WHAT TO EXPECT
Welcome to Living Stones Church! We’re excited you’re here and hope you will experience a life-transforming encounter with God. If you have any questions about our church or feedback on your time with us today, please connect with one of our welcome volunteers in the foyer. Make sure to stop by the Guest Reception Kiosk; we have a gift for you, and we can’t wait to meet you!
What time are your Sunday Services?
- On Sunday mornings we have two services: 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM, then we have another service on Sunday nights at 6 PM.
- All three services have the same music and message, but the 6 PM service is smaller and more intimate.
- Our 9:30 and 11:15 AM services are Live Streamed. Click here to watch online!
- Our services typically run for about one hour and 15 minutes.
What should I wear to church?
- There is no ‘should’ here. Wear what makes you comfortable. Come as you are – you are welcome!
What will happen when I come in the doors?
- Our friendly Welcome Volunteers will greet you and help you find your way around the building and answer any questions.
- You will see a coffee bar, where you can get a complimentary beverage, relax and visit before and after the service.
- You will see a designated Guest Kiosk for those who are new which has information about our church programs, activities and events.
What do I do with my kids?
- Your children are always welcome in the main service. However, we do have a nursery available for infants, and a dedicated Children’s Ministry, where your children can go and learn and have fun in an age-appropriate way. Head towards the washrooms and you will see “KidsTown.” You can’t miss it!
- Be sure to stop by our “Guest Reception” Kiosk; they can answer your questions and show you around!
Is there singing?
- Definitely! We love to celebrate our Saviour, Jesus. You’ll be asked to stand when the service starts, and we’ll start singing right away. You’ll notice we are exuberant in our worship: clapping, raising our hands and praising the Lord out loud.
- You’re welcome to join in when you feel comfortable. The words to all the songs are displayed on screens at the front.
- Often, during the singing portion, we invite people to come down to the front for prayer. Occasionally, we will conclude the service the same way.
What else will happen?
- After the worship time, everyone will sit down (sometimes, we greet each other and shake hands before we are seated). There will be a welcome video with some announcements about relevant programs, activities and events happening in the church or community.
- After the announcements, it’s time for the message. Usually, our Senior Pastor, Pastor Paul Vallee, is the speaker, but it may be one of the other pastors or even a guest speaker.
- Our hope and prayer for you is that you will feel at home in our service and that you will have a personal encounter with God. Our pastors and welcome volunteers are always available to answer any questions.
Am I supposed to give money?
- People who regularly attend Living Stones Church give, because they believe in the ministry and want it to thrive. They also want to follow what the Bible says about giving financially. As a guest, however, there is no expectation that you give money. Please be free to enjoy your time with us without obligation.
- Since Covid-19, we have stopped passing around an offering bag. If you wish to give, you can do so at the Information Centre (at the back of the Foyer, near the coffee bar) after the service, or you can give online.
Do I have to join the church?
- We understand that people need time to be comfortable. Someone from the church may follow up with you to ensure that you feel welcome and connected, but we do not chase people or put expectations on them. We’d love to have you make Living Stones your church home; whatever you decide, we want and are praying for God’s best for your life. Be free and be blessed!
What is Communion All About?
Communion is usually served on the second Sunday of each month and at our Good Friday service. If you are not ready to participate with us, that is ok!
During the Last Supper, Jesus served His closest friends bread and wine that symbolized Jesus giving His body and blood for our sins. “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)
Today, Christ-followers remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and examine our lives as we take part in Communion.
- Examine and Pray – First take a moment to examine yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to show you any sin in your life, and ask Jesus for His forgiveness. “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28)
- Take and Eat – Second, eat the cracker that represents the body of Christ. Remember how His body was broken for our sins. “While [the disciples] were eating, Jesus took the bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26) Prayer: “Thank you for the bread. I remember your body that was broken for me.”
- Take and Drink – Third, drink the juice that represents the blood of Christ. Remember the new covenant, or promise, that we can be free from all sin through Christ’s shed blood. “Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured our for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28) Prayer: “Thank you for the cup. I remember your blood that was shed for my forgiveness and the promise that I will live eternally with you.” Final Prayer: “Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. I am free because of you.”
Next Steps
- If you enjoy your visit here and would like to know more about LSC, we would love it if you would fill out a Connect Card. That way, we can get in touch with you and see if you have any questions or if you would like us to help you get plugged into Living Stones Church. There is no pressure – we just want to make sure no one slips through the cracks if we can help them in any way. 🙂
Our Church is not about bricks and mortar
or the sheer number of people that attend;
it is about equipping and empowering each
person to grow in their faith so they can
bring hope to others.
Paul Vallee
Senior Pastor
OUR HISTORY
The name of our church comes from a verse of scripture in 1 Peter 2:5 “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be
a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (NIV).” Once we were spiritually dead, with hearts of
stone; when we committed our lives to Christ, he caused our spirits to come alive. ‘Living Stones’ eludes to the idea of building a place in
which God can live; in other words, we are now the people in which God lives. Stones when built up together; they can be a virtually
indestructible dwelling.
You’ll notice a strong sense of belonging and working together here at Living Stones Church, and you’ll see that we are an active community
of faith, where everyone has an opportunity to contribute and make an impact. Together we seek to learn more about the Christian life and
serve each other with a passion for God and compassion for people. We need each other, we rely on each other, and we are stronger
together than on our own.
My experience at your church was really awesome! I enjoyed the singing. A lovely, welcoming community!