Contemplative Prayer Practices

Contemplative Prayer Practices

This past Sunday, we took time as a community to explore some of the contemplative prayer practices we’ve discussed throughout our recent What If? Reimagining Prayer series.

Together, we walked through practices that invited us into a deeper communal expression, while also providing space to explore prayer individually. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how God is communing with us in all things.

Missed it? Listen now on our podcast and find resources for a selection of the contemplative prayer practices here:


Breath Prayers

Invitation:

Practice rhythmic breathing (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out) while repeating one of the following breath prayers.

  • Inhale: I am loved as I am…
  • Exhale: … and You are making me new.
  • Inhale: You collect my tears…
  • Exhale: … I am held.
  • Inhale: You are the God…
  • Exhale: …who sees me.
  • Inhale: This is not the end…
  • Exhale: …liberation is coming.
  • Inhale: Show me who I am…
  • Exhale: …and what is mine to do.

After a few minutes of breathing this prayer, take a moment to create a personal breath prayer and write it down on the cardstock paper. Take this card with you and come back to this prayer throughout the week. 

Reflection Questions:

  • How did your body respond to rhythmic breathing?
  • What phrase emerged as most meaningful?

Reflective Prayer Journaling

Invitation:

Write freely for 10 minutes, guided by one or more of the following prompts:

  • Where did I sense the Sacred this week—in nature, in others, in silence, or in unexpected places?
  • What moments, people, or experiences brought me peace, joy or a sense of meaning this past week?
  • How did my words or actions contribute to healing and/or blessing and flourishing in the world this week?
  • Where did I encounter systems of injustice, exclusion, or harm this week—externally or within myself?
  • Were there moments where I prioritized certainty over curiosity, fear over openness this week?
  • What pain, grief or frustration do I carry from this week? How can I hold this with grace and gentleness?

When you are finished, read over what you wrote in your journal or on the paper. 

If you’d like to, underline a phrase to share with someone at your Neighbours Group or someone close to you, and share with them what this journaling experience was like for you.

Reflection Questions:

  • What truth did your writing reveal?
  • How might this shape your prayers this week?

Neighbourhood Prayer Walk (Outside)

Invitation:

Walk with a posture of openness. Reflect on one or more of these questions and remain curious around what surfaces in your thoughts and feelings. 

  • What do you notice around you? 
  • What needs do you see around you?
  • What is hidden in plain sight? 
  • What joys do you see around you? 
  • Where might you see light breaking in? 

Reflection questions for after your walk:

  • What did you notice that you’d previously overlooked?
  • How might God be inviting us to respond?

Holy Week at Elevation

Holy Week at Elevation

Holy Week began this past Sunday with our Palm Sunday celebration—a time that marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As we continue this sacred journey together, we invite you to join us in reflecting on Christ’s path to the cross and rejoicing in the hope of the resurrection.

  • Stations of the Cross – Thursday, April 17 (7–9PM) & Friday, April 18 (9AM–8PM)
  • Good Friday Service – April 18 at 6PM
  • Easter Sunday Celebration – April 20 at 9AM

After the sermon this Sunday, we’ll all gather in the gym for a time of Communion around the Eucharist table (after collecting our kids from KidsQuest). Afterwards, we’ll enjoy fellowship and community over coffee, tea, and donuts!

Please note: an allergy-friendly option (nut-, gluten-, and egg-free) will be available. If you have other dietary needs, feel free to bring along your own treat(s)!

New Mini-Series for Lent

New Mini-Series for Lent

What if? Re-Imagining Prayer

Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and prayer. As we journey to Easter this year we will be taking a closer look at the practice of prayer. However you have connected with prayer in the past we invite the opportunity to reflect on imaginative ways to see, practice, and think about prayer in all its complexity.

Service Cancelled – February 16, 2025

Service Cancelled – February 16, 2025

Due to the significant and worsening snowstorm affecting the Kitchener-Waterloo area, we have made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow’s church service scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025. This early decision aims to ensure the safety of our entire community, from staff to volunteers to everyone attending the service or our kids participating in KidsQuest.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for our region, forecasting total snowfall accumulations of 20cm to 30cm by Sunday evening. The heaviest snowfall is expected tomorrow, with peak rates of 3cm to 6cm per hour, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Additionally, significantly reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow is anticipated.

We encourage everyone to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel during this time. Please continue to monitor local weather updates and adhere to any advisories issued by authorities.

We apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the well-being of our community. We look forward to gathering together when conditions improve and we can gather safely again.

Elevation Is Hiring!

Elevation Is Hiring!

Elevation is looking to fill the following job position:

Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Elevation is a church in Waterloo, Ontario. We are a faith community aspiring to amplify the diverse voices of our community, engaging with curiosity and humility, and bringing imagination and creativity as we explore and develop our faith together. We have done our best to outline our values and vision, our theological framework, and our commitment to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, which can be found on our website.

We are seeking to build our staff team with the hiring of a Children’s Ministry Coordinator. This permanent, part-time (15 hours/week) position will report to the Co-Lead Pastors and will work alongside our staff, leadership teams and volunteers, within our shared leadership team model.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Developing and supporting the leadership team for Children’s Ministry
  • Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers (Vulnerable Persons’ Protection Plan Training, classroom specific training, etc.)
  • Resourcing, guiding and managing the Children’s Ministry Volunteer team (ongoing training, visioning, etc.)
  • In consultation with the Pastoral Team, sourcing and preparing a curriculum plan and sharing resources to support families in the spiritual formation of their children
  • Managing the supplies and resources required for Children’s Ministry
  • Organizing and implementing children’s ministry events/activities outside of our Sunday morning gatherings
  • Contributing towards the integration of children into the wider life of the church (Service and Learning opportunities, Music, etc.)

Ideal Candidate:

  • Can be flexible and adaptable, working collaboratively within a community that values diverse voices and reimagined church structures
  • Enjoys the challenge of thinking outside the box to facilitate a ministry that involves many volunteers
  • Is skilled at organization and planning, but also able to connect with kids in meaningful ways
  • Has a passion for finding creative and engaging ways to nurture the development of faith in kids of all ages 

Position Details:

  • Start Date: April 2025
  • Hours: 15 hours/week
    Outside of regular team meetings and check-ins, as well as Sunday morning Children’s Ministry programming, hours are flexible with the option to work a combination of remote and in-office work hours.
  • Wage: $21–$25/hour (based on experience and skill set).
  • How to Apply: To apply to this position, please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@elevationwaterloo.org. Applications will be accepted until March 12 , 2025.

Any questions can be directed to hiring@elevationwaterloo.org, or filling in the form below.

A Quick Look At All Of Our Sunday Services

A Quick Look At All Of Our Sunday Services

It’s All About Jesus

Jesus in John

When all is said and done, at the centre of the Christian faith stands Jesus. He was a profound teacher. He was a miracle worker. He was compassionate, insightful, and wise beyond his years. But Jesus is not just someone from the past for us to reflect on. The four accounts of his life that open the New Testament were written so that we can know him more today!

As we head into the Summer of 2021, our Pastoral Team is making plans to help our Elevation community balance the limitations of pandemic life with some creative opportunities to start connecting in person. Take a look at the schedule below and mark your calendars!

Everything here is subject to change based on local guidelines and provincial restrictions, and more details will be provided in our regular weekly email updates.

July 4 – Long Weekend (no online service—connect with your Neighbours! group, either virtually or in-person)

July 11 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

July 18 – Elevation Livestream (plus outdoor Communion at 22 Willow @ 11:30) – No Neighbours! groups

July 25 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 1 – Long Weekend (no online service or Neighbours! groups —distanced in-person bring-your-own-picnic at 22 Willow 11:30-1:00)

August 8 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 15 – Elevation Livestream (plus outdoor Communion at 22 Willow @ 11:30) – No Neighbours! groups

August 22 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 29 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

September 5 – Long Weekend (no online service or Neighbours! groups —distanced in-person bring-your-own-picnic at 22 Willow 11:30-1:00)

Our tentative plan is to offer in-person worship alongside our Livestream starting on Sunday, September 12. More details to come!