MacNeill is a Baptist Church, which means

      • we uphold Biblical authority through a practice of critical study,
      • we stand for the autonomy of the local church,
      • we uphold the priesthood of all believers,
      • we acknowledge two ordinances (Baptism and Communion) amongst a longer list of sacraments,
      • we defend individual soul liberty,
      • we admit baptized resolute seekers into membership,
      • we recognize two offices (pastor and deacon) in our leadership, and
      • we uphold the separation of church and state.

MacNeill is also a welcoming and affirming community, which means there are no barriers to membership, sacrament and leadership by people across the spectrums of human ‘identity’ and ‘orientation’.

 

 

A Welcoming and Affirming Community​

MacNeill has been active in Westdale since 1930. Deep in our heart and history is a concern for the Westdale community, and ministry with students.

Many of us are involved in organizations and endeavours which seek peace and justice and which demonstrate concern for the environment and our diverse community.

We recognize that the religious experience of each member of our congregation enriches the life of the whole. We welcome open discussion of ideas, and encourage each person to take part fully in the life of the congregation.

MacNeill is a spiritual anchor and an inspiration for our daily work and witness. We are committed to our autonomy as an open, inclusive church welcoming and affirming all who wish to follow Jesus Christ.

Worship

Our Sunday morning worship consists of a unique form of shared ministry. We have a number of our congregation who are willing and able to preach and they share their talents with us.

We also have lay persons who act as worship leaders, leading prayers and making announcements.

Our Coordinator of Worship and Pastoral Care, Susan St John, organizes the worship leaders and preachers for any given Sunday.

Our preachers (pictured below) include Susan St John (M.Div.), Paula Papky (B.A., B.Ed, M.Div), Bob Bond (B.Sc., M.Div., Specialist in Pastoral Care C.A.S.C) and Jennifer Nettleton (B.A, M.A). They help to ensure a tremendous variety in our weekly worship!!

Pastoral Care

In September, 2013, the Deacons put in place a team of people to look after the pastoral care needs of MacNeill’s congregants. The Deacons Board unanimously endorsed this team approach, and agreed that, as with the Worship/Preaching team, the Pastoral Care team now reflects the shared ministry model MacNeill has adopted since 2010.

Our Coordinator of Worship and Pastoral Care is Susan St John.

In addition to Susan, our Pastoral Care Team (pictured below) include  Olga Jenkins, Heather Hobbs, Feli Toledo,  Bruce Papky, and Beverly Woods.

Music at MacNeill

Martin Luther said that music “is an endowment and a gift of God.  I place it next to theology and give it the highest praise.”

At MacNeill, we strive to make music and integral part of our worship in a meaningful, appropriate and joyful manner. Our music program, led by Monica Admiral, is provided by a dynamic group of singers and instrumentalists whose talents allow for great flexibility in the presentation of a variety of music. These include the Choir, the Band, and various solo and small groups who perform on an occasional basis.

Our style would be described as “traditional” but perhaps “traditionally eclectic” might be more accurate, delving into many sounds from throughout the long and rich history of Christian music.

Our repertoire includes Shaker tunes, a Mozart Kyrie, American folk hymns, anthems by John Rutter and Edward Elgar, psalms from the Genevan Psalter, gospel songs, contemporary anthems, Tudor anthems, music from the Iona and Taize communities and more.

We are always looking for eager musicians to join us.

Peace

Peace is a major interest in the ministry and church life of MacNeill.  As a member congregation of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, we seek to deal with diversity within the congregation through acceptance, tolerance, listening and respect for one another so that when there is a difference, there is not destructive behaviour, but it is resolved through Christian love.

Women of MacNeill

The primary purpose of this friendly group, which is open to all women of MacNeill, is to support foreign and home missions through givings and practical work. Monthly meetings, which are held on Saturday afternoons, except for the June Pot-Luck Supper, allow opportunities for Bible study, hearing invited speakers, or watching CBM Videos on Baptist work. We always include time for refreshments and socializing. Come join us!

Our annual givings in recent years to CBWOQ have reached a little over $3750 with amounts designated for such projects as Guardians of Hope in India, and counseling and medical help for women in the Congo who have suffered abuse.  Knitters in the group (and friends) knit many adults’ toques and scarves to be distributed by Wesley Urban Ministries, as well as tiny blankets, booties, and hats for preterm babies in the McMaster University Hospital Neonatal Unit.  The women also contribute separately to resupply the MacNeill kitchen as needed with utensils, linens and equipment for church potluck meals and, in return for a donation toward the work of the group, cater wedding, funeral and other church receptions.

All women are cordially invited to each meeting.

Join us Sundays at 11 am in-person or via Live-Stream

Reflection and Meditation: Sundays from 9:30 to 10:15 am in the Hobbs Library

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

1145 King Street West
(in Westdale Village)
Hamilton, ON, L8S 1L9

Questions? Contact Susan at
sstjohn.macneill@gmail.com

Pastoral Care: (905) 512 9897
Office Message: (905) 528 2861

Services are live-streamed at 11 am and posted on our website for those unable to attend.

Enter through the main doors on the corner of King W and Cline Streets.

MacNeill has a scent-free policy.


Calendar

< February 2018 >
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
        1 2 3
4Paula Papky preaching at 11:00 am
Niagara Hamilton Women at 2:30 pm
5 6 7 8 9 10Women of MacNeill at 2:30 pm
11Jennifer Nettleton preaching at 11:00 am
12 13 14 15 16 17
18Bob Bond preaching at 11:00 am
19 20 21 22Bread for the Body/Food for the Soul from 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm
23 24
25Ray Hobbs preaching at 11:00 am
26 27 28      

Upcoming Events

  • March 29, 2024
    • Good Friday Cross Walk
      9:30 am - 10:15 am
      Good Friday Cross WalkTime: 9:30 am - 10:15 am
      Beginning at MacNeill, the silent walk will progress to Westdale United, then to St Cuthbert's Presbyterian for the Good Friday service.
    • Good Friday Service
      10:30 am
      Good Friday ServiceTime: 10:30 am
      at St Cuthbert's Presbyterian
  • March 31, 2024
    • Easter Breakfast
      9:30 am - 10:30 am
      Easter BreakfastTime: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
      A MacNeill Tradition! Eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, hot cross buns.... all for a nominal cost.
    • Easter Sunday- Paula Papky preaching
      11:00 am
      Easter Sunday- Paula Papky preachingTime: 11:00 am
      Lots of music .... chimes choir.... choir.... trumpets... ensemble.... great hymns...... a great celebration.
  • April 2, 2024
    • Booking- Strata rehearsal
      7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      Booking- Strata rehearsalTime: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      Sanctuary
  • April 7, 2024
    • Paula Papky preaching
      11:00 am
      Paula Papky preachingTime: 11:00 am
    • Paula Papky/ Bert Radford preaching
      11:00 am
      Paula Papky/ Bert Radford preachingTime: 11:00 am
      Communion
  • April 9, 2024
    • Booking- Strata rehearsal
      7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      Booking- Strata rehearsalTime: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      Sanctuary
  • April 13, 2024
    • Booking- Strata rehearsal
      10:00 am - 12:00 pm
      Booking- Strata rehearsalTime: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
      Sanctary
    • Women of MacNeill
      2:30 pm
      Women of MacNeillTime: 2:30 pm
      Travelling Down the Nile parlour