Good Afternoon Friends and Family of the Victory Outreach,

Yesterday morning our pastoral leadership team met to pray and collectively decide what our next steps will be as we navigate through this rapidly evolving global pandemic.

We are living through a spectacularly unique moment in history and walking through unprecedented circumstances. As a leadership team, we acknowledge that the city of Calgary is now in a state of emergency and our provincial government has included ‘places of worship’ in their mandated closure of gatherings involving 250 or more people. AHS has also restricted the gathering of groups over 50 people that would promote the transmission of infection (through singing, cheering, close contact, or environments where food is openly shared). We are not fearful or alarmed by any of this news, however, with these new health guidelines, our pastors are shifting our perspective to take advantage of this opportunity to serve you from a new vantage point. Beginning March 17th and until further notice, the team of the Victory Outreach is saying:
“Please don’t come to us, let us come to you!”

As we implement some new changes, it is remarkably important to stress to you that the global church IS NOT being persecuted by being asked to restrict physical gatherings! Rather, we are being challenged to find new creative ways to assemble and responsibly care for people. Over the last 24 hours, we have worked hard to implement new measures that will serve you right where you are. Here are a few new ways that we are purposing to come to you during the COVID-19 global pandemic:

1. Church Online - We will continue to meet together as a church family, however we will be adjusting our gathering ‘spaces’. God is reminding the global body of Christ that church has never been a building, the church is the people of God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:5)! Starting this Sunday, join us online at www.victoryoutreach.ca or follow along with our live stream via Facebook Live at 11:00AM and 7:00PM.

2.  The VO APP - We said we wanted to come to you, so what better way then through that phone you’re always on? If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now is the perfect time to download the Victory Outreach App! On the App you can take advantage of daily Bible reading plans, Christian radio, church on demand, announcements, interactive chat rooms, prayer walls - and lots more. We think you’ll really like it!

3. “Day By Day” - Every-single-day we are committing to connect with you in a special way! Whether it is sharing a word of encouragement, a daily challenge, or sharing a powerful testimony of what God has done in the life of our church family, we want to build you up daily in the things of God. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

4. VO FamJam -  Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you need to feel alone! You’re likely participating in physical ‘social distancing’, but please don’t spiritually distance yourself from a church family that loves and cares for you. The VO FamJam is a brand new online community that you can join by going to www.victoryoutreach.ca  and clicking the ‘Join the Online Community’ link.

5. Free Gift. When you join the FAMJAM, we’ll be sending you a FREE membership to RightNow Media! There’s never been a better time to access the online library of over 14,000 videos that are sure to grow you in your faith! RightNow media offers Christian programming for all ages, including Christian movies and programming for our VO courageous kidz!

6. Virtual Community Groups - Stay connected with weekly virtual Bible study groups that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. More information about these groups will be rolled out via the VO App, keep your eyes open.  

7. Prayer Line - If you call 403-273-1050 during office hours, you will be given a new selection of options. If you press one, you will be connected to caring team member who will listen and pray for you. No matter what you’re going through, we want you to know that you are never alone! If you call after hours and leave a message, your prayer request will be placed on the prayer chain and our team will be reaching out to you the next business day!

8. Care Line - If you call 403-273-1050 and press two, you will be connected with a team member who will help you if you require some practical care support. If you have an essential need (such as food or shelter) we are committed to ensuring that your needs are being met. As we anticipate the growing needs within our community we want to ensure you that the people of VO are our first priority.  

9. We Deliver - When we say we’re coming to you, we mean it! From now until further notice we will be delivering emergency care packages to those who are in need. If you have an urgent practical need we are asking that you please do not come to the church. Instead, please call 403-273-1050 and press #2 to arrange a delivery time with one of our team members.

10. Reach the Streets - Keeping our doors open to our community is no longer a responsible option for us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring God’s love to the streets. We have a passionate task force of team members who are committed to heading out to the toughest parts of the city and bringing the compassionate love of Jesus Christ into a dark world.

Even though church over these next weeks will look different, we hope that you understand we will not be slowing down in anyway. We will continue to have small groups of volunteers working on site at the church, and if you are interested in volunteering please let us know.

We want to encourage each one of you to take this time as an opportunity to see things from a new perspective. We believe that this global pandemic is an opportunity for the body of Christ to rise and effectively reach the world like never before. We are anticipating for God to move in power, and we are doing our best to position ourselves to be used mightily by Him.

As you remain at home, our prayer is that you take advantage of this unique window of time to share the love of Christ with those nearest to you. Practice Psalm 46:10, pause and re-connect more deeply with Jesus and enjoy your family. Please, continue to pray for our church family and the many people who are fearful and who are looking for the hope of Jesus. Invite them to join the VO FamJam or to watch a church service. (You may find that people are much more willing to ‘go to church’ when they don’t need to leave their home.)

We love you, we are praying for you, and we are here to serve you.

With all our love,


Pastors Nathan and Sharon and the phenomenal VO Pastoral Team: