Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about Christ Church Bells Corners Anglican Church, you are welcome to join us for Sunday worship.  The FAQs below are intended to familiarize you with what to expect.  More information is available on the Church website, of which this page is a part.  And if you come to CCBC and have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask someone, be it a member of the congregation (the side-people who hand out the bulletins at the entrance of the church are often helpful), our clergy, or simply a person sitting near you. 

Who can attend Sunday worship? 
Anyone can, from devout Christians to not-so-devout Christians, to members of other faiths, to people still exploring the spiritual side of their life’s journey.  Or maybe you are just looking for an opportunity to be part of a community that values kindness, love and joy.  Whether you are on the younger side or the older side, single, coupled, or raising a family, you are very welcome to come and see what we are all about.  We value diversity and do not discriminate based on ethnic origin, colour of skin or sexual orientation – God’s love includes everyone.

When should I arrive?  

We have two services on Sunday at 8am and 10am. Most people arrive a few minutes beforehand but don’t ever worry about it if you are a bit late. At the 8am service there is no music but at 10am there is always a hymn that begins the service.

Where should I go? 

At the 8am service you want to enter the chapel to the farthest north end of Old Richmond Road (there is a wood deck and staircase right beside the entrance to the cemetery). At the 10am service you walk down the stairs (or the ramp) at the back end of the building (off the parking lot). You go down through the white lychgate (it looks like a white gazebo). You are usually greeted by a sides-person who can direct you when you arrive and hand you a bulletin that helps you with the service information and also includes general news and prayer information.

When you enter the worship space just select a place that suits you.   

If you have children with you at the 8am service they are invited to stay with you in the pew.  You will find a basket of toys and books at the entrance that the children are welcome to take to their pew.

At the 10am service children are invited to attend Sunday School (but this is, of course, not necessary). There is a small toy/book area at the back area of the 10am worship service for the children who don’t go to Sunday School or for after they return.

At both services, the most important thing, is to make yourself comfortable. If you need to sit, stand, leave, come back, or whatever please don’t hesitate to do so. Your children are also welcome to move around if they need to.

What will I find in the pews? 

In both the Chapel and Foundation Hall services you will find reasonably comfortable seating (though the 10am service has cushioned chairs and the 8am service is a place with traditional pews). We will invite you to stand, if you are able, for certain portions of the service, most notably the hymns at the 10am service. You are most welcome to join in the singing, if you are so inclined.  It is also a joy to sit back and listen to the choir.  There are multiple hymn books in each pew. At the front entrance of the church there are also Welcome Packages for you to take home that can tell you more about our parish and the community.

What should I expect in the service? 

Each service runs about an hour and follows the order of service which is given to you when you enter.  The bulletin directs you to page numbers in the green prayer book you will find at your seat and, at 10am, will direct you to the hymns in various hymnbooks.

We endeavour to call your attention to times to sit or stand but you can always follow along what others are doing (or don’t follow and just sit for the service) – we still make use of some established practices, but things are not as formal as they once were.  

At 10am the children head to Sunday School before the church service starts and they return during the Offertory Hymn.

After the 10am service there is a time for refreshments at the entrance area of the Worship space. And you are very welcome to join us.        

Can I meet the priest? 

After the service, our priest, Archdeacon Monique Stone, can usually be found at back of the church and is more than happy to say hello to visitors and people who are new to the church.  Alternatively, you can contact her by e-mail at ccbc.rector@gmail.com or via the church office at 613-829-1826.

Where can I park / how can I get to CCBC? 

Christ Church Bells Corners is located at 3861 Old Richmond Road. There is plenty of parking in our parking lot but you are invited to park in the spots located behind the church building rather than those behind the residential building (Hollyer House) next door. Overflow parking is also available on the street on the school just west of the building. You can also get to CCBC on using bus routes 57, 88, 665, and 675 (octranspo.com)

What should I wear? 

During Sunday services, you will see people in a broad range of attire, from jackets and sometimes ties, or dresses and skirts, to more casual wear.  Jeans are fine.  Come as you are.

Are there provisions for physical challenges? 

CCBC has a ramp available to get in to the main 10am service. There are other accessibility features of the building to access the chape but they require some assistance from volunteers. If you would like to arrange (or discuss) accessibility features please don’t hesitate to contact the office at 613-829-1826 and we will arrange for a volunteer to be available upon your arrival.

Am I expected to make a donation? 

Expected to – definitely not.  Are donations welcome – definitely yes.  There is an Offertory portion during the service and there are visitor’s envelopes in the pews if you are so inclined.  Or there are other means of making donations listed on the website. 

Am I expected to become a member of Christ Church Bells Corners?

That will be entirely up to you.  We have congregants who have been life-long members at CCBC as well as people who choose to not declare themselves as members. You can become a regular attendee or a less frequent one – nobody takes attendance, and no one keeps score. 

Additional information about who we are and many of the activities that go on at CCBC can be found elsewhere on this website. Don’t hesitate to call our office to ask for more information about the parish (613-829-1826).