Who and What is AOTS?

AOTS emblem.

AOTS is a men's service club that is affiliated with the United Church of Canada, but is open to all men on a broad ecumenical basis. AOTS aims to promote fellowship, deepen the spiritual life of men, and develop an effective program of Christian service. In fact, AOTS stands for "As One That Serves", which is taken from the statement by Christ: I am among you as One that serves. (Luke 22.27).

Although the goals of AOTS are taken seriously, club members enjoy the camaraderie of sharing, supporting, searching, studying, and serving together as well as interesting programs which also consist of interesting speakers. AOTS fosters a good time for a good cause, mixing the social with the spiritual, as men of the church.

AOTS Men's Clubs is officially integrated into the structures of the United Church of Canada. There are over 50 active clubs meeting and serving in communities across the country from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and there are even more individual. If you want to learn about our Lord and saviour through a monthly devotional then come on out and join us. The format and style of an AOTS club varies with the size, location, and makeup of the community and the home church. Each is geared to the interests, needs and concerns of its members. While we may serve an obvious practical purpose, AOTS projects promote fellowship and this "hands-on" approach inspires laymen to become more involved in the church. Our current group meets for breakfast fellowship, the second Sunday of the month, excluding June, July and August.

Our club is involved with several community outreach and church–related programs.

Picture of canoes in lake at Camp Quin-Mo-Lac

Some examples:

  1. Visiting Shut-ins.
  2. Supporting local food banks or transitional housing organizations.
  3. Supporting and providing leadership with youth activities within the church.
  4. Helping with the upkeep of local camps and sponsoring underprivileged campers to Camp Quin-Mo-Lac.
  5. Sponsoring or assisting with church dinners and activities such as pancake suppers, lasagne lunches, fish frys, and assistance on other food events when called upon.

A lot of these activities are also done as fundraisers to support our own local church as well.

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Our History

AOTS has a rich and long history. The organization was born in Vancouver in 1923. The first official club was formed that year by Herbert Riggs, a physician at Kerrisdale Methodist (now Ryerson United Church). The concept spread quickly to other churches and communities on the West Coast, then steadily across Canada. By the mid-fifties, there were close to 10,000 members in Canada and Bermuda.

In the early years of its existence, AOTS, although recognized by the church, was an independent organization. Currently, the National Association of AOTS Men's Clubs is officially integrated into the structure of the United Church of Canada. There are over 60 active clubs meeting and serving in communities across the country, from Vancouver to Newfoundland.

Northminster United Church has its own history with AOTS. From research that was recently done during the 75th Anniversary celebrations (2003), there is documented evidence in the church archives of an AOTS Club receiving its charter in 1931. The first president was J.B. Reed. As years went on, the club disbanded and was again re-organized in 1949. Harold Hawkshaw, who is still active in the congregation, was a member of Northminster AOTS during the 1950's. During the 1960's, Dr. Harry Mellow along with familiar names like Ross White, Victor Cubitt, Ernie Cook, Herb Chesebrough, Roy Barrand and Jim Young kept the club alive.

As sometimes happens, there was another period when the club ceased to be active. Then, in 1995, Richard Parker ignited the flame of enthusiasm and rallied a core group of people together and a new charter was received. With Richard as President, followed by Bill Nash (1998), and Harry Gibbard (1999 - 2006), Morley Davidson (2007 - 2009) and currently Doug Palmer, the Northminster United Church AOTS Men's Club continues to carry on.

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Picture of AOTS executive.

Our Current Executive (2009-2012)
from left to right:
John Matthews (Treasurer),
Morley Davidson (Past President),
Doug Palmer (Current President),
Gord Terwillegar (Secretary)