Faith Formation
Our Faith Formation Team at Grace offers diverse programs, which are often featured on Grace-Line, that focus on strengthening your relationship with God and inviting your participation in your own spiritual development across all ages from childhood to adulthood.
We provide opportunities to learn about our six spiritual practices of being Uplifted by GOD, Nurtured through Worship, Inspired by Scripture, Transformed through Prayer, Empowered by Spiritual Friendships & Developed through Service (UNITED).
Faith Formation believes that “belonging before belief” is essential for building trust and connection in a world that often feels disconnected and isolating. Also, the learning process involves the sharing of knowledge in different ways to support a lifelong process of discipleship that involves a connection with Jesus during your faith journey.
The Journey
To that end our Children, Youth and Yong Family Minister is introducing new innovative ways to build trust and create safe, relational spaces that foster creativity, learning and an engaging experience especially for youth and young families.
For Young People and Young Families
- “Grace Space”: A place in the sanctuary that has books and backpacks of activities for younger children to enjoy but also to be part of the worship service experience if they wish to be.
- “PrayGround”: A quieter place to enjoy the worship service on Zoom.
- “Children’s Bible time”: A chance to learn and talk about stories in the Bible from Grace members who wish to share their love for children and story time.
- “Monthly Family Drop–in on Saturdays”: Each month a dedicated team of volunteers create a new theme involving stories, activities and a scavenger hunt. We make sure there are snacks, crafts & movement times along with time for coffee and fellowship with the team and other parents.
- “Day Camp PA Experience”: To help carry the load for parents trying to find a way to support their children with stories, activities and playtime during school breaks.
For Older Youth
- “Special engagement experiences”: We recognize it is hard to find the perfect “catchy idea” or time so we have created artistic opportunities in the past or introduced intergenerational environmental or sound/media experiences where youth feel they can make a contribution and feel safe in giving back to their community of faith. It is a chance to meet older youth from other churches as well. Always open for ideas and your willingness to participate in planning and being part of youth discipleship.
For Adults
Immersion:
What does it mean to be a Christian and How will it change my life? Where do I start on that journey? All very important questions that Grace addresses in an 8-week course that talks about Christian basics, values of the United Church of Canada and how to apply your learnings to our six spiritual practices listed above.
Offered twice a year with the next session in the Spring of 2026. Here is your chance to get answers to your burning questions, share a meal with others and be led by seasoned facilitators.
Compass:
Learn about yourself and how your skills, talents and spiritual gifts can enrich your life and those around you.
Monday Graceful Discourse: (see Grace-Line for the Link)
Discuss yesterday’s worship service in a group setting or by Zoom. What spoke to you? When did you feel God’s presence?
Men’s Breakfast: An opportunity for men of the church to meet for breakfast and fellowship twice a month at a local restaurant. Time is made available to discuss and share their perspectives about different topics. Our group is open to all newcomers.
Studies:
Lenten studies: A chance to do an in-depth study of a Book of the New Testament in a group setting or on Zoom.
Devotionals: A series of reflections for the summer and the Advent season. Seeking writers who like to ponder a scripture passage?
Special Scriptural Studies: Theme based or from a historical perspective.
World Day of Prayer: Global ecumenical movement led by Chrisitan women who welcome you to join in prayer and action. Held the first Friday in March at local Burlington churches.
New offerings
“How to Pray Workshop: To deepen one’s spiritual life through conversational, meditative and structured prayer methods. Learning to use quiet time to journal, reflect on scripture, prayer-walking, prayer patterns and active listening with gratitude. This program will be held on 3 consecutive Mondays(May 25, June 1, June 8) at 7 – 8:30 PM. Please note this will be an in-person only event. Watch Grace-Line on how to sign up.
“How to Share Your Faith Workshop”: How to share your story, how to have intentional conversations, how to live authentically, ask the right questions and invest in your community.