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Collecting Offering
(a suggested method)
Start with four people at the front of the church (centre of the circle).
One person takes the main aisle and two offering plates. Start one plate on each side in the first row, continuing with the odd numbered rows.
A second person has two offering plates and takes the far left aisle, and starts one on each side….in every row on the left, starting at the front, and the second row in the main section, doing the even rows.
A third person has two offering plates and takes the far right aisle. They start one plate in the choir, moving it to the first row on the extreme right section, doing every row. The second plate is started in the second row in the main section, doing the even rows.
A fourth person walks up the part aisle in the main section. They don’t need any offering plates, and facilitate the movement of the plates from one row to another, continuing the movement of the plates across the rows.
September 2011
Ministry Staff
Kathy Platt
Kathy Platt serves as Sunset United Church's ministry staff and writes a regular blog for the church's website. She also wrote a blog during her sabbatical in Africa.
Kathy says, "I was commissioned to diaconal ministry in the United Church of Canada in 2001. I have worked in several communities in Manitoba (Minnedosa, McCreary, Kelwood and Alonsa), and came to Sunset United in Regina in July of 2006.
One of the things that drew me to this community was the opportunity to worship “in the round” – on a Sunday morning the chairs are set up in a circle so that we can clearly see who it is we are worshiping with. I stand in the centre of the circle and speak to the gathered community rather than being somehow elevated above the community as I share whatever is on my heart this day.
We are an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada, meaning that we are living into our understanding of what it means to be welcoming of all - to live out the song that we sing often: "come just as you are - and hear the Spirit call". What drew me into ministry was my commitment to social justice and my call to pastoral ministry - reaching out my hand wherever I can so that we can join together as companions on this journey.
I am invigorated by exploring a variety of ways to be "church" together - whether it is in the circle on a Sunday morning, or on a hike in the mountains, or sitting by someone's hospital bed, or feasting together around a table. I look forward to discovering more about the community that God is calling us to be!"
Michelle McConkey
Michelle McConkey is our Youth and Young Adult Coordinator! She is originally from Swift Current but has made Regina her home since 2005. She has two degrees from the University of Regina: one in French and one in History. She enjoys reading, singing, movies, learning, crafting and travelling!
Administrative Staff
Jayne is currently Sunset's office coordinator. Jayne is responsible for the office activities, rentals and administrative functions of the church, and acts as a liaison to the staff and congregation. She was born and raised in Regina and has remained here for most of her life. She enjoys camping, hiking, and biking with her husband and two daughters.
Sunset United Church – Sacraments
Sacrament of Baptism
At Sunset United Church, we love celebrating baptism! Whether it is an adult or a child being baptised, it is about celebrating the gift of that person. In the United Church of Canada, baptism is one of the sacraments, meaning that it is one of the visible signs of God’s invisible grace. As we sprinkle some water onto the head of the person being baptised, we are remembering and acknowledging the incredible gift of love and of life itself. And as the congregation make promises to be companions on this spiritual journey, there is often almost a palpable feeling of love in the air.
The first step towards arranging for a baptism, is to call the church office, or to send an e-mail inquiry, to make an appointment for conversation with our minister. She will meet with you in your home, or here at the church. The main purpose of the conversation is for you to get to know both her and the community a little better, as well as to discern if baptism is the right choice for you as a family. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sacrament of Communion
In general, we celebrate communion 4 or 5 times a year. At Sunset United Church, we believe that this a meal that binds us together as a community – nourishing those places that need strengthening, and quenching our thirst for what it is to love and to be loved. It is a meal that gives each one of us the courage that we need to move out and be engaged in building the kind of world that God dreams of for all of creation.
Communion is one of the Sacraments in the United Church of Canada, which means that it is a visible sign of God’s invisible grace. This is an open table, where there is room for everyone – no one is excluded.
Sunset United Church has a vibrant community, with activities throughout the year. Click on a link to see current announcements, photographs of recent events or to look at "the script", our newsletter.
The Script is the Sunset United Church newsletter, pubished two to four times a year with information on events and articles of interest from many corners of the church. Download and view the most recent copy here!
The Script
If you are looking for information on Sunset United as a church, or are seeking specific information on one of our policies, please click on a link to the left.
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Sunset United Church Wedding Policy
Revised May 2009
Congratulations on your decision to get married. We are pleased that you are considering having this significant event in our church. We welcome all who inquire, and we commit to live out our Affirming Ministry Mission Statement of providing a welcome "just as you are". Let us explain the expectations of the church for those who use our facilities for their wedding.
A Church Wedding
A church wedding is two things: a legal ceremony and an act of worship. In it we pray for a sense of God’s presence and ask for God’s blessing on the couple being married and on family life in general. The wedding may be quite large and formal, or small and informal, but recognition of our faith is essential if it is to be in the church.
Since marriage is one of life’s important decisions, we would strongly encourage you to spend time and energy on marriage preparation. Couples can take part in formal Marriage Preparation courses, or spend time privately with the Minister.
The Role of the Minister
The first step in arranging for a wedding is to contact the minister at the church office, 586-3613, to arrange a first interview and the booking of the church. Please attempt to do this well in advance. The minister, in the interviews with the couple, has several objectives in mind. She/he must go over legal requirements, fill in a marriage registration form, and go over the service. In addition (s)he will want to spend enough time to get acquainted with you.
Legal Requirements
License –Before you can be married you must obtain a license from any jeweler in Saskatchewan. A license is valid for three months.Publishing of Banns – where one or both of the parties to the wedding is active in the congregation, it sometimes happens that the banns of marriage are read in church prior to the date of the wedding.
Witnesses– the Marriage Act states that two adult (18 or over) credible witnesses must be present at a wedding and sign the marriage registration, the marriage certificate and the church record.
The Church Service
The minister will go over with you the elements of the marriage service, including the music, to help you decide about several choices within the service.
Accommodation
The church can seat up to 250 people, but is also suitable for smaller weddings.
Marriage Certificate
Following your wedding the minister will give you a signed marriage certificate. Approximately a year following the marriage, you may obtain a copy of the marriage registration from:
Information Services Corp. of Sask.
Vital Statistics
PO Box 2405 STN MAIN
Regina, SK
S4P 9Z9
Telephone: 1-866-275-4721
Photographs
To avoid distraction from the sacredness of the wedding service, we request that no pictures be taken during the ceremony. Pictures may be taken during the procession into the church, as the couple returns back down the aisle, and during the signing of documentation. Non-flash photography is permitted by an assigned photographer during the service provided it is unobtrusive. Video recording equipment is permitted if it is stationary (i.e. tripod), without additional lighting, and at the back of the sanctuary.
Ushers
Your ushers should be on duty at the church door one hour before the time of the wedding to receive and seat guests.
No Confetti or Substitutes Please
Flowers
You make your own arrangements about flowers.
Financial Information
To support the ongoing ministry of the church, suggested honoraria are: Church (includes sanctuary, sound system, etc.) $200-$400 Minister $100 - 150 Musician $100
Following the Wedding
We are happy to have been asked to share in this important occasion in your lives. We wish you a meaningful wedding service and every happiness together.
After the wedding we hope that you will continue the relationship you have established with this church and will participate in the life and work of the congregation
Sunset United Church Funeral Policy
Revised May, 2009
Preparing for a funeral and dealing with the death of one we love is a difficult time. We experience a myriad of feelings and the community of faith can be an important support in the grieving process and in planning the funeral service. It reminds us that we are not alone and we have companions with us on the journey. It is an opportunity to call upon God to give us strength and courage. A funeral or memorial service is a service of worship to give thanks for the life as we grieve our loss. Drawing on our faith we are empowered by our hope of resurrection, which enables us to face death, offer thanksgiving for the gift of life and celebrate our Christian hope.
Location
When the service is held at Sunset United Church members of the congregation are available for additional support, such as ushers, greeters and facility support (e.g. chairs, sound system, lighting, etc.) as needed.
Music
The Minister will be pleased to help you select music/hymns appropriate to the service. If you wish a pianist/organist from outside the church, check with the Minister.
Time of Remembering
This section of the service helps us recall and celebrate the life of the one who has passed away. Family members or friends are welcome to speak at this time or the Minister may be asked to speak on their behalf.
Theological Reflection
As part of the service, scripture is read and reflected upon. The purpose of this theological reflection is to ground the experience in the context of our faith. Family members are welcome to select appropriate scripture lessons in consultation with the minister(s).
Committal Service
The brief service at the graveside is typically the final moment of the funeral service. Here, in hope of resurrection, we commend the life of the deceased the God’s care and the body of the deceased to the ground. This service may be arranged at a time separate from the funeral service and at a time agreed upon by the family and the minister(s).
Reception
Following the funeral service or committal service, a reception may be helpful in terms of establishing contact with the community of support. Such a reception may be held in a home, a hall, or within the church. Sunset Ladies Fellowship can provide catering services for a reception in the church building. Please consult the minister(s) for additional information when making arrangements.
Honoraria
There is no mandatory fee associated with the use of the church building for the funeral service; however, to support the ongoing ministry of the church donations of $200-$400 are encouraged. If you wish to donate a voluntary honorarium, an amount of $150 - $200 is suggested for the minister. Also, because of the time involved, which often means time away from regular employment, we ask $100 for the pianist/organist if not arranged for by a funeral home. In cases where these honoraria present a hardship, other arrangements can be made.
Sunset United Church Mission Statement
January 20th, 2007
Sunset United Church as an Affirming Ministry is a nurturing Christian community of:
- Joyful worship;
- Open-minded faith exploration and spiritual growth;
- Love, hope and Social Justice;
living out Christ’s message within and beyond Sunset.
Statement of Faith
WE declare publicly our commitment to creating a community where we welcome people of all ages, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ability, ethnicity and economic circumstance. At Sunset United Church, everyone can take part in every aspect of church life including: membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and marriage. We affirm that diversity is truly a gift of God and that all people belong here. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our church, even as it challenges us individually and collectively. As we continue our discovery of what it means to be an affirming and inclusive community, we understand that teaching and learning about each other is a faithful process of mutual listening and understanding. We pray for God's Spirit to guide us as we work for reconciliation and justice for all persons in church and society.
More...
Sunday Worship Service
Worship at Sunset United Church starts at 10:30 a.m. between September and June.
We do our best to be open to where the Spirit leads us, which means providing a wide variety of worship experiences. We worship "in the round", trusting that the circle can always be drawn wider to include whoever wants to join us. Our prayer is that all who are gathered into community for the worship service will know the presence of God, and will be strengthened for their journey, wherever it may take them.
About the Neighbourhood
Sunset is located in SW Regina in Albert Park, a neighbourhood developed in the late 70s, early 80s, and Harbour Landing, a neighbourhood that is currently being developed. The nearby housing is predominantly single families with pockets of apartments and condos. Located in close proximity is the South Leisure Centre, the Optimist Ice Arena, Outdoor Water Park, Sunset Extendicare, Elementary School and Shopping Centre.
Quick Facts:
When can I contact the office?
Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Who do I contact with questions?
You can send an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a voice mail message (306-586-3613) and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
What makes Sunset special?
Those attending Sunset identify our music program, our commitment to being an Affirming Ministry, the strong leadership in our minister and our sense of community. Sunset also is involved in many social outreach activities.
How is Sunset working toward being inclusive?
- We have listening devices to assist those with hearing difficulties.
- We are printing "large print" bulletins for those with visual difficulties.
- We strive to be a nut aware zone and a scent free worship space.
- We officially became an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada in the fall of 2007. We continue to work towards living into our understanding of what being "affirming" means for us as a community of believers.
What's available for my child?
On Sunday, we have a play room where parents can take their infants and toddlers, and there is Sunday School for children 3 years and up.
Please visit our Children & Youth page to see what is planned for 2015.