New to Westminster

If there is one word that we would like to say to you that could give you an insight into who we are it would be this: Welcome!

To help you get oriented let us tell you a bit about ourselves. But first you should note that things like what we believe and news and events have their own pages so we won't go into them here. Rather, this page is devoted to things like:

Weekly Worship

Every Single Sunday – the Lord's Day – 10:01 a.m. 170 Steel Street, Barrie.

(For a detailed explanation of how and why we worship click here.)

The style of the service at Westminster is "blended," a combination of traditional with 'contemporary' elements. We praise God while seeking his eternal message and trying to connect these insights to our everyday lives in ways that are stirring, helpful, hopeful and beautiful.

We sing hymns and praise songs; strive for biblical preaching; and we value participation by the congregation. In all things we try to be warm, faithful, sincere and gracious.

Overall, worship has a three fold movement: 1. We gather in Jesus' name; 2. We are equipped to live as Christians and do the work of the Church; and 3. We are sent into the world.

Ultimately, worship is about praising and re-centering ourselves in God. We yearn to leave church renewed, uplifted, challenged and strengthened to live-out God's truth and love in our community.

To see a sample 'Order of Service' (what guides us through our time together), click here.

What Should I Expect on a Sunday Morning?

Our Sunday morning services begin at 10:01 am. (We'd say 10am--but in all honesty, it's usually a few minutes after!) And don't worry – you don't have to dress up! Some people wear shirts and ties but some wear golf shirts. Just ensure you are comfortably and respectably dressed.

When you drive up you will notice that there are two doors, but not to worry: both take you to the same place. When you walk in you will be greeted by someone and given an "Order of Service." This along with the overhead screen will guide you through the service. (To see an example of this click here.) Feel free to sit anywhere. None of the pews are reserved.

The service lasts about an hour and consists of prayers, singing, time with children; musical offerings; a financial offering; Bible readings and a message by the minister. A key part of the experience is staying afterward for a brief time of conversation, coffee and snacks in the Fellowship Hall. Just follow the crowd!

We have an active music ministry and use a hymnal called the "Book of Praise." But if you don't read music, don't worry. You'll catch the flow; just take your lead from the choir. You can also follow along with the music and readings on the overhead screen.

Most importantly, just be your self. Perhaps on your first visit you will need to follow the Order of Service rather closely. But don't worry; it will be natural very soon. Hopefully your experience will help you encounter God.

Is there a Nursery and Children's Program?

Yes. We have a nursery available for kids up to 3 years old and you can feel free to drop them off before the service begins. Just ask the greeter at the door where to go. Our nursery staff and Sunday School volunteers are a friendly and loving group.

We also have a newly formed "toddler group." This group sings songs, makes crafts and plays games in a way that is fun and sensitive to their age.

The rest of the children (roughly ages 4 to 14, divided into a junior and senior group) gather at the front of the sanctuary about 15 minutes into the service during a time with the minister called "The Church as the Family of God." Then they go to Sunday School where they learn various stories about God's love and participate in crafts in a safe and supervised setting.

Please also know that if your kids would like to stay with you for the service, that's fine too. For more details on the Sunday School programs please click here.

How do I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved at Westminster. There are events, groups and ministries that serve to strengthen our faith and reach out to the community around us.

But as a first step we recommend just talking to someone – perhaps someone you meet on Sunday or an elder or the minister. We firmly believe that God has given everyone their own unique gifts and calls them to discover what they are and exercise them in the Church and world. At Westminster we strive to serve God and our neighbours and we would love for you to join us on this journey with your own gifts – whatever they may be.