Congratulations on your decision to enter into marriage, a sacred commitment of love! At Kimbourne Park United Church, we respect and appreciate covenant relationships. This is an intimate, exciting and important time in your life and we would be pleased to help you celebrate your love for each other in a faithful, holy way.
“The United Church of Canada has a long, controversial, and distinguished history in leading this country in progressive gender and orientation values. In the 1930s, the United Church advocated for the inclusion of women in the legal definition of ‘person’ and was the first Canadian church to ordain women. In the early 1960s, the United Church was the first to acknowledge that marital relations sometimes do conclude or sometimes are entered into unwisely. Divorce was accepted and people who have been divorced were welcomed to the church to celebrate subsequent relationships.”
“Throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, members of the United Church continued to wrestle with their understandings of human relationships, family structures, and sexual orientation. In 1988, the General Council of The United Church of Canada (the national decision-making Court) concluded that sexual orientation is not, and should not be, a factor in determining one’s fitness for Ordered Ministry. We became one of the first churches in the world, along with U.F.M.C.C., to openly accept gay and lesbian ministers. The 1997 General Council directed staff to prepare liturgical resources for use in same-gender covenanting services. And in 2000, the Council concluded that, not only does the United Church encourage and honour gay and lesbian relationships, we also actively lobbied the Federal and Provincial governments to introduce legislation including gay and lesbian couples in the definition of marriage.”
Committed relationships, whether they are a between a man and a woman or same-sex covenants, are much more than any act defined by a government. Our God, who created us out of love, calls us into committed, loving relationships.
Weddings, like all services of worship, include prayers, readings, and acts of thanksgiving. Some couples prefer a very traditional service, while others choose more contemporary expressions of their worship and their commitment. When you meet with our minister, Michael, you will have an opportunity to describe your plans and expectations and to work with him in shaping your service.
You do not have to be a member of Kimbourne Park to have a wedding here, but we would encourage you to come and meet the congregation.
Services are held in the church. Our building dates back to 1928 and is neo-Gothic in design with deep rich woods, period lighting and coloured glass, lending itself to a very warm and welcoming environment. For a more intimate gathering, a small chapel is available, with blonde woods and movable pews offering quaint and personal space. If you are seeking off-site services, please discuss your ideas with Michael.
In addition to our minister, David, our church music director, is available to play the organ or piano.
If you are considering Kimbourne Park for your wedding, check out the details, then give us a call. You can speak with Roseanne and discuss your plans with her. She will check dates, discuss costs, answer questions, and arrange for you to meet with Michael. You can email Roseanne or call (416) 461-7200.
Again, congratulations on your decision to enter into marriage. We wish you every blessing in your preparations and in your lives together.
