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Social Justice & Stewardship

Runnymede has a history of outreach within the community where our building is located and around the world through its support of ministries in Kenya, engagement with dislocated people through our refugee sponsorships and our support of the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada. These are just a few examples of the social justice mission of our congregation.

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Refugee Sponsorship

The United Church of Canada in partnership with the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has a long tradition of sponsoring refugees to come to Canada.  In the past two decades, Runnymede United has been an active part of that tradition, having completed two sponsorships and currently working on a third.

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Kenyan AIDS Orphans

Since 2005, Runnymede United Church has been connected with the Obara family in Nairobi, Kenya. Leonora and Andrew Obara have fifteen children of whom 5 were born to them. They adopted 10 more whose parents died of AIDS. In Kenya, school is not free. The focus of Kenya AIDS Orphans Outreach has been to educate all 15 children. The oldest 11 are all educated and working. We’re now supporting the 4 youngest as they study nursing, law and engineering.

 

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.