What is your church service like?
That’s hard to explain without experiencing it firsthand. We live stream our services, and you can watch past services online. Glenview’s worship style tends to be more traditional, with a full adult choir, hymns, and selected readings from the bible. We serve communion several times a year (although not every week like other denominations). After each service, we gather to socialize over coffee and tea in the church hall (during the summer, we serve lemonade on our front lawn). You’re welcome to join us. In the meantime, learn about the other programs and services we run at Glenview.
What is the music like?
We take our music seriously at Glenview. Under the direction of Peter Merrick, our excellent adult choir performs everything from Mendelssohn to spirituals. Each week you’ll hear from our pipe organ, grand piano and soloists. You’ll also find regular appearances by guest musicians, ranging from jazz quartets to strings and timpani drums!
What do I wear?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. However, for our 10:30 service, you will find that many of our members put on their “Sunday best” since the service and surroundings tend to be more formal.
We don’t have air conditioning, so in the summer, please dress for comfort.
How do I get there?
We have a whole page devoted to that answer.
Will I be singled out if I’m new?
No. We won’t do anything to make you feel uncomfortable, like wearing a button or standing up to introduce yourself. We do ask members and visitors to fill out a form that can be found in every pew so that we can keep track of attendance. If you feel comfortable, please fill it out (we promise we won’t spam you).
How will I know when to stand up or sit down?
As a rule of thumb: we stand for the entry of the bible at the start of our service, and we stand whenever we sing. Just watch the people around you
WILL I HAVE TO GIVE YOU MONEY?
Only if you want to. We collect an offering before the service starts. Many members leave a weekly donation - others sign up for pre-authorized givings to help Glenview carry out its programs and mission work.
What do you guys believe?
The website of the Presbyterian Church in Canada sums it up well:
As Presbyterians, we believe in the triune God. In other words, God is one person and yet three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that the Bible is the written revelation of who God is. It is important to gather weekly for worship and also regularly to experience the sacraments of communion. Baptism is seen as a visible sign of God’s promise to God’s people.
Do you believe in global warming and evolution?
Yes.
Do you practice faith healing, or speaking in tongues?
No.
can I come to worship if I identify as Lgbtqia2+?
Yes. Glenview welcomes everybody because that’s what we believe a Christian congregation should do.
what if i’m not a presbyterian?
Frankly, few Canadians are Presbyterian! We’re one of the smaller denominations in Canada. We welcome anyone who wants to worship with us. We invite anyone who’s interested to share in our groups, programs, and events. If you come when we’re celebrating Communion, and want to share in it, you’re welcome to do so.
What is a Presbyterian Church, anyway?
The word Presbyterian means “led by elders”, and it refers to how we organize our church.
Many churches have a hierarchical structure. Our structure involves both ministers and members of congregations.
A Presbyterian Church is overseen at a local level by its local Session, a group of Elders elected by the congregation who meet regularly to lead and serve the congregation. They in turn send a representative to a larger regional group called a Presbytery, which in turn sends ministers and elders to a national assembly every year.
You can find out more information on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website.