2024-2025

W e s t M e a d o w s

B A P T I S T C H U R C H

Annual Report

Pastor Mark Dixon

Lead Pastor

Each year, as I reflect on the season behind us, I find myself beginning with the same thought: “This year, our growth—both numerical and spiritual—has continued.” And once again, praise God, it has! While this kind of growth brings a blend of excitement and challenges, it is a vital sign of church health and a clear expression of our mission: to invite people to experience New Life in Lewis Farms and beyond.

As you’ll see in this report, growth has touched nearly every area of ministry: Sunday morning attendance, discipleship group participation, kids and youth ministry, baptisms, membership, volunteer engagement, and financial support have all increased. Personally, I find this incredibly encouraging. I count it a privilege to serve as your lead pastor, and I feel deeply the responsibility to ensure our ministries and leaders are faithfully discipling each soul God entrusts to us.

Earlier this year, we recognized that our growth had reached a point where, if left unexamined, it could begin to reshape our vision and values in ways we hadn’t intended. Growth always brings change—but rather than allowing change to define us, our pastoral team and board made the intentional decision to define our culture and defend our values. This led to the launch of an initiative we’ve called “Define & Defend.” Its purpose is to safeguard the DNA of West Meadows—the values we hold dear—while also positioning us to adapt wisely and faithfully as we become a larger church. In the coming year, we will be inviting the congregation into this conversation as we consider how our core values inform the future God is shaping.

One visible area of advancement this year has been the sanctuary. With the completion of Phase Two of our renovation, we replaced the 32-year-old carpet and paint, bringing the space up to the same modern design and quality as the foyer (Phase One). We continue to give thanks for God’s provision and your generosity, which allowed us to complete this work without taking on new debt. Phase Three—the modernization of the balcony and upstairs rooms—remains on the horizon, but that’s a story for another time.

Another major focus this year has been our campus development project. Over the past several months, we have been meeting with potential partners, learning from similar projects, discerning both the opportunities and risks before us, and building a vision for how to faithfully steward the land God has entrusted to us. This work is driven by a desire to bless our surrounding community, serve our worshipping congregation, and bring honour to God. Early this fall, we will present a vision document outlining both the why and the what of this development initiative for your input and affirmation. These are exciting times!

As this ministry season comes to a close and I step into a time of sabbatical, I want you to know that I am well—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is truly an intentional time for me to rest, reconnect with family, and reaffirm the vision for the fruitful ministry season ahead. I know the first few days will be a challenge because I am a “doer” for Jesus, like Martha (Luke 10:40). However, I recognize the importance of “being” with Jesus, like Mary (v.39). As Jesus taught, our doing must flow from our being—and our being must be rooted in Him (v.42). I will miss you, but I will return in the fall with renewed strength and clarity. I truly believe that the best is yet to come for us at West Meadows.

With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Mark Dixon

What we’ve Learned

David: The Rest of the Story

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Welcome to Church

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Tough Questions

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Songs of Christmas

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A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

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Pastor 411

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The Call of God: Responding to His Voice

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We witness the events of David's life through the historical books of the Old Testament, but this is only part of his story. By turning to the Psalms he wrote in the midst of these moments, we also catch a glimpse of his heart for the Lord. This was The Rest of The Story.

Whether you were coming back after a few days or weeks away this summer, or were responding to a soul craving for the first time, we were reminded that our church is to be a place where you find authentic community and encounter Jesus.

Christianity is the most widespread faith in the world, yet asks followers to place their faith in some pretty big ideas. In this series we examined five big questions used to confront Christianity, and then provide logical, evidence-based answers in support of biblical Christianity.

At the beginning of Luke’s Gospel, there are four “songs” recorded to tell of Jesus’ birth. These are the earliest carols of the church, and this past Christmas, they reminded us of the events, people, and purpose of Christmas.

As we continued through the Gospel of Luke, we saw that Jesus ministered to many different types of people, and how he transformed their lives. By learning about how Jesus revealed His compassion, power, and kingdom priorities, may were challenged to extend His grace and truth to others.

Pastor 411 is where we answer your questions – Questions about life, the Bible, relationships, social issues. We’ve explored questions in the past like, “how can I find purpose in life?” and “how can there be an absolute truth?”. All questions are welcome!

Throughout the Bible we encounter great leaders, prophets, and kings who were called by God. While that is how we come to know them, they often started out as ordinary people whom God called to fulfill his extraordinary purposes. Each week, we will focused on a different Old Testament person whom God called, showing how their response can inspire us.

Your Board

Peter Doell
“As I stepped back into the Board Chair role this year, my first thought is one of thankfulness and appreciation for the thoughtful and supportive leadership team that has taken us through this past year. As part of our leadership development, we have been studying through a book called "Canoeing Through the Mountains". It is based on the leadership learnings of the Lewis and Clark expedition over the Rockies to the Pacific, as applied to the evangelical church of today. Helping us understand ourselves and our congregation as we respond to the changes we are experiencing with adaptation and a commitment that core values will remain core values.
I also would like to highlight how your leadership team desires to wrap our discussion and decisions in prayer and a reliance on the leading of His Spirit. At the start of each meeting, each of us offers personal prayer and praise notes, where we have the opportunity to meld as a team in support of each other. Next, we review and discuss the reports from the Lead Pastor and the rest of the Pastoral team, which includes notes of praise and petition that are included in our prayers, with the humble and thankful praise that we bring before our loving heavenly Father as he continues to bless our ministries. Then, onto financial reports and motions, followed by prayers of thankfulness for the blessing of our ministries with generous financial support. The next part of the meeting deals with the business matters of the Board, where we receive and discuss the committee reports and complete other business, followed by prayer that God would continue to bless us with wisdom and understanding. Lastly, we support Pastor Mark with prayer for his personal and pastoral praises and petitions. We strive to seek His Face in all that we do as we help to grow our community further in a new and renewed life of grace, truth and love.”

Lori Hill
“This year, I had the privilege of chairing our Nominations Committee. I had a great team, and we had wonderful times of praying over and discussing the membership as it relates to future board members. As our congregation grows, it is very important to continue to ensure that our leadership is functioning well with strong, servant leaders. We have been blessed by God with an amazing community of people that embody His grace, love, truth, and what it truly means to have a servant’s heart. Continue to pray with us for the present and future members of the board.”

Matt Boily
“The governance committee had a productive year focused on reviewing and developing board policy. A key priority identified by the board for this year was enhancing risk management as a board and as a church. To address this, the committee was tasked with developing a comprehensive risk management policy, which was prepared and subsequently approved by the board in April. In addition to the Risk Policy, we also completed reviews of the Employee Pay Grid Policy, Financial Policy, Active Membership Policy, and the Personal Information Protection Act Policy.
I'm very grateful for the significant contributions of all the talented members of our committee, without whom this work would not have been possible.”

Cary Jackshaw
“It's been an exciting year for the Campus committee, with the approval of a proposal from the land developer to the north of our property to work together to have the wetlands designation removed from the north portion of our property, and to work together to get our properties added to the City's NSP (Neighborhood Structure Plan). Additionally the committee has been building a vision document to be presented to the congregation in September 2025, with respect to the overall direction of the Campus development opportunities.”

Our Ministries

WM Kids

WM Kids is growing in every area—from babies to preschoolers and beyond! This past year, we launched 3 new Sunday school classes, welcomed 4 children into baptism, and saw 17 new volunteers join our team. At VBS, we had the joy of sharing God’s love with 78 kids from our community!

We’re grateful for God’s continued blessing and the opportunity to help children Know, Grow, and Show His love. Our dedicated volunteers are being purposefully equipped as disciple-makers, committed to caring for the hearts and souls of the next generation—children who are learning to Fully Rely On God!

Community Engagement

This year, we had the privilege of connecting with our neighbourhood through several impactful events. Our Canada Day Pancake Breakfast welcomed over 500 people into our building for pancakes piled high with toppings. At our annual Gingerbread Night, around 500 guests gathered around tables to create festive masterpieces. We hosted our largest Eggstravaganza yet, with over 4,000 people coming through our doors for a day of fun and celebration. We also partnered with the Rosenthal Community League to host a Movie in the Park night, where our youth served the community by running the concession stand.

Local Outreach

Our local outreach efforts have continued to grow in impact and reach. Through our Foodbank Ministry, we were recognized for five years of community service, having distributed over 100,000 kg of food to more than 11,000 clients, while also providing clothing to thousands of families in need through our free clothing store, Second Stories. Our benevolence program supported over 50 households with emergency, day-to-day needs, and we provided free moving services to more than 10 families throughout the year. To ensure no one goes hungry, we’ve also stocked our deep freeze with additional frozen meals, always ready for community members in need. We hosted and participated in the City of Edmonton’s SAGE initiative, serving as a key provider of ministry and resources to seniors in our area. And through our English Language Learners program, over 30 volunteers and participants came together for both fall and spring sessions, creating a welcoming space for conversational learning—many of whom also got involved in our Foodbank Ministry to further develop their English skills while giving back.

WM Youth

From life-sized board games to milking cows, making pizza, and Sumo wrestling, this is the place to be! Through events like Binge Jesus, Youth Alpha, Binge Bible, Camp Caroline retreats, and our Lac La Nonne Campout, students have intentional opportunities to grow in their faith and journey with Jesus. And as they grow, they go—becoming the hands and feet of Jesus through Random Acts of Kindness, partnering with Hope Mission, helping at Parents Night Out, and volunteering in many ways throughout the year.

Men’s ministry

Our Men’s Ministry had a significant year of growth and engagement. We took a group of 15 men to the Impactus Conference, where they not only attended but also filled key volunteer roles that helped make the event a success. Throughout the year, our Men’s Breakfasts focused on four vital areas of personal and spiritual growth: sexuality, anger, vulnerability, and pride. These themes were explored through four in-depth workshops and four additional breakfast gatherings that provided shorter teachings and opportunities for connection and reflection.

Women’s Ministry

WM Women are equipped and mobilized to influence their world as godly women. Equipping comes through Wednesday night Bible Study. Influencing comes through Grandma & Gals Prayer Group. Mobilizing is made possible through the invitational opportunities of our major events (Fruit of the Spirit Spring Tea, Salad Soiree, & Christmas in November), our FLAmingle gatherings (Puzzle Battle, It’s a Wrap Christmas Wrapping Party, Card Making, & Retro Games & Pizza) as well as weekly Connect groups like Compassionate Crafters. Led by Janae Oostenbrink, a fantastic group of volunteers ensure that all of this is accomplished. In April 2025, Janae & Pastor Thina went to the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for intensive training on Women’s Ministry and they look forward to applying what they learned in the upcoming year.

Missions

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WM Missions has been very active this year with two Short-term missions’ teams heading out to the mission field this summer. 12 youth & leaders will be journeying to California for missions’ projects & the NAB Gathering Youth conference. 9 adults are joining our West Meadows missionaries, László & Eszter Daróczi-Csuhai, in Hatvan, Hungary to assist them with their ministry endeavors. This year we added Tim & Claire Marker, serving at Bicol Centre in the Philippines, as new NAB missionary partners. Anni Priebe, after many years of White Cross leadership, has passed the baton to Carol Parkes who led a successful White Cross workday and has lots of passion and ambition to continue to grow this ministry. The Global Missions Team audited each of our supported missionaries and organizations. Sherri Goethe, who has been supported by West Meadows for decades, came for a “Visit With a Missionary” and a group met to discuss “God Calling” (an insightful book written by another of our West Meadows supported missionaries, Jeff Kilmartin) during this year’s Missions Book Club.

Facility Improvements

Sports Ministry

Our Sports Ministry continues to grow as a place where faith and community intersect through shared activity. This year, we walked through two teaching series—one on Legends of the Bible and another on integrating faith into everyday life—with each group engaging in meaningful discussions. Basketball welcomed new families into regular connection at West Meadows, supported by a dedicated volunteer team. Pickleball has seen strong growth, with many attenders now joining us on Sunday mornings. Slo-pitch expanded to three West Meadows teams, with new leaders stepping in to help lead. Ball Hockey moved to a new location and formed a consistent group, not just for the sport but for the intentional conversations that followed each game, building deeper connections beyond the benches.

Retirement Resident Services

Our ministry to retirement residences has continued to grow, bringing hope and connection to seniors in our community. At Shasta Care Community, we’ve seen up to 40 attendees at our Sunday afternoon services, with many expressing how meaningful it is to have church brought to them during a season when attending elsewhere isn’t possible. We also launched a new monthly Hymn Sing at Lewis Estates Retirement Residence, drawing over 20 participants each time. Hosted in the common area, it creates a welcoming space where residents are encouraged to join in—or simply stay and listen—as familiar songs stir memories and foster a sense of belonging.

Worship Services

Over the past year, we have continued to see many new people come through our doors on Sunday mornings. It is amazing to see how God is drawing people, not just to a church, but to a community. We celebrated with many who were baptized this year, including 7 on Easter Sunday alone. As a church, we dedicated a number of children, committing to doing all we can to help this children growing up in a loving and Christ-centred church. We saw record attendance at our Christmas Eve service with 598 in total attendance, and then that number exceeded with 812 attending in-person and online on Easter Sunday. As our church continues to grow, we were excited to also welcome 13 new volunteers to our weekend music and tech teams.

Rentals

We’ve increased rentals by nearly 50% more than last year including music recitals, business meetings, school concerts, weddings and more!

Finances

July 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 (May & June Projected)

$1,111,500

Income

• General Fund: $710,000
• Benevolent Fund: $20,000
• Missions Fund: $49,000
• Government Revenue: $16,500

• Facility Revenue: $254,000
• Rental Revenue: $37,000
• Church Ministries: $25,000

• General Fund: $710,000
• Benevolent Fund: $20,000
• Missions Fund: $49,000
• Government Revenue: $16,500

$994,500

• Ministry: $110,000
• Administration: $37,000
• Missions: $115,500

Expenses

• Ministry: $110,000
• Administration: $37,000
• Missions: $115,500

• Facility: $332,000
• Personnel: $400,000

Noteworthy Items

Total Number of Donors: 345

First time Donors: 127

Total Number of Donors: 345

First time Donors: 127

Benevolent Assistance: $20,000

Raised $47,162 for Short Term Missions

Added $10,000 to our GIC

$70,000 invested in our GIC

Property Assessment Value: $9,386,500

City of Edmonton Taxable Property: 4.16%

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$121,570

Total amount received

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2023-2024

Annual Report