It’s a brand new year, and in KidsQuest we are beginning a brand new series, with our brand new kids ministry curriculum!
This week we launched our new Great Big Bible Story Walkthrough curriculum, by Meredith Miller (author of “Woven”). Our first lesson was all about creation, and how God made our beautiful world!
To join the discussion this week, feel free to listen to the GBBW podcast (with or without your kids!) at the following links:
We are excited to invite you to our annual fundraising event on October 5, 2024! This year, we’ve made a significant change by organizing our own event, Journey for Justice, instead of participating in Ride for Refuge. To sign up as a rider, walker or to volunteer, follow the link above! If you register before the end of the day on Sunday, September 8th, you’re guaranteed a free t-shirt!
Church Center & Zeffy
Upfront, let’s explain the platforms we’re using. To register for the event as a participant, walker or volunteer, head over to Church Center and sign up there. Families can sign up together under one simple registration (so much easier!).
Church Center (Registration Page)
Then, to donate to Elevation or one of the people/teams participating, head over to our Zeffy Fundraising page. There is no need to create an account, just click on Donate, and then select who you want to donate to, and go from there!
If you do want to raise your own funds, head over to the same Zeffy Fundraising page, and click on the Fundraise button to set up your own page with your target amount, profile photo and team name (use the first name section). It’s that simple!
Zeffy Fundraising Page
Why the Change?
By hosting our own event, we can ensure that 100% of the funds raised go directly to our charities. The platform we’re using (Zeffy) will still provide automatic tax receipts for donations of $20 or more, ensuring a smooth transition for all participants.
What’s Staying the Same?
This year, the event will still be hosted at 22 Willow, as it has for the past few years. The timing of the event remains on par with how it has been recently, too:
09:00 AM – Check-In 09:30 AM – Ride & Walk Starts 11:00 AM – Snacks & Mingle 12:00 PM – Dismissal
The charities we’re raising funds for is also the same: – Journey Elevation – Compass Refugee Centre – Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre – KW Multicultural Centre – Refugee Services.
For those who prefer walking over riding, we’ll again have a walk along the Iron Horse Trail behind 22 Willow. If walking or riding are not your thing, you’re welcome to come cheer on the team or volunteer to help out, as usual! While we won’t be serving a full meal, snacks will be provided after the walk and ride.
We hope this new approach will continue to engage our supporters and allow us to make an even greater impact. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you on October 5th!
As we move into the fall we will be devoting some time to take a fresh look at how the historic affirmations of faith found in the Apostle’s Creed might inform our living.
What is the significance of the Creeds in the history of the Church? What significance can the Creeds still hold for us today? And what if we aren’t sure that we agree with all that is written? Does it even matter? Our teaching team is looking forward to setting the table to dig into these questions and others, as we ask, reflect, and learn from one another over the next number of weeks of this series.
Elevation is looking to fill the following job position:
Co-Lead Pastor
Elevation is a church in Waterloo, Ontario. We have recently walked through a significant transition as a community, and have taken time to discern together who we are and who we hope to be as we move forward.
We have done our best to outline some of that work of discernment in the following documents:
We are seeking to build our staff team with the hiring of a Co-Lead Pastor. This permanent position will report to the Board of Directors and will work collaboratively with our current Co-Lead Pastor within our shared leadership team model.
Responsibilities of the Co-Lead Pastor:
The following areas (Faith Formation, Leadership Development and Networking & Learning) are shared responsibilities between the two Co-Lead Pastors:
Faith Formation (40%)
Collaborate with the Teaching Team to develop the teaching calendar & themes, as well as participate as a member of the Teaching Team.
Collaboratively design and lead worship gatherings that are inclusive and reflective of our community’s values and beliefs.
Co-create, curate and/or invite meaningful liturgical elements, including prayers, readings, and artistic components that enhance the worship experience and foster a sense of connection and reverence.
Provide pastoral care and support to community members, offering guidance, prayer, and spiritual encouragement.
Offer mentorship, guidance, and support to the Children & Youth Ministry Coordinators. Collaboratively create opportunities for intergenerational faith formation.
Leadership Development (25%)
Provide collaborative direction and support to staff and ministry team leads.
Foster the growth and development of the leadership community.
Participate as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
Networking & Learning (5%)
Develop and/or maintain symbiotic connections to denominations/networks who are in alignment with our values.
Pursue ongoing personal and professional development opportunities to deepen your knowledge base, broaden your understanding, and increase your curiosity.
Engage in regular self-reflection and invite feedback that fosters personal growth.
The following area (Community Development: Internal) is a specific responsibility of this individual Co-Lead Pastor:
Community Development: Internal (30%)
Provide support and guidance to the Neighbours Groups (eg. structure, vision, and leadership development)
Provide support and guidance to related ministry teams. Specifically the Prayer team and Hospitality & Welcome team.
Provide support and guidance to the Community Care Team.
Provide support and guidance to mid-week groups and occasional or seasonal gatherings (eg. community book studies).
Support the Children’s Ministry Coordinator and classroom leads in developing and/or choosing curriculum for our Kids Quest Classrooms.
The type of candidate who would thrive in this role would possess the following Core Competencies and Values:
Demonstrated leadership experience in a pastoral role, nurturing inclusive and vibrant faith communities.
A collaborative leadership approach that fosters a culture of cooperation, trust, and mutual respect.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based ministry model – sharing leadership responsibilities and supporting one another’s gifts and strengths.
Comprehension of theology and its implication for faith and practice.
Ability to engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with individuals from diverse theological perspectives.
Relational community building capacity – with a commitment to active listening, inclusion, hospitality, and welcome.
Integrous and transparent leadership marked by a humble, teachable, and curious posture.
A demonstrated lived resonance with the values, vision, and mission of our church community, including these five core values:
Embracing Spirit-Led Direction and Growth
Embodying Justice, Equity and Good News for All
Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion
Nurturing Interdependent Community
Living Generously Beyond Ourselves
Hours of Work: 30 hours/week
Start Date: October 2024
Compensation: $45,000 – $52,500 (determined by experience, education and skill set)
Vacation & Benefits: Paid vacation leave starting at 15 days per calendar year. Comprehensive benefits package which includes life insurance, long-term disability, extended health, and dental care after the first 3 months of a 6 month probationary period.
A few weeks ago, we asked you to vote for which book in the Bible our teaching team should work through this summer. It was a close race, and Ecclesiastes came out on top! Our teaching team has planned a nine-part series starting next week and running until the end of August. Even if you plan to be away for any of these weeks, you can always catch up on our podcast.
Elevation seeks to be a safe and welcoming place for all people to follow Jesus. We recognize and mourn the fact that many of our 2SLGBTQ+ siblings have been excluded from and oppressed by the Church. We believe that this is not the way of Jesus. We seek to do and be better as we follow Christ together.
You Can Choose
We believe everyone should act according to their convictions and personal discernment, and our community will seek to support you whether you choose to pursue marriage, a relationship or singleness. The pronouns you feel most comfortable with are what we desire to use. We recognize that we may sometimes get it wrong. We hope that you will feel comfortable to remind or correct us. Please feel free to use the washroom you feel most comfortable in. All-gender washrooms are also available.
You Will Be Respected
We believe that all people are created with dignity and intrinsic value, being made in the image of God. In our community, we recognize that we may hold many diverse views on any given topic. However, we strive to walk together with love, grace and respect, and therefore abusive language or behaviour will not be tolerated. While Elevation is committed to respecting each individual’s right to interpret and live out scripture according to their convictions, we are committed to approaching our teaching with an anti-oppressive lens – reflecting the commitments of this document.
You Will Be Celebrated
You, your marriage and your family as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community will be celebrated and valued just as we would celebrate and value any other individual, marriage, or family. We also seek to highlight the diversity of our community in our stories, artwork and communication.
You Can Participate
We want everyone at Elevation to be involved in the life and ministry of our church. We welcome 2SLGBTQ+ individuals at all levels of leadership, including staff and the Pastoral Team.
You Will Be Listened To
We know we will not always get it right. We commit to being open to feedback from the 2SLGBTQ+ community and seek to listen and do better. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the office (info@elevationwaterloo.org) to be put in touch with Brian Pengelly or Melissa Burke.