Who Are We?

Rev. Lorraine Kaczor, Associate Pastor

My struggles as a teen fired a passion to help young people navigate their teen years. When my husband and I arrived in Minnedosa in 2009, I thought I’d become a 4-H Leader, but God had other plans.

I began helping with JUSt Youth, where I mainly served until the pandemic. Some of my most treasured times have been when young people open up about their personal lives and their faith walk, and when I get to see them grow spiritually! But, really, I love to see people of all ages become passionate followers of our Saviour.

Minnedosa is my hometown and my husband and I feel privileged to live and serve here. Besides Jesus, our children and grandchildren, Grant’s passion is technology. He leads the video and tech ministry at Valley Life.

Pastor Lorraine and Grant Kaczor

Valley Life Family Worship Centre, or Calvary Church as we used to be called, traces its beginnings to 1946 when God called a young black evangelist from Winnipeg to rural Manitoba. In obedience, Miss Lydia Williams began holding house meetings in Minnedosa. Awhile later, Miss Williams bought a building in Forrest, MB, moved it to Minnedosa, east of the current church building, and services began being held there. From these humble beginnings sprang a church family that flourished and is alive today, actively living out Jesus’ command to love God and to love others even as we love ourselves.

Our current building was originally constructed in 1884 in Minnedosa by the Methodist Church congregation and has had an interesting and varied past. Major additions were added in 1905 which made it as it appears today.

At an outdoor gathering on Sunday, August 20, 2023, Valley Life announced its new name and the construction of a nearly 8500 sq ft building, coming in the fall of 2025 at a projected cost of $3.4 million. This new building will better reflect our community focus. Federal, provincial and town council representatives spoke, as did Senior Pastor Don Dragan and lead engineer for the project, Patrick VanDoorne of Kiras Engineering, who shared the vision so movingly.

Pastor Don donned a hard hat and did the ceremonial breaking of ground, followed by the sign-unveiling by Pastors Don and Lorraine. Rev. Randy Wengel of Winnipeg, pastor, mentor and friend of Pastor Don, provided a prayer of dedication and Associate Pastor Lorraine Kaczor provided the closing remarks and served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Photos, a light lunch, conversation and a virtual walk-through of the new building followed.

We envision a community-focussed space where all are welcome to participate. A youth drop-in centre will be a key use of the space, plus recreational activities, after-school children’s programs, movie and game nights, concerts, conferences, walking groups, a spacious kitchen, classrooms, addiction awareness and assistance programs and a place for Sunday worship services.