What does it actually mean to abide? Jenna unpacks John 15 with refreshing honesty, moving past the idea that staying connected to God is something you schedule between 6 and 6:30 in the morning. She talks about shame, control, pruning, and what it looks like to live from a place of union with God rather than constantly reaching for Him when things fall apart.

The thing is, abiding isn't a discipline you master. It's an awareness you return to. God isn't waiting on the other side of your quiet time. He's already in you, moving through the ordinary parts of your day, the dishes, the drive, the hard conversation you've been putting off.

Rowena closes with a question worth sitting with: what do you actually expect when you come to God? Because sometimes what blocks us from abiding isn't busyness or distraction. It's the quiet belief that we need to clean ourselves up first.

In this week’s gathering, Rowena MacNeil shares reflections on Hebrews 4:12 and how the Word of God isn’t just ancient text—it’s alive, active, and still speaking. We hear Scripture read aloud by voices across generations, a picture of how God’s Spirit moves in every age group at UChurch.

Rowena unpacks what it means for God’s Word to reach past our thoughts and emotions, cutting straight to the heart of who we are. With honesty, humour, and a bit of Genesis and John for good measure, she reminds us that rest isn’t about inactivity—it’s about knowing we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. Jesus walked with the Father, and we’re invited to do the same.

Scripture focus: Hebrews 4

Speaker: Rowena MacNeil

Recorded: Sunday, January 25, 2026

In Part 2, Wayne is joined by his wife Sarah to share their deeply personal journey of walking through trauma, separation, and healing. Together they tell the story of how Sarah’s hidden childhood trauma surfaced decades into their marriage, leading to a season of distance, grief, and struggle. What could have ended their story became the place where they discovered what Wayne calls “the deepest love in the darkest place.”

They talk about:

• How trauma shaped Sarah’s life and the long road of healing they’ve been walking together.
• Why God doesn’t stand at a distance but meets us in the middle of our darkest places.
• The role of safe community, patience, and tenderness when walking with someone through pain.
• How God’s love reshapes even the most broken parts of our lives.

This conversation is raw and courageous, offering hope that no darkness is beyond God’s reach.

👉 If you haven’t yet, listen to Part 1 first to hear the foundation of Wayne’s story. Together, these two recordings paint a picture of God’s love that is both honest and freeing.

We were so glad to welcome Wayne Jacobsen to UChurch. In this first part of his time with us, Wayne talks with Brant Reding about what it means to live loved by God instead of striving to earn His approval. He shares from his own life about betrayal, illness, and seasons of uncertainty, showing how God’s love brings trust and freedom even when circumstances are painful.

The conversation also touches on:

• How God gently unravels illusions and old religious habits.
• Why authentic community grows out of love rather than programs.
• Honest questions from the UChurch family about family conflict, friendships, work life, and being real with neighbors.

This episode invites us to rethink faith as a daily trust in God’s love, not a performance.

👉 Part 2 continues Wayne and Sarah’s story in a powerful way. Don’t miss it.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend or watch the livestream last Sunday, you could watch the recording of a wonderful time when we honoured and remembered our dear friend and pastor, Jen Reding.

Jen was a teacher to us, loyal in prayer, a pastor who had much love for our community and birthed a vision that will now be her legacy, all the while being ever faithful to her Heavenly Father.

In this recording, Helene shares her practice of silence, solitude and simplicity; a practice she has developed over the years. It has become transformative in her life. She believes, “It opens me up to life and God and who I am as a person.”

We can become so busy and absorbed in our target-driven life that we miss the journey we are on, and the people we meet on it, and we may not even realize that God is with us the entire time. When this happens, we are not in the true rhythm of life.

But, when we come into rest and stillness we feel the heartbeat of God and His rhythm which is not a march we fall into step with, but rather a dance we have with Him.

The practice of silence gives us a more acute sense of His presence. We desperately need to be connected to the ONE who is the source of all life.

In the latest episode of our podcast, Jen delves into the transformative journey of experiencing and living out the love of the Father.

This message was recorded at the Amore Retreat in Malibu, CA, on March 22-24, 2024. Jen was one of the speakers at the retreat. She shared a wonderful message that was well-received by many. We think it’s one of Jen’s best messages and a wonderful memory of her legacy.

Father is loving each one of us so uniquely that we can tangibly feel His love as we learn to receive from Him. But is it just for us? In this message, Jen encourages us that it is receiving and embracing His love, that allows us to love and embrace other’s well.

Get ready for an uplifting message! Tara Eruteya and Nolly Mercado share their powerful mission stories and the incredible impact of faith in action. From local outreach to global missions in Africa, their experiences will inspire you to embrace your own calling.

Often seen as a path for the young and fearless, international missions can be a calling for all ages. Join us as we explore stories that reveal the essence of uchurch's mission work, from our local community to the far reaches of the earth. Tara and Nolly recount personal anecdotes, highlighting the impact of serving with open hearts and minds, especially within the vibrant cultures of Africa.

Our conversation pulses with the spiritual dimensions of mission work in Sierra Leone, where efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality have brought broader healing. Tara shares how embracing vulnerability has led to profound impacts and the fulfillment of her divine calling. These stories show the joy and success that come from surrendering to God's mission.

As we close, our time together brims with extraordinary tales of faith in action—from miraculous encounters in Israel to new missions on the horizon. Celebrate the spiritual transitions within our church and the importance of stepping out in faith. Be inspired by the enduring impact of showing up, ready for whatever God has planned.

For some of you, this may be your first time hearing Greg, while others of us have known this God-graced communicator for a couple of decades. In a living room setting, Greg shares his understanding of biblical hospitality from his experience, study and, more importantly, how it plays out in real life.

“Hospitality is the most often mentioned good work in the New Testament… in the middle of God's heart is a spirit of hospitality.”

In this session, Greg offers some thoughts to ponder with open questions and mindful responses in a dialogue with those present.  In his transparent teaching style, Greg offers food to chew on – or, as he calls it – “a theory.”

“I burn out at least once a year. I get depressed for a month or two, and I don't function very well …. burnout is not a theory for me. It's something that I've lived through over and over and over again because I'm a slow learner. Here's my theory….”

Dr. Greg Mitchell is the Sr. Pastor of EN Vancouver, where he and his wife Debbie have raised three biological children and seven other children.  He contributes greatly to the EN Seminary with his passion for ‘Relational Theology’.