Elevation

This Sunday, we continue our study of Ecclesiastes, exploring the raw honesty of its author. We'll reflect on how this ancient text invites us to confront the world's suffering with open eyes and compassionate hearts, and grants us liberating permission to be honest about our own struggles, suffering, doubts, despair and disillusionment as a path to healing and growth.

Together, we'll consider the transformative power of lament, authenticity and vulnerability within community as gifts of hope and strength amidst life's struggles, tragedies and uncertainties.

A quick reminder that the job posting for our Co-Lead Pastor position is live on our website and various job boards. Applications will be accepted until July 28th.

If you know someone who might be a good fit, feel free to share the link or post it on your social media!

Elevation Is Hiring! - Elevation Waterloo Elevation is hiring! Click on the link if you're interested in joining our team!

Summertime, and the living is … meaningless?!?

The Teacher of Ecclesiastes contends that everything in life is ultimately in vain and therefore meaningless. Is the Teacher completely correct or could there be something more? What might Jesus have to say to the Teacher?

Join Mark Dettweiler as he explores these questions.

If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch this Sunday, July 7th.

This gathering will take place in the Lounge following our regular Sunday gathering. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

Young Adults Soup Lunch - Elevation Church If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch on June 2nd. This gathering will take place in the upper room following our regular Sunday gathering. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

HAPPY SUMMER HOLIDAYS!
Here is our snapshot for the Sundays in July and August. We hope you'll join us!

This weekend marks the first of two long weekends where we will not be gathering together at 22 Willow at 9AM (June 30th and August 4th). Instead, we encourage the community, staff, and especially our valued volunteers, to utilize this time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

This will also be the last Neighbours Sunday until the fall. If you’re part of a Neighbours Group, you’ll be hearing from your group leaders directly.

We are told that moderation is a virtue, but it is easy to call for moderation when you are in a place of comfort and privilege.

Tomorrow, Brian will lead us as we will look at several passages of scripture and consider how they can be used both to help and to harm. Together, we will discern what it means to listen to the Spirit as a community.

If you missed Devon's introduction to the series this past Sunday, you can listen to it on our podcast here.

June 16, 2024: Ecclesiastes, Part 1 - Uncomfortable and Abstract by Elevation Waterloo Sermons This Sunday we open up our nine-part series on one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament. Devon explores how the uncomfortable and abstract nature of Ecclesiastes is intentionally present, and also an essential aspect of the teaching of this book.

PRAYER FOR REFUGEES

God of life and freedom,
When Abraham’s family wandered,
when Moses took refuge in the desert,
when the Hebrew people fled into the wilderness,
when the Israelites lived in exile,
you called them, and gave them words of comfort,
promises of hope, and shelter under your everlasting arms.

In Christ you crossed the border.
You put on frail flesh,
were born and lived your life
always on the move in a dangerous world.
From your first night you slept in a bed and
a place that was not your own.
You and your family fled terror and found refuge in foreign lands.
You were not always sure of your next meal.

We remember before you
the millions of people whose lives are more like yours
than we can imagine or care to acknowledge:
those who are without homes,
who have been uprooted from their communities and countries,
who have had to flee for their lives,
who have left families and friends,
who live precarious lives.

We pray for your protection and care for those who suffer and must take refuge
because of war, politics, natural disaster, status, race, gender, sexuality, and faith.
We remember before you those separated from their families:
children removed from their parents, siblings lost to one another, spouses and friends separated.
We mourn and we are angered by the loss that marks the lives of so many:
the loss of dignity, of respect, of security, of community, of family, and of stability.

We pray for the people of this country
and of the church, that we may not be indifferent or naïve,
afraid or overwhelmed, discouraged or blind to hope and options to help
or silent in the call for justice.
You have made us citizens of your kingdom,
open our hearts and our doors to receive the stranger,
the widow and the orphan and all who are dear to you,
and strengthen us to witness to the love of God for all people;
and open our mouths to call for justice.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Source: The Presbyterian Church of Canada: A Prayer for Refugees

Yesterday, we opened up our nine-part series on one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament.

Devon explored how the uncomfortable and abstract nature of Ecclesiastes is intentionally present, and also an essential aspect of the teaching of this book. Listen along to the podcast here.

June 16, 2024: Ecclesiastes, Part 1 - Uncomfortable and Abstract by Elevation Waterloo Sermons This Sunday we open up our nine-part series on one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament. Devon explores how the uncomfortable and abstract nature of Ecclesiastes is intentionally present, and also an essential aspect of the teaching of this book.

This Sunday we open up our nine-part series on one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament.

Join us as Devon explores how the uncomfortable and abstract nature of Ecclesiastes is intentionally present, and also an essential aspect of the teaching of this book.

In our affirmed Governance and Staffing model, we emphasize the crucial role of rest in ensuring leadership and governance sustainability. To uphold this principle, we integrate regular rhythms of rest for the Board, staff, leaders, volunteers, and the entire community. During the summer months, we will not hold regular Sunday gatherings on the two long weekends at the beginning and end of the summer (June 30th and August 4th). Instead, we encourage the community, staff, and especially our valued volunteers, to utilize this time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

We invite you to join us for an interactive Service & Learning Reflection morning this Sunday! We'll be gathering at 22 Willow for our usual worship and announcements (some might now know this as the Half-time Show). Then, instead of sending the kids off to KidsQuest, we will ALL be participating in various reflective activities around the church!

Come prepared to engage in painting, planting, and a mindful prayer walk as part of our worship together. Additionally, we're conducting a collection for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. If you're able, please bring some of their top-requested items, such as canned fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish; rice; or individually wrapped snacks.

The Youth took over our regular Sunday gathering yesterday!

They commandeered over pretty much the whole service, including the welcome and greetings, worship, communion, announcements (half-time show), kids dismissal, and teaching.

Tessa (and Parker, when he wasn't sleeping) spoke about Jesus as the embodiment of God living a life to the fullest through humility and surrender, capturing the essence of Philippians 2:5-11.

If you weren't there for the service, GO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW!

June 2, 2024 - Sunday Gathering Youth Takeover: YOLO < LLTTF ft. God in the Bod by Elevation Waterloo Sermons The Youth took over our regular Sunday gathering! This week, our Youth commandeered over pretty much the whole service, including the welcome and greetings, worship, communion, announcements, kids dismissal, and teaching. Tessa and Parker spoke about Jesus as the embodiment of God living a life to t...

Holy calendars, Batman! It's June! And with that, here's your visual snapshot for the month. We hope this infographic gives you all the details you need to plan ahead. Holy planning, let's join the fun!

THE YOUTH ARE TAKING OVER OUR SUNDAY GATHERING!

They will be commandeering over the welcome and greetings, worship, communion, announcements, kids dismissal, and teaching.

Tessa (and Parker) will be speaking about Jesus as the embodiment of God living a life to the fullest through humility and surrender, capturing the essence of Philippians 2:5-11.

Join us as we celebrate together and special thanks to the regular KidsQuest volunteers who will still be caring for the younger members of our community during this special service.

If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch on June 2nd.

This gathering will take place in the upper room following our regular Sunday gathering. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

Young Adults Soup Lunch - Elevation Church If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch on June 2nd. This gathering will take place in the upper room following our regular Sunday gathering. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

This past Sunday, we wrapped up our short 2-week series, "Church as a Common Collective," where we explored how God can bring beauty out of brokenness. If you missed it, head over to our podcast as Mel, Shane, and Sophie each share their personal stories about God's providence in times of despair.

Please note that this week's message contains sensitive content, including discussions on health crises, homophobia, loss, and miscarriage.

May 26, 2024: The Church as a Common Collective, Part 2: God Bringing Beauty out of Brokenness by Elevation Waterloo Sermons This Sunday, we’re continuing our 2-week ‘Church as a Common Collective’ series with a look at how God can bring beauty out of brokenness. Join us as Mel, Shane, and Sophie each share their personal stories about God’s providence in times of despair. Please note that this week's message cont...

This Sunday, we're continuing our 2-week 'Church as a Common Collective' series with a look at how God can bring beauty out of brokenness. Join us as Mel, Shane, and Sophie each share their own story about God's providence in times of despair.

It is Neighbours! Sunday this week! Neighbours Groups are small groups based on the neighbourhood we live in, where members gather together, often in someone's home for a potluck meal, or for outdoor activities. If you're new to Elevation and would like to get plugged into a Neighbours Group, sign up here!

Neighbours Sunday - New Attendee! - Elevation Church May 26th, 2024 is Neighbours Sunday!Neighbours Groups are small groups based on the neighbourhood we live in, where members gather, often in someone's home for a potluck meal, or for outdoor activities. If you're not yet part of a Neighbours Group and would like to join one, please sign up here and....

Yesterday, we explored the theme of God’s miraculous intervention throughout the Old Testament and its profound connection to Pentecost. Together we pondered the intriguing question: Why does goodness often seems chaotic in this world?

If you are away for the long weekend or weren't at the service yesterday and want to catch up on Devon's sermon, check out our podcast!

May 19, 2024: The Church as a Common Collective, Part 1: Chaos in Chaos by Elevation Waterloo Sermons This week, join us as we explore the theme of God’s miraculous intervention throughout the Old Testament and its profound connection to Pentecost. Together, we’ll ponder the intriguing question: Why does goodness often seems chaotic in this world?

Next week (May 26th, 2024) is Neighbours Sunday! Neighbours Groups are small groups based on the neighbourhood we live in, where members gather together, often in someone's home for a potluck meal, or for outdoor activities. If you're not yet part of a Neighbours Group and would like to join one, please contact Sue at the office ([email protected]).

This Sunday, join us as we explore the theme of God’s miraculous intervention throughout the Old Testament and its profound connection to Pentecost. Together, we'll ponder the intriguing question: Why does goodness often seems chaotic in this world?

Last week, Brian will finished off the 'Belovedness' series with his topic on how Belovedness Transforms Enemies. He looked at the story of Paul and Ananias, with scripture taken from Acts 9:9-19 and Galatians 1:15-20.
If you missed out or would like to listen to Brian's teaching again, head on over to our Sermons podcast!

May 5, 2024: Belovedness , Part 3 - Belovedness Transforms Enemies by Elevation Waterloo Sermons Understanding our own belovedness transforms us, and in doing so transforms our understanding of others. When we see others through the eyes of Jesus’ love we realize that even our enemies are beloved. But belovedness does not mean we lack boundaries, but instead belovedness calls us into transfor...

It's Service and Learning this weekend!

Here are the opportunities for Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday, May 11th Opportunities:
- Baking at 22 Willow for A Better Tent City
- Connection to Nature at Spur Line Trail
Sign Up here: https://elevationwaterloo.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2289718

Sunday, May 12th Opportunities:
- Cooking at 22 Willow for A Better Tent City
- Journey Team English Conversation Circle
- Learning Opportunity in the Sanctuary at 22 Willow
- Cooking & Sharing at SHOW
Sign up here: https://elevationwaterloo.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2289766

Service & Learning: Sunday Opportunities - Elevation Church One of the ways we practice living out our faith and worship as a community is through connecting and partnering with service organizations in our local community, being guided by those working and living at the margins. On a regular basis we use our gathering time on the weekend to spread out in sm...

Understanding our own belovedness transforms us, and in doing so transforms our understanding of others. When we see others through the eyes of Jesus’ love we realize that even our enemies are beloved. But belovedness does not mean we lack boundaries, but instead belovedness calls us into transformed living.

This week, Brian will be finishing off the current series with his topic on how Belovedness Transforms Enemies. He will be looking at the story of Paul and Ananias, with scripture taken from Acts 9:9-19 and Galatians 1:15-20.

If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch this Sunday, May 5th.
This gathering will take place in the upper room following our regular service and discussion time. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

Young Adults Soup Lunch - Elevation Church If you identify as a young adult who enjoys soup and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us for our Soup Lunch on May 5th. This gathering will take place in the upper room following our regular Sunday gathering. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

Here is your monthly snapshot for May. We hope that this sketch provides you with enough detail to plan for the month ahead. If any of these events change, we'll be sure to communicate as such here on Facebook and/or a follow-up email.

This past Sunday, we continued our series on Belovedness where Cathleen guided us through “Breaking the Binary of Belovedness.” We explored how everyone, from the prodigal to the powerful, from the marginalized to the magnified, is deeply cherished.

If you missed out, then listen to the podcast us as we embarked on a journey beyond the constraints of binary thinking to recognizing, celebrating and embracing the belovedness of all, paving the way for individual and communal healing.

April 28, 2024: Belovedness, Part 2 - Breaking the Binary of Belovedness by Elevation Waterloo Sermons As we continue our series on Belovedness, Cathleen will guide us through “Breaking the Binary of Belovedness.” We’ll explore how everyone, from the prodigal to the powerful, from the marginalized to the magnified, is deeply cherished. Join us as we embark on a journey beyond the constraints of...

Here is your monthly snapshot for January. We hope that this sketch provides you with enough detail to plan for the month ahead. Please join us!

On this, the last Sunday of 2023, we turn our attention to the incarnation, considering the implications of this theologically rich activity of God.

December 31, 2023 - Incarnation & Participation by Elevation Waterloo Sermons