Maybe you’re new to town, have been away from church for a while but feeling a desire for community, or maybe you’re just beginning your journey of faith. Whatever your reasons, if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. let us offer you a huge welcome!
We know you’ll maybe have some questions, and hopefully these will answer some of those for you.
What time do you meet? How long is the service?
We meet at 10:30 for coffee and fellowship, and our service begins promptly at 11:00 am each Sunday. Most people aim to arrive between 10:30 and 10:55.
We would encourage you to arrive in plenty of time, so we have the opportunity to say hi, introduce you to our team, and answer any questions you may have, but there is no pressure — even some of our regulars sneak in after 11:00 and keep a low profile.
We aim to wrap up the main part of our service between 12:15 and 12:30, and people are free head home as soon as we finish. However, we always serve lunch, and most of us eat together, and you are more than welcome to stay and eat with us, if you would like.
We would encourage you to arrive in plenty of time, so we have the opportunity to say hi, introduce you to our team, and answer any questions you may have, but there is no pressure — even some of our regulars sneak in after 11:00 and keep a low profile.
We aim to wrap up the main part of our service between 12:15 and 12:30, and people are free head home as soon as we finish. However, we always serve lunch, and most of us eat together, and you are more than welcome to stay and eat with us, if you would like.
Where do you meet?
We are a small home church, and currently meet in the home of our chaplain. We meet at 10703 Kruger Street, in the Thompson subdivision of Hudson’s Hope. If you are driving away from town along Canyon Drive (towards the dump/Berry Prairie/WAC Bennet Dam), Kruger Street is your first street on the right.
We are the first house on your left, just past the workshop on the corner.
We have flags at the end of our drive with service times.
You can find us at “riverfront.monitored.walnut” using WhatThreeWords, or find us using Google Maps. If you still struggle to find us, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We are the first house on your left, just past the workshop on the corner.
We have flags at the end of our drive with service times.
You can find us at “riverfront.monitored.walnut” using WhatThreeWords, or find us using Google Maps. If you still struggle to find us, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What does an average service look like?
Our service begins at around 10:30 with an informal time of fellowship, including tea, coffee, and refreshments, an opportunity to chat and catch up, a chance to ask questions, and space for people to prepare their hearts foe worship. People tend to make their way in at any time between 10:30 and 11:00, and it’s definitely pretty laid back during this time.
Our service proper begins at 11:00 am, and usually lasts between an hour, and an hour and a half.
We usually begin with a short opening prayer, and then sing songs of worship together. Songs are a mix of traditional hymns, classic chorus’, and modern worship songs. We either use pre-recorded worship song on YouTube, or sometimes sing together, led by live musicians, or even sing a capella.
We then pray together, including an opportunity to share specific prayer requests, or give thanks for praise reports.
We will then study the Bible together. We usually work through a book of the Bible over a period of several weeks, or months — we’re currently studying the Gospel of John — with teaching led either by our Chaplain, another experienced member of our body, or a guest teacher. We sometimes step outside of our regular teaching scheduled for special events, one off celebrations, or to address specific topics.
We close by sharing communion, and then share a meal together. All are welcome to stay and eat with us, though we understand if you have other commitments, and need to step away before this.
Our service proper begins at 11:00 am, and usually lasts between an hour, and an hour and a half.
We usually begin with a short opening prayer, and then sing songs of worship together. Songs are a mix of traditional hymns, classic chorus’, and modern worship songs. We either use pre-recorded worship song on YouTube, or sometimes sing together, led by live musicians, or even sing a capella.
We then pray together, including an opportunity to share specific prayer requests, or give thanks for praise reports.
We will then study the Bible together. We usually work through a book of the Bible over a period of several weeks, or months — we’re currently studying the Gospel of John — with teaching led either by our Chaplain, another experienced member of our body, or a guest teacher. We sometimes step outside of our regular teaching scheduled for special events, one off celebrations, or to address specific topics.
We close by sharing communion, and then share a meal together. All are welcome to stay and eat with us, though we understand if you have other commitments, and need to step away before this.
Will I be expected to participate? Am I going to be asked to pray / sing / read / share etc?
Not at all. You are always welcome to join in and participate if you are comfortable doing so, but no-one will ever be asked to participate specifically, and you won’t be judged if you choose not to join in with any part of the service.
During worship, we always ensure words are displayed on screen so you can follow along, but there is also no exception to sing along, and you’re welcome just to sit back, listen to the music, and reflect on what is being sung. Some people sit throughout, others stand, or even kneel or lay down. Just do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, and best helps you engage in worship.
When we pray, you are welcome to join in, or just sit back and listen. You don’t need to close your eyes, put your hands together, or bow your head — some do, others don’t, and it’s fine either way.
When we read the Bible together, there may sometimes be an open request for someone to read the verse, but no-one will ever be specifically asked to do so without warning, and our leader is always ready to read the scripture if no-one else feels like they want to. There may be opportunities to ask questions, or have discussion as part of our teaching, but again, you’re always welcome to just sit back and listen.
We’re a friendly bunch, and would love to get to know you. But of course, you’re always welcome to sneak out quietly towards the end of the service, or ask for a bit more space if we’re a bit too friendly at first! We definitely won’t be offended at all.
During worship, we always ensure words are displayed on screen so you can follow along, but there is also no exception to sing along, and you’re welcome just to sit back, listen to the music, and reflect on what is being sung. Some people sit throughout, others stand, or even kneel or lay down. Just do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, and best helps you engage in worship.
When we pray, you are welcome to join in, or just sit back and listen. You don’t need to close your eyes, put your hands together, or bow your head — some do, others don’t, and it’s fine either way.
When we read the Bible together, there may sometimes be an open request for someone to read the verse, but no-one will ever be specifically asked to do so without warning, and our leader is always ready to read the scripture if no-one else feels like they want to. There may be opportunities to ask questions, or have discussion as part of our teaching, but again, you’re always welcome to just sit back and listen.
We’re a friendly bunch, and would love to get to know you. But of course, you’re always welcome to sneak out quietly towards the end of the service, or ask for a bit more space if we’re a bit too friendly at first! We definitely won’t be offended at all.
Can I participate in communion? What if I am not baptized/part of another church/denomination/don’t regularly attend church etc.
At Hudson’s Hope Chapel, we believe communion (sometimes called Holy Communion/The Eucharist/Lords Supper etc.) is a symbolic memorial and ordinance. It was instituted by Jesus himself, and Christians are instructed and encouraged to “do this in remembrance of me” when they gather.
For this reason, we operate an open table during communion, where each person should decide for themselves if they wish to participate.
We believe that communion represents a visible, and public celebration of the gospel, reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, and sign of our christian unity. We welcome all genuine and sincere Christians, who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour, and who affirm the core tenants of the Christian faith to join us in communion, regardless of their background, church or denominational affiliation, baptism status, or other differences.
We would, on the other hand, suggest that it would be better for people who have not yet made a profession of faith in christ, or who are uncertain about their religious beliefs, to allow it to pass by without participating, but if you’re visiting us, no-one is going to question you over this.
Because we hold that communion is an ordinance, not a sacrament, we do not believe that participation inherently imparts any grace, merit, or favour. We instead recognize that it is a symbolic representation of a greater truth, and sign of an internal realty.
We also hold that, as a purely symbolic and representative act, the nature of the bread and wine (or juice) are entirely unchanged throughout the process, and so do not become the body or blood of Christ in any natural, literal, supernatural, or metaphysical sense. We realize this is probably a little bit technical, and if you’re totally new to church, this will possibly be over your head — that’s totally okay, feel free to ask questions if you’d like — but if you’re joining us as a visitor, and are usually part of another church or christian tradition, these facts may influence your decision to participate or not.
If you are at all uncertain, it may be easier simply to sit back and observe. No-one will ever judge you if you simply let the bread and juice pass you by, and we’d be more than happy to talk to you more about it later, if you’re unsure.
For this reason, we operate an open table during communion, where each person should decide for themselves if they wish to participate.
We believe that communion represents a visible, and public celebration of the gospel, reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, and sign of our christian unity. We welcome all genuine and sincere Christians, who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour, and who affirm the core tenants of the Christian faith to join us in communion, regardless of their background, church or denominational affiliation, baptism status, or other differences.
We would, on the other hand, suggest that it would be better for people who have not yet made a profession of faith in christ, or who are uncertain about their religious beliefs, to allow it to pass by without participating, but if you’re visiting us, no-one is going to question you over this.
Because we hold that communion is an ordinance, not a sacrament, we do not believe that participation inherently imparts any grace, merit, or favour. We instead recognize that it is a symbolic representation of a greater truth, and sign of an internal realty.
We also hold that, as a purely symbolic and representative act, the nature of the bread and wine (or juice) are entirely unchanged throughout the process, and so do not become the body or blood of Christ in any natural, literal, supernatural, or metaphysical sense. We realize this is probably a little bit technical, and if you’re totally new to church, this will possibly be over your head — that’s totally okay, feel free to ask questions if you’d like — but if you’re joining us as a visitor, and are usually part of another church or christian tradition, these facts may influence your decision to participate or not.
If you are at all uncertain, it may be easier simply to sit back and observe. No-one will ever judge you if you simply let the bread and juice pass you by, and we’d be more than happy to talk to you more about it later, if you’re unsure.
What should I wear?
One of our guiding principles is always “come as you are”.
Some people do choose to dress up, and that is totally fine, but many of us keep things informal. We meet in the home of our Chaplain, not a traditional church building, and while we certainly never want to be irreverent or distracting to others, we also recognize that scripture is pretty clear on such matters — “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7).
Some people do choose to dress up, and that is totally fine, but many of us keep things informal. We meet in the home of our Chaplain, not a traditional church building, and while we certainly never want to be irreverent or distracting to others, we also recognize that scripture is pretty clear on such matters — “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7).
How is a “Home Chapel” different from a “Church”?
In many ways, if you’re used to a broadly evangelical and protestant form of “church”, our gathering is going to feel pretty familiar to you.
We still sing songs, pray, read from the scripture, and hear teaching about what we have read, as well as sharing communion. We believe in orderly worship, and work hard to ensure our gatherings allow people to worship sincerely, teach faithfully, fellowship authentically, and love God and honour others tangibly. We are respectful of the diversity within the Christian tradition, but our gatherings fit firmly within what would be typical within conservative, historic, protestant Christianity, within the reformed, baptist, and evangelical streams.
At the same time, we have some clear distinctives that ensure you’ll still feel welcome and comfortable, even if you’ve never attended church before, or have had negative experiences in traditional church settings.
We meet in a home, not a typical church building. We sit on couches and comfy chairs, not pews or chairs-in-rows. It’s a small difference, but a significant one — it’s the difference between attending a lecture, and engaging in a conversation with a trusted friend.
We try to keep things intentionally small, and a so things tend to feel a little more personal, and intimate. We have space for questions, and interaction.
Because we’re small, it’s easier for us to recognize who is with us, and tailor the teaching accordingly — because it’s possible to know everyone in our small gatherings a little better, we can ensure our teaching is always accessible and relevant to those in attendance, whatever stage of their journey they are on.
We create unique opportunities for people to engage and connect with what is happening.
But we also try to ensure that’s not intimidating. The home we meet in has a large, open plan feel. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to take a seat at the dining room table, pull up a stool at breakfast bar, or find a quiet corner in our games nook, where you can listen and observe while keeping a little space. In the summer, you’re welcome to open the door, and sit on our deck, listening to that is being shared while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come in late, leave early, linger after lunch for conversation and fellowship, or dip your toes in and get to know us just joining us for a meal, you’re always going to find a warm welcome here.
Because we meet in a home, not a large, formal, building, we are confident that, whatever your past experience with church may have been, this is going to feel very different, and hope you’re going to be much more comfortable here with us.
We still sing songs, pray, read from the scripture, and hear teaching about what we have read, as well as sharing communion. We believe in orderly worship, and work hard to ensure our gatherings allow people to worship sincerely, teach faithfully, fellowship authentically, and love God and honour others tangibly. We are respectful of the diversity within the Christian tradition, but our gatherings fit firmly within what would be typical within conservative, historic, protestant Christianity, within the reformed, baptist, and evangelical streams.
At the same time, we have some clear distinctives that ensure you’ll still feel welcome and comfortable, even if you’ve never attended church before, or have had negative experiences in traditional church settings.
We meet in a home, not a typical church building. We sit on couches and comfy chairs, not pews or chairs-in-rows. It’s a small difference, but a significant one — it’s the difference between attending a lecture, and engaging in a conversation with a trusted friend.
We try to keep things intentionally small, and a so things tend to feel a little more personal, and intimate. We have space for questions, and interaction.
Because we’re small, it’s easier for us to recognize who is with us, and tailor the teaching accordingly — because it’s possible to know everyone in our small gatherings a little better, we can ensure our teaching is always accessible and relevant to those in attendance, whatever stage of their journey they are on.
We create unique opportunities for people to engage and connect with what is happening.
But we also try to ensure that’s not intimidating. The home we meet in has a large, open plan feel. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to take a seat at the dining room table, pull up a stool at breakfast bar, or find a quiet corner in our games nook, where you can listen and observe while keeping a little space. In the summer, you’re welcome to open the door, and sit on our deck, listening to that is being shared while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come in late, leave early, linger after lunch for conversation and fellowship, or dip your toes in and get to know us just joining us for a meal, you’re always going to find a warm welcome here.
Because we meet in a home, not a large, formal, building, we are confident that, whatever your past experience with church may have been, this is going to feel very different, and hope you’re going to be much more comfortable here with us.
What is available for children?
In the Bible, families are often seen worshipping together. Therefore, your children are always welcome to remain with you throughout the gathering. Children’s activity sheets, and sermon pages are always available to help your young ones follow along with the message, and you are always welcome to help them engage more fully, by answering their questions, or pointing them in the right direction. You know your kids best, and are often going to be the ones best equipped to get the most out of the gathering.
However, we also understand that some children are going to be best served by receiving specific, age appropriate teaching and activities, or that you may need the opportunity to engage in worship and study the scriptures without the distractions that sometimes come with being a parent.
For this reason, Children’s Church is always available (on request), with teaching and activities tailored to elementary aged children. Our children’s church is overseen by Ruth Hughes-Bunger, a qualified teacher with 20 years classroom experience, decades of children’s ministry experience, including a time as a full-time Children’s and Family Worker. Ruth has a clean and current RCMP vulnerable sector check, as well as an extended International Criminal Records check from the UK. Ruth runs Children’s Church out of a dedicated craft and activity room in our home (“The Pink Room”), and is assisted by experienced volunteers. You are always welcome to join your children as they get settled, and check in on them at any time.
But know, you will never be pressured to hand over your children if you would prefer to keep them with you.
However, we also understand that some children are going to be best served by receiving specific, age appropriate teaching and activities, or that you may need the opportunity to engage in worship and study the scriptures without the distractions that sometimes come with being a parent.
For this reason, Children’s Church is always available (on request), with teaching and activities tailored to elementary aged children. Our children’s church is overseen by Ruth Hughes-Bunger, a qualified teacher with 20 years classroom experience, decades of children’s ministry experience, including a time as a full-time Children’s and Family Worker. Ruth has a clean and current RCMP vulnerable sector check, as well as an extended International Criminal Records check from the UK. Ruth runs Children’s Church out of a dedicated craft and activity room in our home (“The Pink Room”), and is assisted by experienced volunteers. You are always welcome to join your children as they get settled, and check in on them at any time.
But know, you will never be pressured to hand over your children if you would prefer to keep them with you.
Where should I park? Are you wheelchair accessible?
Because we meet in a home, parking is limited. The home where we meet has a drive with space for around 4 vehicles — though if you need to leave early, and the drive is full, it may take some cooperation and maneuvering to get your vehicle out.
There is also have a large back yard, with plenty of space for a further 6+ vehicles, without blocking anyone in — weather permitting.
If you are parking at the back, access is available by taking the unmarked road off Canyon Drive, between the workshop and the Foothills RV Park. The yard is immediately next door to the shop parking lot, located between the chain link fences. There is a narrow path that leads by the side of the house to our front door.
However, many also choose to park on the road along Kruger Street. If you park on the road, please be respectful of our neighbours, and do not to block any drives, or limit access to the street.
We are a fairly short walk from the main part of town (albeit uphill), and if you would like to carpool, please contact us, and we will try our best to arrange a ride for you — we should be able to collect people from the main residential areas of Hudson’s Hope and may be able to offer people a ride from areas further afield, depending on your location, and who will be joining us that week.
Access to the house is via a deck with two steps. A portable wheelchair ramp can be set up and we are happy to help anyone with mobility issues get into the building. Please contact us if you will require assistance, and we will ensure that accessible parking with easy access to the house is available.
There is also have a large back yard, with plenty of space for a further 6+ vehicles, without blocking anyone in — weather permitting.
If you are parking at the back, access is available by taking the unmarked road off Canyon Drive, between the workshop and the Foothills RV Park. The yard is immediately next door to the shop parking lot, located between the chain link fences. There is a narrow path that leads by the side of the house to our front door.
However, many also choose to park on the road along Kruger Street. If you park on the road, please be respectful of our neighbours, and do not to block any drives, or limit access to the street.
We are a fairly short walk from the main part of town (albeit uphill), and if you would like to carpool, please contact us, and we will try our best to arrange a ride for you — we should be able to collect people from the main residential areas of Hudson’s Hope and may be able to offer people a ride from areas further afield, depending on your location, and who will be joining us that week.
Access to the house is via a deck with two steps. A portable wheelchair ramp can be set up and we are happy to help anyone with mobility issues get into the building. Please contact us if you will require assistance, and we will ensure that accessible parking with easy access to the house is available.