SOUL celebrates 25 years of ministry and community

A congregation in the East Region has more than 25 years of a unique ministry to adults with disabilities, which grew out of a Vacation Bible School in 1998. Currently operating one day per week, this congregation has shown God’s love to many people over the decades through specifically tailored Bible studies, music, art, and drama programs.

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – This past fall, Christ Lutheran Church celebrated a remarkable milestone: the 25th anniversary of SOUL Ministry (Spiritual Outreach Uplifting Lives). Since its founding in 2000, SOUL has been a Christ-centred outreach dedicated to serving people with disabilities through faith, friendship, and creative expression.

SOUL’s story began in 1998, when a community member whose children attended Christ Lutheran’s Vacation Bible School realized the individuals she supported at Bethesda Services would love a similar experience. The following summer, the church hosted its first week-long VBS designed especially for people with disabilities, and the response was overwhelming.

Supported by a grant from Lutheran Church–Canada’s East District and by the congregation, SOUL officially launched in August 2000. With three dedicated staff, the ministry offered Bible study, music, art, and drama programs three days a week, a vibrant schedule that quickly became a highlight for many.

On September 19, 2025, the church hosted a heartwarming anniversary celebration attended by 92 guests, including SOUL participants, their support staff, volunteers, and past and present ministry team members.

The day began in the sanctuary with a time of reunion and worship. Former SOUL music leaders Lori Schultz, Kathy Moulds, Trinda Rensen, and Louise Gondosch led the singing. Rev. Todd Hoeffs shared an inspiring object lesson and led everyone in prayer and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness over the past quarter century.

Following worship, guests enjoyed lunch and a festive SOUL birthday cake. Paul Mason, representing the Board of Directors, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers who have faithfully supported the ministry through the years.

The celebration continued with creative activity stations, where guests decorated special 25th-anniversary T-shirts, added colourful handprints to a commemorative banner, and posed for photos. Two beautifully arranged displays showcased awards, photos, and cherished memories from the past 25 years.

The festivities carried into Sunday worship on October 19, where the congregation joined in singing favorite songs from SOUL’s music sessions. After the service, everyone gathered for a delicious potluck lunch featuring another cake and decorated cross-shaped cookies, a fitting finale of gratitude and celebration.

During the pandemic, SOUL transitioned to an online format to continue ministering in new ways. When in-person gatherings resumed, programming returned to just one day per week. Looking ahead, Christ Lutheran is exploring opportunities to restore SOUL’s pre-pandemic rhythm of three days each week. Local agencies have expressed strong interest and support, suggesting that the demand for programming remains as vibrant as ever.

As SOUL looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to uplift lives through the love of Christ, one song, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.

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Kathy Kuhl

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