Port Perry / Prince Albert Pastoral Charge

Port Perry/Prince Albert Pastoral Charge has been a two-point charge since 1926. Historically, our churches are of a Methodist origin. Port Perry United Church was built in 1886 and the Christian Education Wing was added in 1967. Prince Albert United Church was built in 1866. These old churches are well constructed, well kept and debt free. They are long-standing facilities which serve primarily the residents of the villages in which they are located, as well as residents of the surrounding rural area.

The Pastoral Charge is served by a ministry team consisting of a full-time minister, a half-time minister, a part-time administrator, 2 part-time organists and 2 part-time custodians. Offices for the Ministers and the Administrator are located in the Port Perry Church. The staff is strongly connected as a team, and appreciates and enjoys good and effective communication with one another. The ministers share their time between these two congregations.

The Pastoral Charge is governed by an Official Board structure. The following Official Board committees are active – Finance, Ministry and Personnel, Mission and Service, Worship, and CommunityOutreach. Within each church, the traditional structure prevails with a Board of Trustees, Session and a Committee of Stewards, who are aware of the challenges of the 21st century and are always open to new ideas and improvements.

A wide range of Programs is offered including Sunday School, U.C.W. (Women’s Ministries Network), Choir, Youth Group and Bible study. The ministry of music is very important in both churches. Talented organist/choir directors and loyal choir members lead the congregations in worship, as well as plan special musical occasions throughout the year. Port Perry Church also has a small Junior choir and a Girls Choir. Worship services are held each Sunday throughout the year in Port Perry, while Prince Albert Church is closed during July and August. Sunday School in our Port Perry church operates from September to May. During June, July and August, and on all holiday weekends throughout the year, a multi-age Sunday school class is offered at Port Perry U.C. Our Sunday School uses the “Veggie Tales” curriculum. We offer Wednesday evening worship during the month of August at 7 p.m. at our Prince Albert Church. This casual 1/2 hour service is followed by lemonade on the lawn and a time of fellowship.

The Christmas Pageant and White Gift Services are held in both churches in December. An Annual Choral Festival is presented by the Port Perry U.C. Sr. Choir each December. Our youth groups meet monthly for fun and fellowship. The Men’s Fellowship group meets weekly in Port Perry.

The U.C.W. in both churches are vibrant and enthusiastic workers. They follow the U.C.W.’s mandate and support each of their churches through joint fundraisers with the Stewards, such as, beef dinners, talent auctions, luncheons, yard sales, etc. The U.C.W. contributes to many local community projects, for example, the food bank, Christmas hampers, hospital visits, as well as to Missions.

Outreach is an important part of our churches’ mandate with a strong commitment to projects locally, nationally and internationally. Guest speakers, donations and potluck luncheons help us to achieve the financial goals.

All Programs, events and projects are successful with support from the many volunteers who give willingly of their time and talents. They have become a vital part of our churches’ endeavours. Many events are social times, which allow for fellowship among the members of the church and the community.

Our full-time minister takes an active role in the Scugog Ministerial Association. Two joint services a year are organized and well attended, namely the Good Friday Service – “Seven Stations of the Cross” – is held out-of-doors with a walk throughout the downtown part of Port Perry; and the Christian Unity Service held early in the year. These services have become a time of interdenominational fellowship and Christian unity.

Accessibility

An elevator allows full access to all 4 levels of Port Perry United Church.

Listening assistance devices are available at the back of Port Perry United Church.

Community Use of our Facilities
Our churches are home to many community groups on a “community service” basis. We are pleased to be able to offer the use of our buildings to non-profit community groups at no cost to them. These groups include: Community Kitchen, Beavers, Guides, Sparks, Brownies, Durham District School Board Alternate High School Site, AA, Alanon, and Babyville (Durham Health Unit).