BVCC 2021

2021 in my opinion is probably the most unusual year we have faced as a church. Rapidly changing health and gathering restrictions, increased polarization and a general sense of societal uncertainty caused our congregation to become extremely flexible and creative with our ministries, staff configurations and our gatherings!

While there were unique challenges, there were also many wins.

During a year fraught with political and relationship tension our congregation was able to stay connected to each other and to our mission of helping each other find and follow Jesus. In our large and smaller gatherings, we have been able to navigate a variety of perspectives and yet still remain united in Christ.

2021 was marked by uncertainty both politically and economically and we are able to continue generously providing financial resources to maintain our ministries and to be generous to local and global needs and missions.

In a season marked by isolation and loneliness, our Community Groups, Youth & Children’s ministry and Mentoring programs thrived by providing places of connection and belonging.

While at times we were severely limited in our ability to meet together we were still able to reach hundreds of people online with the messages of hope in Jesus. Our services have been viewed tens of thousands of times by people from all around the globe. New online ministry opportunities and expansions in our English Language Ministries, online zoom courses and youth work have shown that we have the resilience and creativity required to serve God no matter the restrictions!

As best as possible, our church has been incredible in our ability and desire to continue to function as a force of light and love! This says a great deal about the quality, depth, and breadth of our capabilities and strength as a church.

I am so grateful for our BVCC family! You have adapted so well to new ways of expressing our faith, you have remained generous with financial giving and you have leaned on Jesus in prayer. Thank you for being the Church!

For the Kingdom,

Steve McMillan

We can never go back in time, no matter what sci-fi movies fantasize about.
Our new reality is that we embrace the personal and virtual means of discipleship.
Here are a few interesting states from 2021.

221

Avg. Attendance

20

Community Group

120

Sunday Online Devices

3x

more who watch after the live service

“I am so grateful to have found a community in Bow Valley Christian Church that has welcomed my family and I with open arms. We love the opportunities BVCC has to get involved, whether it is through engaging kids programming or great family-friendly services. I particularly have enjoyed being a part of the worship team and have thrived in the judgement-free, fun and God-focused environment that fosters creativity and passion. The leaders at Bow Valley like Pete Justine are warm, caring and understanding. We love it at Bow Valley!” – Jolisa

"I’m always blessed to be part of the service whether I watch online or go in-person. I’m grateful that the community at bow valley church remained strong through the pandemic. Worshiping with the church every week has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for me. I’m grateful for the leadership here for being excellent examples of how to follow after Jesus through whatever circumstances. The sermons have been very helpful and compelling. I’m grateful for the elders who bless us and lead the church in prayer. I’m grateful to be part of the worship team where everyone is accepting of others, and sincere and excellent in leading the church to praise God.” – Zara

“My favourite way of ‘being a community’ is to serve alongside people. Over my years at Bow Valley, my life journey has meandered through the church kitchen, in the board room, around a punching bag, and in many of your living rooms. We don’t choose our community, but I still couldn’t ask for better friends to walk alongside.” – Nate

Thank you to our generous donors we had a very successful, meal packing event in our gymnasium on November 6th, 2021 and packed 17,928 meals for Lifeline Christian Ministries. There were 92 participants, young and old, involved in this mission activity.

These meals will be shipped to Haiti.

3

Livestream Platforms

While we have been able to have in-person services for most of 2021, we are still continually reminded of the value of maintaining our live-stream ministry. We have leveraged YouTube, Facebook and ChurchOnline Platform to broadcast our messages. We also experimented with Zoom telephone and video chat on a few Sundays. Our next step we will be offering our Sunday teachings as a podcast.

There are many in our local congregation who faithfully attend online each week, as well as numerous others who have become a part of the extended BVCC family, attending from other provinces and states, and from as far away as France, India, and Australia. We are grateful to our many volunteers who put so much effort into our online services every week.

4.9K

Views

The top Facebook video post was titled, “The Lord’s Prayer” (instrumental) – Harry Helwerda and posted April 3, 2020. The video’s description was, “Harry Helwerda is back at this piano helping us ‘pray’ along with him!”

77.7%

of our audience is in Canada

With our online presence, we connect with many people around the world. Our top four countries (according to Facebook) are Canada, the United States, the Philippines and India. On a city-to-city scale, 50% are from Calgary.

We continued our financial and prayer support of 10 Global Missions partners.

2022 Missions brochure

The December Christmas Market and Bazaar under Donna Heitman’s leadership raised $2,591 for Tabuk Refuge of Hope.

Sean Armstrong travelled to Panama with Lifeline Mission to learn about the proposed Container Project.

The Sidi family arrived in December thanks to the work of BVCC’s Refugee Sponsorship team and the prayers and generosity of so many.

There has been a lot of progress this year, and we want to tell you all about it. For audited financial statements please see the Welcome Centre in the foyer.

If I have a question or comment about our finances or ministries who do I speak to?

The leadership and staff want to hear from you at any time of the year! Please call (403-286-5300) or email the office ([email protected]) and we will direct you to the person who can answer your questions. If you would like to have a conversation regarding a specific area, consider these options:

Finances: [email protected]

Elders: [email protected]

Missions: [email protected]

Ministries and Mission: [email protected]

Prayer Requests: [email protected]

Those wishing to become a member of Bow Valley Christian Church community can find out more on our membership page.

If you have any other questions, let us know.

Every dollar given to BVCC goes to support ministry to our church members, to our local community and to our partners around the world. We could not do this without you. Our leadership is overwhelmingly grateful for your financial partnership in the gospel. We look expectantly to the next year of ministering together.