Catching The Spark in Listowel
November 20–21, 2026 | Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel
Over the past couple of years, we’ve been working with Dr. Derek Suderman from Conrad Grebel University College to develop Catching the Spark, an interactive Bible study experience that helps people discover new ways of reading and engaging Scripture together. We’ve learned a lot so far asgather feedback from participants, try new things, and make adjustments as we go.
We want to bring this experience to as many people and congregations as we can. That means finding ways to offer the experience in different communities, including smaller towns and rural areas where opportunities for this kind of gathering may be less frequent. So, this November, we’re heading to Listowel! We’re excited to be working alongside Listowel Mennonite Church and Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel to bring Catching the Spark to their community - this time as a multisession weekend experience.
What is Catching the Spark?
We’ll work through the story of Ruth together, paying attention to details we might normally overlook, asking questions of the text, and considering how its historical and cultural context helps us understand what’s happening. You don’t need to have all the answers or any particular background in biblical studies. Whether you’ve been reading Scripture for years or are just beginning to explore it, you’re welcome to join us.
While we’ll be spending the weekend with Ruth, the approach we’re learning can be used with any biblical text (if you’ve already participated in one of our offerings, stay tuned for what we’ve got planned for Fall 2027) We hope participants will leave with some new tools and renewed confidence to keep exploring Scripture on their own and with others.
Feedback So Far
We recently wrapped up our four-week Catching the Spark series at Erb Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo, and we’ve been encouraged by what participants shared afterward. In our post-series survey, 94% of respondents said the experience helped them see things in Scripture they would normally miss, and 76% said they hoped to continue studying the Bible using this approach.
One participant shared:
“The format truly allowed me (and others I studied with) to catch the spark, fanning into flame some small embers within. It was an inspirational and motivational experience. Thank you!”
Join Us in Listowel!
Catching the Spark Weekend | November 20–21, 2026
Knox Presbyterian Church | 220 Livingstone Ave North, Listowel, Ontario N4W 2N2
Friday, November 20
7:00–8:30 PM — Session 1: The Return of Naomi and Ruth
Saturday, November 21
9:00–10:30 AM — Session 2: Gleaning in Boaz’s Field
11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Session 3: Ruth Demands a Response
12:30–1:30 PM — Lunch (provided)
1:30–3:00 PM — Session 4: Boaz and Ruth’s Marriage: A Story of Redemption
3:00–3:30 PM — Closing conversation
No homework is required. Just bring your Bible (any translation is welcome), a notebook if you’d like one, and your curiosity.
Learn more and register for Catching the Spark Weekend
We’re grateful to our friends at Listowel Mennonite Church and Knox Presbyterian Church for helping make this weekend possible.
P.S. There’s More Happening That Weekend!
If you’re joining us in Listowel, or you’re close enough to commute, there are a couple of other opportunities to connect. On Saturday, November 21, at 7:00 PM, there will be a concert featuring Glen Soderholm at Listowel Mennonite Church. We’d love for you to join us for an evening of music and fellowship. And on Sunday, November 22, you’re welcome to join either of our host congregations for Sunday morning worship.
Rev. John Borthwick, Director of Ministry Forum, will be preaching at Listowel Mennonite Church, while Dr. Derek Suderman will be preaching at Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel.
Whether you’re coming for the whole weekend or connecting with us for part of it, we hope to see you there!
Catching the Spark is part of Ministry Forum’s Prayer & Bible Study Accompaniment initiative, within the larger You Are Not Alone project hosted by Knox College at the University of Toronto.