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Welcome to Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church

We’re glad you’ve found your way to our website and hope that the resources on this website will help you get connected. We are a multi-generational, and diverse cultural church family affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Using this diversity, we can lean on the wisdom of our more experienced members, while championing the energy & passions of our youth.

No matter where you have come from, what your age is, or where you are on your spiritual journey, our doors are open and you are welcome! Here are some things you need to know about getting connected at our church:

Our Story

Founding the Church - In 1963, northwest Calgary was growing rapidly. As a result, planning began for a new Presbyterian congregation. Property was purchased in 1965. At the time, the property was on the then far edge of the city--horses grazed on nearby land. The congregation’s first worship service was held in the Varsity Acres Public School in November 1966 and Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church became an official congregation the following year on December 10th, 1967.

Growing the Church - In the following decades, the congregation’s growth came as a consequence of its core values. It began with a priority for care. Everyone in the neighbourhood was new and so VAPC became people’s extended family. That care was extended to newcomers in the form of hospitality that helped people feel at home in our midst. A third priority was helping people grow in their faith in how they come to know God and follow in the way taught by Jesus. Growth led to the construction of our facility in 1972 and its 2 subsequent additions.

Serving in Mission - A further core value has been extending care to others, whether they are our neighbour down the street or our neighbour around the world. Over the years, we’ve worked locally with Inn from the Cold, the Drop-In Centre, families at risk for homelessness, the Interfaith Foodbank and other groups. In response to needs in the neighbourhood, VAPC operated a drop in child care program called Tiny Tots for over 25 years. Over its lifetime, it provided care for an average of 27 children per day. We’ve supported immigrants by sponsoring refugees and providing ESL classes. Our newest endeavour is a program we call Side by Side: a once-per-week day program for persons with dementia. This program provides a day for self-care for the primary caregivers. We also support development and relief efforts around the world. We are called to love our neighbours, and so we do.

What is our mission?

Our mission is that we would be one in Christ, reaching out to many.

What drives this mission forward?

After celebrating our congregation’s 50th anniversary, we began the work of discerning our future. It is still early days in this process but what seems to be emerging is a desire to build on four core values.

Forming Faith - As our society becomes ever more secular, we desire to up our game even more in helping people on their spiritual journey.

Being Welcoming & Inclusive - In Presbyterian congregations generations ago, diversity meant that some people were from Edinburgh and some were from Glasgow. As Calgary has changed, so has our church. We desire to become even more a home for mature Christians and those unsure that God even exists...for people who are born & bred Canadian and those who are new to our country...for people who are young and old.

Being Caring & Compassionate - A community is only as strong as the love that is shared one with another. In a society that can make us feel anonymous, we want to be even more a place where everyone is known and cared for.

Engaging in Mission & Witness - We believe that we exist for others and to make a difference in their lives. We want to build on our strong heritage of mission and make a difference in our neighbourhood...and that our actions will help people appreciate what the Christian faith is all about.

Useful Links

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To Get Connected

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