Creative worship and energy abound as our two communities of faith come together to worship via interactive live streaming. Rev Simba alternates locations each Sunday, and lay people offer leadership from both locations every week. Worship is one avenue of growing spiritually, a time of faith formation as people engage in expressing and celebrating their faith, a time to explore new ideas and concepts, while savouring the nuggets of truth in the old understandings of our faith. A joint worship team creates challenging and inspiring worship that leaves us thinking and ready to make a difference in the world.
Be sure to join us for worship on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in person, or live streaming. Programing for children and youth is offered during the service. Refreshments are available before and after worship for a time of fellowship.
The videos below offer a glimpse of our weekly worship. Scroll down and check out the special services!
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Easter Sunday
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Welcome to this Sunday of celebration and jubilation. The day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. in this space, women are listened to, not shoved aside. We celebrate story-telling and retelling the same old story about a person who was killed and rose again. He did not only raise Lazarus. He rose from the grave.
With a song of joy and celebration, we gather. With conviction, and questions, we sing and praise. We sing of the risen Christ, the one who authors victory from a position of defeat and loss. One who authors hope and the first born from the grave.
Let us open ourselves to the divine encounters. Like Mary, may we prepare ourselves to receive God’s calling. To be commissioned as witnesses and be faithful story tellers of what Jesus has done to us and to others. May the holy wisdom empower and transform us through the readings, proclamation, song, and fellowship in this space.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Good Friday
Welcome to this space where we recognize the tragedy that fell upon humanity. Even from the garden of prayer, bad stuff happens. As we transition from the moment of celebration to the chaos after Jesus’ arrest; let us relive the trial and prosecution of Jesus, leading to his condemnation and execution.
Let us find space to sit with the terrible effects of injustice, the trauma it causes to sympathetic witnesses, & the pain everyone suffers. In such situations, there is always a community that rallies behind the victims of injustice, offering support and compassionate presence.
Let us lift our hearts to God who sustains human brokenness through the holy wisdom and renews hearts through retelling of this sacred story.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Palm Sunday – Worship with Rev. Simba
Matthew 21: 8 – 11
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna[a] to the Son of David “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna[c] in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to our last Sunday of Lent. We are reminded that even in times of grief and sorrow, we still gather around the table. The sorrowful and heartbroken need space around the table. They need friends and family to share in their sorrow, dejection and pain. But also, they need encouragement and accompaniment. Not only do we need to consider them, we need to be around and among them. In the same spirit, we are reminded by the story of Lazarus, where the community stayed with the grieving family.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to this fourth Sunday of Lent. We are celebrating the radical welcome and inclusion by Jesus. in a community where ableism has become a problem, we are recognizing how Jesus included the disabled individual, the blind man. It means who you are cannot be the basis of exclusion in any way.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Third Sunday of Lent
Welcome to this 3rd Sunday of Lent, where we continue to gather around the table. The table offered by Jesus is one, where everyone has access. At this table, no one should be excluded regardless of their identity, their origin, their views, association or any other. God’s hospitality is welcoming everyone from anywhere in the world. We also recognize that as we gather, our world is bleeding, burning and afraid. Peace is what we need. Let us ground ourselves in the presence of God. Like the Woman at the well, may we seek understanding, growth, holy wisdom and encouragement.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Second Sunday of Lent
Welcome to our second Sunday of Lent, where we are being called to embody the table where everyone has a seat. We are joining together this morning, converging to break and share the Word, broken in our songs, prayers, but especially in the proclamations, both in reading and reflections.
Friends, come like Nicodemus, bring your questions to the table, where Jesus will meet us, accommodate us, and give us responses that suites our lives and situations. With tea or coffee in our hands, sipping and enjoying it, may we open ourselves to the holy wisdom that is about to unfold from this space. Open your hearts, minds and souls to the hospitality of Jesus at the table, to the divine revelation and the growth that might come from the encounter.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – First Sunday of Lent – Communion
Welcome to our first Sunday of 2026 Lenten Season. In this Lenten season, we are taking time to focus on “The Table.” The table symbolizes so many things in different times, places and cultures. It might mean communion, community, connection, sustenance, conversation, solidarity, inclusion, hospitality, support, welcome, belonging and many others. Jesus’ ministry happened around the table. Many lives were transformed around the table. Teachings, learning, and sharing moments happened at every table. Most key events have something to do with table. After resurrection Jesus created a table by the sea, at Emmaus,
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
In every culture, there are important symbols that carry significant value. Some of the important elements are places or substances. For the Israelite community, one such place is a mountain. The moment you hear of a mountain; you should immediately suspect something momentous. Momentous in this sense, refers to an event that carries great importance or significance, especially in its bearing of the future. In every case, Jewish legendary events unfold on the mountain.
In case of Moses, it was Mt. Sinai, where the Theophany unfolded. Theophany is the literal translation of the Greek – “the appearance of a god or of God.” (Theos – god & Phainein – to show). He went up, six days, and on the 7th day, again, a traditional symbol of perfection, he was called out of the cloud. Matthew does the same. These are typical Jewish traditionally significant narratives. In Matthew, key events have to happen on the mountain, no matter what.
In this case, the Transfiguration, which is the climax of the epiphany, revealing Jesus’ identity. Jesus is revealed to the disciples and it had to be a momentous event. It is huge, if not stupendous (something that causes astonishment or wonder).
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
We are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. We are agents of transformation. As we live in a world of conflict, war, hatred and injustice; how do you envision yourself as an agent of light, peace, justice or hope. How can we give flavor to this world in our day?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
As a people, we follow a Jesus who calls, who sends out and who trusts us, regardless of our limitations. Paul once wrote; “I came to you with fear and trembling.” Put this into context, how many of us lose their words because of stage fright? In other words, you & I must acknowledge that we are called in spite of our limitations. We are called regardless of our growing edges. You are called to share the good news and the love of God. What do you feel called to do right now?
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
As our journey from the manger continues; today we march towards the wilderness experience. We gather to hear the words that John the Baptizer uttered. “This is the One who I meant. He baptizes with fire.” May we open ourselves to the mystery that manifests in this sacred space. May the Spirit that descended upon Jesus descend upon us in this worship.
United in Spirit of Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev.Simba
The passage from Isaiah 42: 1-9, is the first of what they call “the Servant Songs” which introduces a figure called “the Servant of the Lord.” It was written during or at the end of the exilic period, (around 6 BCE) as they were coming back from Babylon. The times were tough and many were discouraged. The prophet declares the message of comfort, hope, restoration and God’s faithfulness. Isaiah declares that they needed to remain hopeful, because God had a plan for them.
In a world of despair, what is our message to the masses? What kind of news do we carry or represent? When it’s hard to believe in God, what is our message? When they were struggling, when they were feeling down and out, Isaiah was the voice of hope; he remained a promise for justice and restoration. His role was to help them weather the storm, remain resilient and engender courage.
What is our message to our world today? What do we represent to our community that is hateful, divisive, sometimes inhospitable, or any other experience? What do we say to those trying to do the right thing? What do we say to those feeling defeated? Can they count on our voice?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
The Season of Epiphany celebrates the appearance of Christ’s light in the world. From the journey of the Magi to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, we are reminded that God’s love is for all people. This season invites us to follow that light, grow in faith, and share God’s love through our words and actions.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Christmas Eve Service
We celebrate God’s love for humanity & creation at large. We celebrate the greatest gift and most selfless expression of Godliness called Incarnation. We remember the miracle of Christmas: to us a child was born. In Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God chose to dwell among us, bringing light, hope, and peace to the world.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Once again, we reflect, contemplate and listen to the stories as we prepare. . . .We prepare. We wait. We watch. We pray.
What are we waiting for?
LOVE! God’s love for the world. God’s love for all. We know we are all beloved children. May love shine in our hearts, as we share love and light with all who share this beloved world.
We light the final Advent candle of love to remind us to treat each person, each living being as beloved, and to respect and care gently for this wondrous, beloved creation.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Third Sunday of Advent
Welcome to our 3rd Advent Sunday. Today we celebrate the promise of the coming of the Christ Child. It is a Sunday of rejoicing, for the joy that fills our hearts is significant. We anticipate, we expect, we continue to prepare.
We light our third candle today for joy. The angels told the shepherds the news of great joy. Jesus was born among us! May joy shine bright in our hearts and in every human heart, bringing light and joy to all we meet.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Second Sunday of Advent
Welcome to the 2nd Advent Week; where we celebrate the message of peace.
Together, as a people of hope, and a people of peace. we continue to prepare. To prepare our hearts and minds to be transformed by the message of peace. To wait in anticipation for the prince of peace. One who declares peace in conflicting and warring situations. One who seek peace in hearts and minds of many, one who represents peace in the world.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – First Sunday of Advent
Our calendars are packed with events that point towards the Christ Child event. We prepare for the events with hope and anticipation. Our pantries are packed with baking stuff as we prepare for the Season. Our front yards are decorated and our streets have been transformed already.
In the same spirit, we come from various places of life experiences, to gather in this sacred space, holy and set apart for this cause. Let us celebrate this season of hope, anticipation & joy, as we open our hearts to Hope.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Beyond Our Walls Service
Today’s service focuses on Loving Our Neighbours and Making a Difference. We welcome our guest from the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, a place where Indigenous and Christian spiritual traditions are respected and shared. Located on peaceful land beside the Brokenhead River near Beausejour, Manitoba, the Centre draws on Elders’ wisdom to teach respect, healing, and wholeness. As a non-profit offering theological and cross-cultural training, it embraces the belief that “The Earth is Our Faculty,” recognizing the land as a source of language, culture, and guidance.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Peace Sunday
On this Peace Sunday, the closest to the Remembrance Day, we are gathered as a people, with a gift of memory, we remember our past and wish otherwise. We gather to encourage one another on how we can be a better people- a people of peace, and create a better community and a better world, a world with peace. Let us take time to be silent before God, to recall the violent past, and imagine a better future and how we are called to contribute.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Reflecting on the 100 years of the United Church
Today we are reflecting on 100 years of the United Church of Canada. We officially became a denomination on June 10th, 1925. The inaugural service was held at Mutual Street Arena in Toronto, Ontario with over 7000 people in attendance. What a day that would have been! And what a century this has been!
Over the past hundred years, the United Church has:
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Played a leading role in social justice, reconciliation, and inclusion.
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Spoken courageously on issues of peace, gender equality, Indigenous rights, and environmental stewardship.
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Continued to evolve in faith and practice, seeking to live out Christ’s call to love and justice in an ever-changing world.
A centennial is not just a celebration of the past — it’s also a moment to look forward with renewed purpose.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Confirmation and Communion
Join us as we celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation and share in the joy of Communion.
By baptism we are made members of the Church of Jesus Christ and are adopted into the family and household of God. The blessings of confirmation are conferred upon those who have been baptized as children & now profess Jesus as the Christ, Lord and Savior and are now received into the Church. We have an opportunity to reaffirm and renew the faith we proclaimed at baptism. In confirmation we respond with ‘Yes’ to God, and we proclaim that God alone makes the difference to human life. In confirmation we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit; we are welcomed to Christ’s table; with joy and thanksgiving, we rededicate ourselves to the life and work of the body of Christ; we are commissioned to serve in the world.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Beyond Our Walls Service with Band Of Colours
The focus of a Beyond Our Wall Service is “Loving our Neighbours” and “Making a difference”. We welcome our guest this morning – Angelica Brunger from Band of Colours+ as she shares with us how this group gives support to both those inside and outside 2SLGBTQ+ Community.
Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Communion & Worship with Rev. Simba
We gather today to pause, to learn, to sing and to praise together. Everyone belongs. As a community of faith, we are called to seek justice, to resist evil and to live with respect in creation.
In Jesus, your grace is revealed in words that confront and comfort us, in teachings that challenge and change us, in compassion that heals and frees us.
You invited the hungry to your table and ate with the outcasts. One night, you took the bread, after the blessing, you broke it and shared with your followers saying: “Take, eat this bread. Do this, in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, Jesus also took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, “drink this cup in remembrance of me.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Guest Speaker Evan Demeduk
We are so pleased to have a special guest this morning. Evan Demeduk is a queer transgender youth who has been a part of the St. Andrew’s United Church congregation since he was a preschooler. He is 19 years old and has lived in Winnipeg his whole life. Today he will be sharing his journey with coming to terms with his gender identity, along with speaking on his experiences with being a trans youth.
“United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry”- Beyond Our Walls Service
Mark 12:30
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.”
This Sunday’s Worship Service is a Beyond Our Walls Service. We welcome Myra Gerbrandt, Drop in Director from Steinbach Community Outreach as she shares with us the work and outreach that SCO does. They assist people experiencing poverty and lack of housing. They work hard at accomplishing this by meeting their essential needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and relationship.
This month Steinbach United Church is collecting items Dish Soap, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Coffee, Pasta and Rice for Steinbach Community Outreach. If you would like to donate, you are welcome to drop off items during our church office hours.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Special Videos
Christmas Eve Service
We recall the story of Jesus’ birth, with Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. Both had agreed that they would do what was asked of them. The angels are also part of this story, Having visited shepherds to tell them not to fear. The shepherds excitedly made their way to Bethlehem where they paid homage to this special child, Jesus. The child, born on this special night Jesus, who came into the world as the Prince of Peace. Our Advent journey included such a variety of people A young pregnant teenager with an older man ready to support her. An aunt, ready to become a mother to a babe who prepared a way for Jesus. A religious leader struck dumb, who later understood God’s way Older, wise prophets who lived to see a child come to bring light to the world. May all our lights of inclusion bring light to the world.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry with Rev Simba – Baptism & Confirmation
On this Sunday before Remembrance Day, a peace candle in the same shade of blue as the helmets and berets worn by the United Nations Peacekeepers is added to our gathering.
We wear poppies to remember, and to work and pray for peace as we seek justice and resist evil.
We gather to acknowledge our gratitude for: peacekeepers and pacifists, those who served on the front lines, and those who protest and march, those who volunteered and those who waited anxiously at home, those who hoped that things would get better, and those who could not stand by and wait.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Band of Colours Plus
At this service Band of Colours+ shares about the resource support they offer to 2SLGBTQI+ youth and young adults in our community.
We are gathered in this space; the place is sacred, and the land is ancient. We are all connected – the land, the people, The animals, the plants – and we are committed to continue to build relationships with all of creation as we seek justice and peace.
So as we gather today, it doesn’t matter who we are, where we have come from, who we love or where we are on our faith journey, we know we are a beloved child of God.
All are welcome here! All belong.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Covenanting Service
This special covenanting service involved representatives of the Prairie to Pine Regional Council, wider church and community along with Steinbach United, Niverville United and Simba.
Together we made promises to support one another in our work and witness as United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry. We will walk together on this journey.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Welcoming Rev Simba & Family & Communion
Together with Niverville United Church, we worshipped together in Steinbach to welcome our new minister Rev. Simba Mazhara and his family and share Communion.
Simba is an ordained minister within the United Church of Canada. He was originally ordained in 2008 with the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe. They came to Canada in 2015 and was fully admitted to the United Church of Canada in 2017. He served in two United Church congregations in Newfoundland before accepting the call to our United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry here in Niverville and Steinbach.
In his letter of application Simba wrote, “I was attracted by the ministry you are offering and committed to do.” And also “Your ministry speaks to my inner convictions and offers me an opportunity to fulfill my calling.” What more could we ask!? Sounds like Simba will also be committed to our ministry.
So Simba comes as our spiritual leader, to guide us as we live into our vision of collaborative ministry. He comes, not to “do it” for us, or to take over all that we have been doing. Rather he comes to engage, encourage, empower and to enable us as we all grow together on this shared journey. To walk along side us as we deepen as spiritual beings. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the bible, faith and the church. He brings energy, passion, ideas, and creativity! And he brings tons of experience with young and old alike!
We are really excited to have Simba as part of our collaborative ministry team as we continue our life together as people of faith!
First Interactive Worship Service with Niverville United Church!
Exciting times! This was our first interactive worship with Niverville United Church with Rev. Bill Millar leading worship.
Rev. Bill shares with us:
So, we start on this new adventure in our 2 communities, and I think it is wonderful, and I am so grateful about having a hand a bit of hand in it, but it is not an end in itself.
The purpose of all this technology that is either working or perhaps not, is about equipping us to go out to enter the lives of folk who are not part of the church, and there to offer that compassion, love – stand with them in any pain of theirs.
For us to do that we need to not run from our own pain, and be well aware of this great compassion, this love that gives us the strength to go forward.
All the trappings, this video stuff, is about equipping us to do the stuff that really matters, the stuff that is outside these sanctuaries. It is about what happens beyond these doors. May God give us the grace to find God out there. Amen
Affirming Celebration Service
Steinbach United has become an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada – and that is something worth celebrating! Today is March 14th – PIE day – Public, Intentional and Explicit – and we were very intentional in choosing this Sunday for our Celebration Service.
Download the transcript (PDF) for “Affirming Celebration Service” here.