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ABOUT US
Tobermory United is characterized by a wide and broad-ranging ministry. Our church walls are porous, with community formed and flowing in and out in many ways, shapes and forms. Our ministers have been and are seen as a vital presence in the community.
We pride ourselves on dynamic, creative and vital worship and as a hub and sanctuary among the forests, waters and ancient rock in this sacred place. Though not officially Affirming, we take seriously the honouring of 2SLGBTQ+ rights and experience and warmly welcome all who cross our paths. Sunday worship is often a glorious mix of long-term residents, cottagers and tourists, and that’s the way we like it.
OUR TEAM
REV. Dr. SHERYL SPENCER
Rev. Sheryl Spencer began her call with Tobermory United in November of 2022 after almost a decade of serving Mount Forest-Woodland Pastoral Charge. She is delighted to now be living and working on the Saugeen Peninsula, where she has hiked, camped, vacationed and found retreat space for over thirty years. Sheryl believes that her call here is not only to minister to the people she serves, but to uphold the sacredness of this unique part of the planet.
A graduate of Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto, Sheryl has recently graduated from the Doctor of Ministry program with a focus on Creative Writing and Public Theology with the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Watch for her column, “Stopped in Awe” in the Bruce Peninsula Press!
She is known for creative worship leadership, and there are often surprises to be had when you walk into the sanctuary! Also, you might find the sanctuary outside, or at a park, or at the shore… She has created several walking-worship experiences which acknowledge historical, spiritual and religious aspects of a particular place.
Sheryl is the mother of three adult children, the lights of her life, and also a new grandmother! She is honoured and humbled to now be living and working on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and pledges to learn more and more,
that she might bear witness to the unfolding of history in a good way on the peninsula.
Rev. Sheryl warmly welcomes you to share in worship at Tobermory United or to be in touch by phone or e-mail or just saying hi at the grocery store!
ELAINE WHITE, MUSIC DIRECTOR
NICOLE BOORSE, OFFICE ADMIN
WORSHIP SERVICE
Worship services are at 10:30 on Sunday mornings, but the coffee’s ready at 10! Many who attend worship come early for a time of visiting before the service begins. Our services are a mix of prayers, music, teaching and dialogue. Sometimes the sermon will be replaced by a story; sometimes it might be an interview; or sometimes an open-ended conversation. Mostly we’re inside, but sometimes we’re outside, as the labyrinth outside our sanctuary is an excellent place to gather among the trees. The Tobermory United sanctuary was built as a labour of love in 2004, using local cedar and incorporating the spectacular view of forest and sky through massive windows as part of the worship space. A series of altar decorations commissioned by local fabric artist Jo Lane expresses not only the beauty of the liturgical seasons, but our commitment to ministry in this sacred place. Wear whatever you like for worship, as we have said for a long time, “Come as you are; come as you can.”
Special services throughout the year include Chi-cheemaun Sunday in the middle of June (a joint service with all Tobermory churches); Remembrance Sunday (also celebrated with the other churches and RCL Branch 290, Tobermory); Pride Sunday, held the last Sunday in June; and, of course, we relish the usual celebrations of the church liturgical year - Advent, Christmas, Lent, etc.
We love weddings, and believe that marriage is a sacred union between two loving souls, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Please be in touch with our minister, if you are interested in being married through Tobermory United Church.
OUR BUILDING
Tobermory United Church is an accessible, contemporary space designed with worship and community events in mind. Unlike older churches, Tobermory United was designed to be part of and reflective of the landscape around it. Huge clear windows allow the neighbouring trees to bear witness to the events within, and sometimes a sunbeam will temporarily fall upon the pulpit in the midst of a sermon. Lined with local cedar and featuring stained-glass images of local flora and fauna, Tobermory United Church is the kind of place where one might breathe deeply and feel at home. Built with partnership in mind, the worship space is shared with the congregation of St. Thomas the Apostle Mission, and many community groups – drumming circle, Bridge, Tai Chi, yoga, the Muses poetry group – gather in the gathering space throughout the week.
The space at Tobermory United is available for community events, weddings, funerals, etc. Please contact us for more information.
OUR ROOTS
1881
Tobermory United Church had its beginnings in 1881 as part of the Methodist Church of Canada, served from the Lion’s Head Mission.
1884
The Tobermory Mission of the Methodist Church was formed as a two-point charge
1886
The original Harbour Church was built.
1888
The Settlement Church was built, located five kilometres south of the village, in what was then a farming region.
1925
1925 was an important year for the Harbour and Settlement churches, as both churches relinquished their ties to the Methodist church and joined the United Church of Canada.
1925
1925 was an important year for the Harbour and Settlement churches, as both churches relinquished their ties to the Methodist church and joined the United Church of Canada.
1991
In 1991, The Settlement and Harbour churches combined to make Tobermory United Church (TUC), a one-point charge, with services at the Harbour church. The Settlement church has become the Tobermory Thrift Shop, serving as a valuable social function in the community and also a major source of funding for the church.
Over The Years
The Harbour church was modified as necessary, but by the late 1990s, it was clear that the structure could no longer meet the current and future needs of the congregation. A planning committee recommended that a new structure be built.
It was estimated that $150,000 in excess of the building fund assets would be required; this led to the formation of a fundraising committee, whose efforts were strongly supported in the community, including the congregation and leaders of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.
2004
The official opening of the new (debt-free) building was held in November 2004 and is celebrated every ten years. The new building is a beautiful open-design structure clad on the inside with local cedar and featuring huge clear windows which allow the surrounding trees and sky to be part of the sanctuary. The building is beloved in the community and accessible to all.
The Book: Harbours of Faith
A History of the Tobermory Pastoral Charge, covering the years 1882 to 1986, was lovingly compiled with Lloyd Adams as its editor. This document provides fascinating details on the history of the church and has also captured the life of Tobermory with early historical photographs. Copies are available for loan at the Tobermory Public Library and at Tobermory United Church.
Tobermory United Church continues to thrive because of the vision, faith and commitment of its forebears here at the tip of the peninsula.
Thrift Shop
The Tobermory Thrift Shop, located at 7101 Highway 6 (just on the outskirts of town), is an initiative of Tobermory United Church. The Thrift Shop opens its doors for donations Victoria Day weekend and remains open until early September. Volunteers from the church and community lend their time and energy to make it not only a successful operation, but a win-win-win situation for all involved.
The goal of the Thrift Shop is not only to raise funds for the church and community projects like the Community Outreach Fund, but to promote recycling items such as clothing, household dishes, books, tools, etc. Items that are donated are sold at a very reasonable price and taken to new homes and given new life. For those in need, items are given free of charge.
