What we believe
Anglicans are a people united by common prayer through our liturgies and music. We are part of the living communion of Christ recognizing our relationship through history and our place in its future, knowing this continuity shapes the way we live in the world. We all come from different places, and encounter God in a variety of ways. Centered on Christ, we find paths to be in healthy relationship with one another across our differences.
FAQs
What is "Anglican"?
Anglicanism is a branch of the church that originated in England 500 years ago. Though there is much diversity between Anglican churches, we all share a love of music, the sacraments, and good food. Anglicans are found all over the world, from rural villages to bustling cities, and are known for their deep sense of community and hospitality.
​
Do I need to be Anglican or Christian to attend a service / wedding / baptism / funeral?
No. All are welcome at our services.
​
Where do I park my car?
We do not have a parking lot, but there is ample street parking outside the church on Eighth Street and 34th Avenue, including designated disabled parking near to the entrance.
​
Are the two Sunday services the same?
Both services include prayer, scripture reading, a short sermon, and communion.
The 8 am service is a traditional Eucharist taken from the old fashioned prayer book, which celebrates the richness and beauty of the church’s traditional language. This is a spoken service with no choral music. Think Shakespeare with bread and wine.
The 10:30 am service is our family celebration. Our renowned choir and organists lead the sung portions of the service, and the liturgy is designed to foster rich and meaningful worship, all in everyday, jargon-free language.
​
Are there accessible ramps/pews or stairs I will need to climb?
The church has ramps, a fully functioning elevator, and designated spaces for wheelchairs in our sanctuary to ensure accessibility for all who come to worship.
​
Do I need to be baptized to take bread/wine?
No, who seek Christ in their lives are welcome to receive the bread and wine at Christ Church.
​
Where do I sit?
There is plenty of seating in our church, and you’re welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable.
​​
Do I need to RSVP to attend a Sunday service?
No RSVP required! All are welcome without exception.
​
What if I don't know anyone?
It can be difficult being in a new environment when you don’t know anyone. That’s why we seek to make you feel welcome. Our team of greeters will greet you at the door as you arrive and answer any questions you might have. After the 10:30 am service, we gather for coffee and conversation which is a great way to make introductions.
​
Do I need to give money when I attend?
There is no expectation that you give financially to the work of the church when you visit. Giving is an act of worship for those in our community, and if you want to give, simply put an offering into the plate as it comes around in the service or make a donation online through our website here.
​
Will I need to talk or sing along?
The order of service is provided so that you don’t need to worry about not being able to follow along! Whether you wish to participate fully in worship or simply to sit and let the liturgy carry you, we hope that our service helps you to connect with God.
​
Is there a dress code?
No.
​
Can I bring my kids with me?
Absolutely! At our 10:30 am service we have programs for babies, kids, and youth which are fun, engaging, and a great chance for your kids to make friends and learn about Jesus. Click here for more information.
​
Is it required that my kids attend Sunday school / are they welcome in the "adult" service?
You are more than welcome to keep your kids with you in the service if they’re feeling too shy to join the other kids.
​
Where is Sunday school and do I need to register ahead of time?
Sunday school takes place upstairs, and the welcome team will direct you there with your kids when you arrive. Our family ministries team will get your child checked in, and you can head back into the service, so you don’t need to register beforehand.
​
I am LGBTQ+, am I welcome in your church?
Unconditionally. We believe that diversity in all its forms is part of what it means to be the church, and we celebrate the unique gifts and contributions of every individual in our community.
​
I have questions about God and Christianity, who can I ask?
Our team of clergy and staff would love to talk to you about your questions. Even if we don’t have an answer, we believe no question is out of bounds. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself on a Sunday morning or to get in touch with our staff team.
Our Staff
Rector
The Reverend Brandon Witwer
Brandon has been on staff at Christ Church since 2017 and was made Rector in March 2022.​
Originally from central Alberta, Brandon grew up Roman Catholic, spent a decade with the Baptists in his teens and twenties, and found a permanent spiritual home in the Anglican Church while living in Belgium where he earned a MA in Church History at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The rootedness in tradition, the beauty of the liturgy, and the capacity for intellectual engagement with faith that are natural to the Anglican tradition drew him to pursue ordination and study for a M.Div. at Wycliffe College in Toronto.​
Brandon is passionate about spiritual formation (his BA from Rocky Mountain College is in Christian Spirituality). His call is to equip people to live into the fullness of life God has for them through a life of service rooted in communion with God.
Organist
John Bouz
John's bio coming soon
Our Wardens
Ceremonies
Baptism
Christ Church welcomes inquiries about baptism from anyone who seeks Christ in their life.
We welcome people - from infant to adult - into the Body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism celebrated in the name of The Holy Trinity.
All who desire baptism are welcome to find it here.
Confession
The rite of confession can be a powerful healing experience for all who seek forgiveness and peace. The 'reconciliation of a penitent' is a private and confidential practice which our clergy offer to any who want to confess and receive absolution.
Contact our clergy for more information.
Marriage
Christ Church welcomes requests for Christian marriage from any baptized person. Membership in the parish is not a requirement.
​
All weddings at Christ Church are part of our worship as a community. They follow the Anglican service for the blessing of marriage and are performed exclusively by our own clergy.
​
Marriage preparation is a
requirement for marriage in any Anglican Church in Canada.
​
We lament that at this time, due to diocesan policy, we are not able to offer same sex weddings. We pray for the day when we can celebrate equal marriage in our church.
Funerals
We are honoured to assist anyone at the time of a death of a loved one, regardless of their background.
​
You do not need to be a member of the church.
If you seek a memorial, communion, or burial rite in the Anglican tradition, we are willing and able to help.