A message from
Pastor Zach
As we look back on 2024, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all that God has done. This has truly been a year filled with blessings and incredible growth!
At the beginning of the year, we launched our Build the Future campaign—our largest building project to date as a church family. The journey has been nothing short of amazing, and as I walked through the hallways, I could feel the excitement in all of us. There’s a real sense of pride as we witness what we are accomplishing together through God’s guidance.
Time and time again, we saw His incredible favour and miraculous provision at work. I am more convinced than ever that the growth and transformation we’ve witnessed this past year is just the beginning. I have no doubt that future generations—nurtured in this school and church—will rise up in who they are in Christ, share His love with all, and create a lasting impact on this world.
The energy and anticipation Jessica and I feel as we look ahead to 2025 is electric, and we know it’s going to be a phenomenal year of impact!
Much love,
Pastor Zach
2024 has been a year of building—literally and figuratively.
We were so excited to see the ground broken and construction begin on the new building that will house SCA during the week and Springs Kids on Sundays.
As we’ve been looking ahead to this new space and all that we’ll be able to do in it, we’re reminded that the church is the people—which means we must continue training and equipping volunteers! We’re thrilled to have added over 200 volunteers this year.
There’s no way we could do what we do without the amazing people who step up to “feed Jesus’ lambs” (John 21:15), week in and week out. We are so thankful for each and every volunteer.
GRADE 5&6 NIGHTS
Our commitment to creating spaces where our preteens can grow in their relationship with God and make great friends has continued this year. We love having our Grade 5 & 6 students join us each month, and our team has grown so we can disciple them more effectively through small groups and create fun experiences they’re excited to invite their friends to as well.
This is one of the events we run simultaneously in Winnipeg and Calgary, and it’s been amazing to see the deep impact these gatherings have on kids at this age. It’s such a crucial time in their lives as they decide to pursue God heading into their teenage years.
PRAYER CORNER
In G-Force, we started a prayer corner where kids can write down prayer requests, praise reports, and any questions they have about God. This has been a great way for them to put into practice what we teach on Sundays about prayer. It also gives us insight into what they’re going through so our leaders can pray with them specifically.
We also dedicated a few Sundays throughout the year to intentionally answering the questions the kids are asking.
NEW KIDS AND SALVATIONS
Between Winnipeg and Calgary, we recorded 1,133 new first-time visitors in our system this year! We also had just over 500 kids between the ages of 4 and 12 make the decision to make Jesus their Lord and Saviour in class.
These are incredible indicators that our ministry is reaching this generation of kids—but what has been equally amazing is seeing the kids begin to disciple others. When a child gets hurt in class, the other kids are quick to pray for them—often before a leader even has to ask. Parents tell us their young kids ask every day, “Is it church today?” and “How long until we can go to church?!”
We love creating an environment where kids can grow to be like Jesus and follow Him every day.
SPRINGS KIDS VOLUNTEERS
We had our largest BIG Team meeting in October. Every fall, we gather as one big team to share what God has done in our ministry and to look ahead to the future. It was such a powerful afternoon and evening as we worshipped together, played games, and heard about some of the amazing things that have happened throughout the year—many of which you’ve read about here.
CALGARY
2024 was about building on the progress we made in 2023 and moving forward with the vision of investing in this generation through our space.
We fully settled into our new basement space for G-Force, giving us a dedicated area for kids that has improved both our teaching and our safety measures. The kids love the new space, and moving them downstairs allowed us to open up the upper hall as overflow when the sanctuary reaches maximum capacity.
This year, we updated how we run LVL UP to allow more time for the kids to play and connect with one another. We also simplified the registration process so the kids don’t have to move around to multiple spots in the building. It’s been great to see them respond so positively to the changes—they’ve had more time for Q&A, which is a favourite for both the leaders and the kids at this age. They ask some of the best questions about God, what it means to share our faith, and the themes we’ve been teaching in class. We find that kids at this age engage more through asking questions than by simply being taught.
For our Grade 5 & 6 Nights, we’ve continued to build on what we started in 2023, and we’ve seen kids bringing their friends because they love it so much!
SUMMER CAMP
This year marked our first Summer Camp for Springs Calgary in a few years, and it was such a blast heading down to Montana! Our theme was Start the Party, and we learned all about how life with Jesus can be a celebration. Families were able to connect, and kids had church every day—which, of course, they loved!
From morning activities to evening classes to spontaneous playtime with friends, countless memories and lasting friendships were made. We are SO excited for future camp weeks! This truly is a special opportunity to go deeper with the kids, help them build lifelong friendships, and teach them how to connect with God for themselves.
2024 was a great year, and we’re looking forward to 2025 as we continue building on the progress we’ve made.
This year, our youth group experienced growth—both in numbers and in depth. Weekly attendance has steadily increased, and we’ve welcomed several new members who have become an integral part of our community. But beyond the numbers, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in spiritual depth and commitment. Teenagers are engaging with their faith in new ways, participating more actively in worship, small groups, and volunteering.
Discipleship remains at the heart of our mission. This year, we focused on helping teenagers build a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ. Through small group discussions and mentorship, we’ve walked alongside our youth as they grow in their faith. We also introduced a new small group format to allow for more personalized discipleship—creating space for teens to share openly, ask tough questions, and hold each other accountable.
One of the greatest joys this year has been seeing past graduates of our youth program step into leadership roles—leading their peers with passion and purpose. Through public speaking, small group discussions, and relationship-building, we’ve witnessed young people take ownership of their faith and intentionally lead those around them.
The success of our youth group this year would not have been possible without the dedication, support, and hard work of our incredible volunteer team! From leading small groups to coordinating events and providing mentorship, our volunteers have been the backbone of our ministry. They continue to grow our community by cultivating friendships and building meaningful relationships.
We look forward to all that 2025 has in store as we continue to lead the next generation in the truth of Jesus!
MUSIC MINISTRY
A LOOK BACK AT 2024 WITH GRATITUDE
Reflecting on 2024, the worship teams in both Calgary and Winnipeg have experienced immense joy and gratitude as we’ve brought people together with the common purpose of praise and worship. Everywhere we look—whether it’s in Springs Kids classes, SCA chapels, youth services, 1835 worship nights, Inner City Calgary, or Sunday services—our worship teams have a deep knowing that God is moving, and His life-changing impact is being felt in individuals and families alike.
While we’ve seen tremendous growth in numbers, we’ve also noticed a powerful shift in corporate worship. Each week, people are coming prepared in heart to receive God’s Word. Our worship bands and vocal teams are being stretched, growing not only in skill but in spirit as well. Heartfelt, genuine worship isn’t about the music itself—it’s about using music as a tool to lift our voices in unity and glorify God.
Our worship team volunteers have given countless hours preparing for weekly services and special events. The reward of seeing personal growth in each individual has made every effort worth it. So much of what happens is behind the scenes, but we’ve witnessed a deep devotion—marked by attentiveness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and to one another. This kind of growth and spiritual maturity can be felt well beyond any service. Carrying the culture of our church—LAF (Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness)—and pursuing a deeply personal relationship with God, our teams have poured a spirit of excellence into everything they do.
For our entire team, no matter what we’re celebrating, our desire remains the same: to let the music touch the soul and bring glory to God in every way. We want to be invisible, but for God’s presence to be undeniable. This is evident not only in our main services but also in our Youth and 1835 gatherings, where young people are passionately pouring out their praise and growing in their relationship with God.
Throughout 2024, our music volunteers prepared over 23 special element songs to encourage and inspire our church family across a wide variety of events. For each celebration—whether Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Springs’ 30th Anniversary, Multicultural Sunday, Grandparents’ Day, our first-ever Women’s and Men’s Conferences, or Christmas at Springs—our volunteers faithfully prepared both at home and on stage, creating unforgettable musical moments that became highlights of each event.
This year also featured the sweet voices of our young people, whether in solo performances or choir settings. Our junior and youth choirs have grown, and it’s exciting to see the momentum building as our young worshippers step into leadership—bringing a fresh and endearing spirit to our times of worship. This reflects our heart for GENERATIONS worshipping together. It’s the foundation our church was built on: a church for everyone—from the youngest child to the grey-haired great-grandparent—you belong.
Celebrating Springs Church’s 30th Anniversary was a moment we won’t soon forget. The service featured a medley of favourite songs from the ‘90s with a full brass section, a throwback performance of “Forever I Will Worship” (including an audio recording of a prayer by Pastor Leon), and a heartfelt rendition of “The Church I Grew Up In” sung by the Fontaine sisters. It was a defining moment—a beautiful tribute to our past and a powerful vision for our future. Most importantly, it was a day to express our gratitude to God for His unshakable presence over the decades. It’s a day we’ll reflect on for years to come.
Lastly, 2024 marked the launch of live-streaming our full worship services to our online church. For the first time, we were able to invite people around the world into our sanctuary—especially during Christmas—to experience what God is doing within our four walls.
There is a solid foundation under our worship teams, and we are heading into 2025 with strength and victory. As a team, we are running into our future assignment with passion, purpose, alignment, and availability. There’s no doubt—we are carrying the vision of our Senior Pastor, and we eagerly anticipate even greater things in 2025.
SERVICE TEAMS
We are once again so thankful for our incredible volunteer teams, who eagerly serve God and this church each and every week. It now takes approximately 200 people to run our Service Team Ministry every week. From the sanctuary setup team arranging chairs to the warm and welcoming greeters at the doors, each person plays a vital role in creating an excellent Sunday experience.
As always, our amazing Parking Team serves with dedication—no matter the weather. From –35°C to +35°C and everything in between, they faithfully park over 2,400 cars across our three Sunday services. It’s no small task, and we truly have the best volunteers around!
SPORTS
Our sports teams provided a much-needed outlet for community building. From pickleball, soccer, volleyball, indoor floor hockey, and basketball to co-ed ice hockey and co-ed baseball, Springs Sports continues to be an exciting part of the fun and connection we experience as a church family!
We also hosted our annual events, including the Golf Tournament, Family Fishing Derby, Motorcycle Rally, and Car Drifting Event, each adding to the energy and excitement throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what new additions 2025 might bring!
CAFÉS
The Winnipeg Café is at the heart of church activity all week long. Having the café open during the day gives our families, guests, and the surrounding community a place to meet, work, or simply enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee in a beautiful environment. It also offers SCA parents a convenient spot to grab a coffee after dropping off their children at school.
Our busiest times in the café are during Café Lunches (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and Friday Night on the Patio, when families gather to hang out while their teens enjoy Youth. This summer, we added a weekly food truck to Friday nights, making it an even more exciting and social space. The Winnipeg Café continues to be a fantastic resource for building friendships and doing life together.
Every Sunday, all of our cafés are filled with people visiting throughout the day. They offer a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere for those looking to relax and connect with friends and family. The energy each Sunday is incredible—and contagious. We love being such a significant part of creating the atmosphere and culture of our church.
This year, the Hospitality Team had the honour of helping host our first Women’s Conference (900 women) and Men’s Conference (800 men) in many years. Both weekends were beautiful, life-giving experiences filled with messages, food, and fellowship. We also hosted our first Women’s Tea, where ladies decorated and hosted their own tables with creativity and care.
In addition, our team supported a wide variety of events, including Men’s Breakfasts, college graduations, Ladies Bible Study, Kingdom Builder events, Worship Nights, Volunteer Training Nights, 1835 Nights, and so much more. Our church is brimming with life, and these events are a testament to the joy-filled, life-giving community we are proud to be part of and continue to build.
We are so excited for what’s to come!
SPRINGS ZOOM GROUPS
Our Springs Zoom Groups were formed as a creative way for people to stay connected throughout the year. We wanted to bring people together to continue building relationships and provide an opportunity to go deeper into God’s Word. A Zoom Group is a small community of individuals who connect weekly online. Because every person is unique, each group is unique as well. The purpose of each group is to build strong friendships, support one another, and grow in the Word through discussion of the Sunday message.
Our Acts of Kindness ministry was created to help those less fortunate and in need of furniture for their homes. Throughout 2024, thanks to the many generous furniture donations we received, we were able to help 164 families. It’s always such a blessing to bring comfort, joy, and peace to people in need—and our Acts of Kindness volunteers do that in a truly incredible way!
MISSIONS
Watoto and Love India
During the year, we were able to send financial support to our incredible missions partners: Watoto in Uganda and Love India in India.
Emergency Food
Throughout the year, many people were doing their best to make ends meet—and when they couldn’t, we were able to provide groceries to help carry them through to their next paycheque.
Miracle Channel
At Springs, we’re excited to support Miracle Channel in its mission to help people around the world grow closer to Jesus. Broadcasting 24/7, Miracle Channel reaches many who ‘happen’ upon it—often in the middle of sleepless nights filled with fear, depression, or grief. It serves as a light shining in the darkest night, proclaiming, “Hope is here!” Miracle Channel is the only television station in Canada providing 24-hour access to Biblical teaching, and its role in bringing God’s truth to a hurting world is vitally important. For many remote Northern communities, Miracle Channel is the sole source of Christian teaching and discipleship.
INNER CITY
At Springs Inner City, we know our purpose is to bring the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness. There is no darkness or hopelessness stronger than the hope found in Christ. Every week, we see people coming to know God. We witness families restored and addictions broken. Between 400 and 500 people come through our doors every week.
Over 500 families receive the help they need each month through our weekly food banks. Additionally, we provide emergency food hampers to those facing crisis situations.
Every Friday, we run Kids Klub and Youth programs, mentoring approximately 160 kids and 80 teens who participate in our Friday night activities.
On Sundays, we hold a weekly family church service. More than 95% of attendees don’t have access to transportation, making our location vital to them. We serve a full breakfast as part of the service to nourish both body and soul.
This Christmas, we gave out 450 gifts to children and teens in the North End, sharing the life-changing message of Jesus with them. We also hosted three packed Christmas parties for kids and teens throughout December.
Our Block Party this year was one of our best yet! On Friday, August 23rd, over 1,600 people came out to celebrate. The feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive—so many parents thanked us, saying the event made their whole summer!
We are honoured to witness God at work in many lives. Here are a few stories from 2024:
“A lady called us during the week to share an answer to prayer. The previous Sunday, during our Prayer and Praise time, we had been praying for restoration in families, as we often do. This lady, who attended that morning, decided to believe that prayer for her own family. She was very concerned about her daughter, who had been homeless in Calgary and out of contact for months. The following week, her daughter reached out and was able to return to Winnipeg. She is now staying with her mother and working through addiction recovery.”
“One of the 6-year-old girls who attends Kids Klub every Friday evening tells our volunteers on the bus ride home that when she grows up, she wants to be just like them and volunteer at church. Our amazing team of volunteers have given these kids hope and role models to look up to.”
“After a Sunday service, we spoke with a lady who had raised her hand to accept Christ. She shared that she had attended our church years ago but hadn’t been back because she felt ashamed after falling back into addiction. We reassured her that we are so glad she was there and reminded her that no one at church is perfect. She then asked for prayer for a serious infection in her jaw. Half her face and neck were visibly swollen, and she’d been battling a fever for weeks despite multiple doctor visits and treatments. She was scheduled for more tests the following week. We prayed for her healing. The next Sunday, she returned and shared that after church, she had fallen asleep and experienced the first peaceful rest she’d had in weeks. When she woke up, all the pain, fever, and swelling were gone—she was completely healed.”
“We’ve walked alongside many people recovering from addiction. Recently, we spoke with someone who had been using meth. While attending church, they realised that God had a purpose for their life and did not intend for them to continue in that existence. They gave their life to Christ and have now been clean for over eight months.”
“We’ve been supporting a mom who has been heartbroken over her daughter’s struggles. Her teen daughter recently survived her fifth overdose, despite doctors fearing she might not make it. Miraculously, she pulled through and is recovering. Her mother is grateful for this second chance and continues to pray for her, sharing her faith with her daughter.”
FULL-TIME
What an incredible college year! This exciting program not only provided students (ages 18–25) with the knowledge they need to succeed in life but also created an environment where they could personally grow and become who God has planned for them to be. During the school year, students participated in Biblical Studies and Leadership and Management classes to build a solid foundation in God’s Word, develop leadership skills, and form lasting relationships within the team. We had another action-packed year! It’s always exciting to see these young adults more prepared to impact the world with the hope of Jesus.
PART-TIME
Our Leadership Level 1 and 2 programs had another very successful year. These programs provide people from all walks of life with the building blocks to develop their leadership skills. Taught in a Spirit Contemporary style, they offer students a strong foundation in leadership that can be applied both in their local church and the marketplace. Every Tuesday evening, students attend select courses that build their knowledge in finance, management, relationships, and the Bible. We look forward to these programs growing year after year.
Biblical Studies 1 and 2 also had a successful year. It was such a joy to celebrate with our graduates in June. We continually strive to train and equip our church family to walk in and share God’s abundant life. These programs allow students to delve deeper into biblical truths and take their relationship with God to new levels of knowledge and understanding. We believe Springs College will continue to develop great leaders within the church and equip people to excel in both family and career.
SPRINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
What a wonderful year we have had ensuring our students receive an excellent education.
Springs Christian Academy (SCA), our Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, is committed to putting Christ at the center of all they do. The heart of Christian education at SCA is to infuse Biblical principles, giving a spiritual emphasis to the daily routine of school. As a ministry of Springs Church, SCA embraces being Spirit Contemporary by teaching God’s Word in a relevant and easily understood manner.
ENROLLMENT STATS & GROWTH
• 2023-2024 Total students = 787 students (651 full-time)
• Lagimodiere Elementary campus = 495 students (Preschool – Grade 5)
• Youville Middle/High School campus = 292 students (Grade 6 – 12)
• We added additional Grade 3, 6 and 9 classes
• We added a Preschool/Kindergarten hybrid program that allows some students to come half-time and some to come full-time.
EXPANSION & CONSTRUCTION
• We completed a new three-room addition at the end of the Lagimodiere east wing, and Grade 3 started the year in these new classrooms.
• Due to its age, we took down the blue/red playground at Lagimodiere and built a beautiful new Eagle Playground outside the east wing.
• We doubled the size of our Preschool/Kindergarten play area, allowing all the children to be outside at the same time with plenty of room to play and learn. The new area also includes an outdoor classroom.
• Our green play structure was removed due to construction needs but will be rebuilt over the summer in a new location near the Eagle Playground.
• We added single washrooms in both the south and north hallways for staff use, as we gave up our main staff washroom to the students.
• To accommodate growth, we added four portables to our Youville campus.
• Air conditioning units were installed in every classroom at the Youville campus.
The Build the Future Campaign launched in November. Our Dig Event took place on Wednesday, April 17, with 1,275 attendees. Our Grade 5 students and the middle/high school worship team led us in praise and worship.
MINISTRY & OPPORTUNITY
We had a number of travel and ministry opportunities this year:
• Spiritual Retreats: Grade 12 Camp Cedarwood, Grade 11 trips to Roseau River and Camp Arnes, Grade 9 all-nighter at 725 Lag, and 68 Grade 7/8 students on our 8-day Civil Rights tour in Memphis. Grade 5 attended Winkler Bible Camp.
• Twenty-two Grade 11–12 students toured Italy over Spring Break.
• Grade 6 and Grades 9–12 participated in ski trips.
• Kindergarten gathered mitts and toques for those in the inner city.
• Grade 1 raised funds through Watoto Toes for our Watoto sponsor children.
• Grade 2 collected donations for an animal shelter.
• Grades 3 and 4 visited seniors’ homes.
• Grade 10 classes visited Springs Inner City and helped out with the Foodbank.
• The elementary campus’s Springs Inner City Toy Drive brought in 201 gifts.
• Our middle/high school campus gathered food donations for Springs Inner City during Christmas time.
• During Healthy Schools Month, the elementary campus donated 5,732 food items to Springs Inner City.
• During Reading and Writing Month, the elementary campus donated 944 books.
• The elementary campus held the annual Walk for Watoto in May and continues fundraising to support our eight Watoto sponsor children.
ACADEMIC UPDATES
• Chapel continues to be a highlight at SCA. In December, we were able to gather as a whole school for chapel, and it was a blessing to see our students worshipping God together. Before chapel, we enjoyed carolling outside around Circle Drive.
• Our Middle/High school hosted two student-led Praise & Worship evenings this school year.
• The production of “Good News Ahead: The Signs of Christmas,” SCA’s 2023 Elementary Christmas Concert, was a great success. We had 1,819 attendees and enjoyed a wonderful time of community building at supper beforehand.
• In December, the annual SCA Youth Parliament was a rewarding experience for our students, who had been preparing for months. We were able to invite various MLAs, many of whom joined us.
• In February, we were excited to once again hold our Festival Du Voyageur at the elementary campus, featuring taffy, snowshoeing, bannock, leg wrestling, pea soup, crafts, and tobogganing.
• The Grade 1–2 Garage Sale and Grade 3–5 Market are fantastic ways to practice math in practical settings, as well as stewardship and self-control. The kids had a blast moving from room to room, learning how to budget their money and make change!
• Six Grade 4–6 students competed in the provincial French competition. All performed well, with three students placing in their categories (1st, 2nd, and 2nd).
• Our middle school continues to develop its Flex Program, offering students opportunities to explore woodworking, dance, robotics, ice fishing, cosmetology, foods, rock climbing/archery, pottery, low-organized games, outdoor education, curling/bowling, mobile photography, music tech, and our engaging English program, Language is Lit.
• Our Junior Achievement Business program was a success again this year! Thirteen students from Grades 9–12 worked hard to launch their business, Handmade Manitoba, creating gemstone and wood bracelets. They also partnered with Springs Inner City, donating a portion of their proceeds. Several students won provincial awards, including Top President of the Year and Top Marketing Director of the Year.
• Spirit Week at our Middle/High school was packed with exciting activities, including an inflatable gladiator arena and the Biology game, alongside many other fun in-house events.
ATHLETICS
Our major sports accomplishments this year include:
• Grade 8 girls won the divisional banner for volleyball in the Louis Riel School Division.
• Grade 8 boys also captured the divisional banner for volleyball in the Louis Riel School Division.
• Varsity boys basketball placed 4th at the MHSAA AA Provincial Championships.
• Track & Field:
o First-place finishes at the CSSA Grades 4–6 track meet in the 800 m, 100 m, and 1200 m events.
o Several students qualified for the provincial track and field meet.
• Soccer:
o The varsity boys soccer team advanced to the provincial qualifiers.
We also had the honour of hosting the MHSAA JV girls AA basketball provincial tournament this year, with our team competing as hosts. Special thanks to the church for stepping in and supporting the event—especially when a snowstorm required us to shift an entire day’s games into the following day. It was an incredible team effort!