IMPACTING PEOPLE FOR CHRIST
We’re glad you’re checking us out! Whether you’ve attended church your whole life, or never set foot in a church even once, Parkwood Gardens is a safe place to bring your doubts, questions and curiosity, regardless of your beliefs or background. We invite you to take a look and see some of our opportunities. With wonderful programs for children, youth, and adults alike, there is a place for you to get connected. When you experience our church family, you’ll find:
A casual atmosphere. Friendly faces who’ll help you find your way around. Energizing praise and worship and engaging teaching directly from the Bible Amazing children’s times (Sunday School and Friendship Clubs) and youth times (Junior and Senior High Youth Groups). You matter to God and to us!
Wondering what Parkwood Gardens is like on Sunday? We’ve assembled answers to the most common questions. Read up to learn more about PGC, and then come be a part of our worship gatherings!
How do we worship at Parkwood Gardens?
We believe true, heart-felt worship should lead to an encounter with God. Worship is not a consumer event, but something for everybody in the community to participate in.
How should I dress?
Parkwood Gardens has always been a “come as you are” church. Jeans or ties are equally welcomed.
What’s available for my kids?
We love kids here at PGC! We have an abundance of children’s programs running throughout the year designed just for them. Kids in our Children’s programs learn about God’s love for them every week in a vibrant way.
Children’s Ministry opportunities are available during Sunday worship celebrations, as well as during Tuesday night’s Friendship Clubs. You do not need to pre-register your children. Helpful staff will be available to assist you when you arrive!
Our Sunday Celebrations offer a choice of children’s programming from infant to grade eight. Kid Zone is offered during the both the 9 am and 10:45 am worship service. Children four and older remain with their parents for worship in the auditorium, and will be dismissed to their classrooms just before the sermon. Teachers will meet them in the lower level Christian Education area and take them to class. Of course, children may remain with you in the worship services if you wish. Please see below for where your child’s age group meets:
Wee Ones – Young Threes (not potty trained): PGC Nursery. Parents must sign children in and out and take a pager for security.
Preschool – Grade 5: Various classes grouped by age
Grades 6-8: Junior Youth Sunday School in the Youth Room (10:45 a.m. service only)
What if my kids get noisy during the service?
Children are always welcome in the Auditorium. Should children become restless or noisy, those three and under can be taken to the nursery and older children can go to Sunday School. Alternatively, our Lobby TV and Library TV monitors are equipped with sound so you can continue to enjoy the worship experience from there.
What’s available for my teenager?
We offer several exciting opportunities for students to engage with one another and with God here at PGC, including Sunday School for Sr. Youth at 11:15, Junior Youth (grades 6-8) and Junior Cell Groups on Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. All of these are held in the Youth Rooms. Senior d-teams meet in homes throughout the week, with large group worship, service and fun events each month as well. In addition, we offer many off-campus events like Retreats, Summer Camps, Missions Trips and Canada’s Wonderland. To find out more, check out the latest Youth Schedule.
What if I’d like to pray with someone?
We have a passion for prayer at Parkwood Gardens. There’s ministry time offered at the end of each Sunday service with a member of our prayer team. You can also submit your prayer requests in the offering plate or online.
How often do we have communion?
Who is welcome to participate?
We serve communion the first Sunday of each month. All who trust in Jesus as their personal Saviour are welcome to participate—regardless of whether you are a member, regular attender or visitor to PGC. Parents should be certain that their children have understood and received Jesus as Saviour before allowing them to participate.
Tithes & Offerings
Offerings are given as an act of worship for attendees who consider Parkwood Gardens their home. For new visitors to PGC, we want you to be blessed by the worship gathering and to give only as God inspires you.
Directions
Parkwood Gardens is wheelchair-accessible and is located on the west side of Guelph on Whitelaw Road between Paisley Road and Wellington Street (Regional Road 124). 501 Whitelaw Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1E7. Click here for a map.
Other helpful tips for your first visit:
◦·· Before the service, check out the church bulletin to see what’s going on at PGC.
◦·· Enjoy a free cup of coffee and perhaps a treat in the Lobby while making new friends between services.
◦·· Make sure to fill out a Communications Card which is located in the bulletin. This will help us get to know you, allow us to answer any questions you may have, and let you know what’s happening at PGC.
◦·· Be sure to stop by the Welcome Center after the service to sign our Guest Book, receive a special gift and have any questions that may have come up during your visit answered. The friendly volunteers can also direct you as to how you can get connected at PGC.
◦·· Spend some time walking around our building. You’ll get to meet some great people, and get a feel for what’s going on at Parkwood Gardens.
◦·· Feel free to ask as many questions as you can think of. We’re here to bless you and to help you feel at home.
How do I get connected at Parkwood Gardens?
Ushers or volunteers at the Welcome Center will be happy to assist you with this during your Sunday visit, but you can also research the following list to give you an idea of how to get connected at Parkwood Gardens.
◦·· Meet with God in worship
◦·· Check out our Welcome Center in the Lobby, filled with pamphlets about PGC’s ministry and small group offerings
◦·· Attend a small group gathering
◦·· Attend a Learning Opportunity, like Grow in God’s Word, our Wednesday night teaching opportunity to learn the Bible
◦·· Participate in various ministry opportunities
◦·· Check out upcoming events
◦·· Serve at PGC or with a missions team