate?
There is no required donation from you. Should you become a regular, you may want to think about what amount you can afford to contribute towards supporting what we do. No offering is ever considered too small.

  6. What if I can’t sing very well, don’t know the tune, or don’t want to sing?
There is no obligation to sing along. However, you may find you want to! When we sing our voices join together, and we all sound wonderful! There are song books located in each pew, and the bulletin will tell you which hymns are being sung and when (they are numbered).

  5. What if I’m not baptized?
Baptism is a very personal thing. We do not require that you be baptized to participate fully at Rideau Park. At the same time, should you feel this is something you’d like to pursue, you are invited to discuss it with one of our ministers.

  4. What if I happen to come when they are serving communion?
You will hear us say “Everyone is welcome at the table.” That means that, if you are seeking to follow in the way of Jesus, you are welcome to join in. If you want to observe the first time, that is also fine by us. There is no pressure either way. Like baptism, receiving communion is a personal choice.

  3. Is there a preferred time of year to start going to church?
When you feel the urge to come then that is the right time for you to check us out. Some people join us for special occasions like Christmas, Easter or when they start a family. There is no reason better than another, or a better time than now.

  2. I’m not “United”.  Can I still come to Rideau Park?
The United Church of Canada started out as a merger of several denominations and at Rideau Park we too are a community with a diversity of backgrounds. In fact, we bet if you asked 10 of our church members if they were brought up United, 7 would say “No”. We are open to anyone who is on a spiritual journey. Come out and see if Rideau Park is the place to call your spiritual home.

  1. Is Rideau Park the right church for me?
We can’t really answer that question for you. But we can tell you that it’s the right place for us, and we welcome others to join us. Why don’t you try us on for size by coming to a service or contacting one of our ministers today? You may discover that Rideau Park is your spiritual home, too!