OUR MISSION

The Call and Purpose of Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, Banff/Canmore, is

  • to nurture the spiritual exploration and growth of all our members and adherents;
  • to be an intentionally inviting Christian community that seeks, welcomes and embraces new members;
  • to reach out and become an agent for social justice in our neighbourhoods and in the global community.

Our Affirming Ministry statement:

As a community of faith on traditional Indigenous lands,

  • We strive to follow Christ’s example in reaching out in love and friendship to all.
  • We are committed to full inclusion of people, of any age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, or personal circumstance, in all aspects of our life together.
  • We are called, in and with the larger community, to grow in faith through study, prayer, and service; to make known God’s gracious presence; and to show loving concern to all Creation.

Ralph Connor Memorial United Church hosts:

Sunday services at 10:00 AM, year-round.
most Sundays are at Ralph Connor, Canmore, just west of the NWMP Barracks in Canmore;
some Sundays are at Rundle Memorial United in Banff, at the south end of Banff Avenue.
Check our home page for details about this week’s service location.
The Sunday Service is recorded and is available via our YouTube page.

“Evensong” contemplative service at 7:15 PM on Wednesdays, from fall to spring.  We alternate between in-person and “Zoom” virtual gatherings on Wednesdays, check the home page of ralphconnor.ca for dates

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Please note that we intend for our buildings in Banff and Canmore
to be regarded as safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, at all times.

ABOUT THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

The United Church of Canada is a progressive Christian denomination, formed in 1925 by a merger of:

  • all Methodist congregations in Canada (Rundle Memorial, Banff was a Methodist congregation);
  • all Congregationalist congregations in Canada;
  • two-thirds of the Presbyterian congregations in Canada (Ralph Connor, Canmore was a Presbyterian congregation);
  • “local Union” congregations;
  • First Nation Mission congregations;
  • numerous outreach ministries (e.g., prairie missions to Eastern European settlers).

Since 1925, a number of discussions have been held regarding further unions, and in 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren joined the United Church of Canada. The United Church remains the largest protestant denomination in Canada.

We are actively involved with international Mission partners, responding to their requests for resources and support as they engage their local contexts with the Christian message of love and justice.

Over the years our denomination has published a number of resources to help us voice our beliefs. Two writings you may find helpful are our Creed (1968, revised) and A Song of Faith (2006).

The United Church of Canada’s website is also a good reference point.