Elevation Is Hiring!

Elevation Is Hiring!

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.

To apply to this position, please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@elevationwaterloo.org

Applications will be accepted until July 28 , 2024. 

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

COVID Protocols – Fall 2022

COVID Protocols – Fall 2022

Updated: September 15, 2022

 

COVID Protocols:

Many of the provincial and regional COVID protocols and guidelines have been lifted, as well as Trillium’s policies around these restrictions. As the Elevation community, we are striving to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. The following guidelines articulate how we will move forward together:

 

  1. Stay Home When Sick
    The best way to keep others in our community safe is by staying home if you have symptoms or are ill. We ask that we all monitor our own health and opt to stay home if we are showing COVID symptoms, in order to protect those who may be more vulnerable among us. If you ever have questions around whether or not you should join in person, please refer to the Ontario School Screening Tool to guide your decision. If you are signed up to serve, let your team lead or a member of the Pastoral Team know as soon as you can so they can find someone else to serve and you can stay home.
  2. Masks
    Masks are no longer mandatory indoors. We want to cultivate a mask-friendly environment, and we ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels, and health needs. When physical distance is not available and especially in shared indoor spaces, you may want to wear a well-fitting mask. We will continue to provide surgical masks at each of our entrances.
  3. Sanitizing
    We will continue to have sanitizing stations around the building and encourage community members to sanitize their hands upon entry of the building. Sanitizing wipes will also be available in the washrooms for those who would like to wipe down surfaces before or after using the space.
  4. Creative Solutions
    We have utilized some creative solutions in the past and we continue to welcome creative ideas. This has included roping off a section of pews for those wanting more physical distance or making balcony space available. If you have an idea, let us know.
  5. Screening and Registration
    There will be no mandatory registration or screening process at the door.
  6. Vaccination Requirement
    Both Trillium and the provincial/regional guidelines have lifted the requirement for vaccination. Therefore, we will not be requiring proof of vaccination to enter or participate in our gatherings.
  7. Capacity Limits and Distancing
    The capacity limits and distancing requirements have also been lifted. 

* Please note that these practices are based on the current provincial and regional guidelines, and are subject to change should those guidelines shift again in the coming weeks or months. 

COVID Protocols – Fall 2022

Sunday Morning Gatherings

We welcome you to join us Sunday mornings at 9am, as we gather together in-person at 22 Willow St. Waterloo (also home to Trillium Lutheran Church). 

Our Sunday morning gatherings typically include a time of worship through song, prayer, sharing in communion, scripture reading and a short sermon. Following our time in the Sanctuary, we then have an opportunity to gather around tables in the gym for a time of discussion with one another around the morning’s theme. Children up to grade 5 are dismissed part way through the service and can be picked up from their classrooms after the discussion time at 10:30am.

Over the summer months, we will be moving our gatherings outside for the long weekends (July 3rd, July 31st and September 4th). Stay tuned for details around location and times.

 

 

A Few Notes About Our In-Person Services:

COVID Protocols:

Many of the provincial and regional COVID protocols and guidelines have been lifted, as well as Trillium’s policies around these restrictions. In following these guidelines, we will be moving forward with these practices in place:

  1. Masks
    Although masks are no longer mandatory indoors, we continue to encourage the wearing of masks during this time. We want to create an environment that feels as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone as we navigate this transition. We encourage those 5 and older to continue to wear masks indoors. Thank you!
  2. Screening and Registration
    There will be no mandatory registration or screening process at the door. However, we would ask as we move forward with in-person gatherings, that we all monitor our own health and opt to stay home if we are showing COVID symptoms, in order to protect those who may be more vulnerable among us. If you ever have questions around whether or not you should join in person, please refer to the Ontario School Screening tool to guide your decision.
  3. Sanitizing
    We will continue to have sanitizing stations around the building and encourage community members to sanitize their hands upon entry of the building.
    Sanitizing wipes will also be available in the washrooms for those who would like to wipe down surfaces before or after using the space.
  4. Vaccination Requirement
    Both Trillium and the provincial/regional guidelines have lifted the requirement for vaccination. Therefore, we will not be requiring proof of vaccination to enter or participate in our gatherings.
  5. Capacity Limits and Distancing
    The capacity limits and distancing requirements have also been lifted. At this point we are not required to rope off pews to provide for distancing. However, knowing that some of our community members would continue to feel more comfortable maintaining distance, we will have a section of the Sanctuary where the pews will be roped off to allow for distancing.

*Please note that these practices are based on the current provincial and regional guidelines, and are subject to change should those guidelines shift again in the coming weeks or months. 

Kids’ Programming:

We know that KidsQuest is an important part of our return to in-person gathering at 22 Willow. Beginning Sunday May 1st, our kids programming will be in full swing! We’ll be dismissing our kids (up to grade 5) to their KidsQuest program in the second half of the service and parents can pick them up at the end of discussion groups. The nursery will also be open and staffed during this time. We are continuing to encourage our kids (5+) to wear masks indoors during the KidsQuest programming, especially as it will be difficult to ensure physical distancing in these spaces. Parents, although a formal COVID screening will not happen for KidsQuest, we ask you to monitor your children for any symptoms of covid-19 and thank you for keeping them out of programming if they are showing symptoms. We look forward to connecting with some of our youngest Elevation members again!

COVID Protocols – Fall 2022

Transition to In-Person Worship Gatherings

Update: May 2022

 

Over the months of March and April, we have walked through a transition away from our Sunday morning online services on YouTube as we have known them over the past two years, and towards in-person services at 22 Willow. While the results of our community survey around this show that most of our community members are ready for this transition, we do recognize that there are members of our community who will be impacted by the ending of our Sunday morning virtual services. There are some who have been joining virtually from a distance who will not be able to join us in the same way in-person, and others who do not yet feel comfortable or ready to join in this large group setting indoors. 

As we journey through this transition, we desire to continue to provide ways for those who are not yet ready or able to join in person during this time to feel connected to our community. Over the next little while we will be experimenting with virtual options and will be seeking feedback from the community as we move forward. Below is our plan for the month of May. 

Please do reach out if there are ways that you feel you can help provide these spaces (hosting zoom calls etc) for our community as we continue to navigate the reality of the pandemic and its ongoing impact. We look forward to engaging with the community in any of these in-person (indoor and outdoor) and virtual spaces!  

 

Date Virtual Options In-person Options
Sunday May 1st

Pre-recorded sermon posted on YouTube at 9am (available anytime after that to watch)

 

Zoom Discussion Call at 11am

In-person worship service with kids’ programming and nursery staffed during the sermon/discussion time

 

In-person discussion after the service in the gym

Sunday May 8th

Pre-recorded sermon posted on YouTube at 9am (available anytime after that to watch)

 

Zoom Discussion Call at 11am

In-person worship service with kids’ programming and nursery staffed during the sermon/discussion time

 

In-person discussion after the service in the gym

Sunday May 15th Our Mission Team will be inviting the community to join in a variety of service and learning initiatives around the city as a way of actively living out our worship. There will be both virtual and in-person opportunities provided. More info soon!
Sunday May 22nd We will be joining outside at 22 Willow for a “bring your own picnic” brunch. We will have a chance to reflect about our experiences and learning from the Mission service on May 15th, and will also share in communion together. 
Sunday May 29th

Pre-recorded sermon posted on YouTube at 9am (available anytime after that to watch)

 

Zoom Discussion Call at 11am

In-person worship service with kids’ programming and nursery staffed during the sermon/discussion time

 

In-person discussion after the service in the gym

 

Other virtual connection opportunities outside of Sunday mornings include:

  • Sermon audio podcasts
  • Weekly virtual prayer gathering (Mondays at 10am)
  • Accessing pre-recorded musical pieces from the worship team on our YouTube channel through this playlist
  • Midweek short video reflections from our teaching team sent out to the community each week

 

A Few Notes About Our In-Person Services:

 

COVID Protocols:

Many of the provincial and regional COVID protocols and guidelines have been lifted, as well as Trillium’s policies around these restrictions. In following these guidelines, we will be moving forward with these practices in place:

 

  1. Masks
    Although masks are no longer mandatory indoors, we continue to encourage the wearing of masks during this time. We want to create an environment that feels as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone as we navigate this transition. We encourage those 5 and older to continue to wear masks indoors. Thank you!
  2. Screening and Registration
    There will be no mandatory registration or screening process at the door. However, we would ask as we move forward with in-person gatherings, that we all monitor our own health and opt to stay home if we are showing COVID symptoms, in order to protect those who may be more vulnerable among us. If you ever have questions around whether or not you should join in person, please refer to the Ontario School Screening tool to guide your decision.
  3. Sanitizing
    We will continue to have sanitizing stations around the building and encourage community members to sanitize their hands upon entry of the building.
    Sanitizing wipes will also be available in the washrooms for those who would like to wipe down surfaces before or after using the space.
  4. Vaccination Requirement
    Both Trillium and the provincial/regional guidelines have lifted the requirement for vaccination. Therefore, we will not be requiring proof of vaccination to enter or participate in our gatherings.
  5. Capacity Limits and Distancing
    The capacity limits and distancing requirements have also been lifted. At this point we are not required to rope off pews to provide for distancing. However, knowing that some of our community members would continue to feel more comfortable maintaining distance, we will have a section of the Sanctuary where the pews will be roped off to allow for distancing.

*Please note that these practices are based on the current provincial and regional guidelines, and are subject to change should those guidelines shift again in the coming weeks or months. 

 

Kids’ Programming:

 

We know that KidsQuest is an important part of our return to in-person gathering at 22 Willow. Beginning Sunday May 1st, our kids programming will be in full swing! We’ll be dismissing our kids (up to grade 5) to their KidsQuest program in the second half of the service and parents can pick them up at the end of discussion groups. The nursery will also be open and staffed during this time. We are continuing to encourage our kids (5+) to wear masks indoors during the KidsQuest programming, especially as it will be difficult to ensure physical distancing in these spaces. Parents, although a formal COVID screening will not happen for KidsQuest, we ask you to monitor your children for any symptoms of covid-19 and thank you for keeping them out of programming if they are showing symptoms. We look forward to connecting with some of our youngest Elevation members again!

Holy Week 2022

Holy Week 2022

  • Palm Sunday (April 10th) – Our virtual service will take place on YouTube at 10am, with a zoom discussion call following at 11am. In-person option to view the virtual service together in the Sanctuary at 22 Willow at 9am, with discussion to follow in the gym.  
  • Stations of the Cross will take on a similar form to last year, with an outdoor art installation along the Spur Line Trail adjacent to 22 Willow.  We invite you to come and walk the stations and view Scott Erickson’s depiction of the events leading up to Easter Sunday. (Beginning on Palm Sunday, weather permitting).  Read our message to the community regarding these stations here.
    • For further reflection or to access these stations virtually, you can find a video companion to the stations on our YouTube channel or below: 

  • Good Friday (April 15th) – We will be posting our virtual Good Friday service on YouTube at 9am on Good Friday, as well as a written liturgy for families with children to read through together. The virtual service will be available throughout the day for individuals and families to take an hour to watch the service from their homes at whatever time works best with their schedules. For anyone who would like to join in-person, we will also be showing the service in the Sanctuary at 22 Willow on Good Friday at 4pm. Please note that we will be sharing in Communion together during this service, so please have elements on hand if you will be joining the service from your home (elements will be provided if you are joining in-person at 22 Willow).
    • Please note that Trillium will be displaying the art of Mary Button outside at 22 Willow on Good Friday from 9am-4pm. If you are planning on coming to the in-person viewing of the service at 4pm, you may wish to come early to walk the Stations along the Spur Line Trail and then also take in some of the art display on the property at 22 Willow.
  • Easter Sunday (April 17th) – A morning of celebration! Our virtual service will take place on YouTube at 9am (note the time change). Our in-person service (with both live and recorded elements) will begin in the Sanctuary at 22 Willow at 9am. Following the service, we will join together for a time of refreshments and connection in the courtyard and garden area behind 22 Willow. Whether you join virtually or in-person for the service, you are welcome to join for this time of connection outdoors (weather permitting) anytime between 10am and 11:30am.