Whoever You are, Whomever You love, Wherever You are,
Wherever You find yourself on your faith journey,
You are welcome here at Sydenham Street United Church
Photo courtesy of Dana Ruprecht
Who We Are
We are a vital faith community and Affirming congregation within The United Church of Canada. We believe “God’s love is for everyone.” We celebrate diversity, inclusivity and abundant life, informed by Jesus’s teaching and The Bible. We are committed to spiritual development, social justice and artistic expression. We welcome all and strive to build healthy, nurturing relationships with each other. We seek to build community locally and globally. Sydenham Street United Church is located in the building rebranded as The Spire at 82 Sydenham Street in downtown Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Worship Services
Sunday Services for Sydenham Street United Church are held at 11:00 hr, in person in the Sanctuary of The Spire at 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston, with our minister, The Reverend Catherine Elsdon!
Note About Church Services:
- You are welcome to enter by the Sydenham Street or William Street entrance.
- Alternatively, you may join us online for our weekly worship services or at a later date on our YouTube site Youtube
2026
- January 4 at 11 am – Rev. Catherine Elsdon presiding- Epiphany – “Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12”
- January 11 at 11 am – Rev. Catherine Elsdon presiding- Baptism of Jesus – ” Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17″ Guest Speaker: Sam MacLeod, General Manager of The Spire, will present on his volunteer work sponsoring refugee families.
You’ve heard them. Maybe you’ve said them. They are simple, common phrases that sound Christian, but are not actually found in the Bible. This sermon series will focus on three of these sayings and how they capture some elements of truth, but miss the mark in significant ways.
- January 18 at 11 am – Rev. Catherine Elsdon presiding- “Half Truth: Everything Happens for a Reason”
- January 25 at 11am -Rev. Catherine Elsdon presiding – “Half Truth: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”
- February 1 at 11 am -Rev. Catherine Elsdon presiding – “Half Truth: God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle”, Sacrament of Communion
- February 8 at 11 am, Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Don Misener
- February 15 at 11 am, Guest Speaker: Rev. Heidi DeJonge
- February 22, 2026 at 11 am, Guest Speakers: Marie Wilson and Stephen Kakfwi: “Ten Years Forward: Reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report”
The weekly Service Bulletins are available on-line Bulletin
Growing Spirits is our weekly program for children (ages 4-13) who meet Sunday mornings with our new teacher Chelsea Houston for stories informed by the Bible and other sources, as well as games, crafts and various activities.
Concern for Ukrainian Communities: The United Church of Canada invites communities of faith to express solidarity with their Ukrainian neighbours and to support those most affected by the war. Providing emergency food and hygiene kits is one way your generous support of Mission & Service partners is helping support Ukrainian refugees.
Receive comfort and inspiration from the words, music and images of our worship leaders through recordings of Our Worship Services available by 11:00 hr every Sunday on our YouTube site Youtube
Please contact us with comments or general questions about Sydenham Street United Church, the website, getting on the mailing list, etc via Email: web@sydenhamstreet.ca
On September 30, wear an orange shirt to remember and honour Indigenous children who were taken from their homes.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, you can contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society for counselling support available at 1-800-721-0066. People can also access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
A call to mourn, LEARN, support and REMEMBER! This link also includes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports.
The lands on which we meet are the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We deeply respect the many generations of people who have cared for this land, and whose spiritualities, teachings and ways of knowing are closely tied to it. We seek to build right relations with these Peoples, to learn from them, and to live together on this land with respect and gratitude.
Updated 2026 01 22