We are convinced that at the heart of the Christian message is the good news that God expressed His love by coming to live with us: God with us. We're not convinced that people in our community need to 'come to church' to encounter God's life-giving love. Rather, we long for the people of our Elevation church family to be a 'life-giving presence' in our community, 24/7.

Here is a recent example of an activity led, and participated in, by several Elevation members (http://www.therecord.com/print/article/540614).

We capture our intent when we say that we want to bring LIFE to the people of KW, by: Living out Jesus' values within our natural spheres of influence; Involving ourselves in existing service organizations and member initiatives; sharing Food and Friendship with people regardless of whether they share our faith; Exploring Jesus' life and message.

If you are interested in becoming involved in a particular initiative or organization, our LIFE Team will assist you. (Contact us at steve@elevateyourlife.org) Although there are many great organizations and initiatives in our region that we are happy to help Elevation people get involved in, we have decided to promote the following two because members of our church community currently provide key leadership within them:

Welcome Home

(a welcoming community for New Canadians)

Elevation members, Gord and Sharon Skopnik, were instrumental in establishing Welcome Home because they recognized the need to create housing and a compassionate welcome for many of the refugees who arrive in KW each year. Since it opened in downtown Kitchener, Welcome Home has hosted 76 refugees from 27 different countries. The facility boasts 9 one-room apartments with shared kitchen, laundry and lounge plus 2 one-bedroom family apartments.

You can join other Elevation members in developing meaningful friendships with new Canadians by participating in meals or activities at Welcome Home, by participating in sports, picnic, or camping activities, and responding to any of the great opportunities provided on their website: http://welcomehome.iteams.ca

If you have further questions, and/or want to find out how to get involved, contact Sharon at sharonskopnik@yahoo.ca.

Sunnydale

(a lower income community in North Waterloo, with tons of potential and many great opportunities!)

Running and Reading

The Kidsfest Running and Reading Club (Thursdays 3:30-5:30)- is a unique, life-changing program offered to socio-economically challenged children across Canada. Elevation members have been involved in bringing this opportunity to Cedarbrae School in the heart of Waterloo's Sunnydale community. Over the course of two hours on Thursdays, adult participants run with and/or cheer for the kids during fun activities and spend time sitting and reading with them.

Would you consider joining us in helping encourage and develop these children? If you are interested in investing in Sunnydale's youth, or in making a deeper 'mentoring' kind of investment in some of the kids there, please contact Jeremy at 519-342-3044 or info@elevateyourlife.org.