Since its inception on June 10, 1925, St. John’s United Church, Elmvale, Ontario has served the community of Elmvale and surrounding areas of Springwater Township.i As a very welcoming, inclusive, nurturing, and supportive church, the St. John’s church community has been a leading worship centre for almost a century. Many families gather for in-person church services, outreach programs, extra-curricular activities, social events and gatherings commemorating lives and milestones. These opportunities provide meaningful, safe, inclusive spaces for adults, youth, and children to gather in a church building that has grown considerably over the years.
St. John’s United Church is located 120 kilometres north of Toronto. Twenty kilometres away from three ski resorts, three beach areas of Lake Simcoe, Wasaga Beach, and Georgian Bay, the Elmvale community is classified as a strong growth area due to its proximity to all year-round recreation areas. Therefore, St. John’s church community will continue to grow; it is also considered a bedroom community to Barrie, Newmarket, and Toronto. Many residents of Elmvale commute to the south as far as downtown Toronto for work as real estate is more affordable and desirable for young families in our area. Thus, St. John’s welcoming congregation looks forward to inviting more new families into our growing fold.
The small town of Elmvale is a very vibrant and welcoming community that showcases annual village festivals. These bring large crowds to the area to experience the Elmvale Fall Fair, Remembrance Day Parade, the Santa Claus Parade, and the Maple Syrup Festival throughout the year. St. John’s congregation participates in these events, as the community celebrations support the local merchants, service clubs, elementary and secondary schools, and other groups that attend and participate in the festivities. Through this liaison with the community groups who organize and facilitate these, St. John’s plays a strong role in sustaining these important traditions and upholding the value of community. The local arena and surrounding grounds provide active winter sports such as hockey, skating, curling, soccer, baseball, and ball hockey in the spring and summer months for all age groups.
