About Us

 
 

Mission

The Church’s mission is to be a Christ-Centered, community-serving church.  This means that the Church seeks first and foremost to be gospel-centered as defined by Scripture (i.e. Matthew 4:23, Acts 2:38, Romans 3:21-25a, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 3:18).  Through biblical preaching and teaching as well as Spirit-inspired worship, the Church aspires to be a loving community in Jesus Christ that equips its people of all ages to be His true disciples, reaching out and serving as many people as possible in the larger community through works of righteousness and the message of God’s saving and healing grace in the gospel.

01. Community Focus
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Our desire is to be outward focused, serving and being actively engaged locally in our community of Vanderhoof and the Nechako region

02.Biblical Preaching / Teaching and Meaningful Worship
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Inspiring and relevant services are important for both those well-established in church and those who are new

03.Fellowship & Hospitality
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In order to be a safe and welcoming place, we will serve one another but also commit to welcoming and integrating those who are new.

04.Healthy Relationships
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We seek to build loving and authentic relationships amongst ourselves where we support one another and journey together through life

05. Family Centered Ministry

While our goal is to minister and incorporate people of all ages, we especially desire to strengthen marriages and families

06.Prayerful Dependence

In dependence upon God, we work to incorporate a prayerful spirit in all we do

07. Missions

With understanding the call to take the gospel to the world, we also seek to serve nationally and globally through supporting and participating in missions efforts that not only speak the gospel message of Christ but also meet people’s everyday needs

It all started…

The Nechako Community Church began with a gathering of some eight families on Easter weekend in 1983. Most of these families had been associated with other churches who together, evidently, felt the need for a more distinctive Christian ministry to the community.  The church started with meetings at Sinkut View School but in the fall of the year moved for services to the Evelyn Dickson Elementary School.  During this time the group of some 30 people chose to apply for association with the Mennonite Brethren Conference of BC, because it offered at that time what was considered the best support for the church.   

Rev. John Hiebert, and his wife Elaine, came as the first pastor in 1984.  Shortly after, by faith, the church acquired the present property on Highway 16 for the construction of a church building which took place over the next few years and was dedicated to God for His service in November, 1989.  Rev. Hugo Reimer, and his wife, Connie, began his notably long and very successful ministry in 1990.  He and his wife served the church until the fall of 2009.  Dan Berger served in children’s and youth ministries for the middle years of Pastor Hugo’s time of service, and Len Harms came as an associate pastor for the last five years of his ministry.  Pastor Hugo’s ministry was characterized as a time of very effective connection with the community that resulted in a large youth ministry and, with the assistance of other pastoral leaders, resulted in significant congregational growth toward an average attendance of 200 people.  It was a time of expansion to two Sunday worship services and the extension of the facility to include the larger 300-seat, present-day sanctuary.

 

About Vanderhoof

Located in the heart of British Columbia's central interior, Vanderhoof is a warm and inviting community with a rich history and a promising future. Known as the "Geographic Centre of British Columbia," Vanderhoof serves as the hub for agriculture, commerce, and services in the region. With a population of around 4,500 residents, this picturesque town offers the perfect mix of peaceful rural living and modern conveniences.

History and Heritage:

Vanderhoof’s history stretches back to the early 1900s, when the first settlers arrived. The town developed around the construction of the railway, which was essential to its growth. Over the years, Vanderhoof has become a vital center for agriculture, especially in cattle ranching, farming, and forestry.

Community and Lifestyle:

Vanderhoof is a friendly and close-knit community where residents truly care for one another. The area’s natural beauty is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The town also hosts a range of cultural and recreational events year-round, including the popular Nechako Valley Exhibition, which highlights local agriculture, arts, and culture.

With essential amenities like schools, healthcare services, and shopping options, Vanderhoof is an easy and comfortable place to live. The relaxed pace of life is perfect for families, retirees, and individuals, while being just a short drive from the larger urban center of Prince George.

Economy and Industry:

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of Vanderhoof’s economy, with cattle farming, crop production, and dairy farming playing key roles. The town also benefits from industries like forestry, mining, and transportation, providing diverse job opportunities. Vanderhoof’s central location and proximity to major highways make it an important transportation and logistics center for the region.

Education and Services:

The town is served by several schools, and residents can access post-secondary education through nearby colleges and trade programs. Vanderhoof is also well-equipped with healthcare facilities, including a hospital and medical clinics, ensuring residents have access to necessary services.

Local Attractions and Outdoor Recreation:

  • Nechako River: Known for excellent fishing and canoeing, the Nechako River flows through Vanderhoof, offering stunning views and outdoor adventure.

  • Sinkut Mountain: A popular destination for hiking, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Pineview Lake: A peaceful retreat ideal for swimming, boating, and picnicking in the warmer months.

  • Heritage Sites: Explore the town’s history through local museums, heritage sites, and festivals.

Whether you're visiting or considering making Vanderhoof your home, this welcoming community offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, peaceful living, and a strong sense of connection.