Getting To Know Via Apostolica

In February 2021 we welcomed Pastor Nico Deschner as our Interim Lead Pastor at Celebration.  With Pastor Nico being an Anglican Priest with Via Apostolica, his appointment brought with it a discernment process for our congregation as we discerned both the permanency of his role as well as a potential long-term covering and partnership with Via Apostolica.

During this process, an independent investigation into Bishop Todd Atkinson from Via Apostolica was launched by the Anglican Church in North America, providing an interesting challenge for us as leaders at Celebration to continue to explore Via against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding this investigation. Click here to view the most recent update regarding Bishop Todd Atkinson from the ACNA website.

In light of this ongoing investigation and the potential uncertainty surround Via Apostolica, on May 29th, 2022 we officially closed our Via Apostolica Exploration Process. An update video is provided below for your reference, and the information on this page will remain up for a little while longer for your reference as we now start to enter our Call Committee Process.

Thank you all for your prayerful consideration and investment during this time!

Via Exploration Process Update

In this video Nico Deschner and Shawn Lamb give an important update to our discernment process with Via Apostolica and our ongoing consideration of our next Pastoral Team Lead at Celebration. As our discernment process comes to a close with Via Apostolica, please take time to watch this video and follow through with the call to action at the end. 
email the call committee

Celebration's Denominational History

Celebration has existed for the last decade + as an independent, non-denominational church. Previously under the covering of Lutheran Church Canada, Celebration felt the Lord's leading to step away from the covering of LCC and follow what we believed the Lord was leading us towards. There are many blessings and challenges that come from operating outside denominational covering, and since then Celebration has been intentional about building several key partnerships both locally and nationally, including the Alliance of Renewal Churches and, more recently, Church Renewal.

Pursuing Clarity on Via Apostolica

Last Updated March 3, 2022
In September 2021 our board gathered to begin a Clarity Exploration Process, attempting to identify all of the questions and areas that have yet to be clarified about Via. Those questions, and our current level of clarity for them, can be found at the button below alongside further explanation of the process. If you would like to add any additional questions to this list, please contact Pastor Matt Adams at matt@redroof.tv
Via Apostolica clarity process

Discerning The Steps Forward

Last updated November 19, 2021
In an attempt to compile what we have done thus far, what is currently happening, and anticipate together what will taking place together in the future, please see the Discernment Process Document linked here. Just like the clarity document above, this is a live document and will be updated throughout this process
Discernment process document

Letters From Our Staff & Board

Fred Hill

Former Lead Pastor
On November 28th, 2020 Pastor Fred informed the congregation of his pending resignation. You can read his announcement letter by clicking here.

Nico Deschner

Interim Lead Pastor
On February 1st, Nico Deschner became Celebration's Interm Lead Pastor. You can read his update letter by clicking here

Board & Eldership

Celebration Church
In responses to the changes in leadership and the kick-starting of this discernment process, the Board of Celebration has produced two letters to the congregation. They can be found here and here

Video Resources

Board Update

November 17, 2021
As we continue through this time of consideration with Via Apostolica, here is the latest update outlining what has been done, is being done, and is yet to come in this exploration process. In this video, hear from our Board Chair Shawn Lamb, Vice-Chair Lisa Korchinski, and Interm Lead Pastor Nico Deschner

Understanding The Anglican Way

July 9, 2021
Pastor Nico highlights a couple resources for us to consider together as we begin this journey. Click the buttons below for more info!

What Is Biblical Discernment?

May 10, 2021
Take a listen to this teaching from Pastor Nico on Biblical Discernment. How did Jesus teach us to discern, and what did the disciples do when faced with difficult decisions? How should this inform our discernment and decision making today?

Exploring Via Apostolica:
The Role Of Bishops, Priests,
and Deacons

August 26, 2021
In this clip, Bishop Todd Atkinson explains some of the core leadership roles in Via Apostolica, including the role of bishops, priests, and deacons

Exploring Via Apostolica:
Via's Journey From Independence To A Denominational Covering

August 6, 2021
In this clip, Bishop Todd Atkinson explains the journey Via Apostolica went on that took them from an independent church to a denominational church.

Exploring Via Apostolica:
The Crest and the Three Streams

July 26, 2021
In this clip, Bishop Todd Atkinson explains the crest of Via Apostolica, a symbol highlighting the key focuses and values of Via Apostolica, as well as unpacks the understanding of the Three Streams.

Exploring Via Apostolica:
The Heart Of Via Apostolica

July 9, 2021
As we begin this video series, join Pastor Nico and Bishop Todd Atkinson in this video as they talk about the core understandings and focuses of Via Apostolica.