Metropolitan United Church

"In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between action and rest ... Because we do not rest, we lose our way. We miss the compass points that show us where to go.  We lose the nourishment that gives us succor. We miss the quiet that gives us wisdom. Poisoned by the hypnotic belief that good things come only through tireless effort, we never truly rest.  And for want of rest, our lives are in danger." from Sabbath by Wayne Muller

Wow. I've never read Joel before. That's interesting. According to my Bible's notes, this book reports "the devastating effect of a locust infestation and the people's heeding the prophetic call to turn to God, which evokes the LORD's removal of the plague and complete transformation of curse to blessing."

Just the other night, I watched an old favourite of mine: Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." People often laugh at it now, because the special effects are primitive by today's standards. But I still find it deeply moving and terrifying: moving because the gathering birds seem to represent gathering feelings of frustration and desolation within the minds of the characters, and terrifying because the natural world suddenly rises up and takes revenge on us.

Mission

People

Click here for a list of the dedicated members of the Hospitality Group.  This list is visible only to registered users of the site.

Getting Involved

The Hospitality Group is right for you if...  Alternatively, you may choose to take a look at the volunteer opportunities listed on the right.

Stimulate your Sunday morning curiosity with other keen people.  “One Question Bible Study" happens downstairs in the Heritage Room from 10:00 to 10:30 sharp. Dr. Malcolm Sinclair will introduce a brief biblical text and set the scene. He'll then pose a good, meaty question and let the games begin. ItÃ's rich. It's deep. It's real. Jump in.

This part of our site contains information on a typical Sunday morning experience at Met, from how we select Bible readings and hymns, to all the information a first-time visitor might need.

Here are our regular services:

Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 am
Come Taste and See
A service of Communion and song in the Founders Chapel.

This is a short, intimate service where people can find the quiet centre in the earlier morning. Come experience the musical leadership of Gerald Martindale, Prayers and Homily by the Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea, with scriptures presented by Michael Bashford.

From the 4th century onwards, the church began to structure itself into a predictable rhythm of worship and community life. It had a story to tell and so broke the year into manageable pieces for the telling. It used popular cultural seasons and holidays to overlay its teachings. When communities came to turns in the road, the church was there waiting with a word or a ritual.

For example, Christmas (the birth of the Messiah) was placed against the Roman celebration of the sun, and used the winter solstice as a springboard.

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) said that "singing is praying twice." We agree. That's why music forms a necessary and integral part of the liturgy at Metropolitan United Church, and is considered a ministry of its own. The power of music can speak to people in a way that words alone cannot.

At Metropolitan, congregational song is important and we sing the great hymns of the past as well as newer hymns and hymns from around the world. All the hymns we sing during our Sunday service can be found in the red book called Voices United at each pew. We stand up to sing almost all hymns, unless noted in the Order of Service, and you are welcome to join in or not, as you like.

Bible Readings

(scroll down for information on prayers)

The Bible is central to The United Church of Canada. As a source of wisdom, personal prayer, and devotion, we believe the Bible can bring us closer to God. It remains one of our best ways of experiencing God's continuing work of creation and liberation in the world, while offering us forgiveness, healing, and new life in Jesus.

While Metropolitan United Church is a busy destination all week long, the cornerstone of our week is the 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service, complete with preaching, choirs and fellowship. If you're considering visiting us for the first time, this is the service that will give you the best sense of what we're about. Of course, you can also drop by and see the church Monday to Friday from noon to 3 p.m. , if you'd like to look around, pray, light a candle, or just sit a while.

Here's a "Met 101" to give you a sense of what you can expect on Sunday morning.

A warm welcome is waiting
Everyone is welcome to attend our worship service. It doesn't matter if you have no religion, are of another religion, or if you've simply never been to church before. You will be greeted warmly, treated with dignity, and your privacy will be respected. No one will try to convert you. We're just happy you came and hope you find some spiritual sustenance with us. We invite you to complete a Visitor's Card if you would like to connect with one of our ministry team.

What to do when you arrive
When you arrive in the building you will be greeted by a church volunteer who will welcome you and give you a bulletin, or Order of Service. Sometimes they're busy with a lot of visitors and you may slip by them. If you're inadvertently missed by the greeters, feel free to sit anywhere you like.