When I come to worship at Briarwood, what can I expect?

Our congregation meets in an intimate sanctuary, with the baptismal font in the centre and communion table at the front.

Please feel free to sit wherever you like!

Worship at 10 a.m. is also fairly traditional. We sing hymns and some of the prayers, to ancient and modern music.

Worship at 11:30 a.m. is relaxed. Worship bands lead the singing, and most people follow the service on two large screens.

Both services are usually about an hour long with an emphasis on hearing and responding to God’s word.

People from various church backgrounds worship here, and everyone is invited to coffee between services.

Finally, when you come to worship, whether at 10 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., you can expect to experience Christ in this community.

I have a two-year old and a new born. Is there a good nursery? Can I keep my kids with me instead?

We have a nursery space at all worship services, as well as faith programs for K-11 at the morning services. An usher or greeter will be happy to direct you to the Nursery.

If you prefer, you are more than welcome to keep your children with you during worship.

Are there other programs for children and youth?

Yes, in fact Briarwood has discerned a call to invest in Children and Youth intensely in the last 5 years. God has raised up a full-time Children and Youth Director, and there is a growing, grace-filled ministry for ages K-11.

In addition to spiritual friendship and mentoring, with the support of volunteers our CYD runs all kinds of programs: Vacation Bible Camp, March Break Camp, March SnowQuest Retreat, coordinates Sunday children’s faith at 11:30 a.m., Jr. and Sr. Youth Group.

How do I or my children receive the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the sacrament signifying God’s love and embrace by God’s Spirit and that one has become part of the Body of Christ, known as the Church.

Adults are baptized when they confess their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and express their intention to follow him.

Although baptisms always take place in particular congregations, the Presbyterian Church recognizes all baptisms performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

To find out more about baptism, we encourage you to talk to the minister or an elder. Once a parent is baptized, they are encouraged to present their children for baptism at any age.

In the Presbyterian Church in Canada, baptized grandparents can present their grandchildren for baptism if they make public their intention for the child to be part of the life of that congregation.

Communion? When is it celebrated? Is it okay if I take part?

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is celebrated 6x a year at the 10 a.m. service and the first Sunday of every month at the 11:30 a.m. service. All of those who have been baptized in this or any other church are welcome to participate.

At the 10 a.m. service Communion is served in the pews using trays containing individual cups. At the 11:30 a.m. service Communion, worshippers walked up to the front for the bread and wine (or juice!).

The Lord’s Supper is always a time of gracious acceptance – you don’t need to worry about “doing it wrong.”

What makes the Presbyterian Church different from other churches?

Dating back to the European Reformations of the early 1500s, the Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest denominations in Canada. We are distinctive in that all leaders are elected by the people they serve, and all decisions are made by elders and clergy working together.

We believe that both women and men are called to all ministries of the church. Theologically, the Presbyterian Church is known for placing great importance on God’s overarching love and care for the world, and being saved, made whole, by God’s gift of grace in Jesus.

Historically, Presbyterians have tended to emphasize education, mission, and a personal vocation of service in the world.

I’ve been attending Briarwood for several weeks now, and I think I might like to become a member. What should I do next?

All you need to do is mention this wish for membership to one of the elders or minister, or call the church office, 514-695-1879.

The next step will be an orientation class with the minister and other new members. The next orientation class is Sunday, Apr. 23rd from 10 - 11:30 am or from 11 am - 12:30 pm, depending on which worship service you attend. You will then be received as a member of this part of Christ’s Church by baptism, re-affirmation of faith or letter of transfer. Our next New Member's Sunday is April 30th.