Welcome to Saint Luke’s United Church, Toronto, Canada
What is our Mission?
Saint Luke's United Church
Saint Luke’s welcomes spiritual seekers into a caring faith community, loyal and devoted to God. We are engaged in our neighbourhood, our national United Church and the world. We follow the example of Jesus Christ in our worship, witness, study and service. We are open to all who look for friendship, hope and rebirth.
Church Services
Sunday service takes place at 10:30 a.m. and follows normal United Church structure. Sermons are based on the lectionary and reveal a loving, inclusive God. Every six weeks, a guest speaker or member of the congregation will take the sermon. The service is led by lay members of the congregation and there is an active participation of children, teens and adults who read, lead the prayers, usher or take other roles in the worship. Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month and the last Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at an ecumenical service in the Chapel followed by breakfast.
The Healing Service is held in the Chapel on the second Sunday of each month, except during July and August and is closely associated with the Prayer Fellowship. Services are led by lay and clergy on a volunteer basis.
Bible readings, hymns, prayers and other items are presented on screen during the service in addition to the traditional use of hymnals and order of service.
There is a nursery for children too early for Sunday school and an active Sunday school during the worship service.
The service is followed by a coffee hour which is a vital part of our church life. Newcomers are purposefully made welcome and members greet and connect with each other.
Our Theology, Piety and Sense of Ministry
We are open to the beliefs and faith styles of others in our community and in our midst. Our rules and rituals are less formal but still respectful of the dignity and sanctity of worship. Our history as a church emphasizes social justice, tolerance and low key Protestant evangelism.
Music
Saint Luke’s has a part-time Music Director who is a gifted pianist and organist. He is interested in the using many musical genres and drama in worship. He also directs a choir with an active membership of 15-20 and two professional section leads. There is a well-established Praise Group, which includes singers, a guitarist, drummer and violinist/pianist, and leads the congregation in singing before the service. There is a Hand chimes Choir, which includes people of all ages, and takes part in the service on an irregular basis. At special services, such as Easter and Christmas, other soloists and instrumentalists also take part.
Pastoral Care
This is a very active ministry at Saint Luke’s and involves a team of lay members who contact members and others connected with the congregation by telephone, notes and personal visits.
Other Congregational Activities
The congregation has a Women’s Group which has just begun to meet and plan programs related to service, worship and fellowship. There is a group of young adults who play basketball on Sunday afternoon and other social activities, such as pot luck meals and celebrations of our diversity also take place.