“Not what you expect” is what Jubilee United Church says about itself. It is also welcoming to everyone. Let’s dive into the story of this unique church.
Jubilee United Church came to be in July 2000. It was formed by merging three United Churches. These were Bethesda, Donminster, and Victoria Village. In 2004, the church celebrated the reopening of its renovated space. The space was formerly the Donminster site. The new facility has an inviting and open design.
Jubilee United Church is located in Don Mills. It is in a beautiful residential area. The church is accessible by TTC on Underhill Drive. It is also near Lawrence Avenue bus service. By car, it is east of the Don Valley Parkway. It is north of Lawrence Avenue.
The ministry style at Jubilee is relaxed and informal. The sermons offer a contemporary approach. They help people understand spirituality. They show its value in everyday life. The music includes uplifting hymns and songs. It blends traditional and contemporary styles. The church is proud of its Phoenix organ. It also values its choirs and musicians. The Music Director is a noted Jazz Musician.
Jubilee United Church aims to be welcoming. It embraces traditional churchgoers. It also welcomes those who have never been to church. There are no secret codes or special handshakes here. They are regular people sharing together.
The church extends a special welcome to all. This includes those single, married, or divorced. It includes those rich or poor. They welcome newborns and those who could lose weight. All are welcome. It does not matter if you sing well or not at all. You are welcome if you are browsing. You are welcome if you just woke up or got out of jail. The church does not care if you are religious. They do not care if you have not been to church in years.
Jubilee United Church also welcomes those over 60. They welcome teenagers. Soccer moms and hockey dads are welcome. Starving artists and tree-huggers are welcome too. They welcome vegetarians and junk-food eaters. You are welcome if you have problems or feel down. You will find friends if you dislike organized religion.
The church welcomes those with tattoos or piercings. They welcome those needing prayer. They welcome those who had religion forced on them. They welcome tourists, seekers, and doubters.
Sunday Morning Worship follows a traditional format. The format changes each week. The basic elements stay the same. There are readings from the Old and New Testaments. People stand to sing hymns. They share group prayers. There is also quiet time for personal prayers. The music comes from the “Voices United” Hymn Book. Sometimes, Baptism or Communion is celebrated. Everyone is invited to share in Communion. It is a remembrance of the Last Supper. Communion uses bread and grape juice. Gluten-free wafers are available. The service is contemporary in thought. It speaks to a modern audience. Dress is casual for most. Some wear jackets and ties. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. There is a story for children. There is also a special program for them. The children go to it after the first part of the service.
Jubilee United Church is an Affirming Congregation. This means it welcomes all people. They welcome those who want to experience God’s love. They welcome those who want to experience Jesus Christ’s ministry. This includes people of all sexual orientations. It includes all gender identities. The church cares for those marginalized for their identity. It is about wider diversity too. It includes those left out because of age or culture. It includes those with perceived disabilities. Becoming an Affirming Ministry means embracing diversity. The church does this intentionally and compassionately. They try to follow the way that Jesus did.
Jubilee strives to be an anti-racist community. They understand God calls them to lift up lives. They want to help those rejected and exploited. They want to help those told they do not belong. They lament their role in allowing racism. They commit to equity. They hope for equal opportunity and dignity for all.
The Jubilee church building is on land that has been home to Indigenous peoples. These include the Anishnaabeg and the Haudenashaunee. They include the Mississaugas of the New Credit. The church is committed to a new relationship with Indigenous peoples. They acknowledge the past that includes broken promises. It includes residential schools and systemic racism. They pray they can be home together. Jubilee has a Reconciliation Fund. It supports the Toronto Urban Native Ministry. It provides opportunities to develop better relationships. It helps people understand Indigenous history.
Jubilee United Church is more than just a church. It is a community striving for inclusivity. It is working towards justice and understanding. It is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a testament to the power of unity and love.