About Us
Central Lanark Pastoral Charge
We are a faith community with two congregations that currently meet in two church locations: Guthrie United Church in Clayton, Ontario and Trinity United Church in Middleville, Ontario. Both congregations have a strong sense of community; enjoy participating in joint services, getting together for meals and fellowship.
Everyone is welcome here regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, abilities both physical and mental and economic circumstance.
We are committed to strengthening faith in God through worship, the sharing of the inspired Word, and faithful teaching rooted in the historic creeds and the doctrine of the United Church of Canada. Together, we value compassionate pastoral care, ministry to those in need, and nurturing those within our community. As a rural church presence in Clayton and Middleville, we seek to transform lives and encourage Christian values through proclamation, service, and active engagement with social issues. Grounded in mission at both the local and national levels, we strive to be a visible expression of God’s love—reaching out to our communities and the wider world with faith, hope, and care for all of creation.
Guthrie United Church
2819 Tatlock Rd,
Clayton, ON K0A 1P0
Next Service
Trinity United Church
2058 County Rd 8,
Lanark, ON K0G 1K0
Next Service
United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada has a rich and progressive history of welcoming all in the name of Christ.
Formed in 1925 through the union of Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, and other Christian churches, it was one of the first major ecumenical unions in the world to bring multiple denominations together as one body.
“We are not alone,” begins A New Creed, one of our statements of belief, reflects the church’s enduring commitment to community and inclusion. The United Church of Canada has opened its doors to people of every background and orientation—honouring each person’s unique faith journey.
FAQ
Who is welcome at Central Lanark? Who can become a member or participate in church life?
The United Church of Canada teaches that Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example of unconditional love and welcoming others, crossing barriers of race, class, culture, and gender. We also respect people of other faiths, believing God’s Spirit works across different religious traditions. Everyone is welcome and able to become a member of the United Church and to participate in church life.
What does the United Church believe about faith and the bible?
The Bible is the shared standard for our faith, but members are not required to adhere to any particular creed or formulation of doctrine.
What does the United Church believe about baptism?
Baptism is a symbolic ritual using water that marks a person’s entry into the Christian community. It represents new life, cleansing, and belonging to the church. The United Church believes baptism shows God’s love and the beginning of a person’s faith journey. However, we also believe God’s love is not dependent on baptism, so people who are not baptized are not condemned. It can be done at any age and baptism performed in other Christian churches are recognized and accepted.
What does the United Church believe about communion?
Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) is a symbolic shared meal that remembers Jesus and his last supper with his disciples. We use bread and wine or juice as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood. The meal reminds believers of Jesus’ life, sacrifice, and God’s love for humanity.
The United Church practices an open table, meaning anyone who seeks to follow Jesus is welcome to participate.
What does the United Church believe about social justice?
The United Church teaches that Christians should work together to build a more just and peaceful world. Members are encouraged to partner with other churches, faith groups, and communities to help reduce poverty, stand up against injustice, and support people who are vulnerable. The church also believes that faith should inspire people to be active in society by challenging discrimination, respecting human dignity, and caring for the Earth. Working for social justice is seen as part of God’s mission to heal creation and create a world centered on peace, fairness, and reconciliation.
What is a Pastoral Charge?
A congregation is a group of people that meets for public worship, and that has been formed as a congregation of the United Church. A pastoral charge is a unit of organization that consists of one or more congregations. There are approximately 2,000 pastoral charges within the United Church of Canada, each of which has a governing body.
What is a typical service like?
While we try to include a variety of styles of music, preaching, and prayer, our services maintain a traditional format.
The order of service typically includes several congregational prayers lead by the service leader, scripture readings read by a member of the congregation and/or the service leader, congregational hymns lead by the music director, and sometimes additional readings or music.
The congregation is able to follow along with the order of service via an overhead projector, eliminating the need for paper programs and hymn books.
What should I wear?
Our goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. We do not expect anything fancy and encourage you to dress as you typically would.
Where do I park, what are the service times?
At Trinity United Church in Middleville there is a parking lot beside the church. At Guthrie United Church in Clayton there is a small space for parking beside the church and street parking available on Linn Bower Lane.
What do I do with my kids?
Children and babies are always welcome in our services. We feel they bring life and energy to our church and do not mind if they need to move or make some noise.
If we know in advance they will be attending, we can have a few activities ready to help keep them occupied so you can be more present for the service.
