Lent 2026: The Justice of Jesus, Part 5 – Decolonizing Palm Sunday.

How do we understand Palm Sunday in the original historical and scriptural context of Jesus, Justice & Empire? And how does the example of Jesus in Palm Sunday inspire us to live in ways that peacefully resist the ways of the empires of our day in 21st century Southern Ontario today? 

This Sunday, we’re concluding our series on ‘The Justice of Jesus’ by diving into the ancient, non-violent, unifying way of Jesus of Nazareth that resists the exploitative, “divide and conquer” ways of Empire with Fr. Joash P. Thomas.

Join us as we then move beyond teaching and theology into one of the most ancient, unifying, empire-resisting practices of the ancient church: participation in beloved community at Jesus’ Table with our full Creator-given identities; identities that are often absorbed and assimilated by Empire and Empire-shaped religion (with conscientious objectors often being deemed ‘heretics of Empire’). 

Come to Jesus’ Table and be reminded of this ancient Christian truth: The heretics of Empire are the beloved of God.

February 08 & 12, 2026.

Join us for our monthly Service and Learning gatherings. Some activities require registration, and some are drop-in. Please read below for all the details:

Sunday, February 8th

• Learning in Sanctuary (9AM)
  • No registration Required.
• Cooking for ABTC (9AM)
  • We will prepare Mexican Lasagne and salad in the kitchen at 22 Willow to be shared with our friends at A Better Tent City.
  • 12 people max (Gr 1 and up require registration, younger kids are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
• Baking for ABTC  (9AM)
  • We will be making brownies in the gym and kitchen at 22 Willow to be shared with our friends at A Better Tent City.
  • 12 people max (Gr 1 and up require registration, younger kids are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
• Kit Making for Little Food Pantry and Community Ministry (9AM)
  • 20 people max (Gr 1 and up require registration, younger kids are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
• Making and Sharing Brunch at SHOW (10AM-12PM)
  • If you’ve ever been interested in joining SHOW, now is the time! We’re opening up 4 slots per month for members of our community to join in and see if this is an opportunity they’d like to be a aprt of.
  • 4 people max
• Connection to Nature: Laurel Creek (9:30AM)
  • We’ll head to Laurel Creek to hike the trails and feed the birds there. Elevation will cover the cost for anyone/family who does not have a pass.   We want to ensure that money is not a barrier to keep our community from participating and we are happy to support the good work of the GRCA in this way.
  • No registration Required.

Thursday, February 12th

• Community Ministry Meal (5PM to 6:30PM)
  • Community Ministry, a group of people from some local churches, come together weekly to prepare and serve a meal at 22 Willow for those seeking a hot meal and a place to find community.  We have the opportunity to join them the 2nd Thursday of the month to eat with them,  build relationships and support the work of creating community.  
  • 15 people max

If you have any questions, please contact our missions team or pastoral team at: mission@elevationwaterloo.org or pastoral@childrensministry