UChurch Messages

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 4Speaker: Rowena MacNeilRecorded: 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’.

You will fully enjoy this tour through the heart and journey of Frank Naea. “My journey in this whole revelation has been like going back to school again. If any man thinks they know something, they do not yet know as they ought to. This journey has not just been about learning something new; it has also been a journey of unlearning what I thought I knew. After 30 years of being in Youth With a Mission, youth pastoring and many other things I have done, you have a groove, a way of seeing and doing. I have realized I am still in process; Father is still fathering me in some places I did not know I needed fathering!”Franks opens up about this unlearning and relearning - it will open your heart more for your own adventure with grace, faith and Father.

Ever experienced that powerful shift when a community comes together in prayer? Well, get ready to dive into something truly special. In our latest message, we're taking you on a captivating journey through the history and growth of our prayer and intercession journey, from humble beginnings in the early '90s to the global outreach we see today.Join us as we share personal stories and pivotal moments that highlight the beauty of silence, the wisdom passed down through generations, and the incredible impact of communal prayer.We're also shining a light on the amazing healing and revelations that have unfolded within UChurch. From jaw-dropping tales of recovery to moments of divine intervention, these stories remind us of the profound role that group prayer plays in our church family.And hey, we're not shying away from the challenges either. We talk about integrating principles like 'Restoring the Foundations' and the importance of making sure everyone's voice is heard and valued in our collective journey.So, consider this your personal invitation to join us. Whether you're leading a home group or simply craving a deeper connection to Holy Spirit, this message is packed with encouragement. Let's celebrate our collective faith in action and look ahead to the vibrant future that awaits us as a unified community in the Kingdom. Don't miss out! Tune in now!

When Helene speaks, it's as if history itself settles in for a chat. This remarkable nonagenarian, a mother many times over and a friend to the world, unpacks a treasure trove of experiences that promise to enrich and inspire. Her tales whisk you from the storied streets of Edinburgh to the natural splendor of Vancouver, and further still, to the welcoming shores of New Zealand. With every word, she weaves the essence of grace, faith, and the pure exhilaration of adventure through the generations she's touched. The wisdom of her years blossoms into an innovative approach to spirituality, resonating profoundly with the youth and reimagining church for the contemporary seeker.As we turn our gaze inward, the episode becomes a canvas for reimagining the Christian walk. It's a pilgrimage from the rigidity of religious structures to the transformative embrace of Christ's teachings, where the sacred is found in stillness and the gift of the present moment. We delve into the legacy of grace as the bedrock of existence, as Helene's voice urges us to see ourselves as part of a divine lineage, living in the now with hearts wide open to grace. And as we reflect on the eagle's biblical metaphor of soaring resilience, we are reminded of our own capacity for spiritual renewal. Helene's parting wisdom – to balance life's beauty with its trials – is a poignant reminder that it is within community and mutual upliftment that we truly find our wings.

If you have ever enjoyed being in the presence of Helene King, you know it is a rare and special time. You not only experience the grace she walks in, but you can also drink deeply from a voice that draws you into her rich world of history and insights. It aways brings encouragement to those within earshot.Recently Helene spent an evening with an intimate group of friends in a cozy living room where she shared about what she called, “darkness and light”. We were very fortunate to discover afterwards that someone had captured her sharing that evening.Enjoy the gift of Helene as she illuminates the journey from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, in this message. Helene’s reflective odyssey draws inspiration from timeless wisdom and personal experience that invites us all into the transformative journey.

Sunday with Nolly Mercado - November 5, 2023

It was a gift to have Mark Head with us for our family gathering in October. He shared the story of Joseph from the perspective that reveals the painful reality of a journey through the mess of rejection, betrayal, disappointment and battered hope. What happens when the dream we have been given is obscured by disappointment after disappointment and hope runs out; when we cry out, “If God is with us, then it shouldn’t be like this!”Mark shows us that just like Joseph, God is with us in the midst of tragedy; He is present and active.He sees you right now, He knows you right now, and He loves you right now. He is never far from you. We may even be able to relate with Joseph that “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

There are numerous references to the importance of being thankful in God’s Word. We could look at these as another obligation or another area that we need to be obedient. Have you ever considered that there are benefits to us for being thankful? And, that a loving Father in His wisdom encourages us too practice thankfulness for our own good?

We believe that this message from Frank Naea will be listened to many times. Frank served in YWAM as a teacher and base leader in New Zealand and the Pacific for 30 years, which included serving as the International President for over three years, but then life took a hard turn.  Frank shares what happened, describing what he calls the most important and transformational reality in his life thus far.  As you listen to the revealing journey God took him on, you will likely discover God has some incredible nuggets for you.  Frank is a gifted communicator, authentic, humble and full of grace.  Please note we had a wee challenge in the recording quality that evening, but the content will not disappoint.

Family Sunday with Leonard and Lesley Hays - May 28 2023

A weekend with Peter Jackson at UChurch - April 23 2023 - Family Sunday

A weekend with Peter Jackson at UChurch - April 22 2023 - Afternoon Session

A weekend with Peter Jackson at UChurch - April 21 2023 - Evening Session

Jennifer Reding

In times of crisis, the enemy wants to bring weakness to your Spirit, soul and body to keep you from moving forward. Yet, amid it, God is faithful to give us the strategy to overcome and see those circumstances overturned. Jesus in us strengthens our Spirit to withstand weakness and fills us with His glory to address our enemies within and without. This message outlines practical guidelines for strengthening your Spirit as you seek His face and allow the Holy Spirit to access your heart.

Jodie and Karl kick off the year with a great word for our UChurch family. Take a listen!

In this message, you'll hear what discernment is, why it's essential for everyone, young or old, to grow in, how it's different from Spiritual Gifts, and how community has a key to growing in discernment.‍Just a note: Marlin takes some time to answer questions at the end. While we did not capture the questions on the audio, we decided to leave the Q&A part in this recording, so you don't miss out on some great additional teaching. (And despite the gaps, you can tell what was asked by the response).

Possessing your Inheritance

In this message, you'll hear what discernment is, why it's essential for everyone, young or old, to grow in, how it's different from Spiritual Gifts, and how community has a key to growing in discernment.Just a note: Marlin takes some time to answer questions at the end. While we did not capture the questions on the audio, we decided to leave the Q&A part in this recording, so you don't miss out on some great additional teaching. (And despite the gaps, you can tell what was asked by the response).

How to Stay in peace and Love in the midst of Conflict.He calls us to pray for our enemies. How do we stay in peace and love in the midst of relational issues, or the conflict we see currently in the world around us. Jen also gives us some guidelines for prayer for the situation in  Ukraine.

We get to hear all about the incredible ways God can touch hearts, regardless of age!

We get to hear from Jen Reding around the invitation He has for us to awaken to awe and wonder. Most of us know the myriads of distractions around us can rob us of the ability to live in the moment and discern what truly lasts. It has been a season where the familiar adage becomes obvious - what you behold, you become. Let’s listen together to what He is encouraging us to behold.