Thanks to all the walkers, runners, riders, route leaders and volunteers who joined us on October 3rd for our annual Journey for Justice!
Remember that fundraising is still open for the remainder of October, let’s try and make our goal!
ALTERNATE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE!
With the new school year and everyone getting back into fall-time rhythms, a few members in our community have expressed their disappoinment that they’re unable to attend the event on October 3rd. We hear you! We have done two things to help with this:
Ride on My Own: If you want to ride a route on your own, on a day of your choice this month, go for it! Sign up on the newly added selection on Church Center and go from there.
Alternate Ride Date: On Sunday, October 11th, we’ll meet at 22 Willow and take on the J4J 10km route. Even if you walk/run/ride this week and want to ride again, feel free to join us! Both of these options are now avaiable as selections on the Church Center Signup, so head over to the link above to select one of these options.
To donate to Elevation or one of the people/teams participating, head over to our 2026 Zeffy Fundraising page or use the embedding section below. 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, click on the Fundraise button to set up your own page with your target amount, profile photo and team name. You can either create a Solo Campaign for you or your famly (your family/team should use the first name section for your team name), or you can Create a Team or Join a Team. Teams allow multiple people in one family/friend-group to join in and potentially create some healthy rivaly amongst siblings/colleagues/friends/Neighbours Groups. All solo campagins and team campaigns still falls under the Elevation Journey for Justice event!
Zeffy Fundraising Platform:
MORE INFORMATION
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:
09:00AM – Check In
09:30AM – Walk/Run/Rides Start
11:00AM – Snacks and Mingle
12:00PM – Dismissal
Here’s a list of who we are raising funds for this year:
We have tweaked and tested all the routes, and have them here for you to check out! A great idea for tracking and getting turn-by-turn directions would be to use the Komoot app. It’s free and gives the best turn by turn direction. For the riders, especially, we recommend this app (if you don’t already use it)!
If you’ve ever felt tired of a faith that demands perfection, certainty, or having all the answers, you are so not alone. Come join us for an 8 week journey through the Gospel of Mark.
Together, we’ll step away from the pressure of rigid religious rules and discover how to read the Bible not as a weapon or a strict instruction manual, but as a living, breathing companion for the journey. We’ll look at a Jesus who gets overwhelmed, breaks religious taboos to heal the hurting, challenges corrupt power, and sits right in the middle of our storms with us.
There’s room for all of your doubts, your fatigue, and your curiosity here.
This past Sunday, we said farewell to someone who has become a much-loved part of the Elevation staff team: Adrianna, our Children’s Ministry Coordinator.
Adrianna joined our staff team in May of 2025 in the role of Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Right from the beginning, we were all so confident that Adrianna was an incredible fit for what our team needed at that time. She brought insight, youthful energy, a depth of wisdom and experience working with kids, and a passion for helping our team of volunteers to create an accessible and welcoming environment for our kids to develop relationships with one another, and explore the love of God together.
Adrianna held this role over the last school year while she also finished her final year in the music program at Laurier. This past summer, Adrianna increased her hours to full-time, thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs grant we obtained, and has blown our team away with all of the other work that she jumped into this summer – from pushing some policy writing across the finish line, to helping to organize areas in the office, to pulling together our Summer Sundays for KidsQuest and other family events, to many hours spent organizing and setting up plans for the KidsQuest classrooms, curriculum and volunteer teams well into the fall and beyond.
Adrianna brought much joy, a quiet confidence and an inspiring open-handed curiosity to our team, and we are going to miss her presence greatly.
Adrianna is heading to Alberta to continue her studies, as she completes a Masters Degree in Conducting. And although we’ve known about Adrianna’s plans for a while now, it still feels like it has come much too quickly!
Adrianna, on behalf of our staff team, Board, KidsQuest teams, and the whole Elevation community: thank you.
Thank you for all that you have shared with our community. You are a gift to those who know you, and we are so grateful to have had this time to walk together. We are absolutely thrilled for you as you take off on this adventure, and your Elevation family will always be cheering you on!
Go well, Adrianna. We’re so grateful for you. ❤️
Welcoming Tori to the KidsQuest Team
As we say goodbye to Adrianna, we’re also excited to welcome Victoria “Tori” Snider as our new Children’s Ministry Coordinator!
Filling this position has been a significant process. Elevation’s hiring team began its search back in May, and we’re grateful for the patience of our community as we worked carefully toward finding the right person for this role. We’re delighted to share that the hiring team came to a unanimous decision: Tori has accepted the position of Children’s Ministry Coordinator and began her role on this past Sunday, August 23.
From the very beginning of the hiring process, Tori impressed the team with her attention to detail and ability to prepare thoughtfully. Throughout the process, she demonstrated creativity, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to put in the effort and initiative needed to see a task through.
Just as importantly, Tori understands Elevation’s values and vision and has already shared some great ideas about how those values can be woven into all aspects of our work with children.
We’re excited to see the gifts and ideas Tori will bring to KidsQuest and to the wider Elevation community. We hope you’ll join us in giving her a warm welcome as she begins her new role!
Welcome to the team, Tori! We’re glad you’re here. 🎉
As we continue our journey through the gospel of Mark we begin to ask questions about the very nature and purpose of biblical story. Mark has long been viewed as a concise, journalistic description of Jesus’ life, demanding biblical certainty and historical consistency. This week we hope to explore Mark as an invitation to curiosity and imagination, experiencing Jesus in a way that may transcend some of the demands we often place on scripture.
What happens when rules meant to protect and guide us become more important than the people they’re meant to serve? As we continue in our Simply Mark series, we explore Jesus’ encounters with religious leaders and his willingness to challenge rules when compassion and human flourishing are at stake.
What might it look like for us to hold boundaries with wisdom, humility, and compassion—and to see the humanity of the people on every side of them?
As we begin our Simply Mark series, we’re invited to take a fresh look at the Gospel of Mark, our relationship with Scripture, and what we bring with us into the wilderness. Where are we starting from, and what might we discover if we’re willing to see the wilderness—and our faith—with fresh eyes?
When we gather for the second Sunday in September, we’ll return to our regular Service and Learning routines after the summer outdoor gatherings.
We warmly invite you to join us for our September Service and Learning opportunities:
Thursday, September 10th, 2026:
Community Ministry Meal (5PM to 6:30PM)
Community Ministry comes 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 second Thursday of the month to eat with them, build relationships and support the work of creating community.
15 people max
Sunday, September 13th, 2026:
Learning Branch Opportunity (9AM)
For our learning opportunity this month, we invite you to join us for a viewing of the film “Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts.” This film was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, that name and challenge the Doctrine of Discovery – a set of fifteenth-century papal rulings that declared lands outside Europe to be “empty” and open for “discovery”. These ideas shaped the legal and moral framework of colonization and continue to influence laws, policies and relationships in Canada today. Through interviews with Indigenous leaders, legal scholars and community members, this film offers a clear look at the Doctrine’s legacy and invites viewers to reflect on how its assumptions still function in our society.
We invite you to join us in the CHAPEL at 22 Willow at 9am for an opportunity to join us to watch the film (approx 1 hour) and then have a chance to discuss our reflections together.
No signup required! Feel free to drop in.
Cooking & Baking for ABTC (9AM)
We will be using both the kitchen and gym at 22 Willow to create meals to be shared with our friends at A Better Tent City:
Cooking: We will prepare taco lasagne and salad in the kitchen.
Baking: We will make applesauce choc chip muffins in the gym and kitchen.
10 people max per group (Grade 1 and up require registration, younger children are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
Kit Assembling (9AM)
We will be making snack kits for our friends at Community Ministry, and the Little Food Pantry.
16 people max (Grade 1 and up require registration, younger children are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
Making and Sharing Brunch at SHOW (10AM-12PM)
Our team will be making and sharing Brunch at SHOW as per usual! If you would like to join this team, please sign up!
Connection to Nature (9:30–11AM)
Option 1: Get to know your tree neighbours!
Meet at 22 Willow courtyard at 9:30, where we will walk to Mary Allen Park and participate in a family-friendly experiential/educational activity where we get to know the trees there, and possibly enjoy a linden tree-infused treat!
No signup required! Feel free to drop in.
Option 2: Elevation Community Garden!
Meet at 22 Willow courtyard at 9:30, where we will head over to our two plots on the property to do some cleanup, harvesting and watering.
4 people max (Grade 1 and up require registration, younger children are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
As September arrives, we will gather together to reconnect and celebrate the ending of summer and the start of a new season filled with both familiar and novel experiences.
We’ll meet in the back gardens at 22 Willow at 11AM for worship and communion, followed by a relaxed time of potluck, conversation, and space for kids to run and play.
We’ll have water and a sweet treat on hand.
What to Bring:
A potluck dish to share (nut-free, please)
Lawn chairs and/or blanket
Outdoor games
Your own water bottle
If you find yourself able to join us at the last minute or aren’t able to contribute a dish to share at this time,please do join us!There will be plenty of food to enjoy together.
This coming Sunday we will close our Noticing God Summer series by hearing from one of our Elevation community members who is no longer able to join us in person regularly. Keith Martin will share with us about the health journey that he has been on over the last few years, and how he is finding intentional ways to notice and experience God’s presence, even in the midst of suffering and unexpected crisis. How do we hold on to hope or find joy as we walk through these seasons of suffering? There are no easy answers to this question, and yet we can find deep encouragement as we hold space to listen to one another’s stories and experiences. We look forward to gathering together to explore these questions with honesty and curiosity.
Summer Series: Noticing God, Part 6–Seeking God in the Ordinary Mundanity of Everyday Life.
If you believe God created the world and believe in God’s omnipresence, then why not look for God EVERYWHERE? The practice of paying attention and being aware of God’s Holy Spirit and what God may be trying to teach us does not have to be contained to ‘Christian’ places or content. What if we watched and listened for God everyday and in every normal, mundane act of our lives? What could we learn and experience if we truly practiced intentional attention?
Summer Series: Noticing God, Part Part 5: Pursuing Rest, Imperfectly.
With many spiritual practices, it’s easy to fall into trying to do them perfectly. When it comes to seeking rest, this can happen as well. Together, we’ll explore the ways that we can pursue rest as a spiritual practice while finding ways to honour our own needs and to be gentle with ourselves.
Service and Learning: Outdoor Gathering at Breithaupt Park (11AM-1PM)
Following the success of our outdoor gatherings in 2025 and this past month’s gathering at Kiwanis Park, our Peace in Action Team are embracing this summer tradition by hosting another outdoor gathering in August.
A reminder that Breithaupt has a splash pad and playground for the kids and young-at-heart adults. Water balloons will also make an appearance!
If you’ve been a part of the Elevation community for a while, you’ll know that a usual Sunday gathering requires a lot of volunteers! A typical Sunday requires the time and energy of around 35-50 volunteers, and as we are in the midddle of the summer season, we want to take this second opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all who serve so faithfully.
We’ll be taking the 2nd of ourCommunity Rest weekendsthis upcoming long weekend, meaning that there will be NO SUNDAY GATHERING ON AUGUST 2ND!
As mentioned before, we hope that this break is a small way of saying thank you and allowing all of our Sunday morning volunteers a chance to rest and reset.
Summer Series 2026: Noticing God, Part 4 – Alone in Your Room.
This Sunday we will continue our Noticing God sermon series by looking at “alone time”. In his ministry, Jesus taught and demonstrated the importance of spending time alone with God. We will look into the benefits and practices of silence and solitude.
Summer Series: Noticing God, Part 3–Rethinking Fellowship.
“Fellowship” is an outdated term that doesn’t get used much unless you are working at a University or are really into Hobbits. But it was a concept tightly woven into much of church life in past generations. Join us as we examine the concept of Fellowship, unpack how it has been used for harm in the past and think about what it might mean to reclaim the concept of Fellowship for the Church today.
Summer Service and Learning: Outdoor Gathering at Kiwanis Park
One of the regular opportunities in our Service and LearningGatheringsis to spend time outside—enjoying, observing, and caring for creation. We hope that by being together in a local park, we’re reminded not only of the beauty of nature but also of our responsibility to learn about, care for, and share the land we find ourselves on.
For our July Service and Learning, we’ll be having a picnic in Kiwanis Park! The Learning branch is going with a nature theme for ouroutdoorgathering. Jon Spee is going to plan a nature walk, and Adrianna is planning a family scavenger hunt! We’llgathernear one of the park shelters as a central meeting point—with space to relax, connect, and enjoy the nearby playground.
Meet at 10:30AM, at the West Parking Lot by the playground area.
The picnic will begin around 11:30AM.
What to Bring:
Chairs or blanket for the grass (there are some picnic tables there as well).
Outdoorgames.
Walking shoes for those who want to hike and explore the trail.
Your own water bottle.
Picnic lunch if you choose.
Additional Notes:
Admission to the park is free.
If you would like to visit the pool afterward (separate area), you’re welcome to do so at your own time and cost.
This is ourONLYgatheringfor Sunday. There will be no service at 22 Willow.
Need a Ride?
If you’re keen to attend this week’sOutdoorGatheringat Kiwanis Park but need a lift, Lisa and Devon have offered to help out!
Pleasesign up here, and meet at the back door of the church lobby. Devon plans to leave the church at 10:15 and Lisa will head to Kiwanis Park at around 10:45am.
Summer Series: Noticing God, Part 2: The Unseen Presence.
This Sunday, we’re continuing our series onNoticing God, and this week we’re exploring the most challenging – yet rewarding place to encounter the Divine. It’s a practice that moves us beyond simple observation and into a way of living that can change the very fabric of how we interact with the world around us.
If you’ve been looking for a way to bridge the gap between your spiritual life and your daily reality, this is for you. We’re unpacking a practice that may feel impossible at first, but is perhaps the most subversive thing you can do for your soul. And it might be the very medicine our fractured world is waiting for.
If you’ve been a part of the Elevation community for a while, you’ll know that a usual Sunday gathering requires a lot of volunteers! A typical Sunday requires the time and energy of around 40-50 volunteers, and as we begin the summer season, we want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all who serve so faithfully.
We’ll be taking the two long weekends this Summer, June 28th and August 2nd, as community rest weekends. This means that there will be no Sunday gathering that day. This break is a small way of saying thank you and allowing everyone a chance to rest and reset.
This week, we invite you to join our June Service & Learning opportunities:
Thursday, June 11th, 2026:
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
Sunday, June 14th, 2026:
The Worm Wrangler and Planting Activity (9AM)
Join us this month as we combine the Connection to Nature, Learning and Kit Assembling opportunities into one large group activity at 22 Willow. We have a guest speaker, Amanda Hunter, the Worm Wrangler, who will teach us about composting with the help of earthworms—called vermicomposting. This simple, powerful approach turns everyday kitchen scraps into living soil and is ideal for beginners and the compost-curious alike. Together, we’ll explore how worm bins work, what worms eat, and how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot a healthy vermicomposting system. We’ll talk about some things you can do to improve the health of your soil in your gardens and houseplants weather composting is for you or you’re just interested in improving your ability to grow. Participants of all ages will meet the worms up close and learn about worm life-cycles.
Cooking for ABTC (9AM)
We will prepare meals 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 are changing things up and are going to make Ice Cream Sandwiches 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).
Making and Sharing Brunch at SHOW (10AM-12PM)
Our team will be making and sharing Brunch at SHOW as per usual! If you wold like to join this team, please send us a message!
We have the opportunity to serve at two Karis Disability Services group home locations. Tasks may include lawn and garden clean up (weather permitting), as well as other tasks that the Program Managers typically look after.
10-12 people per location.
Location Details:
Bridge Street (492 Bridge St., W. Waterloo, ON N2K 1L4)
Summer Series 2026: Noticing God, Part 1 – An Introduction
As time goes on we can sometimes feel as if we have been missing God in our day to day. You may have learned practices you were told would guarantee a happy and flourishing spiritual life, but these practices now feel distant or simply never served you well. In our upcoming summer series “Noticing God” we will explore practices which have benefitted members of our community as they search for, live alongside, and experience the divine. Together we seek to offer hope, and invitation to each other as we explore ways of noticing God in our midst.
We’ll kick off the series with an introduction to the theme. Before the sermon starts, though, we’ll spend some time in Communion together.
They’re doing it again! Join us on May 31st, when our Youth will take over the Sunday gathering at 22 Willow. From the welcoming, worship, announcements and connection time, to the message/teaching, they’re in control!
The Gospel of Jesus continues to unfold, and there is still more to be revealed. We do not fully know or understand all that is to come, but scripture provides encouragement that we can participate with God in the continuing unfolding of the “very good Gospel”. This Sunday we will look at the mystery of the Gospel and the renewal of all things.
What does Jesus have to do with the gospel? This may sound like a ridiculous question. The answer may feel irritatingly obvious. But are we able to explain our ideas around the gospel from the story of Jesus? Are we able to explain what we mean by ‘the gospel’ without Paul, or Peter, or John? Continuing our series on The Unfolding Gospel, we take a look at how Jesus not only fits in, but sits at the core of the gospel story.
This week, we invite you to join our May Service & Learning opportunities:
Sunday, May 10, 2026
At 22 Willow
Learning in Sanctuary (9AM): Beyond the Market Discussion.
The Learning Team will be providing a summary of the “Thinking Beyond the Market” film screening (from April 30th) and facilitating a discussion around the themes from the film.
We will also be having a guest join us from ACORN to talk about specific opportunities for advocacy around the challenges facing renters in the Waterloo region.
No registration Required.
Cooking for ABTC (9AM)
We will prepare taco lasagne, salad and fresh fruit 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 baking Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes 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 Assembling for CM (9AM)
This month, we will be supporting Community Ministry by helping them sort a wide selection of donated items. Once these items have been sorted it will be easier to offer them to the friends who join on a Thursday evening.
20 people max (Gr 1 and up require registration, younger kids are welcome to join with no sign-up required).
In the Region:
Connection to Nature: Spur Line Trail hike (09:30AM)
Join us as we take a walk along the Spur Line Trail, starting and eanding at starting at 22 Willow, heading towards the Uniroyal Goodridge Park.
No registration Required, but is useful if we need to email any updates to participants.
Making and Sharing Brunch at SHOW (10AM-12PM)
Our team will be making and sharing Brunch at SHOW as per usual! If you wold like to join this team, please send us a message!
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026:
Sr Youth Opportunity: Ontario Christian Gleaners (Cambridge)
Our youth who sign up will be tasked to trim fresh produce or package dried food.
Time: 7-9pm
Check your emails from Jonathon and Heidi to sign up!
Thursday, May 14th, 2026:
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
Questions? Contact us at mission@elevationwaterloo.org or pastoral@elevationwaterloo.org
What if the most terrifying parts of our tradition are actually the most hopeful? This week, we’re looking at the “destruction” promised in the Gospel. Not the destruction of people, but the destruction of everything that prevents us from truly experiencing and extending the love we were made for (aka sin). Come discover a version of judgment that doesn’t lead to fear, but to a radical wholeness for everyone, as we trust the fierce light of Love to finish the work it started.
We are continuing with the second week of our “Unfolding Gospel” series this Sunday. We began last week by spending some time reflecting on the goodness (Shalom) that God intended for all of creation, and how that dream extends to even today. However, we don’t have to look long and hard to see that so much of creation is not experiencing and living in this shalom. So, what is wrong? Where do we find our hope for salvation? And what are we being saved for? Join us as we explore these ideas together though the sermon, and then carry the conversations into your neighbours groups as you gather!
We warmly invite you to join us for our Holy Week gatherings:
GOOD FRIDAY: On Friday, April 3, we’ll gather in the Sanctuary for a time of reflection and worship from 6-7PM. In addition to our gatheing, Trillium’s Youth and Young Adults have curated an Art Display in the Sanctuary, and you’re invited to take some time on Friday to come in and experience the art in the space for reflection. We’ll have staff on hand to allow you access to the space on Friday afternoon from 1-3PM, and after our Good Friday gathering, from 7-8PM.
EASTER SUNDAY: On Sunday, April 5, we’ll gather to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, ending our time together in the gym around the Eucharist Table in communion, followed by our annual donut celebration.
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.
Lent, Part 4: Holy Proximity: Moving from Sympathy to Solidarity.
How do we move from feeling overwhelmed by the world’s needs to actually participating in its healing?
This Sunday, we continue our Justice of Jesus series by diving into the practical architecture of the Kingdom. We will explore four essential disciplines that sustain any movement for restoration: Prayer, Advocacy, Partnership, and Community.
Join us as we move beyond theory and into practice. Following the message, we will gather around tables for interactive exercises to help us identify how these three pillars can be built into our daily lives and our collective work in the community.
Come ready to move from “seeing” injustice to “walking” the way of restoration.
Lent 2026: The Justice of Jesus, Part 3: Pursuing Justice through Decolonization.
The Church as we know it in our Western culture has become intertwined with the dominant colonial systems and power structures. These systems and structures do not reflect the ministry or the justice of Jesus, and can perpetuate inequity and harm on the marginalized. This Sunday’s sermon will look at how our congregation may pursue justice by intentionally stripping away those biases and actively promoting restorative justice through our teaching, our community, and our budget.
For the third Sunday of lent (and the second Sunday of the month), we’ll gather together for our monthly Service and Learning Sunday. Please join us by signing up for one of the many and varies opportunities.
Lent 2026: The Justice of Jesus, Part 2 – Costly Justice.
In a world of “Thoughts and Prayers” and performative social media posts, what does it mean embrace the cost of Justice? Join us this week as we dig into the story of theGood Samaritanas we continue with our lenten series onThe Justice of Jesus.
This coming Sunday, we invite you to join us as we begin this season of Lent together as a community. As we consider the path that Jesus walked on earth – showing us the way of love, justice and peace – we are invited to examine the ways that our faith, worldview and understanding of Jesus have been shaped and corrupted by colonization and empire. We’ll be spending some time reflecting on how centering the Eucharist/Communion table leads us to the centering of Jesus – in our gatherings, our faith community and our lives. In what ways might this centering lead us to a deeper understanding of the justice of Jesus?
Despite 100 other names or titles for God, the writers of the New Testament want us to hear that God is safe and God is good and God is right here, right now — and that makes all the difference. Join us this Sunday as we explore this in the last of our “Names of God” series.
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.
The Names of God, Part 4: The Sound of Silence: When Faith Gets it Wrong.
We’ve always been told that Abraham’s silent obedience on the mountain was the ultimate act of faith. But what if his silence was actually the problem? This Sunday, we’re digging into one of the Bible’s most disturbing stories to ask: Does God want our blind submission, or does God want our holy protest? Join us as we consider the name Jehovah Jireh, not just as the God who provides a sacrifice, but as the God who provides a rescue even when our own religious understanding leads us astray. Come see why the greatest provision on the mountain wasn’t just a ram, but a God who refuses to let our misunderstandings have the final word.
This Sunday we continue in our “Names of God” sermon series by looking at a name that Jesus gives to the Holy Spirit: The Advocate. We will look at how Jesus describes the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who follow him. We will also look at the role of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus and the early church. As we look into the scriptures we can find encouragement in knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us and guiding us into truth.
The story of Hagar is filled is a difficult read, filled with dark undertones of slavery, misuse, oppression and desperation. This Sunday we continue our series on the names of God, by looking at this story of Hagar, as she becomes the only person in the Old Testament to assign a name to God, El Roi, “The God who sees me.” Together we will explore the rich meaning of this naming in the context of Hagar’s life and experiences. Why was this name so important and so powerful to Hagar? What does the wider story tell us about our relationships to others? And how does this show God’s character today?
Join us this coming Sunday for our Service and Learning Recap and Reflection gathering. Rather than dividing up around the region like we normally do on Service and Learning weekends, we’ll all be together at 22 Willow. We’ll gather in the Sanctuary for some singing together, updates from the Peace in Action Team, and some videos to both look back at our serving and learning together, and to look forward to this coming year! The children will remain in the Sanctuary, and the service will be crafted with them in mind. After the service, we’ll head right to the gym for our youth pancake breakfast fundraiser. We’re looking forward to a meaningful and inspiring morning together!
The Names of God, Part 1: The Personal Name of God.
Does God have a name? Sometimes it is translated in English as Yahweh, sometimes as Jehovah but most translations of the Bible instead render it LORD. Why is this so confusing and what can we learn about God from this name recorded in the story of Exodus.
We warmly invite you to join us for our June Service and Learning:
Thursday, June 11th, 2026:
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.
Join us this month as we combine the Connection to Nature, Learning and Kit Assembling opportunities into one large group activity at 22 Willow. We have a guest speaker, Amanda Hunter, the Worm Wrangler, who will teach us about composting with the help of earthworms—called vermicomposting. This simple, powerful approach turns everyday kitchen scraps into living soil and is ideal for beginners and the compost-curious alike. Together, we’ll explore how worm bins work, what worms eat, and how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot a healthy vermicomposting system. We’ll talk about some things you can do to improve the health of your soil in your gardens and houseplants weather composting is for you or you’re just interested in improving your ability to grow. Participants of all ages will meet the worms up close and learn about worm life-cycles.
Cooking for ABTC (9AM)
We will prepare meals 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)
Making and Sharing Brunch at SHOW (10AM-12PM)
Our team will be making and sharing Brunch at SHOW as per usual! If you wold like to join this team, please send us a message!
We have the opportunity to serve at two Karis Disability Services group home locations. Tasks may include lawn and garden clean up (weather permitting), as well as other tasks that the Program Managers typically look after.
10-12 people per location.
Location Details:
Bridge Street (492 Bridge St., W. Waterloo, ON N2K 1L4)
As time goes on we can sometimes feel as if we have been missing God in our day to day. You may have learned practices you were told would guarantee a happy and flourishing spiritual life, but these practices now feel distant or simply never served you well. In our upcoming summer series “Noticing God” we will explore practices which have benefitted members of our community as they search for, live alongside, and experience the divine. Together we seek to offer hope, and invitation to each other as we explore ways of noticing God in our midst.
