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Surrey, B.C.
Panorama Community Church moves to larger facility


To accommodate a growing congregation, Panorama Community Church moved to the 1100-seat Sullivan Height’s Bell Centre for the Performing Arts in Surrey, B.C. June 23. Prior to the move, the church had been meeting at Seaquam Secondary School in Delta, B.C.

Barry and Kathi Clarke are part of the Panorama team helping to ensure people feel welcome. “We think the ‘come-as-you-are attitude’ of Panorama is great; it makes it such an inviting church,” says Barry.

“That atmosphere is very intentional” says Peter Nikkel, Panorama’s senior pastor. “We’ve always focused on meeting the needs of our community, especially young families and those in the 20 to 40 age range. By moving into this bigger facility, we are opening our doors even wider to the residents of Surrey, Delta and White Rock.”

Founded in 1991 by Peter and Diane Nikkel, the church first met at Panorama Park Elementary School. In 1995, the church moved to Seaquam Secondary School in Delta. The church has always held its services in a rented school facility rather than buy property or a building of its own.

“By renting space instead of buying, we increase our resources to reach out to the community and become involved with individuals and families,” explains Nikkel. “Panorama has always tried to do things differently – we don’t meet in a church, the service is contemporary, and we focus on building relationships with people.”

Kathi Clarke attests to that. “When we first came to Panorama, we thought we were in the wrong place. Everyone was casual, the music was upbeat, and it didn’t seem like a typical church at all. The church really has a drawing power, and it’s easy to invite people to come here,” she says.

At a time when church-attendance is generally on the decrease, Panorama’s attendance has grown to over 1000 people since 1991.

Nikkel says, “We expect the move to be positive for everyone. We’re excited about moving into a state-of-the-art facility and reaching new community members in a new neighbourhood.”

Some of the Centre’s features include floor-to-ceiling doors backing the stage, professional sound and lighting equipment and an orchestra pit for 35 musicians.

The Bell Centre is located at 6248 144th Street in Surrey. Panorama Community Church offers services Sundays at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. For more information, phone the church’s office at (604) 591-8101 or visit its web site.

 – from a release

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Last modified August 13, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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