New Here? Welcome!

We are delighted you're exploring a connection with the Church of the Good Shepherd. Whether you're seeking a spiritual home, are curious about the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, or are simply looking for a like-minded community, we welcome you with open hearts. Our approach is one of open inquiry, spiritual freedom, and finding practical ways to live a more loving and useful life, no matter who you are or where you came from.

To sign up for our email list, please Email Us Today!

What to Expect on a Sunday Morning

• Our services are designed to be thoughtful and uplifting, including hymns, prayers, readings from the Bible, and a sermon that explores the spiritual meaning of scripture and its application to our daily lives.
• You'll find a community that values both intellectual exploration and heartfelt experience. The only dumb question is one you don't ask!
• Please dress in whatever way feels comfortable to you.
• Children are cherished members of our community and are welcome in the service. We also offer a Sunday School program during a portion of the service.
• After the service, please join us for coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation in our Lower Hall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect.

Our Teachings

The teachings we explore offer a framework for understanding life's deepest questions, rooted in the Bible and illuminated by Swedenborg's theological works. Key themes include:

• One God: We worship one God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is a Divine Trinity of love, wisdom, and action.
• The Word: The Bible contains a holy, internal sense that is opened through the science of correspondences, where natural things represent spiritual realities.
• A Life of Use: True faith is not just belief, but living according to the truth. The most spiritual life is one of active, useful service to others, flowing from a love for the neighbor.
• The Afterlife: Death is merely a continuation of life in a spiritual world. Heaven and hell are not rewards or punishments, but are the freely chosen states based upon our heart's true desires.

About Us

The Church of the Good Shepherd is a Christian church located at 116 Queen St N. in Kitchener, ON, inspired by the theological insights of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian. We believe his writings, which he claimed were divinely revealed, provide a unique and profound understanding of God, the Bible's deeper spiritual sense, the nature of the afterlife, and the path to spiritual growth.

Our Vision

To be a beacon of spiritual light and a loving community where individuals are inspired to grow in wisdom and love, fostering a living connection with the Divine and each other.

The Tender

"The Tender" is the monthly newsletter for the Church of the Good Shepherd. It's a key source of information for the congregation, containing updates from the Pastor and the President of the Board, as well as announcements for coming events and spiritual expression group meetings.

The newsletter also highlights community events, provides notes from the treasurer, and even includes fun content like a crossword puzzle. It's a way for the church to stay connected with its members and keep them informed about what's happening within the community. To sign up to receive the tender, please email office@shepherdsway.ca and ask to be put on the tender list.

People on The Tender list will also receive weekly-ish updates from our minister, Alison! If you want to recieve all of the things, subscribe to our Substack!

Minister - Alison (She/Her)

Reverend Alison is our minister. Alison has guided our congregation since 2024. With a background in comparative religion and a passion for making spiritual ideas accessible, she brings warmth and insight to our services and study groups. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every individual's spiritual journey is honored. She leads our weekly services, delivers sermons, and provides guidance and pastoral care to our congregation. She works closely with Caleb to plan "guitar church," a special service on the first Sunday of each month that showcases the musical talents of our church members and brings a folksy feel to our worship. She can be reached at pastor@shepherdsway.ca.

Music Director - Caleb (They/Them)

Caleb is the music director. As well as leading the choir for practices on special days like Easter and Christmas, Caleb also works to help church members to share their musical gifts in services. Caleb also works with Rev. Alison to plan guitar church, usually on the first Sunday of each month, an opportunity for the guitarists and other musicians of the church to take a leading role in the service, and for the congregation to enjoy some more folksy music. They can be requested via emailing the office - office@shepherdsway.ca.

Office Assistant - Cait (Any/All)

Cait is our office administrator. As the welcoming first point of contact for the church, Cait manages the daily operations of the office, handles all communications, and works with others to keep the church calendar and records organized. Her work is essential in supporting the minister, church staff, and congregation, ensuring everything runs smoothly so that our community can focus on fellowship and worship. She can be reached at office@shepherdsway.ca. Please give 2-3 business days for a response.

Contact Us

We welcome your inquiries, thoughts, and presence. Please feel free to reach out to us or use the form below

Church of the Good Shepherd
116 Queen St N.
Kitchener, ON, N2H 2H7

Phone: (519) 743-3845
Email: office@shepherdsway.ca

: https://cogskitchener.substack.com/