Church Plant Update: Valley Road Church

For information on service times and programs, visit their website: Valley Road Church

VRC Update

March

Valley Road Church – Ministry Update

Hello, MCBC! As we move further into this season of planting and establishing Valley Road Church, we’re becoming more aware of the rhythms that come with church planting. The initial excitement of something new and fresh has naturally settled, but what remains—and continues to grow—is a deep passion for Jesus, for our church community, and for the people of Glenmore and Kelowna.

In many ways, this feels like a healthy transition. Rather than relying on early momentum, we are now stepping into a more intentional and prayerful phase—discerning who we are and how God is calling us to move forward. There is a different kind of excitement here: one rooted in clarity, maturity, and dependence on God.

Like any growing community, we are learning our strengths and becoming more aware of our limitations. One of our greatest strengths continues to be the depth of our relationships and our commitment to a Christ-centred, Anabaptist vision of faith. At the same time, we are asking important questions about how to extend our reach—especially to those in Kelowna who are not connected to church, or who carry difficult past church experiences. We sense this is a key part of our calling in this city.

During Lent, we have been journeying through Luke 9–10, focusing on the call to love our neighbours in tangible ways. This has shaped not only our teaching but also how we are engaging with people beyond our Sunday gatherings. I have been intentionally reconnecting with those we haven’t seen in a while, often over coffee, simply checking in and listening. These conversations have already begun to bear fruit, with some people returning and re-engaging. As we approach Easter, this has been a meaningful opportunity to invite people back into community.

We are also looking ahead to an important milestone: our first AGM on April 12th. This feels like a significant step in establishing the long-term health and structure of the church.

There are many signs of encouragement. Our “Journey” small group initiative has taken root, with six groups meeting regularly since January, and we look forward to continuing these beyond Easter. We are also preparing to celebrate baptisms this spring!

As we look to the month ahead, we are excited about several opportunities: our AGM, welcoming and connecting with newcomers, celebrating Easter together (including a community BBQ), and reaching out to our neighbourhood through a local mail drop invitation.

At the same time, we are aware that this is a pivotal season. Church planting always comes with both encouragements and challenges, and we sense that this is a moment where prayer is especially needed—to help guide us, ground us, and set a faithful trajectory for the years ahead.

We would deeply value your prayers:

· For wisdom and clarity as we discern next steps

· For deeper connections within our community

· For effective outreach to those not currently connected to church

· For strength and unity within our leadership

· That God would continue to build His Church in this place

Thank you for walking with us in this journey. We are hopeful, expectant, and grateful for what God is doing.

January 14th
Church Plant Update

Valley Road Church - Nov-Jan Update

Dear Friends at MCBC,

As Valley Road Church moves into its third year, we want to express our sincere gratitude to MCBC for the ongoing support, encouragement, and prayer that have helped sustain and shape this work. We are thankful for the partnership we share and look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead in 2026. 

The Christmas season was a meaningful and encouraging time for our community. Throughout Advent, Valley Road gathered for five services that helped us slow down, reflect, and connect as a church family. Christmas Eve was a particularly joyful celebration, welcoming both regular attenders and guests from the wider community. Several visitors expressed interest in returning and continuing to explore life at Valley Road.

During Advent, Valley Road also produced a daily podcast, alongside Jesus Collective, that accompanied listeners through the season. This project proved to be a valuable spiritual resource, encouraging people both within our congregation and beyond, and helping many engage more deeply with the themes of Advent. 

December also included another Soup Sunday, which continues to be a simple but meaningful way for people to connect and share life together.

Looking Ahead

In January, Valley Road will be launching the Journey program on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with approximately 20 participants already registered and more expected to join. A new Sunday teaching series titled Letters from a Skeptic will also begin, with the hope of engaging both long-time attenders and those from the broader community.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Valley Road Church. We are grateful to be part of the wider MCBC family and look forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead.

Warm regards, Valley Road Church

 

 

Oct 23

VRC's MCBC Family Update – September/October Update

Dear MCBC,
Greetings from Valley Road Church! I hope you find this update encouraging. We continue to pray for you all as we journey together here in BC.
This past September and October have been both exciting and deeply encouraging for us here in Kelowna. We began the fall with a Kick-off BBQ and celebration that was, of course, fun for everyone — but that was just the beginning! 
Soon after, we welcomed our friend — and author of The Prodigal Gospel — Jonny Morrison for a wonderful weekend retreat (October 3–5). During the retreat, Jonny opened up the parable of the Prodigal Son in new and profound ways for many of us. He helped us explore each of the characters in the story and what it truly means to belong in the family of God. One couple who attended, though not part of our congregation, shared that in their 60 years of following Jesus, they had never heard the gospel presented in such an encouraging and hopeful way!
Throughout the weekend, we partnered with two Jesus-centered churches in the Interior of BC — Andrea Tisher and the team from Southwest Community Church in Kamloops, and Kelowna First Baptist here in town. We were also grateful for the partnership of Jesus Collective and, of course, MCBC in helping bring the event together. Alongside our churches, we welcomed several guests from around Kelowna who aren’t currently part of a church community, as well as a pastor from First Baptist in Vernon. It was truly a rich and unifying weekend!
In total, about 50 people participated. It was deeply encouraging to see people from different walks of life engaging in conversation about the good news of Jesus. We’re excited to see more events like this in the future as we continue building relationships with other Jesus-centered churches in the Interior and across BC.
Just this past week, we also hosted VantagePoint3 at Valley Road. VP3 provides a meaningful resource called The Journey — a program designed to help people discern their callings, giftings, and passions as they grow into leadership within the church. We welcomed around 40 people from our congregation and other local churches for this event, and the energy in the room was inspiring.
This fall has been a wonderful season for us, full of learning, connection, and hope. We continue to see God at work here in Kelowna as we dig deeper into our calling as Valley Road Church.
Each week, we’re discovering more about our evolving identity and purpose as an Anabaptist congregation. Thank you for your continued prayer and support — it means so much to us.
 
Grace and peace,
Jordan Pilgrim
Pastor, Valley Road Church
Aug 6th

VRC's MCBC Family Update – June/July Update

Hello from sunny Kelowna!

Summer is in full swing here at Valley Road Church, and we’ve been encouraged by all that’s been happening in and around our community.

Sunday Services – Summer Rhythm, Same Spirit We all know that summer can shift our weekly rhythms—with holidays, lake days, and family vacations—but we’ve been so encouraged by the consistency in our congregation. We have been encouraged by the energy and engagement on Sunday mornings!

On one Sunday, we invited our teens to stay in the service with the rest of the congregation, and instead of sitting in our regular rows of chairs, we gathered around tables and reflected together on the Lord’s Prayer together. This was one of our most enjoyable services to date!

Strong Lay Leadership – A Gift to Celebrate This summer marked a bit of a significant step for our young church—Lis and I were away for two Sundays in a row (for a family holiday and The Gathering in Ontario), and it was the first time both of us missed a Sunday service. This may not seem like a big deal, but for us, it was. Everything ran so smoothly while we were away! We’re so thankful for our committed leaders and volunteers who are making Valley Road their home. Our wonderful church family gave us the confidence to truly unplug and relax.

Baptisms! Two weeks ago, I had the profound honour of baptizing four women from different connections that we have made throughout the community. Three of them joined us for church the following week, and we’re excited to welcome them into our Alpha course this fall! The Gathering

Lis and I had the great pleasure to join so many of our MCBC delegation at The Gathering in Ontario at the beginning of the month. We were profoundly blessed to continue to see the beauty and love of Not only MCBC, but the entirety of MC Canada. We can truly say that we feel very much at home with our Anabaptist brothers and sisters.

Thanks for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership as we continue to grow as a community of faith

Jordan Pilgrim

May 6th

VRC's MCBC Family Update – April

Valley Road Church – April Update

April was full of life and learning at Valley Road Church! For the first time, we hosted both a Good Friday and an Easter Sunday service—and both were well attended. Good Friday offered a reflective and worshipful 55-minute service, while Easter Sunday was a joyful celebration of the resurrection, followed by a pancake brunch. We were especially encouraged by the number of new faces from the neighbourhood. While we recognize the need to better connect newcomers into the rhythm of church life, the overall tone and energy of the weekend were incredibly encouraging.

We’re also thrilled to be moving forward with our partnership with Hands in Service. Our first event takes place in May as we work together to serve lonely and isolated individuals in Kelowna—an exciting step in growing as an outward-facing church.

As we head into May, we’re continuing our Sermon on the Mount series with a focused look at the Lord’s Prayer. Last week, we began by exploring what not to do when praying—reminding ourselves not to make it all about us. This Sunday, we’ll start walking through the prayer itself, beginning with “Our Father.” If you’d like a peek at what we’re up to, visit valleyroadchurch.ca. We’ll also be launching a YouTube page soon where people can watch past sermons anytime.

 

- Valley Road Church.

April 2nd

MCBC Family Update – March Reflections & April Plans

Update from Valley Road Church

Dear MCBC Family,

March has been an encouraging month as we’ve welcomed new visitors each week. Our Sermon on the Mount series has been a blessing, and as we approach Easter, we look forward to shifting our focus to the cross. 

We were grateful to have guest speakers and worship leaders join us this past month, including Kevin Barkowski and Becca Yarowski, as well as a special message from a visiting pastor from the UK. While attendance dipped slightly during March Break, we saw a strong turnout last Sunday, and we’re excited about the momentum leading into Easter. 

Expanding Our Reach 

This past month I had the great opportunity to connect with people outside of church. A highlight was meeting with Hands in Service, an organization dedicated to supporting lonely individuals in need of prayer and care. This Sunday, they will be joining us to share how we can partner with them. 

I also had meaningful conversations with several local pastors about fostering Jesus-centered church communities, and I’m encouraged by the potential for collaboration. 

Celebrating Our Accomplishments 

  • Strengthened unity within our church family 
  • Retention of 85-90% of our founding members, which is rare in church plants 
  • Launched a new small group 
  • Meaningful financial and administrative progress 

Looking Ahead to April 

  • Good Friday Service – Our first ever as a church! 
  • Easter Sunday Brunch – A time of celebration together 
  • Adopt-a-Road Cleanup – Serving our community at the end of the month 

Thank you all for your continued faithfulness. As we move forward, let’s pray for wisdom, unity, and opportunities to share Christ’s love in our community. 

Blessings,

Jordan Pilgrim
Valley Road Church

 

March 11th

Valley Road Church – Monthly Update

 

 

Valley Road Church – Monthly Update - Church Services & Activities

The past two months have been a season of growth and encouragement for Valley Road Church. We celebrated our first anniversary in January with an encouraging worship service to mark the event. We were joined by Shelby and Anne and heard a powerful testimony from Paige (one of our first baptized members). God’s presence was with us, and it was so encouraging for those who have been with us since the beginning to see the continued support of our church.

To start 2025, we are excited to explore The Sermon on the Mount. We enjoyed learning about the Beatitudes and had a lovely sermon from Laura Geelen, who has been with us since the beginning. You can listen to our messages here: https://www.valleyroadchurch.ca/currentseries

Over the past two months, we have welcomed newcomers to our church who were recommended to us by churches in different cities in BC and Alberta. It is encouraging to see churches work together to build the wider church. 

Leadership & Ministry Development

Our Guidance Team continues to shape VRC's future. We are working on forming committees for various ministries, with a vision to launch youth ministry in the fall and engage more with seniors in Glenmore.

AGM

It was an absolute pleasure for my wife, Elisabeth, and me to attend our first MCBC AGM. We enjoyed meeting so many of you and were encouraged by what we are seeing within the MCBC community of churches.

Key Milestones

  • 1st Anniversary Celebration – A joyful milestone!
  • AA Group Launch – Meeting weekly on Thursdays.
  • New Monthly Prayer Meeting – A space for deeper spiritual connection.

Looking Ahead

We plan to launch a new small group, develop a seniors’ ministry, and start our second Alpha. Additionally, we’re strengthening outreach with NOW Canada and our new AA group.