Newtonbrook United Church has approximately 35 contact people who keep in touch with congregational members either by a home visit, a telephone call or a conversation in church. The contacts are responsible for delivering the newsletters to congregation four times a year.

The wearing of name tags is encouraged at Sunday worship. Volunteers print the name tags and 5 teams distribute them each Sunday.

Newtonbrook United Church aims to be a welcoming church. Every Sunday a volunteer is assigned to personally welcome newcomers and to encourage them to sign a guest registry so that there can be a follow-up letter sent and telephone contact made by a minister. Newcomer gatherings are held occasionally after Sunday worship service to allow newcomers to become more familiar with our church or the United Church in general, to meet other newcomers and also some members of our congregation.

2009 marks the 10th Anniversary of this special, faith-based group formed to offer support for and share common experiences with those dealing with chronic illness.  The group usually meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 2:00 to 3:30 pm in the Minister’s study at Newtonbrook United Church from September until June. The group is always happy to welcome newcomers.

The group offers each other information and encouragement based on a faithful and caring approach, through good times and bad. Even in difficult times, the group manages to find the humourous element in whatever situation may arise for one or all. The deep trust and friendship that has developed between members is a surprisingly powerful and blessed outcome of participation in the group.  

Privacy is critical – everything that is said in the support group stays in the group.

Please contact the church office if you are interested in dropping in to a meeting to see if you would like to become part of this group.

A team of lay pastoral volunteers visit and/or provide telephone support to those who are no longer able to attend church due to illness or disability. They are visited in their homes, long term care centres and in hospital. Communion is taken to those who wish to receive it.

The Lay Pastoral Visitors host a Strawberry Tea every June for the visitors and those they visit who are able to attend. This event is also open to the congregation.

A seminar or workshop is sponsored by the Committee every year. Past workshops have included Active Listening and Funeral Planning.

Please check our on-line calendar for events held by the Lay Pastoral Visitors.

The prayer team at Newtonbrook United Church consists of 15 members who pray daily for anyone who wishes to receive prayers to support them at a difficult time in their life. Those being prayed for do not necessarily belong to the church. Confidentiality is respected.

Meetings take place occasionally for updates and support, and new members are always welcome. Please check our on-line calendar to see when these meetings are scheduled.