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News and Events from Sydenham Street United Church

  • The Spire Competes in National “Next Great Save” Campaign Community Support Needed – Please Vote!

The Spire is in the running for a $50,000 award in a National Trust for Canada contest that could help install a heat pump to heat and cool our Upper Hall.

There are several ways to vote:

1. With your phone scan the QR code in the poster above. It will direct you right to the spot to vote for The Spire.

2. On your computer use this link to go directly to the page to vote for The Spire:

You will then see a “vote” button towards the upper right hand area of the page, beside several other symbols. Click on it and follow the instructions.

3. On your computer use the following link to get to the contest overall home page:

Next Great Save

In this case, you will see all the candidate projects.  You will need to move to the  panel for The Spire Renewed and click on the button at the bottom of that panel.

Please plan to vote every day, until the contest closes at 1:00 pm on April 24.

With your help, we have a good chance!

In the midst of a loneliness epidemic, how can we find greater personal purpose? How can we cultivate meaningful connections and communities? Join us for a FREE Saturday morning workshop and Sunday morning worship service exploring these questions and more with Rev. Dr. John Pentland.

John is an author, speaker and minister who deeply values curiosity and connection. He has been in ministry at Hillhurst United Church (Calgary) for over 20 years. He is known for connecting faith and culture, as well as his commitment to “good public theology.” He completed a doctor of ministry at Chicago Theological Seminary in 2004. His dissertation, entitled “Speaking Faith in Public Space,” tackled the question of how to talk about faith outside of church.

He writes as a columnist with the Calgary Herald, regularly contributes letters and opinion essays to The Globe and Mail, and in 2015 published a book about the journey of his thriving community of faith. 

The Hilliker Preaching Lectureship, a weekend-long learning event, is co-hosted by Sydenham Street United Church and Chalmers United Church.

Register HERE for the workshop

Check out these articles about John’s career and congregation:  https://broadview.org/john-pentland-united-church-moderator/

This Calgary church nearly closed. Now it’s flourishing.

Read more about John’s book on congregational renewal, Fishing Tips: How Curiosity Transformed a Community of Faith: https://ucrdstore.ca/products/fishing-tips-how-curiosity-transformed-a-community-of-faith?srsltid=AfmBOooONsiWLhCV1M7NKyRUJu3_vuO04KrV1B0-0y7E4kpya8Qwm3rX

  • Monday April 20, 7:00 pm ET.  St. James’ Anglican Church, Kingston, is hosting an online discussion event centred on the CBC Documentary “The Good Canadian”.  This is a 1.5 hour long documentary focussing on how Indigenous people continue to be impacted today by the Doctrine of Discovery, the Indian Act & residential schools.  For more information read this

Registration – sharon@stjameskingston.ca – zoom link will be provided

  • We have a New Logo! Read more about it here
  • We were blessed to have Marie Wilson, Canadian journalist and one of the three Truth and Reconciliation Commission commissioners, and Stephen Kakfwi, Dene leader and former Northwest Territories Premier, participate in worship with us on February 22nd, on the topic “Ten Years Forward: Reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report”
  • KEY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: VACANCIES for 2025-26:
    • ENGAGING THE SPIRIT: Affirm Action Group Coordinator
    • EXECUTIVE: Future Chair, Member-at-Large
    • COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: Member
    • BOARD OF TRUSTEES, Trustee

For more information, please contact Deborah Elliott

  • Looking for a Simple Way to Make a Big Difference?
  • The Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program is looking for a few friendly volunteer drivers on Monday or Wednesday evenings. It’s just a 1–2 hour commitment – you’d simply drive children to the program and/or bring them home again. This program is located at SSU. Reliable transportation helps remove barriers for these kids, and your help can open the door to their full participation. If you’re curious, interested, or want to learn more, reach out to helen.tufts@sydenhamstreet.ca
  • Minute for Outreach 2025 09 28
  • Narthex Story Wall: Take a Look! Browse the installation on the Narthex Wall the next time you are in Sydenham Street United Church in The Spire. We expect that you will find surprises and inspiration as you learn a bit about the activities of the people of this community and the role of this heritage building over many generations. (2024 02 19)

News and Events from the Kingston Community

  • Check out our Community Outreach page for upcoming local community initiatives and events

News and Events from East and Central Regional Council (ECORC)

News and Events from General Council Office, United Church of  Canada 

Our website is constantly being updated. Explore the various top menus often!

If you are new to Sydenham Street United Church, we invite you to make yourself known to us by sending a note to: web@sydenhamstreet.ca. Please contact us at this same e-address, if you have any questions or wish to receive by email the weekly News from Sydenham Street United Church.

Updated 2026 04 10