The current website for the North Ridge Community Church is found at
http://northridgecc.com/

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This webpage is one of 15 former church websites restored & archived as required reading for Charlie Hoffman's Religion 110 course. The course examines the widespread use of the internet to promote small churches and to provide religious organizations opportunities for outreach. Dr. Hoffman is the rector of the All Samaritans House of Worship. He is also the brains behind Reputation Alert, an online reputation management service that helps online businesses create a more robust online presence. They monitor and provide reports on media mentions, review management, penalty solutions, social media promotion, influencer engagement, and negative search results removals. That last item - negative search results removals - is handled by a special contractor, a tech wizard who exclusively handles search results removals, even does it as a white hat service to reputation management companies. If the search results for your name is displaying negative information, although Google won't help you, there are specialists that can help. Getting a bad result off of page one of a Google search requires manipulating Google's search results and would be completely unnecessary if Google would provide an avenue to remedy harm they cause inadvertently. Learn why this topic is germane to a course on religion online. Downloads on Hoffman's course page.

 

For a number of years this was the website for the Northridge Community Church
Content is from the site's 2003 -2013 archived pages.

If you have inadvertently ended up here while searching for the Northridge Community Church, their current website is found at: http://northridgecc.com/.

Northridge Community Church
415 Pickering Crescent
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 4X7
CANADA

Phone: (905) 895-6276
Fax: (905) 830-0343

 

Northridge Community Church is a part of the ministry of the Central York Salvation Army. As a church, Northridge's motto is "A place to begin, belong, and become." As The Salvation Army in Central York, our members and volunteers are "Giving Hope Today". We hope this site will help you begin a journey to connect to our community in significant ways.

If you have any questions about our church that you can't find answered on our web site, please feel free to contact us at 905-895-6276. 

Join Us For Church This Sunday!

All are welcome to join us for our Family Worship Services at 10:30am each Sunday morning.  We would love to see you there!

 

 

About Us

Northridge is a place to build relationships with people who care, a place to belong to a community of faith, and a place to become a person of purpose.

We are determined to provide you with relevance for everyday living, valuable programs for children, and quality, contemporary music. We can help restore the sense of peace and joy that you deserve. Every week we explore biblical solutions to the challenges you face every day.

Join us and experience a place where you will feel comfortable and accepted.

Our Mission & Values

It is our mission to know Christ better and to make Him better known. Our values embrace soul winning as our primary purpose, nurturing every believer as our primary function, looking to Christ as our primary expectation and providing worship as our primary celebration.

What We Believe

We believe that God is the creator and ruler of the universe and He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the “God-inspired” message of the Holy Bible that guides our Christian faith and practice. We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was born, was crucified and was resurrected to atone for our sins. We believe that He made it possible for mankind to enter into a right relationship with God and to live in eternal happiness in heaven with those who love the Lord.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world. He is the son of God, who came to earth to be the bridge between God and man. He became the Saviour, through whom we receive eternal life. He is more wonderful than our finite minds can comprehend. He wants to live through us, enabling us to live the right way, bringing glory and honour to God the Father.

Service Opportunities

At Northridge, we try to respond to the holistic needs of any who call upon us. We embrace the diversity of our community and offer ministries that will enrich the lives of all we come in contact with. It is our desire to build a sense of community that will bring about positive transformation.

The Northridge Story

Northridge Community Church is a vibrant, Christ-centred, caring and thriving community of believers. It’s a church where men, women and children join together on a spiritual journey. It creates an atmosphere for people to become all they were created to be.

Our New Church Property

Over the last several years much prayer and discussion has taken place with regards to our future at our current location. Through focus groups and congregational meetings a decision was made to search for a new green space. In 2006 we purchased 5.27 acres of property near the corner of Wellington and Leslie in Aurora.

Financial Update

At Northridge the stewardship of resources is taken very seriously, recognizing that all that we have is a gift from God. We are simply the managers of His resources to be used to serve and bless others. Click the title above for a report on our income and use of finances.

 

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Register Now for Summer Camps!

Please call 905-895-6276 to register for summer day camp.
Space is still available.

 

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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU IS IMPORTANT TO US!

YOUR FAMILY	A most precious gift to each of us is our family.  At Northridge Community Church, we strive to learn together how to make our relationship with our family the most it can be.
YOUR FRIENDSHIPS	You will enjoy meeting real people in a friendly and casual atmosphere.
YOUR COMMUNITY	We are members of your community – we work, play, and want to make our community a brighter, happier and healthier place for our family and yours.  We are just like you.
YOUR NEEDS	We believe that there is hope, help, healing and happiness for all.  We want to assist wherever and whenever we can.  The pastors are available to meet with you,  to understand and provide guidance in your life’s situations.  We are determined to provide you with strategies for successful living, a new confidence and a new hope.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD	In this impersonal age, it is rewarding to discover a loving, forgiving God who takes a personal interest in our lives.  At Northridge Community Church we learn to live a fuller, more abundant life.

 

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My Story

Time Well Spent at The Salvation Army

Hi, my name is Russell Davis and recently I had the privilege to spend five months working at The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church.

Although most of my time was in the office throughout the week, I did spend quite a few Sundays with the church as well. As I don’t attend a Salvation Army church, this was a whole new experience to me.

In my opinion the Salvation Army carries a reputation for certain things. It is not by any means a bad reputation, but one they have nonetheless. I think that when most people think of The Salvation Army as a church, they think of the brass band and singing old, slow church hymns. They think about everyone dressed in uniform, or if not in uniform at least a complete suit! Some see the church on another whole side of the spectrum. Some might think about the church as a place where the needy or poor go.

Although most of these stereotypes are not necessarily bad, they have the power to turn people away from the church side of the Salvation Army.

Well coming into The Salvation Army I had some of these stereotypical ideas about the Army stuck in my head. But it did not take me long to realize how wrong they really are. Northridge Community Church has opened my eyes so I can truly catch a glimpse of what the church side of The Salvation Army is really like.

To say the least the people at The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church welcomed me with extreme love and passion. It was the difference between shaking my hand because you felt obligated too, and shaking my hand because you truly wanted to know me and my story. After just one week at Northridge, I already felt like I was a part of their family.

Everyone treated me like family even though I saw most of them on Sundays, and let's be honest here, everyone is nice at church, but that’s not always the same story once they head home after service or throughout the week. So I had a few chances see people outside of the church, and it was great opportunity to get to know them. Outside or inside the church the people are great. I don’t think I could find a better bunch of people than the bunch right here at Northridge.

Sunday morning you can walk into church with a pair of jeans on and not feel out of place. Very casual dress. In the same sense, church itself is in a way a laid back service. You can get your cup of coffee before service, and sit and drink it and chat with someone about your week or what not. It is just a very inviting way to conduct a service.

Although my time working here has flown by and come to an end, my view on The Salvation Army has been forever changed. I can say with confidence that this will not be my last time visiting a Salvation Army. Thank you to all who have made this experience wonderful for me, and God Bless.

 

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Hi, my name is Stephanie Rivard and I recently had the opportunity to spend five months working at The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church. Working at The Salvation Army helped me realize that one person can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

 

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The Spirit of Christmas

A Message from Major Brian Bishop

Dear Friends,

We thank God for you every day!  Without you we could not have done it. This year we were able to serve over 750 families with our Christmas Assistance program.  These families consist of individuals, seniors, youth and children.  Our Kettle campaign raised $270,000.00, which includes proceeds from the Kettles, online and mail in donations and foundation support.  All funds will be used to support the  programming and services here in Central York Region all through the year.  This is a wonderful outcome.

To each one who took the time to do what they could to help, thank you and God bless you for your efforts. To everyone who dug deep and donated what they could, thank you and may God bless each of you too.

We recognize that as the population growth continues in Central York Region so does the need.  As The Salvation Army we continue to prepare ourselves to support the struggles that so many in our communities face.  As we look forward to the new year, we are aware that there are challenges ahead. Our facility is too small and we are underway with our expansion project including our first request to the residents of Central YorkRegion in our 125 year presence, for capital fund support .

We have secured and identified 6.5 million dollars towards this expansion initiative, and we are soliciting your support of the remaining 1 million dollars needed to achieve our financial objective of 7.5 million dollars.  This facility will embrace the growing reality of those in need in our community and provide holistic support and care.  Again, without you we cannot do it. If you are able or know someone who might be able to assist us with our expansion, please contact us or go to www.hopeforothers.com.

Happy New Year!
Brian

 

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Community Response

In serving the communities of Newmarket and Aurora and East Gwillimbury, The Salvation Army helps people through various programs from food bank services, clothing and furniture assistance, counselling for men, women, and youth, to help for seniors, people seeking shelter, summer camps for youth, emergency disaster relief and much more.

Salvation Army Disaster Services

Disasters can occur at any time and in any place. They often bring death and great destruction in their wake. The unpredictability of a disaster makes it all the more devastating. Canada is fortunate that emergency preparedness experts at all levels of government have well-organized, definitive plans, in which The Salvation Army plays an important part. But, despite the armies of trained personnel ready to go into action, very often the best we can do is to mitigate the effects of a disaster, and deal with its aftermath. 

School Programs - The Sharing Shelf

As concerned parents, we understand that children will forget or misplace their belongings including their lunches. We also know that many children in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury and the surrounding communities struggle daily with personal challenges over which they have no control. Situations bear down on them due to family struggles, job loss, relationship crises, parental addictions (alcohol), etc. Due to these situations, a child may often come to school neglected. Sharing Shelf is there to assist your school to provide these children with a simple snack lunch solution in situations like these & help your school resource these families with help. 

Mobile Village

"It takes a village to raise a child" bears within it a foundational truth in child development; the necessity of positive influences and opportunities to develop character in a safe environment.

The Salvation Army of Central York Region hopes to develop this new initiative so as to provide support to youth at risk in a ‘village’ type setting throughout the communities of Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury.

Using our 37’ Community Response Vehicle, Salvation Army volunteers and staff will provide mentorship to youth through the following programs:

• Mercy Street Sports @ play program
• Red Cap anti-bullying program
• Mobile interactive media-enhanced education and character skills program
• Drug proofing youth & parent initiative
• Sharing Shelf for Teens, a mobile teen community kitchen initiative

Each of these potential programs provides an element or enhancement to existing Salvation Army programs for the purposes of reaching youth at risk. Our initial goal is to provide direct emotional, physical and developmental support, instruction, and direct mentoring to as many as 5000 at risk youth and families in its first year alone.

For more information on this initiative including the opportunity to either sponsor or partner with us, please call us directly.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

The Salvation Army works in partnership with The Canadian Tire Foundation for Families and Jumpstart Program. If your son or daughter has a desire to play and get involved in some sort of organized physical activity but lack the means to pay, then look into Jumpstart. We can assist you with information and aid you in the application process.

 

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Help Fill Our iKettle

Supporting our huge Christmas assistance programs has never been easier! Please help bring food to families, toys to kids, and other support needed during the Christmas season, by making a secure online donation to  Central York Region's Salvation Army iKettle.

Regular Donations

You can make a difference in lives of families and children here in the communities of Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury.

Please forward your donation to:

The Salvation Army
415 Pickering Cres., Newmarket, ON L3Y 8G8

Cheques are payable to: The Salvation Army

Funds remain local for use in the communities of Central York Region. For more information on how your contribution will help, please call us: 905-895-6276

How your support helped last year…

Salvation Army Central York Region - 2008 - An Army in Action

Here are just some of the individuals, youth and families assisted through Salvation Army programs and services in Newmarket, Aurora & East Gwillimbury.

• 3,259 Kids mentored through our Mercy St. Drop-In
• 297 Kids went to Day Camp
• 597 Families helped at Christmas with food & toys
• 761 Kids provided with toys at Christmas
• 307 Families assisted through our emergency food bank
• 600 Kids helped in our school Sharing Shelf lunch program
• 833 People assisted financially with rent & housing
• 193 Families helped with home energy assistance

 

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More Background On NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com

 

NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com represents the online presence of Northridge Community Church, a congregation operating under the ministry of The Salvation Army in Central York Region, Canada. The website—both in its former archived form and current version—serves as a hub of connection for members, visitors, volunteers, and individuals seeking community support. Over the years, the site has been a digital extension of the church’s mission: providing a welcoming environment where individuals can begin their faith journey, belong to a supportive community, and grow spiritually and personally.

Although older versions of the website were active from the early 2000s through the early 2010s, the current online platform continues the church’s tradition of outreach, offering practical tools such as event listings, ministry descriptions, community support information, worship schedules, and insights into the organization’s values. This article offers a detailed overview of the website’s function, its historical significance, community impact, and the broader cultural role of Northridge Community Church within Central York Region.

Ownership and Organizational Structure

NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com is owned and operated by Northridge Community Church, a congregation under the umbrella of The Salvation Army’s Central York Region ministry. As part of this large international charitable organization, the church operates with structured leadership including pastors, administrative staff, ministry coordinators, and numerous volunteers. Over the years, pastoral leadership has included figures such as Brian and Glenda Bishop, who played an important role in establishing the church’s mission-driven, community-focused identity.

The Salvation Army’s ownership influences the structure, governance, and strategies reflected on the website. Content typically aligns with broader Salvation Army doctrines and values, offering transparency about beliefs, worship philosophy, and community outreach. Administrative elements—such as financial stewardship, charitable initiatives, disaster response programs, and family services—are represented online in ways that reflect the organization’s national and international consistency.

Location and Community Proximity

Northridge Community Church is based at 415 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket, Ontario, in the northern sector of the Greater Toronto Area. The website prominently communicates the church’s geographical accessibility to neighboring communities, particularly Newmarket, Aurora, and East Gwillimbury. This strategic location allows the church to reach a diverse population including families, seniors, youth, and newcomers to the region.

Its proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, childcare facilities, and municipal offices enhances the practicality of its ministries. Many of the programs highlighted on the website—including day camps, school lunch support programs, and youth mentoring initiatives—were designed to serve families living within a short drive of the church’s building. Additionally, the church’s community response vehicle and mobile programs extend outreach beyond the building itself, reinforcing their presence across Central York Region.

Mission, Values, and Purpose

The website places strong emphasis on the church’s mission: to know Christ better and make Him better known. This guiding principle informs the tone of the website, which consistently stresses spiritual growth, personal transformation, and community service.

Key values typically highlighted include:

• Soul-winning and outreach

• Discipleship and nurturing believers

• Worship as celebration

• Compassionate response to community needs

• Holistic support for individuals and families

The website consistently communicates that Northridge is a church where individuals can explore faith in a welcoming environment without rigid formality. This approach is reflected in personal testimonials featured in archived versions of the site, where individuals described feeling welcomed regardless of background, clothing style, or previous church experience.

Popularity and Community Engagement

While NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com may not be widely known outside of Central York Region, it holds significant recognition within the local community. Its digital presence has historically attracted visitors searching for:

• Worship service schedules

• Volunteer opportunities

• Information about children’s programs

• Community assistance resources

• Event registration (such as day camps)

Traffic to the website tends to increase seasonally, particularly around Christmas due to Salvation Army campaigns, online donations, and updates on holiday assistance programs. The church’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, food bank operations, and emergency support drive visibility both online and in local media.

Additionally, the website has been used in academic settings, specifically in coursework related to religion and digital media. This reinforces its value beyond local boundaries, highlighting how small and mid-sized congregations adopt digital platforms for outreach.

Worship Services and Ministry Offerings

Northridge Community Church promotes a contemporary, accessible worship environment. Through the website, users can find details about weekly services, typically held Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The tone of services is informal, friendly, and relaxed, with contemporary music, opportunities for personal connection, and teaching grounded in practical biblical application.

Ministries frequently highlighted include:

Children’s Ministry

Offering programs for infants through pre-teens, focusing on safety, Christian education, and personal development.

Youth Ministry

Targeting young teens and older students with mentorship, social gatherings, and leadership development opportunities.

Adult Ministries

Bible studies, small groups, prayer meetings, and service-based opportunities.

Family Services

Including counseling, emergency assistance, rental and housing support, and seasonal programs for vulnerable families.

Volunteer Engagement

Encouraging congregants and community members to participate in outreach programs, school support initiatives, and disaster relief.

These ministries collectively reflect the church’s philosophy of serving the “whole person”—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

Day Camps and Youth Programs

One of the most popular features historically highlighted on the website is Northridge’s summer day camps. These programs have included:

• Weekly themed day camps for children ages 6–12

• Kindergarten camps for younger children

• Local day-camp options hosted at the church building

• Adventure Camp partnerships with Salvation Army camping ministries

Families consistently valued the convenience of local registration, early drop-off times, and reliable transportation to Salvation Army campgrounds on Lake Simcoe. The website also communicated important logistical details, including:

• Schedules

• Pickup and drop-off times

• Pricing

• Registration links

• Program activities

This structured presentation made NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com a reliable resource for parents seeking trustworthy, affordable summer programming.

Community Support Programs and Social Services

Beyond worship and education, the website highlights The Salvation Army’s extensive community services operating through Northridge. These services are essential to the church’s identity and community reputation. Programs include:

Food Bank Assistance

Providing emergency food supplies to individuals and families facing hardship.

Sharing Shelf Program

Offering snack and lunch support to children who arrive at school without adequate meals, partnering with local schools.

Financial and Housing Assistance

Helping families struggling with rent, utility bills, and temporary crises.

Holiday Support Programs

Distributing toys, food hampers, and gift cards to hundreds of families each Christmas.

Senior Support and Counseling

Providing emotional and practical support for elderly individuals within the community.

Mobile Village and Youth-at-Risk Initiatives

A cornerstone program using a large community response vehicle to deliver:

• Anti-bullying education

• Sports engagement through “Mercy Street Sports”

• Drug awareness and prevention initiatives

• Teen cooking and life-skills support

These programs demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing systemic community challenges, especially among youth who face barriers related to poverty, family instability, and limited access to extracurricular opportunities.

Disaster Response and Emergency Services

NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com also reflects The Salvation Army’s role in emergency response. This includes participation in regional and national disaster relief efforts. The website has historically posted updates, photos, and volunteer information related to response activities following fires, floods, and other emergencies in Ontario.

Visitors to the site could find:

• Volunteer registration information

• Training opportunities

• Donation channels

• Updates on response operations

• Stories from volunteers and survivors

This aspect of the website reinforces Northridge’s identity as a church deeply connected to real-world needs.

Financial Transparency and Stewardship

Financial stewardship is another priority communicated through the website. As a charitable organization, The Salvation Army emphasizes transparent reporting and responsible use of funds. Northridge highlights:

• Annual fundraising results

• Allocation of resources

• Capital campaign updates

• Expansion plans and goals

For example, updates regarding funds raised for the church’s expansion efforts were often posted, allowing members and donors to track progress toward construction goals and increased capacity for community programs.

Press and Media Coverage

Northridge Community Church receives periodic coverage in:

• Local newspapers

• Regional news websites

• Community bulletins

• Salvation Army press releases

Coverage typically focuses on:

• Christmas Kettle fundraising totals

• Community program expansions

• Disaster response efforts

• Youth and school partnerships

• Special events or charity drives

Although the website does not function as a news portal, it centralizes announcements and links to official statements, ensuring visitors remain informed of public activities.

Cultural and Social Significance

The cultural significance of Northridge Community Church extends beyond its worship services. The website illustrates how the church fosters:

A Sense of Belonging

Through casual, friendly services and community-oriented activities.

Support for Marginalized Groups

By offering holistic programs for families in crisis, youth at risk, and individuals dealing with financial hardship.

Intergenerational Connection

Encouraging participation of children, parents, and seniors in shared community life.

Volunteerism and Character Development

Instilling values of service, empathy, and compassion.

Within Central York Region, Northridge remains a respected institution due to its commitment to serving both spiritual and practical needs. The website plays a critical role in communicating this mission and enabling people from all backgrounds to engage.

Audience and Primary Users of the Website

NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com serves multiple audience types:

• Local families seeking spiritual connection and community programs

• Parents researching summer camp opportunities

• Individuals in crisis searching for financial or emotional support

• Volunteers looking for service opportunities

• Newcomers to the area seeking a welcoming faith community

• Students and researchers exploring digital religion or Salvation Army history

The website balances accessibility with depth, providing essential information without overwhelming new visitors.

Known For and Distinguishing Features

Over the years, Northridge Community Church has become known for:

• Its warm, inclusive atmosphere

• Community-focused programming

• Strong ties to Salvation Army social services

• Youth mentorship through programs like Mercy Street Sports

• Robust Christmas assistance and fundraising campaigns

• Practical support for families in need

The website reflects these strengths by emphasizing stories, testimonials, and concrete examples of community impact.

History and Evolution of the Website

Archived versions of NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com reveal an evolution in both design and content strategy. Earlier versions from the mid-2000s featured:

• Simple layouts

• Minimalist navigation menus

• Static pages for events and ministries

Over time, the website expanded to include:

• Online registration for events

• Photo galleries

• Detailed program descriptions

• Donation integration

• News updates

• Digital outreach tools

This digital transformation mirrors broader shifts in how churches engage online—with increased emphasis on connectivity, convenience, and community visibility.

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NorthRidgeCommunityChurch.com stands as more than a website; it is a dynamic portal into the heart of a community-oriented congregation committed to spiritual growth, compassionate service, and practical assistance. Its online presence allows families, individuals, and researchers to explore worship opportunities, youth programs, community services, and the broader mission of The Salvation Army in Central York Region.

Through digital transparency, rich program offerings, and consistent messaging, the website provides a foundation for ongoing engagement, illustrating how faith communities adapt to modern communication needs while upholding their historical values and purpose.

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