Central Okanagan United Church

  We are called to be open, creative, courageous and faithful in our ministry.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 

(Matthew 6:33) 

 In common with the early churches of Paul and the other apostles, our church provides gathering space for spiritual nurture – strengthening us through encounters with Christ’s word and through opportunities for relationship-building, teamwork, comfort and service. Our church is a living organism powered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to breathe in the power of God’s love and to breathe out our response to the world around us. Our church connects us with one another and enables others to connect with us.

Unlike the early churches, we do not have to hide from the powers of the world, pursuing our faith in secret. Instead, we can declare our faith openly, not shading our lamps but shining them out to the world. As confident Christians, we seek to grow spiritually and to serve others. 

Undergirding our four areas of ministry is the opportunity each presents to nurture our spiritual growth and well-being as individual Christians and as a caring community. Our ministries: 

· Help and encourage us to live ethically, grow spiritually, love and care for others, and form trustworthy relationships

· Enable us to discern what it means to be Christ-centred as individuals and as a community

· Engage us to recognize, accept, and nurture our shared belief in God and our desire to respond to Christ’s call to service and community 

As a community of faith within the United Church of Canada, we are challenged to growth in our faith, ascribing to collaboration and inclusiveness, affirming the covenantal relationship and commitment to who we are as God’s people in faith, trust and love.

Our growth into spiritual maturity as Christians and as a church is manifested by:

· living the word we proclaim as active participants in the life of our community,

· welcoming and accepting all,

· creating a place with a sense of belonging,

· meaningfully engaging the congregation and wider community in congregational life,

· encouraging and fostering fellowship events and activities,

· inviting participation of all in every aspect of service and celebration as expressions of our faith

· developing trustworthy relationships with other faith communities

· offering faith rituals, prayers and worship that bind us to the sacred Biblical narratives and covenants that give meaning and spiritual connection to the life, actions, love and sacrificial service of Jesus Christ, who transforms the ordinary water of our lives into lifegiving fruit.

 Central Okanagan United Church is an amalgamated faith community (2021), comprised of the former congregations of First United Church (downtown Kelowna); St. Paul’s United Church (historically located in the Mission area of Kelowna); Rutland United Church; and, most recently, Westbank United Church in West Kelowna. The buildings occupied by Rutland (now the Fitzpatrick site) and First (now the Bernard site) remain the property of Central Okanagan, while St. Paul’s and Westbank bring financial resources derived from the sale of their buildings. Central Okanagan has, then, historic relationships and congregants from across Kelowna and West Kelowna. 

Amalgamation conversations in 2020 (St Paul’s, First, and Rutland) and more recently in 2023 (with Westbank) affirmed the congregation’s commitment to four key areas of Ministry: Worship, Pastoral Care, Intergenerational Ministry and Community Ministry.  Each area is a key component of Central Okanagan’s response to call. Upholding United Church of Canada values of Deep Spirituality, Daring Discipleship and Bold Justice, our newly combined congregation desires to build on strength, learn from experience and be open to Christ’s call in the community.