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, 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, Confederation Court, and Banff Avenue Community Houses, Basic Income Ottawa, 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 provide a place for seniors to meet. Seasonal programs like Christmas Cheer, and Banff Avenue Shoebox Program, are a witness to our faith at work in the world. We also host local community groups like AA’s 12 Steps to Serenity and Oasis programs, 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 in-person healing sessions (by appointment) on alternating Tuesdays (1-3pm) and Thursdays (12:30-2:30pm). 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. At this point of time, we are not currently accepting additional applications.
AFFIRMING MINISTRY: Rideau Park is an Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Canada. All are invited to participate fully, with mutual respect, in the life and work of the church, including those of diverse ages, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions, and economic backgrounds. 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. To find a local Ottawa AA group, click here or contact the Ottawa Area Intergroup by phone (613-237-6000) or email.
FOOD BANK COLLECTIONS are made the first Sunday of each month. Donations may be placed in the box outside the Sanctuary doors.