About US

WHO ARE WE?

Where are we?

We are a not-for-profit community unified by a common goal to be disciples of Jesus and reflect the body of Christ on a micro-scale. We work to create a space where people can encounter earnest discipleship in partnership with and surrender to the Holy Trinity. We aim to partner with the Father's unique strategies of reaching out to the world with His love, while following Jesus' example and allowing Him to build His church however, whenever, and wherever He wants. We strive to honour the previous normal while acknowledging that Jesus is not limited to our familiar structures.

We are currently located in the city of Barrie, with connections in Simcoe Country and dreams of expanding into the surrounding area.

WHO STARTED THIS?

What Are we doing?

Well, the short answer is our Heavenly Father. But He has graciously included us in His plans! It has long been our dream to facilitate a community of healing and creativity that includes the protection of the natural world we love so much. We are excited to finally share our growing community under the new name of Bayith. ​

We are current running worship nights under the name "Harp and Bowl" twice a month, film prophetic art videos, coordinate and run communal meals and round tables, and publish a monthly newsletter. Our goal is to connect young adults who are passionate about prayer and worship, creating a platform for them to come together and fellowship in partnership with local churches. We've realized these nights break through intense isolation and bring people into community as they realize, "There's other people who feel like I do."! To stay updated on our current events and activities, find us on Facebook or Instagram at @bayithcenters. To learn more about our vision for the coming months and years, check out our Future Vision page.

Christine Olding, Director

Bio: Christine’s vision for Bayith began at the young age of 13 at an interdenominational family church camp. Raised in a family that valued the presence of God over denominational alignment, she became inspired by the beauty of unification within the Body of Christ. This passion led her to become an executive leader with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at The University of Toronto, to co-launch an interdenominational homeschool co-op, and to teach her children the values of being Body of Christ focused, all the while holding onto the vision of a unified community. In 2018, the Lord showed her blueprints for Bayith, an interdenominational networking community where people come together, grow, and return to their fellowships refreshed and ready to serve. 
Favourite TV Show: Anything from the 70s or 80s, particularly with spaceships or explosions.
Hidden Party Trick: She can wiggle her ears.
Historical Figure She'd Love to Meet: Besides Jesus, Queen Elizabeth I

Merrill Davies, Emeritus Founder

Bio: Born in Toronto, Merrill grew up going to church. It wasn’t until her 30s however that she realized she wanted more out of being a Christian than just “living a good life” and attending church. It was then that she began to search more seriously for the heart of the Father. Throughout her life, she has felt her role in the Body of Christ is as a safe place to find a heart connection, and has a self-proclaimed “hug ministry”. Merrill also has her BA from The University of Toronto in Art and was a High School Art Teacher for over ten years. She believes that art can be a way to break the barriers to experiencing God’s love, and is passionate about teaching others to experience the Father’s love through artistic expression moving forward in Bayith, bringing them out of what is “right” or “wrong” in art technique and into a place of connection with Holy Spirit. 
Hidden Party Trick: She can touch her tongue to her nose.
Favourite Movie: Gone With the Wind
Dream Destination: Jungles of Africa