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Who We Are

 

The Runnymede Community

You belong here. We’re a church where everyone is welcome. Check out what people are saying about our Runnymede United Church community.

 

Our Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

So that Christ's healing grace may reach a hurting world, we are committed to seeing that all who seek are welcomed into community, equipped with faith, and supported in finding and following God's call on their lives.

Vision of Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome all those who have experienced exclusion to participate in our congregation as their full selves. We open our hearts and our church community to people of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, indigeneities, cultures, abilities, religions, ethnicity and socio-economic status, and those who experience more than one of these, so all may know that this is their church home.

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Affirming & Inclusive Ministry

Runnymede United Church is an Affirming Congregation, recognised by Affirm United for the process of reflection and education that we undertook as a congregation and our overwhelmingly positive vote to live into this identity. We are committed to radical welcome and inclusion of all people without judgement or prejudice, to make this a place where all of God’s people belong. We are a congregation that is continually open to stretching and growing our identity as ‘who we are’ changes by who is here. Runnymede United Church is a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ people. All are welcome to bring their authentic selves to join in this community and enrich our identity by your presence.

Social Justice Mission

Runnymede United Church is rooted in the United Church of Canada’s strong tradition of humanitarian and mission work both at home and abroad. We are committed to continuing to make an impact to lessen poverty and injustice, identifying its root causes, and protecting those who are most vulnerable. Currently, Runnymede is involved in advocating for a living wage for people, and many other social programs to lift up those in our community in need of support.

Runnymede United is always looking for ways to engage in the world we live in to make this world better for all of God's people through education and action. Bring your passion and join in the work!

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Rooted in History

Runnymede United Church was formed in 1925 after more than 25 years of planning. The noted Toronto architect Robert Balmer McGiffin designed and built our church building for $120,000. The women in the congregation raised an additional $12,000 to install our majestic, Canadian-made Casavant Frères pipe organ. The new Runnymede United Church officially opened on March 28,1928.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We hope so! Runnymede is a welcoming space. There is so much to discover here in terms of spirituality, connection, and community. Have a look around the website to see what catches your eye and join our email list — both of these will give you a good idea about all that Runnymede has to offer you. Give us a try!

  • Yes! Runnymede United is an inclusive church that seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of its members and the world that we live in. Everyone is welcome. Really!

  • The United Church of Canada is a Protestant denomination founded in 1925. In fact, we’re the only church organization founded by an act of Parliament! United Church faith communities welcome people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations, wherever you are in your faith journey. Click on this link to learn more: The United Church of Canada

  • Faith is about questions. No matter where you are in your faith journey--a committed believer or someone with deep questions--you are welcome at Runnymede United. Many people come to Runnymede United with no church background or experience and that is great. Bring your questions, bring your doubts and share in finding answers with all of us.

  • In a world with so many possibilities and outlets for our time and resources, why do people still go to church? Runnymede United Church is a place for learning about faith, sharing in worship, and living out our faith as we learn about it from Jesus Christ. It is a multi-generational community that supports one another, eats together, laughs together, and provides a safe space to ask questions and give answers. Church is not a building, church is people and the people of Runnymede United Church are inclusive and generous. Runnymede United is a community where you belong as you are, how you are, as you are comfortable.

  • Runnymede United Church is proud to have become an Affirming Ministry in 2021. Yes, you are safe here. For more information on what Affirming means, go to Affirm United.

  • Children, youth, and young families are very welcome at Runnymede United! Our Family Outreach and Christian Education Leader, Ellen Toompuu, and our Youth Group Leader, Ael Spence, lead a team of Sunday School teachers to learn about faith and God’s world on Sunday mornings. There are also opportunities outside of Sunday mornings for social fun and community projects. Of course, your child is welcome to stay by your side during Sunday morning service, but most children and youth love to participate in our programming made especially for them!

  • Runnymede United is wheelchair accessible from the north side door. We have an elevator for access to Memorial Hall in the lower level, which is also where accessible washrooms are located. We have hearing assistance devices available for use during service. Our website is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy what Runnymede United has to offer. Click on the Accessibility Icon to explore those features.

  • First, wear whatever you're comfortable wearing to come to Sunday service. Many people dress very casually. If you'd like to attend service in person, you're welcome to enter through the side door on the south side. There is an accessible ramp on the north side door. Parking is available along Runnymede Road or across the street in the school parking lot. You can sit wherever you're comfortable. There is no assigned seating. The order of service is posted weekly to help guide you through the service. It's all very easy to follow along. Relax and enjoy!

  • There is no fee to attend worship or to be a part of Runnymede United Church. There are ways to donate to Runnymede United as you are comfortable and able to do. The offerings that are received support the work of the congregation and the expenses involved with maintaining the building and property so it can be available for the congregation and community.