Tag: Community

Annual Jesus Festival is Coming

The Annual Jesus Festival is returning to St. Catharines for its 15th edition, bringing together churches, ministries, families, and community members from across the Niagara Region. Organized and supported by local churches and ministries, this special event celebrates the unity that believers share in Jesus Christ while embracing the diversity of the community.

For fifteen years, the festival has served as a place where people of all ages can gather, connect, and enjoy a day of fellowship, fun, and encouragement. It is an opportunity for churches and ministries throughout the region to come together with a shared purpose: demonstrating God’s love through generosity, service, and community.

Pastor Jonathan Hodgins explains the heart behind the festival:

When we planted our church about 15 years ago, the Lord put it on our hearts not to charge for anything, and we have remained committed to that vision. Everything we do as a church is free. We don’t have a bookstore—we give books away. That same spirit has shaped the Jesus Festival. Nothing is for sale, there are no admission tickets, and everyone is welcome at no cost. We simply want to bless people through generosity and give things away.”

This spirit of generosity continues to guide the festival today. Local churches and ministries work together to cover the costs of the event so that everyone can participate freely. No admission fees are charged, and no contributions are expected. Instead, people are free to give as they feel led in their hearts. The goal is simple: to bless the community and create a welcoming environment where people can experience fellowship, joy, and the love of Christ without any barriers.

This year’s festival will take place on July 11, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM, at Montebello Park in St. Catharines, Ontario. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities designed for the whole family. There will be games, music, fun activities, and a community picnic where people can relax, meet new friends, and spend quality time together.

Whether attending with family, friends, or on their own, guests will find something to enjoy. Children can participate in activities created just for them, while adults can connect with members of churches and ministries from across the Niagara Region. Most importantly, everyone will have the opportunity to celebrate their shared faith and community spirit.

The organizers warmly invite everyone in St. Catharines and the surrounding area to attend. Admission is completely free, and all are welcome to join this special celebration.

Mark the date, invite family and friends, and come be part of a day filled with fun, fellowship, and encouragement at the 15th Annual Jesus Festival.

Expressing unity with diversity in Jesus.

Memories from Previous Jesus Festivals

15 June 2026
Community Impact through Life Together Food Bank

Faith truly comes alive when it moves beyond the walls of a building and into the daily lives of the community. For many, the concept of a “living church” is best understood through the tangible acts of hospitality and care that nourish both the body and the soul. Life Together Outreach is a vital expression of this movement; it is the church in motion, materializing through the shared abundance of food and the warmth of genuine connection. Rather than a simple charitable transaction, this outreach represents a community that stands together, ensuring that everyone has access to the sustenance they need to thrive.

The mission of this outreach is rooted in a fundamental belief: every person who walks through our doors deserves to be treated with absolute honour. We believe that spiritual health and physical well-being are deeply connected. When we share food, we are not just providing calories; we are restoring hope and acknowledging the inherent value of every individual in St. Catharines.

The Impact of the Life Together Church St. Catharines Food Bank

The impact of a community food program goes far beyond the immediate relief of hunger. According to recent sociological studies on food security, the way a service is delivered can change the entire experience for the person receiving help. Research suggests that when food assistance is integrated into a community setting, it helps break down the social isolation that often accompanies financial hardship (Abiodun & Mercyline, 2024). By creating a space where everyone is welcome, the church helps foster a sense of belonging that is often missing in formal settings.

Furthermore, providing food with dignity is a way to push back against the stigma that often follows those in need. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor leaves feeling seen, heard, and respected. This service is available to every member of our community, regardless of their background, because the love of Christ knows no boundaries.

A Living Organism in Constant Motion

A healthy church is never static; it is a living organism that is always in motion. This movement is a cycle of grace: we receive from God, we give to the community, and we grow together. The food bank is a major “branch” of this living tree. However, for a branch to stay strong and continue to bear fruit, it needs the support of the whole tree.

This ministry is a two-way street. While the church is here to give, we also recognize that we are a community that thrives on participation. We are deeply grateful for the hands that pack boxes and the hearts that pray over every family we serve. Just as the church is here for you, there is also a place for you to serve. We are always looking for volunteers who want to put their faith into action. Whether you are a long-time believer or someone just beginning to explore what faith looks like, you are welcome to join this movement.

The Biblical Mandate for Collective Care

The early church provided a perfect blueprint for this kind of communal support. They understood that an effective ministry is one where resources are shared so that no one is left behind. This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was the natural result of a heart transformed by the Gospel and a desire to reflect the overflowing generosity of God. The Bible records this beautiful standard of selfless giving:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

This literal account shows us that the “food bank” concept is not a modern invention but it is an ancient Christian tradition of constant, overflowing provision. By bringing our resources together, whether that is a donation of food items or a few hours of volunteer time, we are recreating this apostolic model of generous measure. It is a visual representation of the Gospel: Christ gave everything for us, so we joyfully give to others, knowing that in the Kingdom of God, the act of giving is what keeps the church alive and moving.

The Life Together Outreach program is our commitment to that vision. We believe that as we serve the physical needs of our neighbours, the Holy Spirit works to heal the deeper needs of the heart. Being part of a church means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means being part of a family that celebrates together, mourns together, and eats together. If you are looking for a way to make a difference, or if you are in a season where you simply need someone to stand with you, our doors are open. We invite you to witness the work of the Life Together Church St. Catharines Food Bank and see how faith in motion can change a city. We always welcome new believers and those seeking answers to join us on this journey of service and discovery.

Reference:

Abiodun, T., & Mercyline, O. (2024). The idea of integration in the church using food as a tool [Tesis de grado, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences]. Theseus. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/852352

27 February 2026