South Coast Beach Project

10/01/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update 🌊

What was SOCO 2026 really like?
🎥 Hear it from the participants in this week’s newsletter!

🎭 The Downs — Oct. 23
An evening of entertainment at Faith CRC, Burlington, supporting SOCO.

🏡 Plan a getaway! The SOCO house is available for small-group retreats and weekend escapes.

👉 Read this week’s newsletter for all the details!

09/10/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update

Ever wonder what a SOCO parent thinks about the SOCO experience of their young adult son or daughter'? Read a first hand perspective from a parent of one of this summer's participants.

Save the date for the upcoming fundraiser - The Downs on Friday, Oct. 23 at Faith CRC, Burlington.

And remember that the SOCO house is available for rent for a small group retreat or a weekend getaway. Read all about it in this week's newsletter:

I wasn't familiar with SOCO when Garrett announced this spring that he would be interviewing to be a participant.  Garrett explained that the opportunity was recommended by his campus chaplain, and if accepted he'd be living with young adult Christians in a big house with two pastors.  'Ok son,  ...

08/27/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update
Wow - we reached the end of this summer's cohort! Read about Faithful Living at the South Coast and the last things we did together.

A reminder of the SOCO house rental and retreat ministry.

A HUGE word of thanks for helping us reach our summer fundraising goal.

Photo Above: Sunday - last group photo as people start saying their goodbyes ~ Jack with Pearl, Willis, Kelly, Kelela, Salome, Sadie, Willa, Garrett, Ruth Ann

08/20/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update

Believe it or not, we are wrapping up SOCO summer cohort 2026 this weekend.

In this week's newsletter, read about our last guest speaker, Chong, in "Diversity, Distortion and Redemption". As we wind up our time together, the group had fun with several outdoor activities.

And we celebrate God's generosity through people like you as we reached our fundraising goal...and THEN some! (We'll give a final update on the total received next week.)

This week Shiao Chong came to speak to us about a Biblical-theological perspective on Diversity & Racism. The sessions included a Bible study focusing on how certain chapters and verses within the Bible have been used to justify slavery, discrimination and prejudice within people groups and between...

08/13/2026

Here’s to another successful SOCO Camping Retreat!

Although the official theme was the SOCO Showdown Gameshow, the unofficial theme was “pivot.” Two days out, the forecast predicted rain on Friday, and thunderstorms all day Saturday. The first was the decision to move the weekend indoors at Immanuel CRC.

Friday came, and to our joyful surprise… no rain! We were able to have our evening campfire and first game outside at the SOCO house. The SOCO participants spun The Wheel of SOCO and teams were assigned and we played out first games. With also less rain on Saturday, we were able to run our Port Dover scavenger hunt and run back to the church to play 9 square when it started to pour later.

To end our time together, the rain held off enough for us to go to John and Ann's for a barbecue, fire, a soccer game, and to swim in their pool!

Thank you to Immanuel CRC and John and Ann for their hospitality and also for Abby L who was our speaker for the weekend!

08/13/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update

In this week's newsletter, read about how grief is not moving on, and check out the Ted Talk we watched.

Would you help us reach our STRETCH goal of an additional $5,000 for our summer fundraising?

Reflection by Salome Kodde This past week, Heidi DeJonge came and led two sessions on grief. When Willa first mentioned the topic of grief, I immediately tied that to the grief we have after losing a loved one. It’s never been something I have thought much about. It’s the short period right afte...

08/06/2026

Join us this Sunday, August 9th (2026) for our last Sunday Night SOCO!

A collection of 4 young adult nights over the summer where we invite you to come and hang out with us for the evening at SOCO.

➡️ We will have dinner together followed by games, campfire worship, beach time, and time to hang out! Port Dover is the perfect place to spend your Sunday night this summer.

1️⃣ When? August 9, arrive at 5:00 and dinner is at 5:30!

2️⃣ Where? 644 Nelson St. W, Port Dover.

No registration needed, just come out and bring your friends a swimsuit and camping chair!

We have an indoor option in case of rain. Reach out to [email protected] if you would like more info.

08/06/2026

Join us this Sunday, August 9th (2026) for our last Sunday Night SOCO!

A collection of 4 young adult nights over the summer where we invite you to come and hang out with us for the evening at SOCO.

➡️ We will have dinner together followed by games, campfire worship, beach time, and time to hang out! Port Dover is the perfect place to spend your Sunday night this summer.

1️⃣ When? August 9, arrive at 5:00 and dinner is at 5:30!

2️⃣ Where? 644 Nelson St. W, Port Dover.

No registration needed, just come out and bring your friends a swimsuit and camping chair!

We have an indoor option in case of rain. Reach out to [email protected] if you would like more info.

08/06/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update
Calling all young adults: come out for our final Sunday Night SOCO on August 9.
In this week's newsletter, read about the rhythm of feast and fasting. There's still time to help us reach our summer fundraising goal:

Reflection by Garrett Aukema This past Thursday, usually my day to cook supper with Kelela for the SOCO house, I arrived home from work and found the kitchen being Fully Utilized. In an amazing show of hospitality, Beth Fellinger arrived early for her session to cook a meal for us. As she set the me...

07/30/2026

SOCO Beach Project Update

Read about our time with Adrian Jacobs as we explore "Peace with Deep Roots".
Help us reach our summer fundraising goal of $30,000!
One more Sunday Night SOCO on August 9.

Reflection by Ruth Ann Bos Last Wednesday, Adrian Jacobs brought wampum belts of different colours and sizes to aid in his storytelling of Indigenous history. He explained that making 43 beads for a wampum belt was a day’s work because the craftsperson would have had to drill each individual bead ...