About Us


WORSHIP - SUNDAY 10:30 AM

We worship together at 10:30 AM each Sunday morning every week of the year. Some people come often, and others of course are here less regularly. Our worship service is not about keeping attendance or social pressure, it is about relevant, meaningful, honest engagement with God and others. We hear the songs of the faith, wrestle with the message of scripture, reflect on the hard truths of reality, share the uplifting grace and peace that gives us hope, and pray for the world. We would be blessed if you are able to share this special gift of worship with us. 

Worship is available live in our sanctuary and at our Facebook page. Online viewers do not need a Facebook account to view the service. Please see our COVID-19 page for more important information.

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY

In 1994, Ballard Vale United Church made the decision to get serious about hospitality and declare itself an Open and Affirming congregation. In church language, that means that we have a pretty good history of seeking greater inclusiveness in our church for persons whom Christianity has often discriminated against. This means that our church family includes and affirms people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and otherwise historically marginalized because of their sexuality (LGBTQ+) in all levels of church life and leadership. In addition, we are church that tries to resist racism, we have worked to make our church more accessible by our ramps and elevator, we take justice and the actual lives of people seriously. With over 25 years of this journey celebrating diversity behind us, we are even more excited and committed for our future. 


CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children are always welcome at Ballard Vale United Church. We have kits that keep all children engaged during our worship services. We have a new nursery for our youngest to play and be safe. A one-room church school is offered in 4-6 week units on a seasonal basis that meets concurrently with worship.

COMMUNION

Communion is generally celebrated the first Sunday of every month and ALL are welcome to participate in communion regardless of faith or age. Communion consists of bread and grape juice.There is also gluten free bread available.

ATTIRE

Wear whatever you are comfortable in! Whether it is a suit or jeans, dress or pants, or something in the middle of any of those, you will fit in.

ACCOMMODATIONS

We are fully wheelchair accessible and can provide wireless hearing aids if needed. Please let one of our welcomers know how we can help you.

What We Believe

The beauty of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, is that there isn't one set of beliefs that everyone has to adhere to. You can learn more about the UCC's general thoughts and beliefs at this link.

Some of what we commonly hold close can be described in the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith, as adapted below in a version by Robert V. Moss:

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.