Britannia United Church

Story

Britannia United Church is a United Church of Canada congregation in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is an open, caring, inclusive, liberal minded spiritual community, with a growing and creative music program. Sunday worship service is 10:15 am. One of Ottawa's oldest congregations, members had been meeting in homes since 1869. The Britannia Heights Methodist Church formed in 1873. It joined the United Church when it was formed in 1925. In 1925, Britannia became officially Britannia United Church. The Britannia United Church has operated out of Pinecrest Road location since 1961. As a pastoral charge of the United Church of Canada, the church celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2013.MissionBritannia United Church is a place of worship, offering social outreach and religious fellowship. The motto is Everyone Welcome. The Britannia United Church was registered as a charity effective 1967-01-01. The charity carries on fundraising activities using the following fundraising methods: collection plate, fundraising dinners, galas, concerts, bazaars, strawberry socials, garage sales, chicken barbecues, cookbooks, talent auction and fundraising sales e.g. cookies.ProgramsThe purpose of Britannia United Church is to promote religion and attempt to relieve the effects of poverty and distress in western Ottawa and neighbouring communities. The congregation conducts a weekly worship service, including special activities for children (e.g. worship-related crafts, stories and music). It also provides support and counselling in crisis and emergency (e.g., sickness, poverty, death, distress), chaplaincy functions, pastoral care, religious education, worship, family counselling and community outreach. The congregation donates funds to denomination headquarters in support of national and international Mission and Service activities and donates funds to a local community chaplaincy association, which provides outreach services direct to area residents. In addition, the congregation provides support directly to local food banks. Britannia United Church conducts regular discussion groups and seminars focusing on religious education and exploration. Britannia United Church is a part of Ottawa West-End Interfaith events, provides volunteers at the Ottawa Mission and provides a monthly worship service at West End Villa. The church publishes a newsletter four times a year as well as a Facebook page. In addition to the United Church Mission and Social program, there are special fundraising effors for emergency relief programs i.e. Nepal and the youth group raised money for families in developing countries.