At Rideau Park, we have a commitment to share our faith with others in the community by modelling Jesus’ love and acceptance. We also try to offer our members opportunities to make a difference in the community. Our community outreach is shared by many of the groups meeting at the church.
THE SOCIAL ACTION AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE oversees a variety of programs and partnerships with other social agencies, but the Christian Development Committee, UCW, Scouts, youth confirmation classes, Sunday School and other church groups are also engaged in projects benefiting the community and the world.
We partner with the Heron Emergency Food Centre, the Blair Court, Russell Heights and Banff Community Houses, South East Ottawa Community Health Centre and Multifaith Housing Initiative to address issues of poverty, health and hunger. Volunteers and donations from the church support their work with families in our area. Groups like euchre and seniors’ 50+ fitness provide a place for seniors to meet. The Group for Friends supports disabled young adults with friendship and an evening out. Seasonal programs like Christmas Cheer hampers, and Amnesty letter writing, are a witness to our faith at work in the world. We also host local community groups like AA 12 Steps, Oasis, Stride, Scouts and Girl Guides.
Through the United Church of Canada, and the Mission and Service Fund, we are engaged in global ministry with church partners here in Canada and around the world. Our Mission and Service Fund givings provide emergency assistance in natural disasters, support schools and hospitals in underprivileged areas, interfaith dialogue and peacemaking in times of war.
Healing Pathway is a United Church program that develops the skills and gifts of healing hands within the Christian tradition, and fosters development of healing ministries in congregations and other communities. Rideau Park has its own Healing Pathway Ministry and, from September to June, offers healing sessions on Thursday afternoons between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. For more information, send an email to healingpathway@rideaupark.ca.
REFUGEE WORK AT RPUC: Rideau Park has a long history of working with refugees, both as a congregation, as well as ecumenically and with community partners
AFFIRMING MINISTRY: Rideau Park United Church seeks to be a welcoming faith community, inclusive of all, including those of different economic, ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. We have recently begun a study process with the goal of becoming an Affirming Ministry, as defined by the United Church of Canada. Interested viewers can explore a treasure trove of stories re: the LGBTQ experience in our community at the United Church IRIDESCE website.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: In honour of the Feast Day of Francis of Assisi, who had a special connection to all of God’s creatures, there is a tradition of blessing animals in a special service on the first Sunday in October. All of God’s creatures are welcome to share in a service of blessing. We generally meet in our side parking lot, at the Beecroft Hall end. (If it rains we sometimes move into Beecroft hall.) Pets should be leashed or caged or carried- whatever makes them feel safe and secure in the company of others. No pre-registration is required. All (species) are welcome! View our photo gallery.
SCOUTING: The Scouting co-ed program includes Beavers (ages 5-7), Cubs (ages 8-11), Scouts (ages 11-14), and Venturers (ages 14+). For more information regarding Scouting, please contact the church office at 613-733-3156 ext 229. Here is a Scouts Canada link that explains the programs: http://www.scouts.ca/programs/ And here is the link if they want to join: http://www.scouts.ca/join/
GUIDING for girls ages 5-17 is a place where friendships, adventures and real-life experiences can be found. There are five branches: Sparks (ages 5-6); Embers (ages 7-8, formerly called Brownies); Guides (ages 9-11); Pathfinders (ages 12-14); and Rangers (ages 15-17). For more information or to register, go to https://www.girlguides.ca/web/GGC/Join_Us or call 1-800-565-8111. Please note: Sparks (Mondays), Guides (Wednesdays) and Embers (Thursdays) have their meetings at Rideau Park United Church.
SELF-HELP GROUPS: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meet Monday evenings (Oasis) at 8pm and Thursday evenings (Twelve Steps to Serenity) at 7:30pm in person at the church throughout the year. For info, please call 613-237-6000.
FOOD BANK COLLECTIONS are made the first Sunday of each month. Donations may be placed in the box outside the Sanctuary doors.
PLAYGROUP FOR YOUNG CHILDREN: This playgroup meets through the year on most weekday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Closure dates will be posted on the Kindergarten Room door as needed. (Please note there will be no Playgroup during the months of July/August 2018 due to summer camps). We welcome newborns to kindergarten age children to share some unstructured play and conversation with one another. Through their interactions, the children learn much needed social skills and parents/caregivers gain a support network of others in a similar situation. Toys are provided and an honorarium of $1.00/parent or care giver is appreciated and will be used to purchase new toys. Drop in and enjoy the fellowship! Please Note: Parents/caregivers MUST supervise the children in their care at all times.