Church of the Living Word in Ottawa

Overview

The Church of the Living Word in Ottawa is a nonprofit organization and a registered charity located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The organization is known for its unique blend of multicultural worship services and outreach programs.

History

The congregation began meeting in homes in October 2005, initiated by a group of Habesha (Ethiopian and Eritrean) individuals. As the group grew, they sought larger facilities for worship. A connection with the Meserete Kristos Church, a Mennonite Church in Ethiopia, led them to contact the Ottawa Mennonite Church, where they were warmly welcomed to hold Sunday afternoon worship services for a time. Later, they rented space at the Cedarview Alliance Church to be closer to their members' residences.

Affiliations

In April 2009, the congregation formally affiliated with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada as an emerging congregation. This partnership underscores their commitment to diversity and community engagement.

Worship and Ministries

The church conducts its worship services in Amharic, catering to the predominant Ethiopian language spoken by its members. In contrast, the Sunday school for children is conducted in English, reflecting a blend of cultural and language adaptation to serve both adults and younger generations.

Community Engagement

Approximately 50 people actively participate in church activities, with half being children. This demographic indicates a strong focus on family andnext-generation engagement. In late 2016, the church began exploring options to purchase a ministry base in Nepean, an area with a significant Ethiopian population, to expand outreach efforts.

Pastoral Leadership

As of 2017, Getachew Woldeyes served as the pastoral leader of the congregation.

Activities and Services

The church provides a range of activities, including weekly Sunday worship services, fellowship gatherings, pastoral care, and various group ministries held weekly and monthly. These initiatives reflect its commitment to serving both the spiritual and social needs of its community.

Charitable Status

The Church of the Living Word in Ottawa is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charity, with a business registration number of 855110326RR0001. This status enables the organization to focus on its mission while ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and financial requirements.