Saturday, October 17, 2026
Perkins Centre, Hamilton, ON
Registration closes on October 2, 2026.
Message from the Director
Twenty-five years of love in action
Twenty-five years ago, deacons across Canada dreamed of a ministry that would show the love of Jesus in practical ways. I’m humbled to follow in the footsteps of those who built it—Ben Vandezande, Hans Kater, Ron Vanden Brink—each of whom shared a deep heart to make a tangible impact in their communities and across Canada.
Today, there are thousands of stories of love in action. Stories from Gary Veeneman, Lucinda Klapwyck, George Witvoet, Fred Vandersterre, Renee Page (who served in my childhood church) and many, many more. We believe these stories should be celebrated, and we would like to invite you to join us on October 17 in Hamilton as we give thanks and dream about the next 25.
John Wildeboer
National Director
Stories of Partnership
For over 25 years, NewGround has had the privilege of walking alongside more than 100 Christian Reformed churches and community partners as they discerned where God was at work in their neighbourhoods. Through coaching, resources, and encouragement, we’ve supported them as their stories unfolded.
Sanctuary London
In 2009, a NewGround grant helped Sanctuary begin as a weekly art group, meal, and worship gathering — a core of 12 that has since grown to 150, with an extended community of 800. When COVID upended everything, DMC showed up again with a relief grant (alongside World Renew), helping them keep caring for their community without missing a day.
Invest Today
Donate to Diaconal Ministries Canada
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join us in partnering with the mission of DMC by donating to NewGround. At the celebration we will officially launch the NewGround Endowment Fund which will be a lasting source of support for community initiatives led by local churches. Your investment today becomes a legacy of hope for tomorrow.
NewGround Endowment Fund
Become a Monthly Partner
One Time Donation
FAQ
Frequency Asked Question
No! While we are reaching out to specific past board members, staff, deacons, and partners, this is a community celebration open to all of Diaconal Ministries Canada’s friends, supporters, and church partners.
Registration is free and is processed entirely through our secure platform hosted by Zeffy. While there is no cost to attend, you’ll have the opportunity to make an optional donation to support NewGround if you wish. All proceeds will go to NewGround not the 25th celebration.
Parking at the Perkins Centre is available but limited, with access off of Crosthwaite Ave North. Street parking on neighbouring side streets is available
Please note that the Perkins Centre is also an Indwell apartment building and look for the marked entrance at the front of the building on Main Street to enter our celebration event.
This is not a formal event. Come prepared to gather, connect and join us in gratitude for what God has and is doing at Diaconal Ministries Canada.
The event is structured to be roughly 80% celebration (looking back at our history with gratitude) and 20% dreaming (looking forward to the next 25 years).
No the evening will not include dinner. Instead we will enjoy some sweet and savoury treats throughout the evening as you have a chance to mingle and journey through the past, present and future of DMC.