Parkminster’s Outreach Committee supports many initiatives locally and globally, turning compassion into action. Visit this page to see events happening in the Parkminster community and learn how you can support outreach and community efforts—in the church, in our region, and beyond.
Outreach Events & Opportunities
RIVER RUN RALLY FOR GRASSY NARROWS: The people of Grassy Narrows are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains, securing a historic ban on logging on their territory for the next 10 years and important promises to clean their river and build a Mercury Care Home – but so much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.
The United Church of Canada officially endorses the Grassy Narrows River Run Rally on Wednesday September 23rd, when community members and leaders will travel 1,700km from Grassy Narrows to Toronto to demand justice. To support, you can join the United Church contingent at Grange Park in downtown Toronto at noon on September 23rd, arriving at Queen’s Park by 3 PM. If you plan to attend, please email justice@united-church.ca.
There will be a bus departing from Wilfrid Laurier University. Visit https://united-church.ca/news/river-run-2026-walk-grassy-narrows-mercury-justice for more information.
FOUR-CHURCH PICNIC: The four Waterloo United Churches are coming together at Westminster following worship for a potluck picnic gathering to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There will be activities for both children and adults.
Sunday, September 27th at Westminster United Church, 543 Beechwood Drive, Waterloo
Participants are encouraged to wear their orange shirt for Truth and Reconciliation Sunday with their church name tag, and to bring a lawn chair as well as a dish to share. If your dish contains common allergens, please label it. Paper plates and cutlery will be provided as well as coffee, tea, and juice.
YOUR COLLABORATION COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU! The Collaboration Committee of the United Churches in Waterloo is seeking your ideas to strengthen our church organizations and build cooperation among our local churches. If you have suggestions that can help us work together more effectively — whether in property and operations, community outreach, youth programs, charitable initiatives, or shared events — we welcome your input.
You can talk directly with one of the committee members, or you can email us at waterloo.uc.collaboration@gmail.com. The committee members are Bruce Carter, Stephen Dixon, Heather and Doug Jacklin, Nancy Lennox, Cory MacKay, Scott McGaire, Bruce Mutton, Sandra and Ken Nethercott, Muriel Omand-Naylor, Paul Warder, and Joan Westcott.
LIVING INTO RIGHT RELATIONS OPPORTUNITIES: This year, Mennonite Central Committee Ontario is hosting two learning series open to anyone interested in deepening their commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Neighbours. Contact lauraenns@mcco.ca with any questions.
– Hearts Exchanged is a learning and action journey designed to equip Christians to go beyond the headlines into deep work, as we wrestle with the challenges and opportunities of reconciliation in our personal lives, local communities, churches and institutions. Join our Online Ecumenical Cohort, based around churches and communities on the Haldimand Tract, and learn more about the “Spiritual Covenant with Churches.” Meets on Zoom on the first Thursday of each month, 7-9 PM, October 2026 to May 2027. Learn more and sign up here!
– Organizing for Repair is a learning series which draws on teachings by Sarah Augustine and experiences of local churches to equip us to engage our congregations for meaningful repair through relational solidarity with Indigenous communities. Meets on Zoom on the second Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 PM, November 2026 to March 2027, with an in-person retreat at Shantz Mennonite Church in Baden on Saturday, October 3 from 8:30-3:30 PM. Register here!
CELTIC FOR A CAUSE – SECOND STRING CONCERT FUNDRAISER: On Sunday, October 18 at 7 PM, the band Second String will be in concert at Parkminster United Church. The concert – a celebration of East Coast and Irish music – is in support of two Waterloo Region charitable organizations: Marillac Place and Reception House. All proceeds from the event will go to these organizations, through Parkminster’s Outreach Committee. The band is performing free of charge. There will also be a silent auction beginning at 6:30 PM. For more information or to arrange donations for the silent auction, please contact the church office at admin@parkuc.ca.
DISCOVER YOUR GIFTS – FIND YOUR PLACE: On October 25th, come for a time of discovering your gifts and finding your place at Parkminster through worship, conversation, a workshop, and an activities fair. This event will be a celebration of not just the people but the incredible commitment that makes our family of faith so vibrant and inspirational. Because we will be serving a lunch, we ask that you RSVP by October 18th so we can get an approximate number for the food. You can email the office at admin@parkuc.ca to reserve your spot. Save the date and stand by for more information to come!
Community Resources
OBTAINING MINUTES & ANNUAL REPORTS – SECURE ADMINISTRATIVE PORTAL: Minutes and Annual Reports are available to everyone. They can be accessed through our website, using a password to enter the secure administrative portal or by contacting the church office. All minutes are of public record with the
exception of Ministry & Personnel. If you require assistance, please contact the office: admin@parkuc.ca
PRAYER/COMFORT SHAWL MINISTRY: Prayer/Comfort Shawls are presented as a tangible sign of care and compassion offered by the Parkminster community of faith. Shawls are available for anyone (you, family, or friend) who is in need of comfort in difficult times as well as in good times.
Do you knit or crochet? Do you wish to contribute your care and concern to this ministry? Do you have yarn that you will no longer use? Your yarn donations would be appreciated. For more information contact Roxy Linkletter at roxylinkletter@gmail.com.
HEARING ASSIST UNITS: We are pleased to announce that the hearing assist units have arrived for use in the sanctuary with our new AV system. There are 4 units available. Access may also be obtained by using your own smart phone. Please click here for instructions. The AV team will be happy to assist you.
Anti-Racism: United Church’s 40 Days of Engagement to Become an Anti Racist Church: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism/40-days-engagement-anti-racism
How Can I Help Ukraine? United Church Mission and Service and Partners are responding to the rapidly unfolding crisis in Ukraine. To find out how to show your support and make a gift united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/ukraine-crisis