QUESTIONS?
Thinking of worshipping with us?
If you haven’t worshipped at Hilldale Lutheran Church,
you might wonder where things are and the right way to act.
Every church is different, and we don’t always do things the same way,
but here is a bit of an introduction to worshipping at Hilldale.
I don’t have anything to wear to church.
You can dress up and come to church if you like, but you will also be welcomed and find others in jeans, long or short pants, sandals, and open-collar shirts. Most of us are casually dressed.
Where do I park?
There are a few wheelchair-accessible spaces close to the door. There are several places between the church and Hilldale Road. There are lots of places between the church and the condos. From wherever you park, it is a short distance to the main door.
What will I find when I enter?
You will probably be greeted by someone who can direct you to the coat room, (to your right) and give you a bulletin that contains most of the service information, and a music book. Oh, yes, the closest washrooms are through the coat room.
What about children and youth?
We welcome children and their parents to our church. Children are welcome to be in the Sanctuary during the service. There is a childrens' play area set up with quiet activities and toys. Some parents bring a special book or quiet toy from home that is their “church toy” and maybe a snack that is special for them during the service. Having some noise and activity from children adds to the life of our worship, and we welcome them rather than have your family stay home because of them.
We hope to have a Sunday School program up and running again soon. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office. We are truly thankful for the Monday Men's Group who have been actively fundraising for children and youth programming.
Youth are welcome to participate in all events and especially in any Lutheran-Anglican Youth Events. In 2025, there is a Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) Gathering taking place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from August 21-24. Many blessings to our youth and leaders from Thunder Bay travelling there as well as to the organizers of CLAY 2025.
Confirmation occurs annually. Youth from grades 7 and onward are welcome. Please contact the church office to express your interest and to find out when the next Confirmation Class section will begin.
How will I know when to sit and stand during the service?
The complete service is usually printed in the bulletin and the pastor or worship leader indicates when to stand (for those who are able) or sit. We try to be respectful in our worship but not so formal that there are a lot of right or wrong ways to do things.
What about the offering?
If you are a guest with us, do not feel obligated to put anything in the offering basket when it is passed along. As members and regular worshippers, we have made a commitment to support the ministry of the church financially as well as with our time and talents. Some of us give our financial offering weekly and others bi-weekly or monthly so we may pass the offering basket by on any given Sunday. If and when you desire to support our ministry financially is your decision. We have offering envelopes available in the front foyer that you can put your offering in so that you will receive a tax-deductible receipt at the end of the year. Please be sure to print your name and address clearly.
The offering does more than pay the pastor to prepare for worship services and visit and counsel those in need or ill or lonely around the community. We also help provide humanitarian aid in our city, country, and the world. We support missionaries and train pastors and much more. And of course, there is the ongoing cost of maintaining the church building, power, water, insurance, and phone bills.
Am I welcome at Holy Communion?
We welcome all who want to receive Holy Communion for forgiveness and the strengthening of faith. Both wine and grape juice are available, depending on your preference. We also offer gluten-free wafers. If you are not interested in receiving Holy Communion, you may also opt for a blessing by placing your hand across your chest once at the altar. If you are unable to get to the altar, please notify one of the ushers, who will then have the Pastor give you Communion at your seat. If you have any questions, please contact one of the pastors.
What happens after the service?
People are usually greeted by the pastor at the exit of the Sanctuary. We welcome you to Fellowship after the service in the Parish Hall. We offer coffee/tea and pulla (Finnish Coffee Bread). There is juice and cookies for the kids. It is a good time to connect with church friends. If you are new to our community, there is no assigned seating. Please sit where you are most comfortable and why not take the opportunity to introduce yourself to other worshippers.
This is the time when more of the action of the church begins. Recharged by worship, we go to our homes and community with strength and direction to live out the life that God and we want to live. We’ll be back to church for study and ways we can serve, and to worship again. These are all good and help us live our lives outside of the church.
What if I want to know more?
To find out more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, please visit their website.
To find out more about Hilldale Lutheran Church, contact the church office.
Thanks for considering what we have to offer you!