Our Vision
Our vision is to build community with compassion and hope.
We believe we strengthen one another by working together through God’s grace to build community with compassion and hope.
Living our vision
An active presence in Toronto’s Islington Village for more than 200 years, we are an intergenerational community of faith that aims to grow, learn and evolve together as we seek new ways to follow in Christ’s footsteps.
Our Values
We have three core values: Generosity. Hospitality. Sacred Space.
We live out these values in our actions:
singing and serving;
wondering and welcoming;
giving and praying.
Generosity
At IUC we are value giving of ourselves to help others. We use our time, talent and treasure as part of a greater story of giving. These continuous acts of generosity embody the life of the One we follow.
Hospitality
At IUC we value this ancient Christian practice of shared meals and time together. Being at table together is the great leveller; that we may know each other. This shared time together changes us. We are no longer strangers, in our humanity and vulnerability, in our joys and challenges we are not alone.
Sacred Space
At IUC we value Sacred Space, the physical space which allows for beauty, music, art and word to draw us closer to each other and to God, as well as the spiritual and emotional spaces between us when the community gathers. Sacred space that calls us to remember we are not alone.
“I can’t shake the feeling that something particularly special and powerful
happened at Islington United Church today.”
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure what I believe?
We are a community that doesn’t think the same, vote the same or love the same. We are a community that doesn’t believe in exactly the same way either. We invite your questions, your doubts and your curiosities. This is a place where wonder is welcomed.
Can I come on a Sunday just to check things out?
Most definitely. We don’t expect you to know if this is the place for you until you get a chance to experience it for yourself. Come hang out with us for a while. No strings attached.
What time are the worship services?
Regular worship takes place every Sunday morning at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. A contemporary worship service is offered on the first Sunday of the month; it includes gathering at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm and worship at 7:00 pm.
How will I know where to go once I’m inside?
When you arrive on a Sunday morning, Welcome Team members will be present to greet you, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in finding a place to sit. If you drop in during the week, enter through the back doors and come directly to the Church Office. We are happy to help you.
Do I have to dress up to attend worship?
The choice is yours. There isn’t a dress code. We are much more interested in you being here than we are in your clothing choices. Come as you are. You’ll find others doing the same.
What are the “rules” around taking Communion?
There are not any rules or restrictions. Ours is not the table of Islington United Church or the table of the United Church of Canada. Ours is the table of Jesus Christ and all are welcome to join in the feast. Yes, we mean “all.”
What if I have mobility issues?
We have several dedicated parking spaces at the rear of the building, adjacent to the accessible doors and elevator. There are places to park any mobility devices, such as walkers, and Welcome Team members are always available to offer assistance.
Are children welcome in worship?
You bet. We have a family-friendly area in the Sanctuary, for those who might need a little more room to move. We have activity bags for those who want to stay in worship with their families. And we also have both a Toddler Ministry program and a Godly Play children and youth worship time during regular worship service.