Welcome to our Parish

Sometimes, walking through the doors of a new church can feel uncomfortable so we want to give you a clear idea of what to expect. Please know, you are welcome as you are and we are excited to have you at our service.

Plan Your Visit

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

Everyone is welcome! Here’s what you can expect from both churches when you come to a service on Sundays:

to be warmly welcomed as you arrive
to choose to sit wherever you are comfortable (no assigned seats, all are open)
to be invited to sing, pray, and respond in the service, as you’re comfortable
to be invited to come forward during communion as part of the congregation; if you’re a follower of Jesus, you can receive the bread and wine or if you would prefer, you can receive a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. You can also remain in your seat if you’d rather not go forward; if you have mobility issues, communion can be brought to you.

Fall 2024 - the Blessing of the Animals

When should I arrive?

Our service at Saint Paul's (Grand Harbour begins at 9:45am. At the Church of the Ascension, we begin at 11:15am. Both services are approximately one hour. We invite you to come earlier, take in our worship space and meet the congregation. For other special services and events, please check our Events Calendar

What should I wear?

Come as you are. Some people dress up, some people dress down - God knows what we look like already and He examines our hearts, not our outfits. Both churches are naturally air- conditioned by the breeze off the Bay of Fundy waters and are comfortably heated in the winter.

What about parking?

There is a large, flat parking lot at St. Paul's in front of the church for your vehicle. Please feel free to park close to the church if you have any accessibility needs.

The Church of the Ascension has some parking around the church and Covert Hall. Please leave space for vehicles between the church and hall as it is a road. If you do find the parking to be full, you are welcome to use on-street parking. Please note, the church is on a hill so if you need a drive up, please call our Reverend and he will arrange assistance.

Parking at Saint Paul's

Parking available at Church of the Ascension with more parking behind Covert Hall and on-street parking

Where are washrooms?

Both churches were built before modern plumbing but each hall directly next door has washrooms available.

What about money?

If you're our guest, there is no expectation that you will give money; those who worship here regularly give as part of their worship.

If you feel you'd like to give, there are offering plates at the back of the church or you can e-transfer using our email: anglicanparishofgm@gmail.com

Each spring, we host our 'Pilgrims', a youth group from the Fredericton area for a weekend of hiking and worship.

Are my kids welcome?

At both churches, children are not only welcome but a reason for celebration. We do not have traditional Sunday School but please feel free to grab a kids pack at the back with colouring pages, crayons and a small treat.

There is a children's story at both services and kids are invited to go to the front. If parents want to go with them, you absolutely can. If your child wants to stay back, that is perfectly okay too!

What is the service like?

A welcoming bunch!

The two services at Saint Paul's and The Church of the Ascension are the same. Both are led by Father David.

You should expect to hear singing, prayers and hear readings from the Bible. We also will take part in Communion (the bread and wine of Jesus' body and blood) together.

We are a Bible-led church. Father David has a sermon - a lesson about a passage of the Bible and we follow the Anglican Book of Alternative Prayer. The bulletin has the pages we will use in advance as well as collects (readings). If you are not sure of something, please ask a neighbouring parishioner.

We take Communion in line at the front of the church. If you would not like to participate, you do not have to or you can come up with your arms crossed for a blessing.

The Church of the Ascension has amazing architecture and much of its original design. There is a beautiful choir with director, Elsa Tate leading on piano. The church has a small but mighty congregation who are welcoming to everyone and truly excited to see you walk through the doors.

Feel free to sit at the front or the back! And don't worry about the pews being too hard - they are all cushioned.

A view of Saint Paul's from the back of the church. Come sit down for service in any of the padded pews and enjoy the message Rev. David Smith shares.

Saint Paul's church has a balcony at the back of the church which was previously used for choirs. While not used for service now (apart from the children who faithfully ring the bell), it is a sight to see.