ANNUAL REPORT
2024
A message from
Pastor Zach
As we look through 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 this year, we kicked off 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 with God’s guidance!
Over and over, 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 the future generations, that will be nurtured in this school and church, will rise up in who they are in Christ, will share His love to all and create a lasting impact on this world!
The energy and anticipation Jessica and I feel as we look forward 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 be broken and construction start on the new building that will hold SCA during the week and Springs Kids on Sundays. As we have been looking forward to this new space and what we can do in this building, we know that the church is the people, which means we need to continue training and equipping volunteers! We are thrilled to have added over 200 volunteers this year. There is 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 every month and our team has grown so we can disciple them better through small groups and create fun experiences that they look forward to inviting their friends to as well.
This is one of the events we run simultaneously with Winnipeg and Calgary and it’s been amazing to see the deep impact these events have on kids this age, as it is crucial for them as they decide to pursue God going into their teenage years.
PRAYER CORNER
In G Force, we started a prayer corner where kids can write down prayer requests, praise reports, and general questions they have about God. This has been a great way for the kids to practice what we teach them on Sundays when it comes to praying and it allows us to know what they are going through so our leaders can be praying with them specifically. We also dedicated a few Sundays throughout the year to purposefully 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! And we had just over 500 kids between the ages of 4-12 make the decision to make Jesus their Lord and saviour in class. These are great indicators that our ministry is reaching this generation of kids, but what has been equally amazing has been seeing the discipleship carry through in the kids. When a kid gets hurt in class, the kids are right there to pray for them before a leader even has to ask. We hear from parents that 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 get together as one big team to share what God has done in our ministry and look ahead to the future. It was such a powerful afternoon and evening as we got to worship together, play games and hear some of the amazing things that had gone on throughout this year that you’ve read here.
CALGARY
In 2023, we made some major changes to our building to continue to reach the next generation in a Spirit Contemporary way. We did some renovations to the staff offices, knocking out office space and making room for a brand-new kid’s space! Launching in November of 2023, we brought G Force downstairs and made space just for them so that all our classes could be downstairs. This new space has been very exciting for the kids.
We also brought electronic registration to our Calgary location! The volunteers and parents love this new, fast system of simply giving their phone number to sign in their kids.
We started LVL UP, a preteen specific ministry that helps kids in this unique phase of life they are in during Grade 5&6. Often going deeper in the lessons, we are teaching and making room to answer questions these kids have. It has been so exciting seeing them think up some of the most interesting questions about faith, God, and His creation!
Along with LVL UP, we started having Grade 5&6 hangout nights in Calgary as well! These nights are special times where preteens can just be preteens. They can have fun and play some wild games while making friends and going even deeper into the subjects they are learning on Sunday. We also made these nights easy for them to invite friends to by having events like laser tag and having special snacks just for them.
This year, our youth group has experienced growth both in numbers and in depth. Our attendance each week has had steady growth, and we have welcomed several new members who have become an integral part of our community. Beyond just the numbers, we have seen a growth 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 our small group discussions and mentorship, we have walked alongside our youth as they grow in their faith. This year we introduced a new small group format for more personalized discipleship, where teens could share openly, ask tough questions, and hold each other accountable.
One of the greatest joys this year has been seeing our past graduates of the youth program step into leadership roles and lead their peers with passion and purpose. Through public speaking, small group discussions, and cultivating relationships we’ve witnessed young people take ownership of their faith and strive to 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 and continue to grow the community through cultivating friendships and pursuing meaningful relationships.
We look forward to what 2025 has in store and continue to lead the next generation in the truth of Jesus!
MUSIC MINISTRY
To look back at 2023 we are with Gratitude
Reflecting back at 2024, the worship teams in both Calgary and Winnipeg have experienced such joy and gratitude bringing people together in the common purpose of Praise and Worship. Everywhere we look, whether it is at our Springs Kids classes, SCA chapels, Youth services, 1835 worship nights, or Inner City, Calgary or Sunday services, our worship teams have a knowing that God is moving and life-changing impact is being made in both individuals and families.
While we have seen tremendous growth in numbers, there is such a shift in corporate worship as weekly, people prepare their hearts to receive God’s Word. Indeed, we have been stretched in so many ways, but the worship band/vocals are increasing in their capacity for more; for growth and increase in not only skill but in our spirit. Heartfelt, genuine worship is not about the actual music; but rather the music is the tool we use to lift our voices in unity. Our Worship team volunteers have given countless hours to prepare for weekly services and events, but the reward of personal growth in each individual is worth every effort. There are so many “behind the scenes” moments, but truly we have seen a deep devotion, coupled with attentiveness and sensitivity to Holy Spirit and to one another. This kind of growth and development can be felt well beyond any service. Carrying the culture of our church; LAF, and being in pursuit of a deeply personal relationship with God, the teams have poured a spirit of excellence into all they do.
For all our whole team, no matter what we celebrate, our desire is to see the music touch the soul and bring glory to God in every way. We desire to be invisible, but God’s presence to be undeniable. This is also something we see in our Youth and 1835 services, youth that are passionately pouring out their praise and growing in relationship with God.
Throughout 2024, our music volunteers spent time preparing over 23 special element songs to encourage and inspire our church family at every kind of event. For each celebration, our volunteers have faithfully prepared at home and on the stage. No matter the occasion, Valentines, Easter, Mother’s day, Father’s Day, Springs 30th Anniversary, Multicultural Sunday, Grandparents day, our first ever Woman’s & Men’s Conferences, and lastly, our Christmas at Springs, the music was a highlight! This year through various Sundays, we featured some very sweet young voices either in a solo performance or a choir setting. The junior and youth choir has grown and it’s exciting to see the momentum of our young worshippers as they learn to lead us in worship in such a fresh and endearing way. This speaks to the GENERATIONS worshipping together. This is what our church was founded on; a church for everyone from the youngest to the grey hairs of a great-grandparents; you belong.
For many, celebrating Springs Church 30th anniversary was a moment we won’t soon forget. The service hosted a medley mashup of favourite songs from the ‘90’s with a brass section, a retro throw back of a song released by Springs Church, “Forever I will worship” (where the prayer by Pastor Leon was used from the audio recording), and lastly, The Fontaine sisters singing “The Church I grew up in”. It was a defining moment and tribute to our past and a strong vision of our future. It was also a day to give our gratitude to God for His ever-present solid presence in our church over these many years. It was a day we will reflect on for years to come.
Lastly, 2024 brought live streaming of our entire worship service to online church. This meant Christmas 2024 was the first time we were able to invite people around the globe into our sanctuary to experience what we have within our four walls. There is a solid foundation on our worship teams and we are walking into 2025 with strength and victory. As a team, we are running into our future “assignment” with passion, purpose, alignment and availability. There is no doubt that we are running with the vision of our Senior Pastor and look forward to a year of even “greater things” in 2025.
2023 saw us bring back the Worship Choir and we have loved to hear these voices unite together bringing much joy and life into our sanctuary! As a church family, we have made certain songs both our home and church family “declarations”, as we drew our line in the sand. “Praise”, which was first presented on our Multicultural Sunday, has become a strong song that unites our voices with bold confidence! Other Springs favourites have been “Holy Forever” and “Firm Foundation”. If you ever hear our children in worship, all of these songs represent the strong multigenerational sound of worship.
We can say with undeniable confidence that in 2023, the door has swung wide open to see and experience the evidence of God’s goodness week in and week out. Collective voices are boldly declaring, worshipping and seeking to know God more deeply through our times of corporate worship. Our volunteers serve others and God with an unshakeable faith, and walk with strength toward the future. Standing on the truth that “He must increase, and we must decrease”, we are seeing eager commitment and dedication to our church family. We go boldly into a future that is filled with fresh vision, yet grounded on strong teaching and a legacy that comes from the generations before us. The Best is Yet to come!
SERVICE TEAMS
We are once again so thankful for our great volunteer teams who are so eager each and every week to serve their God and this church. It now takes approximately 200 people to run our Service Team Ministry each and every week. From sanctuary setup team of the chairs to the team welcoming our guests with their warm smiles help to make our Sunday services an awesome experience.
As always the awesome Parking Team focuses on serving others regardless of the weather … from minus 35 C to plus 35 C and everything in between, it is quite the feat to park over 2400 cars between the three services each Sunday. We have the best volunteers by far!
SPORTS
Our Sports teams provided a much-needed community building outlet. From pickleball, soccer, volleyball, indoor floor hockey, basketball, co-ed ice hockey and co-ed baseball; Springs Sports is an exciting part of the fun aspect of our church experience!
We also had our yearly events such as: Golf Tournament, Family Fishing Derby, Motorcycle Rally, Car Drifting event to add to the excitement. It will be exciting to see what could be added for 2025!
CAFÉS
The Winnipeg Café is at the center of church activity all week long. Having our Café open in the daytime gives our families, guests and surrounding community an opportunity to meet, work or enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee in a beautiful environment. It also gives our SCA parents a place to grab a coffee after dropping off their children at school.
Our busiest times in the café are during the Café Lunches (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) and the Friday Night on the Patio where families gather to hang out while their teens are enjoying Youth. We’ve added a weekly food truck to Friday nights in the summer. The Winnipeg Café is such a great resource for people to build friendships and do life together.
Every Sunday, all our Cafés are filled with people visiting throughout the day. They provide a welcoming atmosphere for those wanting to relax and connect with family and friends. 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 opportunity to assist in hosting our first Women’s Conference (900 women) and a Men’s Conference (800 men) in many years. Both events, were beautiful life-giving weekends of messages, food and fellowship. We also had our first Women’s Tea where our ladies helped to host and decorate their tables.
We were also involved in many different events from Men’s Breakfast, College graduations, Ladies Bible Study, Kingdom Builder events, Worship nights, Volunteer Training nights, 1835 nights and much more. Our church is brimming with life and the events are a testament of joy and life-giving community we provide and cherish. 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 much deeper into God’s Word together. A Springs Zoom Group is a small community of people who connect weekly online. Because people are unique, every group is unique, and the intent of each one is to make great friendships, support one another, and grow in the Word as the groups discuss the Sunday message.
Our Acts of Kindness ministry was started in order to help those less fortunate and in need of furniture for their homes. Throughout 2024, thanks to the many furniture donations we received, we were able to help 164 families. It is always such an amazing blessing to be able to bring comfort, joy and peace to people in need. Our Acts of Kindness Ministry volunteers are able to do that in a HUGE way!
MISSIONS
Watoto and Love India
During the year we were able to send financial support to our incredible Missions – Watoto in Uganda and Love India in India.
Emergency Food
Throughout the year, there were many people trying to make ends meet but when they just couldn’t, we had groceries available to help take them through to the next paycheque.
Miracle Channel
At Springs, we’re excited to support Miracle Channel in its mission to help people all over the world grow closer to Jesus. Broadcasting 24/7, Miracle Channel impacts many who ‘happen’ across it, often in the middle of a sleepless night that is filled with fear, depression or grief. Miracle Channel is like a light shining in the darkest night, saying “Hope is here!” Miracle Channel is the only television station that provides 24-hour access to Biblical teaching in Canada, and their role in bringing the truth of God’s Word to a hurting world is vitally important. For many remote Northern communities, Miracle Channel is the only 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 that is stronger than the hope of Christ. Every week we see people getting to know God. We see families restored and addictions broken. We have between 400-500 people coming through our doors every week.
Over 500 families every month receive the help they need at our weekly food banks. Additionally, we provide emergency food hampers to those in crisis situations.
Every Friday we have Kids Klub and Youth. We mentor approximately 160 kids and 80 teens that are a part of our Friday Night Kids Klub and Youth program.
On Sundays we run a weekly family church service. More than 95% of the people attending on Sundays don’t have access to transportation, so our location is vital for them. We serve a full breakfast as part our church service.
During Christmas this year we gave out 450 gifts to children and teens in the North End and shared the life changing message of Jesus with them. We had 3 packed out Christmas parties for kids and teens in December.
Our Block Party this year was one of the best ones yet! On Friday, August 23rd, over 1600 people came out to our event. All the incredible feedback we got from people in the community was so good to hear. So many parents thanked us for doing this. They told us that it made their families’ whole summer!
We are honored to witness God at work in many lives. Here are few stories from 2024:
“We had a lady call us during the week to let us know about an answer to prayer. The previous Sunday service, we had been praying during Prayer and Praise time for restoration in families like we usually do. A lady who was attending that morning, decided to believe that for her family. She was very concerned for her daughter who was homeless in Calgary. She hadn’t been in contact with her in months. The week following, her daughter reached out to her and was able to come back to Winnipeg. She’s now staying with her and working through addiction recovery.”
“One of the 6-year-old girls, that attends Kids Klub on Friday evenings, tells our volunteers every week on the bus ride 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 a role model to look up to.”
“After a Sunday service, we spoke with a lady who had raised her hand to accept Christ. She said she used to come to our church years ago but hasn’t been in a long time because she felt ashamed as she had fallen back in to addictions. We let her know we’re so happy she’s here and no one at church is perfect. Then she asked for prayer for a serious infection in her jaw. Half of her face and neck were very visibly swollen. She’d had a fever on and off for a few weeks due to this infection. She’d been to the doctor several times and they’d tried different treatments unsuccessfully. No one seemed to know what was going on. She was going for more tests the following week. We prayed healing over her. The following Sunday she was back and said the most amazing thing happened. After church last week, she went home and fell asleep for the rest of the day, the first peaceful rest she’d had in weeks. When she woke up all the pain, fever, and swelling was gone. She was completely healed.”
“We’ve walked alongside many people who are recovering from addictions. Recently we were talking with someone who had been using meth. While at church they said they realized that God had a purpose for them and didn’t give them life for this kind of existence. They gave their life to Christ and have now been clean for over 8 months.”
“We’ve been working with a mom who’s been really heartbroken for her daughter. Her teen daughter had just had her 5th overdose and doctors told her she might not make it through this time. Miraculously her daughter pulled through and recovered. She’s so thankful for another chance for her daughter and continues to pray for her and share her faith with her.”
FULL-TIME
What an incredible college year! This exciting program not only provided students (ages 18-25) with the information they need to be successful in life but also provided an incredible environment for them to personally change their lives to become who God has planned for them to be. During the school year the students participated in Biblical Studies and Leadership and Management classes to help them build a solid foundation in God’s Word, their leadership skill set and lasting relationships within the team. We had such an action-packed year once again! It is always exciting to see these young adults more prepared to impact the world we live in with the hope of Jesus.
PART-TIME
Our Leadership Level 1 and 2 Programs, had a very successful once again this year. These programs gave people from all walks of life the building blocks they need to develop their leadership skills. Being taught in a Spirit Contemporary way, they provided students with a strong foundation in leadership that they can apply both in their local church and in the marketplace. Every Tuesday evening, students attended select courses that built their leadership and knowledge in finance, management, relationships and the Bible. We always look forward to these programs growing each and every year.
Biblical Studies 1 and 2 had a successful year once again. It was such a joy to celebrate with our graduates in June. We continually endeavour to train and equip our church to walk and share in God’s abundant life. These programs enabled the students to delve deeper into biblical truths and lead them on a journey of increased knowledge and understanding helping them to take their relationship with God to much higher levels. We believe that Springs College will continue to develop great leaders within the church and equip people to excel in family and career!
SPRINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
What a wonderful year we have had ensuring our students received an excellent education.
Springs Christian Academy (SCA), our Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, purposes to put Christ at the center of all that 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, they embrace being Spirit Contemporary by teaching God’s Word in a relevant and easily understood manner.
ENROLLMENT STATS & GROWTH
• 2023-2024 Total students = 787 students (FTE = 651)
• Lag Elementary campus = 495 students (PS – Gr. 5)
• Youville Middle/High campus = 292 students (Gr. 6 – 12)
• We added an additional Grade 3, 6 and 9 class
• We added a Preschool/Kindergarten hybrid program that allows some students to come half-time and some to come full-time
EXPANSION & CONSTRUCTION
• We have completed our new 3 room addition at the end of the Lagimodiere east wing and Grade 3 started the year in them
• We took down the blue/red playground at Lag due to its age and built a beautiful new one (Eagle playground) outside the east wing
• We doubled the size of our Preschool/Kindergarten play area so they can all be out at the same time and have room to play and learn outside. There is also an outdoor classroom in the new area.
• Our green play structure has been removed due to construction needs, but will be rebuilt over the summer in a new location close to the newer Eagle playground
• We have added a single washroom in the south and north hallways. This is for staff to use as we gave up our staff main washroom to the students.
• We added 4 portables to our Youville campus to help with growth
• We also finished adding air conditioning units to each classroom at the Youville campus
Build the Future Campaign launched in November, and we had our Dig Event on Wednesday, April 17 with 1,275 in attendance. Our Grade 5 students and 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 Roseau River and Camp Arnes, Grade 9 all-nighter at 725 Lag, 68 Grade 7/8 students on our Civil Rights Memphis 8-day tour, Gr 5 Winkler Bible Camp
• 22 Grade 11-12 students toured Italy over Spring Break
• Gr 6 and 9 -12 Ski Trips
• Kindergarten gathered mitts and toques for those in the inner city
• Gr 1 gathered money through Watoto Toes for our Watoto sponsor children
• Gr 2 brought in donations for an animal shelter
• Grades 3 and 4 visited seniors’ homes
• Grade 10 classes visited Springs Inner City where they were able to help out with the Foodbank
• The elementary campus Springs Inner City Toy Drive brought in 201 gifts
• Our middle/high school campus gathered food for Springs Inner City at Christmas time
• During Healthy Schools Month, the Elementary campus gathered/donated 5,732 items of food to Springs Inner City
• During Reading and Writing Month, the Elementary campus gathered/donated 944 books
• The Elementary did our annual Walk for Watoto in May and continue to fundraise the final amount for our 8 Watoto sponsor children
ACADEMIC UPDATES
• Chapel continues to be a highlight at SCA. In December, we were able to gather as a WHOLE school chapel and what a blessing it was to see our students worshipping God together. Before the chapel we enjoyed carolling together 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 went great. We had 1,819 in attendance and a great 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 for this moment. We were able to invite various MLAs and many joined us.
• In February, we were excited to once again have our Festival Du Voyageur at the elementary campus. We had taffy, snowshoeing, bannock, leg wrestling, pea soup, crafts, and tobogganing.
• Grade 1-2 Garage Sale and Grade 3-5 Market are a great way to practice math in a practical setting, as well as stewardship, and self-control. The kids had a blast going from room to room, learning how to budget their money, and how to make change!
• We had six Grade 4-6 students compete in the provincial French competition. All students competed well, and we had 3 students place in their category (1st, 2nd & 2nd)
• Our middle school continues to incorporate and improve on our Flex Program, where our students have the opportunity to explore woodworking, dance, robotics, ice fishing, cosmetology, foods, rock climbing/archery, pottery, low-organized games, outdoor ed, curling/bowling, mobile photography, music tech, and our fun and engaging English program, ‘Language is Lit’.
• Our Junior Achievement Business program was a success again this year! 13 students from Gr 9-12 worked incredibly hard over this school year and launched their new business called Handmade Manitoba, making handmade gemstone and wood bracelets. They also partnered with Springs Inner City and donated a portion of their proceeds. A few of our JA students won provincial awards (Top President of the Year & Top Marketing Director of the Year.)
• Spirit week at our Middle/High school was packed with exciting activities, bringing in an inflatable gladiator arena and the Biology game, on top of the other fun in-house events.
ATHLETICS
• Our major sports accomplishments from this year include:
o Grade 8 girls won the divisional banner in the Louis Riel School Division for volleyball
o Grade 8 boys won the divisional banner in the Louis Riel School Division for volleyball
o Varsity boys team placed 4th at the MHSAA provincials for AA basketball
o We had first places at the CSSA 4-6 track meet in 800 m, 100 m , 1200 m
o Track – Several students qualified for the provincial track and field track meet
o Soccer – Varsity Soccer boys went to the provincial qualifiers
• We also hosted the MHSAA JV girls AA basketball provincial tournament this year, in which our team competed as hosts. The church was very helpful in pulling it off, especially when there was a snowstorm and one day of play had to be added to the next day.