https://www.mwuc.org/extra-miles-senior-visiting-program daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://www.mwuc.org/mission daily 0.75 2020-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1594258750234-CL3QQY3F1UZ1SP2SSJ6J/united+church+of+can.png Mission https://www.mwuc.org/history daily 0.75 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756166835-18TI0JE2J98A3S0NUJJ9/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756331523-BN8N98XU9VSR86157WDO/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+2.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756657345-H34IO7JDKZ9NPXMKHFDJ/David%2BWatson%2B-%2BMoWest%2Bhistory1997%2Bpg%2B3.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756499198-763YXJVK1WCRYTC7CO6Z/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+4.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756499215-IITIAUY9DH6BN37B5ALV/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+5.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756499336-WYP96SHUR6IBLTCLM67D/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+6.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756499178-UEI6IKYC84MDHJK7KT8B/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+7.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756499753-WHY42UEMYQPMS622MLYJ/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+8.jpg History https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1605756500104-HHSRMENUH9UOU8KVDH6F/David+Watson+-+MoWest+history1997+pg+9.jpg History https://www.mwuc.org/get-involved daily 0.75 2024-01-19 https://www.mwuc.org/team daily 0.75 2025-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/69f5f7e4-4d86-4598-a780-d7fb38363a0c/mark-hammond-june-4-2017-2nd-resized.jpg Team - Rev Mark Hammond Minister Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/7ee1096f-795a-4cfe-a4dd-2f42a7b030e5/T.Watson.jpg Team - Tania Watson Administrative Assistant Linking people & worship together. After many years working in the corporate world in busy office environments, Tania wasn’t quite ready to jump straight into retirement. Taking on the role of Church Administrator felt like the perfect way to ease into this next chapter while still doing meaningful, community-focused work. Tania is the voice you'll hear when you call the church office and the person behind many of the day-to-day details that help keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s organizing the calendar, keeping things on track behind the scenes, or lending a hand wherever needed, she’s here to support the ministry and the wonderful people who walk through our doors. Tania brings to the position a background in administration, logistics, and customer service—experience that helps stay organized, calm under pressure, and ready to handle whatever comes her way (with a smile, and more often than not – a joke or two!). She has expressed great joy to be part of this vibrant community, and looks forward to connecting with you—by phone, email, or in person. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/389f5cfb-c877-46f7-b14d-e3dc5d576148/christopher-headshot.jpg Team - Christopher Ducasse Samantha Borgal Music Director - Choral Conductor Uniting people and spirit in music. Samantha began at Montreal West United Church as the lead soprano in 2013. She earned her Bachelor in Music Therapy degree specializing in palliative care music therapy in 2012 and then her master’s at Concordia University in 2015. She currently practices palliative care music therapy at the Jewish General Hospital where she uses music and a therapeutic relationship to help those at the end of their lives maintain their quality of life, process their journey and make meaningful moments and legacies with family and friends. In 2020, after the retirement of Robert Sigmund she began conducting the Montreal West United Church Choir and became the music director. She believes in the power of community singing, and a balance between choral competence and the use of singing for health, wellbeing & spiritual worship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/97adc5e2-0158-4d57-b660-995a742eedac/Merrie+Hammond+for+website.jpg Team - Merrie Hammond Director of the Sunday School Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/d3460b21-a648-4b99-a1ef-01b76e53985c/Roy.jpg Team - Roy Motton Creating meaningful online connections with God Kevin Laramée has always had a passion for computers, cameras and video production. In 2020 he was able to use his skills when we needed it the most - to bring us together online during a global pandemic. Kevin was able to produce high quality virtual services, including a weekly virtual choral piece, graphics and recording Rev. Mark’s sermon. When we were able to return to the church again, we knew that we had to continue offering online services to our congregation and community at large. As usual, Kevin has been there, behind the scenes, ensuring that we are able to stay together online with quality, thoughtfulness and professionalism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1594256895548-Q5UFW3ZB85IWDS2G6YQB/Tracie+Swim+.jpg Team - Tracie Swim Cooridator, Extra Miles Senior Visiting Program With more than 20 years client service and project management experience Tracie works with dedicated volunteers to help break the isolation of many seniors within the Montreal West / N.D.G. area; Organizes annual Intergenerational Day events bringing together different generations to learn a little about each other, the past, the present and the future, an occasion to have fun and make new friends.; and Participates in various committees supporting seniors and volunteers within the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/467d6415-9871-4b52-a7f8-a7a93d6b34e9/darryl-grant.jpg https://www.mwuc.org/calendar daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://www.mwuc.org/home daily 1.0 2025-09-22 https://www.mwuc.org/outreach daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599010150961-5JPKI01Q8MUE98JMPQGS/IMG-0294.jpeg Outreach At MWUC Outreach is a way of life. There are many concentric circles of extending our warmth and each one has an opportunity for you to participate and make a difference for others. The first circle is within our family – helping those who are members of our congregation who may be frail or need temporary assistance for challenges. This then extends into our community of Montreal West, NDG and neighboring areas as we support initiatives in the community like Meals on Wheels and the NDG Senior Citizen’s Council and their work. ( Note that they would be a great “link” on our web site). All activities are great fun – one that occurs annually is a Christmas Meal for those who are frail and housebound on December 25th each year. MWUC also sponsors Extra Miles Senior Visiting Program –( you can read about this program and how to become involved in another article.) We do not work in isolation but with many community friends and partners. MWUC reaches out into the greater Montreal community supporting Saint Columba House, St James Drop-in Center, L’Abri en Ville, the NDG Food Depot and the Montreal City Mission in their communities. We are always open to consider how we can help others that you might support. Globally, at the present time we support our Mission and Service partners in the United Church of Canada ,Sleeping Children Around the World and other punctual needs – in 2011 we reached out to the Haitian Community after the earthquake. Whether your passion lies in local, national or international projects or organizations there is a place for you in the Outreach work at MWUC. https://www.mwuc.org/fellowship daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599013121699-D0XZTI4U8AHESW4FSK5S/IMG-0313.jpeg Fellowship - Fellowship The Fellowship Committee provides opportunities to get to know your neighbours and to enjoy the company of others. Throughout the year we host lunches following somes of our church services, especially on Welcoming Sunday in October and before the Annual Congregational Meeting in February. Our biggest event during the year happens on the first Sunday in Advent when we organize our Fireside Dinner, young and older alike enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner, and we also accommodate special diets so no one is left out. We have also tried several fellowship events such as line dancing, square dancing and bowling. We try to have lots of fun and share many laughs. We also make it our mission to involve all generations in our events and are always grateful for youthful volunteers who bring their enthusiasm and energy! Interested in joining the Fellowship Committee or suggesting a fellowship event? Please speak to members of the Committee or contact the Chair of Fellowship, Debbe Scott, through this website. This committee is a good way to get acquainted with others, to share some enthusiasm and fun. The ability to make sandwiches and peel potatoes is optional!hatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.mwuc.org/prayer-group daily 0.75 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599014730529-46PE0KNPS7OLHN3DEEZL/prayer+candles.jpeg Prayer Group - The Prayer Group The Prayer Group of Montreal West United honour requests for prayers. Once we receive a request, prayers will be offered daily for a month by the dozen individuals who comprise our group. Each member prays in their own way at their own time focusing on the person and circumstance that is shared with us. We ask for strength and support for those facing struggles of a physical, emotional, spiritual or practical nature rather than asking for specific outcomes. For those grappling with decisions, with changes or with losses, or for those for whom death may be approaching, we can all draw upon the strength of God’s healing power. We are reminded that healing comes in many forms. Requests are kept confidential within the group. They can be made through the minister, the church office by calling 514-482-3210, or by emailing us at info@mwuc.org. May God bless us all. https://www.mwuc.org/sunday-school daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1598927108411-0UATXW1EONBW7P20XORD/sunday+school.jpg Sunday School - Sunday School Sunday School is held on Sunday mornings (with some holiday exceptions) from September to June. Children and teachers attend the first part of the worship service and leave for their Sunday School classes after the children’s story. We have classes for 3 different age groups as well as a nursery for those under 3. We use the Best of Whole People of God On-line curriculum, a lectionary-based resource. It includes weekly age-level lessons as well as worship resources for leaders. Our children in the Sunday school are listening to and enjoying the same scriptures as the adults. To learn more about our Sunday School Curriculum – visit www.wholepeopleofgod.com. When the children leave the sanctuary for Sunday School, they take one of the lit (though artificial flame) candles with them. This symbolizes that although we are absent from one another we share a spiritual bond and are not forgotten. Children are welcome here! Sunday School is an opportunity for the children to get together as part of a church community to listen to age-appropriate stories, play games and participate in arts and crafts. Some of our community projects include helping to collect food for the Food Depot, helping St. Columba House collect school supplies and participate in the annual lenten project fundraiser. Even earth’s fragile creatures get our attention – the Sunday School with our friends at the Curzon Preschool participate in a project entitled Monarchs Without Borders. With a monarch-raising kit from the Montréal Insectarium, we enjoy watching nature unfold while taking part in the Monarchs Without Borders international research and conservation program. Come And Share your Talent Our kids need you. Come tell a story, sing a song, play an instrument, share a craft. Get to know the children and let them know you. Speak with Merrie to see how you can participate the coming season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599011153894-1XAM83DDVUCMTSD9L2RQ/Sunday+School+bw.jpg Sunday School https://www.mwuc.org/music daily 0.75 2025-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/adeb2e06-f66e-412d-94f6-e3294d56b273/choir+2025.jpg Music - Music Ministry Our Music Director, Christopher Ducasse, who is the choir director, and our Lead Organist, Tanguy Verneuil, bring their gifts of music to our worship services. The choir is made up of volunteers with a professional lead for each section. The music varies from traditional to modern selections. The choir practices from October to June on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 pm as well as has a run through on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am. For information on joining the choir, contact Christopher by filling our our Get Involved form. https://www.mwuc.org/session daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599010535491-MFBAIAMH6TYJPXKLXR6J/SamanthaKevinWedding467.jpg Session - The Session The Session at Montreal West United Church is comprised of the Elders. Elders are members in good standing who have been elected to the Session by the congregation. They serve for 5 year renewable terms. In terms of Pastoral Care, Elders are assigned to a visiting district so that each individual or family on our records has an Elder to whom they may turn in addition to the Minister. Session is responsible for Communion, as well as for approving requests for Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage that take place within the Church. It is also responsible for maintaining the Rolls, i.e. the list of members and adherents in the congregation. As a body, Session may advise the Minister, the Presbytery and General Council on such matters as may be brought before it. https://www.mwuc.org/labyrinth-walks daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599016106910-VRPH4WYJAKYJU9PYUMRR/labyrinth.jpg Labyrinth Walks - Labyrinth Walks NB: COVID-19 — Labyrinth walks are now available outside on the Ballantyne side of the church. It is available 24/7. Please remain respectful of social distancing and wait for your turn if someone else is walking through. Labyrinth Walks are offered either Sunday afternoon or Tuesday evening, once per month between October and May. The Chartres Cathedral design is printed on a paper-like surface, laid on the floor in Wadsworth Hall. The room is softly lit by candles, with gentle music playing in the background. Not a maze which is like a puzzle, the Labyrinth is has a single pathway which eventually takes one to the centre, then allows you to return by re-tracing your steps back to the beginning. For most, this very ancient walking meditation is a peaceful experience at least, with the chance to arrive at more profound insights. You may walk with something on your mind or with nothing in particular. By focusing on following the path, you are put in touch with your own inner wisdom, your intuition, the collective unconscious, the spirit, or whatever you care to call it. What matters is that you are open to the thoughts, ideas, answers, or suggestions that may arrive as you walk. We ask that you walk in socks or slippers. The Labyrinth is open to first time walkers as well as seasoned ones. There is no charge. A walk can take 20 minutes, but often lasts longer depending on your pace, whether you pause in the centre or at other parts of the walk. This is an individual meditation so one finds one’s own rhythm. Information is available there or you may direct any questions in advance to this website. Labyrinths cross all cultures. All are welcome. https://www.mwuc.org/board-of-trustees daily 0.75 2025-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599017217697-RBDAUQAQ2ES5Y7MGOSO6/dove+in+flgiht.jpg Board of Trustees Board of Trustees The Trustees are responsible for all legal decisions concerning the Church property and its assets. Our Trustees work with the Property Committee on day-to-day issues, but take overall responsibility for Church upkeep and insurance. In addition, the Trustees administer the endowment funds (in our Congregation both the Memorial Fund and the Housing Allowance Fund) and disburse from these funds in accordance with guidelines approved by the Congregation from time to time. The Trustees encourage gifts and bequests to the Memorial Fund to provide for the continuing ministry of our Congregation. The Trustees are elected for 5-year terms (except the life terms of persons elected before 2000) and there are currently 8 trustees, including the Minister. https://www.mwuc.org/worship daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599018571759-SVQB2N2X776M3ZG3Y3XN/SamanthaKevinWedding524.jpg Worship - Worship The Worship Committee, led by Ms. Carolyn Cronk, includes the membership of Reverend Mark, the music director, the christian development director, the communion co-ordinator, elders and congregant members who meet regularly to help guide Reverend Mark and the music director plan upcoming services and provide feedback on past services. The christian development director keeps the committee informed on how the Sunday School children and youth plan to contribute to services, for example, performing in the Christmas pageant and participating in the Palm Sunday service while the communion co-ordinator helps find people to set-up and serve Communion. The committee recruits readers for the Sunday services, and is always accepting new volunteers. Your comments and feedback on the Worship Services are always welcome! Please speak with Carolyn at church or send an e-mail to the church office at mwucoffice@gmail.com. https://www.mwuc.org/who-we-are daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9652a727ead06f534aba4f/1599074863797-MCFHI9Y6QT8WJ2TEZH1W/thanksgiving-20181007-095231_orig.jpg Who We Are - A church. A community. Montreal West United Church is a busy and dynamic church community comprised of weekly Sunday worship, many different church ministries, passionate and welcoming congregants, an active Sunday School, spiritual and inspiring music & lots of fellowship time. https://www.mwuc.org/online-giving daily 0.75 2024-11-25 https://www.mwuc.org/newsletter daily 0.75 2025-11-25 https://www.mwuc.org/weekly-bulletin daily 0.75 2026-04-02