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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). |
