ABOUT US

Many congregations, one shared journey

A regionalization of Anglican and Lutheran churches, growing together across Orillia and the Huronia region since the Huronia Cluster Ministry was formed.

huronia church

Rooted in two traditions, growing as one

Huronia Community of Churches is a regionalization of six Anglican and Lutheran congregations across Orillia and the surrounding Huronia region. For generations, these churches have served their towns and countryside faithfully — in Orillia, Fairvalley, Waverley, and Washago.

Today, we are choosing to walk together. We share resources, ministry, and worship while honouring the distinct character and history of each congregation. This is not a merger — it is a community of communities, each with its own voice and welcome.

“One body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called.”

— Ephesians 4:4

OUR STORY

How we came to walk together

The Huronia Community of Churches did not appear overnight. It grew from decades of shared ministry between Anglican and Lutheran congregations across the region.

1970s
Faithful Roots

Individual congregations — St. Athanasius, St. James, St. George, St. John, and others — serve their communities independently across Orillia and Huronia.

2001
Full communion declared

The Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada enter full communion — sharing one table, recognising each other's clergy, and committing to a shared future.

2014
Huronia Cluster Ministry formed

The Parish of Washago–Price's Corners links with the parish of Coldwater-Medonte to form the Huronia Cluster Ministry — the formal beginning of shared regional leadership.

Recent
St. David opens as a shared church

St. David Anglican-Lutheran Church becomes a living sign of full communion — an Anglican and Lutheran congregation worshipping together under one roof in Orillia.

Today
Huronia Community of Churches

Six congregations, one regional identity. Sharing ministry, worship, outreach, and a common welcome to all who seek a spiritual home across Orillia and Huronia.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our shared faith

We are creedal Christians — grounded in scripture and the historic faith of the church. These are the convictions we hold together.

1.

Scripture & Tradition

We read the Bible as the living word of God, interpreted through the wisdom of the church across the centuries.

2.

Baptism & Eucharist

We celebrate the sacraments — Baptism and Holy Communion — as real means of God’s grace, open to all the baptised.

3.

The Creeds

We confess the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as our common statement of Christian faith.

4.

Ordered Ministry

We are served by ordained bishops, priests/pastors, and deacons in a shared ministry rooted in apostolic tradition.

5.

Love of Neighbour

Faith is not only what we say — it is what we do. We serve the poor, welcome the stranger, and seek justice in the world.

6.

One Table

In full communion, Anglicans and Lutherans share one table. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive the Eucharist with us.

LEADERSHIP

The people who serve us

Our community is led by ordained clergy and lay leaders who are committed to the life and mission of each congregation.

The Ven. John Anderson

ARCHDEACON · REGIONAL LEAD

Serving the Huronia region with oversight across the cluster ministry and each of the six congregations.

Parish Wardens

EACH CONGREGATION

Each church is also led by elected wardens who oversee the pastoral, financial, and administrative life of their congregation.

Lay Leadership

ACROSS THE COMMUNITY

Musicians, readers, visitors, outreach coordinators — the ministry of Huronia is carried out every day by the people of each congregation.

AN INVITATION

Come worship with us

Find the congregation nearest you, or reach out and we will help you find the service and community that fits you best.