Affirming Ministry
Welcoming Statement St. Andrew's United Church
St. Andrew’s United Church strives to be a community that embodies God’s unconditional love by welcoming all people, and all means all.
You are welcome whether you were born in Canada or somewhere else; whether your skin is light, dark or in between. You are welcome whether you are young, old or in-between; whether you are male, female or transgendered; whether you are a new or lifelong Christian, of another faith, agnostic, atheist, or aren’t really sure. All are welcome here.
You are welcome whether you are single, married, divorced, separated, widowed, partnered, or “it’s complicated;” whether you are straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. You are welcome whether you are politically active, apolitical or indifferent; whether you own your home, rent, live in a half-way house, group home, with your parents or are homeless; whether you are mentally, physically or not noticeably challenged or gifted. All are welcome here.
We are committed to the way of Jesus, who offered Gods unconditional acceptance and transforming love to all people, and calls us all to live in ways that reflect Gods love for all. In grateful response to God’s saving grace, we embrace the biblical call to seek justice (Micah 6:8), break down barriers (Eph. 2:14), resist judging others (Rom. 2.1), and extend special hospitality to strangers and outcasts (Ex. 23:9; Matt. 25:34-40).
The way of Jesus calls us to intentionally support, engage and care for one another when our diversity is challenging or we understand our faith differently. We are called to encourage all people to use their gifts for the common good of the church and community.
In response to Jesus’ call we will strive to provide a safe place in which relationships can be nurtured and different kinds of families can be supported. We encourage all couples, regardless of gender, to celebrate the presence of God’s love and to draw on the guidance and power of the Spirit as they marry.
Jesus’ way calls us to commit our lives to him through baptism and communion, to be respectful, faithful, responsible, just and loving in all our relationships and to live in hopeful trust through life’s end.
We invite you to freely join in our community life and worship, and to discern with us your place in our shared ministry, for all are welcome here, and all means all.