Grand River Unitarian Congregation

Join us at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays through June 21st.

May 24, 2026. “In medias res…” Rev. Jess. Today we consider the chapter of this congregation’s story that includes our 18 years of shared ministry and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for our ‘Quiet Juicy Freedom Church’. *New member ceremony*

May 31, 2026. “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry.” Retiring minister Rev. Jess and incoming minister Rev. Anne Barker share the pulpit this morning! After we get where we are going, what do we do with what we got? Jack Kornfield writes: “The Hindus tell us that the child in the womb sings, ‘Do not let me forget who I am,’ but that the song after birth becomes, ‘Oh, I have forgotten already.”’ Still, as surely as there is a voyage away, there is a journey home.”

June 7, 2026. "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!" We bid Rev. Jess farewell with love and stories (and maybe....probably, tears). Join us to hear from several congregants who will share their moments with Jess.
June 14, 2026 The Annual Youth Service.
June 21, 2026 Flower Communion and Church Picnic

Join us 10:30 a.m. Sundays for thoughtful reflection and inspiring community.

April 19, 2026. “The Story of Co-Creation.” Rev Jess and Worship Artists with the Spirit of Life Choir. This morning we celebrate Earth Day in poetry and reflection, story and song.

April 26, 2026. “Challenge, Chance, and Change.” Rev. Jess. Nearly half the questions submitted at last month’s Question Box service asked about how to sustain ourselves in these challenging times of rising facism, war, and inequality. Today we’ll consider what relevant lessons Process Theology might hold for UUs.

May 3, 2026. “Living the 5th Principle: Reflections on Representing the Public Good.” Susanna Reid, Stratford Unitarians. Lifelong Unitarian Susanna Reid will share her experience and expertise in applying the principles of Non Violent Communication in her work as a municipal planner. Stay after the service for our annual MayPole celebration.

May 10, 2026. “No Exit from Mt Hope Cemetery and Other Signs Along the Road to Ministry.” Rev. Jess & the Spirit of Life Choir. Mother’s Day is the anniversary of my calling to ministry, when I finally decided to follow the ‘signs’ that led me here to GRU. Join Jess and the choir for the retelling of the story of call and response.

April 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. "Faith, War and Peace: How Can People of Faith Make the Most Difference." Rev. Dr. Brice Balmer with Jay Moore. Members of Interfaith Grand River return to GRU to share perspectives on faith and diversity. Founded in 2001, IGR brings the wisdom of our many traditions to bear on current issues affecting our community by promoting dialogue, encouraging interaction, and challenging intolerance.

About our Guest Speaker: Before retiring from full-time faculty position at Martin Luther University College within Wilfrid Laurier University in June 2019, Rev Dr Brice Balmer taught in the Master of Arts in Theology program, in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. He taught courses in multifaith, addictions, practicum for students in counselling, theodicy, group work and community development. As an ordained Mennonite minister, the values and principles of peace and pacifism are paramount in his life. He was a co-pastor at First Mennonite Church, in Kitchener, for 17 years. He is a founder of Interfaith Grand River and his latest research and community work focuses on multifaith collaboration in Waterloo Region as as well as interfaith activities and organizations in Canada and the United Kingdom.