Please join us for our Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7:00 pm on December 24th, at the Almonte United Church located at 106 Elgin St. in Almonte.
ALL WELCOME !
Released: December 18th, 2025
With Gratitude and Joy, We Announce Our New Minister
Rev. Heather Davies.
The Almonte United Church Council and the Search Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Heather Davies as the new minister of Almonte United Church (AUC). Rev. Davies brings more than 28 years of faithful and dedicated service as an ordained Minister within The United Church of Canada, offering a wealth of experience, deep compassion, and strong spiritual leadership.
A committed lifelong learner, Rev. Davies continues to enrich her ministry through ongoing academic and professional development. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry, with a dissertation focused on collaborative ministry within the United Church of Canada, particularly in small-town contexts. She also holds a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Arts.
Throughout her ministry, Rev. Davies has served congregations in diverse settings, including small-town, rural, and farming communities. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her passion for helping congregations discern their gifts and callings. Her ministry empowers people of all ages to participate meaningfully in the life, mission, and work of the church.
Rev. Davies brings extensive experience in Pastoral Care, a strong commitment to Social Justice, and active engagement in Truth and Reconciliation initiatives. She is also deeply committed to nurturing the faith of children and youth, ensuring they are welcomed, valued, and included as vital members of the faith community.
In addition, Rev. Davies offers strong skills in technology and social media, supporting creative, accessible, and relevant approaches to worship, communication, and community engagement.
Rev. Davies will begin her ministry with us on July 1st, 2026. Over the coming months, the Search Committee and Council will be working closely with her to develop a transition plan and orientation process to ensure a smooth and seamless start.
We look forward with gratitude and anticipation to the many gifts Rev. Davies will bring to our congregation, and to the ways God will guide and bless this new ministry together.
Sincerely,
Peter Mansfield Amanda Pulker-Mok
AUC Council Chair AUC Search
Committee Chair
You are invited to donate or lend flowers of the season in honour/memory of someone you care about to add brightness and meaning to the sanctuary. Place them on the altar steps or wherever you like with a label, indicating the special person’s name. You can lend flowers/plants for just one Sunday, a couple of weeks or the whole season; it’s up to you. The decor team will ensure the plants are watered!
The office will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday, December 24th and will reopen on Monday, January 5th at 10:00 am. For urgent requests during this time, please contact Rev. Heather at 613-619-5966.
Events of
The Advent/Christmas Season
Sunday, December 7th at 10:30 am: Advent II with the lighting of the Second Advent Candle: Peace.
Saturday, December 13th:Community Luncheon in the AUC Hall from 11:30 am – 1:00pm.
Sunday, December 14th at 10:30 am:
Our AUC Sunday School and Youth Group will lead the service and lighting of the Third Advent Candle: Joy.
Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 am: Advent IV with the lighting of the final Candle: Love.
Christmas Eve, December 24th at 7:00 pm: A celebration of Jesus’ birth with special music and candle lighting from the Christ Candle.
Sunday, December 28th at 10:30 am: An informal service in the Upper Hall with music, birthday cake, stories and fellowship.
Lanark Food Bank Stocking Drive
The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community. For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas, and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings. If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than
Tuesday December 9, 2025.
Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:
1. At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday. A huge note of appreciation to Kelly Church who again this year has graciously offered to help us with this important initiative.
2. At the Church Office on Mondays between 10 am and 2 pm, Tuesdays 10 am -2 pm and Thursdays from 10 am- 2 pm and at Sunday worship.
Examples of useful toiletries include: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, 5-blade razors, Nail file, Nail clippers, Shaving cream, After-shave lotion, Hand lotion, Moisturizing lotion, Loofa, Hairbrush, Comb, Cleansing cream/wash, Dental floss/picks, Deodorant, Liquid hand soap, Bar soap, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Q-tips, Facial mask, Sunscreen, Mouthwash, Nail polish, Nail polish remover, and perhaps a small sweet.
There will not be a luncheon in December but they will return on Tuesday, January 20th at 12:00 pm
At the end of our service, we sing ‘O Canada’. One person reported having tears in her eyes as she sang our national anthem in light of the uncertainty coming from our southern neighbour.
We’ll be singing “O Canada” at the end of worship every Sunday as our pledge to Canada: “the true North strong and free.” Our service usually ends about 11:30; plan to pause and sing along with us from wherever you are! (It might be great fun if you are with a crowd!) 🎶🎶🎶
Singing has been most enjoyable this year as we have had the benefit of a number of new members and lots of enthusiasm. Of course, as always, new members are most welcome.
This year on the Sunday before Christmas we will be doing the cantata Joy which we sang several years ago. At that time a number of folks joined us for this performance and again, this year the invitation is extended. The cantata, as its name suggests, is most joyful and a pleasure to sing. Should you be interested in joining us talk to Neil or simply show up in the Choir Room about 7:30 on Thursday night. Rehearsals are now underway.
On Sunday June 30th Rev. Heather Kinkaid will be in the pulpit. Reverend Heather has been with us before, filling in for Rev. Mary when she was on sabbatical in 2022. Rev. Heather will be our supply minister until such time that a permanent replacement for Rev. Mary has been selected. Please join us in welcoming Rev. Heather Kinkaid !
We're looking for a few more people to join the Greeter Schedule. It's an easy yet important job. Duties including greeting folks at the door as they arrive and then passing the offering plate. Please let Rev. Heather Kinkaid know if this is something you can help with once a month.
Almonte United Church is blessed to have Rev. Heather Kinkaid as our supply minister while the search begins for a new permanent minister . In addition to being very involved in many activities, Rev. Heather is serving on various committees and is available for any inquiries you may have. She can be reached at grovesprings@sympatico.ca
for emergencies, call (613) 619-5966
Sunday School has started, as well as a new Youth Group. For information, please see the Sunday Schoolpage.
Enjoy singing? No auditions, just a love for music and singing with friends. Starting in September, choir practice will be on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the church parlour. Come Join Us Then!
Annually, during the fall and spring, everyone is invited to join in a weekly discussion group to discuss a selected book. The time and day for the discussion group meetings are noted in the weekly bulletin and on this page.
Need space to host a family gathering, a concert or a meeting? AUC has a variety of spaces for rent, including a large social hall and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a sanctuary with amazing accoustics. Please see the Rentals page, call the church office or leave a message below.