PURPOSE & VALUES
A Fierce Agent of Hope
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The people of Oak Bay United Church are rooted in the traditions of the United Church of Canada. We are a progressive Christian community, practicing the radically inclusive and egalitarian way of Jesus Christ. We find authority for our lives in God’s presence in Scripture, reason, human experience, and church tradition.
The leadership and gifts of all people are welcome at Oak Bay United, no matter your sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status; your age; or your questions, doubts, and wonderings.
We trust that we all have something of God to share: experiences, knowledge, questions, and beliefs. We hope that you’ll bring these things with you, enriching this community of faith. Whether it’s your first time here, or you call this church home, your presence makes a difference.
AN AFFIRMING CHURCH
As an Affirming congregation, recognized by Affirm United, Oak Bay United works for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, in the United Church of Canada, and in society.
Oak Bay United Church is a loving, evolving Christian community, and Affirming Congregation. Together, by God’s grace, we seek to:
Be transformed, and transforming,
Be diverse, inclusive, and affirming of ALL people,
Nurture faith and belonging for all ages and stages,
Find meaning and direction in a complex world,
Care for our community, locally and globally.
Your first time or your hundredth,
your presence makes a difference
Oak Bay United Church gathers every Sunday morning (in person and online) for sacred story, prayer, reflection, and programs for children and youth. Your presence matters, and every Sunday the community is shaped by your being here - the first time, and every time.
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Coast and Straits Salish peoples. Specifically, we recognize the Lekwungen people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt nations, whose relationships to these lands continue today. With humility and respect, we commit ourselves to learning about our shared history, and to finding ways to move together along the path of reconciliation.
A NEW CREED OF
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
We are not alone,
We live in God's world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God's presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.