Worship at Knox takes place in a friendly atmosphere that strives for a comfortable mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Children are welcome, and are invited forward for a time with the minister before going downstairs for Sunday School.
Our unique building, a Panabode structure of cedar logs, encourages a family atmosphere: it can even feel a bit like camp! There are no pews: we have comfortable chairs that can be moved for a variety of events and adapted for special services. During worship, we invite people to share good news from their lives.
Music is an important part of our worship life! Please visit the Music at Knox page to find out more.
All ages are welcome to worship, including babies. Please see the Learn with Us page for Sunday School information.
Service Times
From September though June, worship services begin at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. In July and August, worship services begin at 9:30 a.m.
Sacraments
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday in October, November, February, March*, April* and June. *(In the month containing Easter, communion is moved to Maundy Thursday.)
Baptism is celebrated as needed, usually on the second Sunday of the month. Please contact the office if you wish to discuss baptism for yourself or your child.
Special Services
There are many special worship services through the year. They include:
Children’s Sunday (third Sunday in November) and Youth Sunday (third Sunday in February).
Youth Sunday also encompasses Baden Powell Sunday and Thinking Day, so members of the Scouting and Guiding movements are encouraged to wear their uniforms on that Sunday in February.
Special Advent Service
Advent 4 – Lessons and Carols: The story of Christmas is re-told through familiar carols and scripture readings.
Special Christmas Services on December 24th
Christmas Pageant: 7:00 p.m. This is a Knox tradition: the Youth Group has led this service for well over 30 years!
Candlelight Communion Service: 9:00 p.m. This contemplative service is an ideal way to prepare for Christmas, allowing participants to unwind and enjoy the peace of the season. The service concludes with a hymn sung only by candlelight.
Anniversary Service: The last Sunday in January marks the anniversary of the founding of Knox.
Special Services for the Easter Season
Palm Sunday: the children are given palm branches, and parade through the church to remind us of the celebration that led Jesus into Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday: at 7 p.m. we gather around the communion table to remember the first celebration of communion, as Jesus met with his disciples for their final meal together before his crucifixion.
Good Friday: at 10 a.m. we gather to hear again the events of the day of Jesus’ death, and to contemplate what that means for us.
Easter Sunday Service: at 10 a.m. is a joyful celebration of the resurrection in word and music.
Blessing the Animals: 10 a.m. The last Sunday in June is when we gather on the lawn of the church to ask for God’s blessing on our pets. People are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, or whatever, to be included in the service. Those who wish may bring a photo of their pet instead.
The Reverend Susan Hutton – Minister
Reverend Susan Hutton lived her first 30 years in west Ottawa, just down the road from Knox United. She was an active member at Britannia United during her younger years, and even when she was taking the registered nursing program at Algonquin College, she still found time to teach Sunday school. Susan has always felt a call to ministry, and she took her first step in that direction in a Staff Associate Ministry position at St. John’s United in Brockville. Her next step was to answer the call to serve as lead minister (student) at Spencerville United Church for 3 years while studying through St Andrews College in Saskatoon. After graduation with a Designated Lay Minister diploma, Susan continued her ministry at Spencerville United Church for 4 more year before coming to Knox United in August 2025.
In the wider church Susan has served as President of Four Rivers Presbytery, as well as Chair of Nominations in Presbytery. She has also served as President of the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council for 2 years. Presently, Susan is the Chaplain for St. John Ambulance in the Eastern Ontario area (not including Ottawa).
Every Sunday at worship, Susan lights the Christ Candle to remind us that we are the Light of Christ. At the end of the service, a member of the congregation carries the Christ Candle out, symbolizing that we leave together filled with Christ’s Light for all to see. Join Susan and the Knox United community to share in Christ’s light, love, hope, and peace as we journey together.
Knox United Church Nepean 