For FAQs, click
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Since 1874, Grace Church on-the-Hill has been a vibrant part of Toronto’s Anglican community. Our intention as a church is to be a healthy family, open and friendly. Whether you are young or old, single or married, a man or a woman, rich or poor, you are welcome to join us as we worship and work together. In your search for a parish church, we would be delighted to have you join us!
The focus of our common life is worship. At Grace Church on-the-Hill we respect the traditional music and prayer of the Anglican Communion in The Book of Common Prayer, and also the contemporary expression of The Book of Alternative Service. Flowing from our worship is our call to serve – we hope our church will be a symbol of an enduring commitment to serve those in need, to challenge what is wrong, and to celebrate what is right.
Grace Church on-the-Hill is home to a welcoming Anglican community that proclaims and celebrates the gospel of Jesus Christ in a wide variety of ways. For example, our Sunday services are designed to provide choices for those who enjoy a more traditional or a more contemporary service. Our Children’s ministry provides a Sunday school, a Nursery, a Youth Group, and a Boys and Girls Choir, where our younger children can begin to learn more about God and the Bible through interactive projects and teachings.
There are many opportunities for both adults and youth to become involved in our worshiping and serving community. From involvement in Sunday services such as reading lessons, and serving as sidespeople and servers, to participation in church groups and outreach activities that help support people in Toronto and around the world, we have a wide range of activities that allow parishioners to help others while growing spiritually. Finally, our clergy are available to help you whenever you find yourself in need or filled with questions, either simple or complex.
To help make you feel more welcome at Grace Church, we have included a Frequently Asked Questions section below, which provides a few answers to questions that are often asked by newcomers to our church. For more information about our Grace Church community, please click on any of the green links above, or simply scroll down this page. If you would like to receive our weekly e-bulletin, please contact our church office at 416-488-7884 or via e-mail at gracechurchonthehill@rogers.com.
We look forward to welcoming you as part of the Grace Church family in the months and years ahead!
Yours faithfully,
Canon Peter Walker, Incumbent
Grace Church on-the-Hill:
Frequently Asked Questions
To help make you feel welcome at Grace Church, we have provided a few answers to questions that are frequently asked by newcomers to our church. Our parishioners are delighted to help, and those volunteering at the service wear nametags to help you identify them. The Clergy, Wardens and Sidespeople at the church encourage you to ask them any questions that you may have.
1. When are the services, and which service should I come to?
There are three different services on Sundays, each appealing to different parishioners, depending on their needs. The 8:00 am service is a shorter, spoken service. The 9:15 am service uses the Book of Alternative Services, and typically appeals to families with younger children or those desiring a more contemporary text. The 11:00 am service uses the Book of Common Prayer and is generally a more traditional service. In the summertime, the main service is at 10:00 am.
In addition, we celebrate a communion service on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am, using the Book of Alternative Services. On the first Friday of the month and on Fridays during Lent, an early morning Eucharist is celebrated in the Chapel, followed by breakfast.
2. How long are the church services?
Services lean towards traditional with modern touches and generally last slightly over one hour. After the service, you are welcome to join your fellow parishioners for an informal coffee-time.
3. Is there specific seating, or can I sit anywhere?
Please feel free to sit anywhere. Occasionally, certain rows may be cordoned off or reserved for special events, such as baptisms or confirmations, where rows are reserved for the families.
4. How do I follow the service?
During the service, most of us follow the instructions in the bulletin that you will receive as you enter the church, and the minister announces the pages during the service. Prayer books are handed out as you enter the church (please return them to the back of the church after the service). The Hymns are found in the blue Hymnbook in front of the pews, and Hymn numbers are listed in the bulletin and on the boards at the front. During prayers, some people prefer to stand, others kneel or simply sit with their heads bowed. Please do whichever you find most comfortable.
5. Who can take Communion?
All people who have been baptized in any Christian denomination are not only welcome, but encouraged to take part in Communion. Those who wish to take Communion go up to the altar in rotation, guided by the Sidespeople. You may stand or kneel to take Communion, as you see fit. If you do not wish to receive Communion, you are invited to the altar rail for a blessing.
6. Will I be asked to put something in the collection plate?
The collection plate is typically passed during the Offertory Hymn during the service. Our Parish and its facilities are supported by our congregants, so all donations are very welcome; however, the decision to donate is up to you, as is the amount. Should you wish to contribute on a regular basis, you may use our offeratory envelope system, or set up a pre-authorized giving program, using VISA, Mastercard or Direct Debit. Please contact the church office for more information.
7. What will my children do while I am at church?
People of all ages are welcome at Grace Church. In fact, our church encourages families to bring their children to the services, and our parishioners are very understanding of families with young children. We have many options for children during services, including a Nursery at both the 9:15 and 11:00 services for children of toddler age and younger.
Sunday School is available at the 9:15 Sunday service. Sunday School is a great opportunity for your children to meet other kids, share in some fun activities and of course, learn. In addition, you are welcome to have your children sit with you during the service, or they may sit at the "kids table" at the front left of the church, where they can draw, read or colour during the service.
If your children are 8 years or older and like to sing, they would be welcome in our choirs.
8. What should I wear to the Sunday service?
Grace Church does not have a dress code for the Sunday services. We are very relaxed, although you will find that some people wear business casual clothes, and some wear suits and ties. The important thing is that all are welcome.
9. Where can I park my car?
Most people park on Russell Hill Road or Lonsdale Road. In addition, on Sundays we are permitted to park in the parking circle at the Bishop Strachan School, which is located at the northeast corner of Lonsdale and Russell Hill Road.
10. How do I enter the church if I use a wheelchair?
There is a wheelchair entrance from the church driveway, at the Northeast corner of the church off Russell Hill Road north of Lonsdale.
11. I am dealing with a personal issue and I would very much like to speak with a minister.
All of our clergy are here to help parishioners with a range of personal issues, both spiritual and practical. Our clergy have a wide range of personal experience which parishioners are encouraged to draw upon in times of need. Please feel free to call our office at any time, at 416-488-7884, and our parish administrative assustant will set up an appointment for you with one of our clergy.
12. How do I know what social events are coming up?
At the end of the service, the minister and others will make announcements. In addition, announcements are listed in the Sunday bulletin, on the Grace Church website, and in the parish newsletter, Spirit of Grace. For regular updates, Grace Church offers a complimentary weekly e-mail, which outlines upcoming events and services. Please contact the church office to add your name to the e-mail list.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or comments about Grace Church, please contact us, either at 416-488-7884, at our services or by e-mail at gracechurchonthehill@rogers.com. In addition, you can review Grace Church’s web site for more information on our church programs, including choir, Christian education, outreach, upcoming events, and volunteering opportunities.
www.gracechurchonthehill.ca
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