ABOUT THE MIZ
A church family on mission in Lethbridge and beyond
Perhaps you are looking for a place to belong, to heal and find rest, to grow in faith and to find your purpose. The Miz City Church is a family on mission, an Apostolic Center of the Diocese of DOMA on 13th Street near downtown Lethbridge. Every Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 AM we gather around the Word and the Table. Through the week our family teams make sure Kingdom Life Groups happen, carrying the life of Jesus into our homes, our work, our city and the nations. The world is our parish.
HEAL · REST · RESET
A place to heal, rest and reset
Many come to The Miz carrying wounds, weariness or unanswered questions. You are welcome here. This is a place to heal, to find rest, and to reset on your journey of being and becoming: more fully yielded to God, and more fully shaped into His image.
Heal
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
PSALM 147:3
Through prayer, the sacraments, pastoral care and a family that walks with you, God meets you where you hurt.
Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
MATTHEW 11:28
Slow down in worship, in the Word and at the Table. Rest is where the soul is restored.
Reset
“We all … are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”
2 CORINTHIANS 3:18
Begin again. Step by step, the Spirit shapes you into the image of God, the person you were created to become.
OUR STORY
Built on reconciliation
The Miz began with an invitation. Pastor Bill Calderwood, a spiritual father to many in Lethbridge, brought Daniel Zopoula to the city, and that journey grew into the church we are today.
From the start, The Miz has existed to create sacred spaces where all people can get connected to God and to each other. Today we are a family of every age, from MizKidz and our youth to our Oasis seniors, learning together to follow Jesus.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-18 (NIV)
WHY WE EXIST
Our mission and strategy
OUR MISSION
Our community presumes that the way of Jesus is the best possible way to live. So we embark on a journey to connect all people through Christ, who has committed to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
OUR STRATEGY
We create healthy and helpful environments where people are inspired and equipped to pursue intimacy with God and community with others, fulfilling the Great Commission and influencing the way people live at home, at work, in their cities and beyond.
We move Church Forward to a thousand generations!
OUR FAMILY OF CHURCHES
Local church, connected to the whole Church
Jesus prayed that his followers would be one (John 17). That is why The Miz is joined to a wider communion under the care of a bishop, with deep roots in the ancient faith and a heart for what the Spirit is doing today.
APOSTOLIC CENTER
The Miz City Church
Our home in Lethbridge and a hub for the diocese. We gather for worship, form disciples and leaders, and send them out, including through our Micro Altars house churches.
DIOCESE
Diocese of DOMA
The Miz belongs to the Diocese of DOMA under Bishop Daniel Zopoula. The diocese cares for its clergy and congregations and plants new Acts 2:42 communities.
COMMUNION
CEEC
Our diocese is part of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches: fully sacramental, fully evangelical and fully charismatic.
HOW WE ARE LED
Shepherded with care and accountability
We hold to the historic threefold ministry of bishops, presbyters and deacons, together with the priesthood of all believers. Every follower of Jesus has a ministry. Some are set apart to lead and serve the whole body.
01 The Bishop
Bishop Daniel Zopoula gives apostolic oversight to The Miz and the Diocese of DOMA. He preaches, teaches, ordains and cares for the clergy and congregations entrusted to him.
02 The Bishop’s Council
A circle of mature, trusted believers who stand with the Bishop in prayer, wisdom and counsel. The Council meets twice a year, in October and March, and as needs arise. Elders from the Council also oversee each of our family teams.
03 The Commission on Ministry
Helps the Bishop discern, prepare and recommend those called to ordained ministry as deacons and presbyters, and upholds standards of formation, character and accountability.
04 The Parish Council
The pastors and ministry leaders who serve the daily life of The Miz, from worship and pastoral care to children, youth and seniors. Meet them below.
OUR PEOPLE
Meet the Parish Council
Bishop
++ Dr Daniel Zopoula
Daniel is a bushman, an academic, a professor, president, and pastor. He is many things to many people, but first and foremost a husband to Sara, and father to their three children.
Daniel is an Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. He also serves as president and CEO of Bridges of Hope, an international development agency and our sister organization.
Daniel is uniquely called and gifted to unleash the worth and potential of others. He does this through his preaching and teaching, executive and life coaching, and providing leadership in a variety of contexts.
Pastor Emeritus
Bill Calderwood, PhD
Pastor Bill is a spiritual father to so many in Lethbridge and beyond. He also brought Pastor Daniel to Lethbridge, which began the journey that established our church.
Pastor Bill was born in Belfast and came to Canada to study and once here discovered his pastoral calling. He is father to three and grandfatther to seven.
Site Pastor
Marsha Graveland
Marsha has been involved church ministry for many years, serving in children's ministry, youth, pastoral care and administration. Besides doing pastoral care and administration at the Miz, Marsha manages operations at Bridges of Hope, a sister organization of the Miz. She is married to Doug who volunteers at the church, looking after many things related to the building maintenance. They love family gatherings where they can spend time with their grandchildren.
Assistant Pastor of Youth Ministries
Jesse Zacharias
Jesse provides leadership to the youth ministry programs at the Miz. You'll see him serving in the Bridge program, assisting Kaila with the MizKidz downstairs, and serving in other ways on Sunday mornings. He has a heart for youth and journeying with them through life's challenges. Jesse gives the best hugs, and his smile is contagious!
Family Ministry Director
Kaila Zacharias
As the Family Ministry Director, Kaila is passionate about creating a safe space for children and their families to encounter the gospel. Kaila has a background in early childhood education. She is married to Jesse and Mommy to their beautiful daughters, Lennon & Eloide. Kaila is currently on mat leave following the arrival of their second child. Coral Wales is filling in during this time.
Reception & Facilities
Sherri Self
Sherri’s heart to serve is refreshing and inspiring. Besides doing facility bookings and helping with keeping things clean, her voice is often the first one that people hear when they call the church. Sherri is wife to Tubby and mom to Alya. She is an amazing cook and makes the best cupcakes ever!
Assistant Pastor of Worship & Sacred Music
Bem Shalamo
Bem brings a wealth of expertise to this position, including strong sound engineering skills and a deep understanding of media production. In addition to overseeing the technical side of this ministry, Bem provides oversight and mentorship within the worship ministry, helping to develop and encourage those who serve in this area. He has a genuine heart for worship and a passion for serving the Lord. In his spare time, he loves hanging out with his church friends.
FAMILY TEAMS · KINGDOM LIFE GROUPS
Find your place on a family team
We are a family, so our ministries are family led. Other than our staff, every ministry at The Miz is headed by a family team instead of one single person, and each family team is overseen by elders from the Bishop’s Council.
Our family teams make sure Kingdom Life Groups happen. Each team gathers a Kingdom Life Group in its area of ministry, a place for discipleship where people study the Scriptures, pray, share life and grow together while they serve. We invite everyone who calls The Miz home to be part of at least one. Perhaps you are wondering where you fit. Read through the teams below and choose one to try. Photos for the teams marked TBD are coming soon.
01 · WORSHIP
Teams that lead us in worship
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
CHOIR TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our choir leads the church family in worship through song. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAMS
Team members: TBD
Our praise and worship teams lead the church family into the presence of God through music and song each Sunday. Like our other ministries, they are headed by teams instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
LECTORS TEAM (READERS)
Team members: TBD
Our lectors read the Scripture lessons aloud in worship each Sunday, so the church family hears the Word of God read with clarity and reverence. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
ALTAR GUILD, ACOLYTES AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Team members: TBD
These teams prepare the altar, vestments and sacred vessels, serve at the Lord’s Table, and bring Holy Communion to the congregation and to members who cannot attend. Like our other ministries, they are headed by teams instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
CREATIVE ARTS TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our creative arts team uses drama, dance, visual art and design to help the church family see and celebrate the beauty of God. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Media Teams
Sound, lights, cameras, slides and livestream. Our media teams help people in the room and online worship without distraction, and they carry every Sunday message to viewers far beyond Lethbridge.
02 · CARE
Teams that care for people
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our pastoral care team walks with people through sickness, grief and hard seasons with visits, prayer and practical care. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
GRIEF CARE MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our grief care team walks with those who have lost someone they love, offering a safe place to mourn, companions for the journey and the hope we have in Christ. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
PRAYER MINISTRY TEAMS
Team members: TBD
Our prayer ministry teams pray for the church, the city and the nations, offer intercession and healing prayer, and are available to pray with anyone who asks, during and after our Sunday services. Like our other ministries, they are headed by teams instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
MIZ FAMILY SERVICES TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our Miz Family Services team walks with families through the milestones of life: baby dedications and baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The team also supports marriages and parents along the way. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
RECOVERY MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our recovery ministry walks with people seeking freedom from addictions, hurts and habits, through Christ-centred support groups, prayer and caring friendship. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
MIZ IMMIGRANT SERVICES TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our immigrant services team welcomes newcomers to Canada, helps them settle in Lethbridge, and connects them with English classes, local agencies and a church family. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
MY CITY CARE TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our My City Care team carries the love of Jesus beyond our walls, serving neighbours across Lethbridge through practical acts of care and outreach. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
GLOBAL MISSIONS TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our global missions team helps the church family pray, give and go, including through the work of Bridges of Hope in Burkina Faso, because the world is our parish. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
03 · FORMATION
Teams that help us grow in faith
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AND NURSERY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our children’s ministry and nursery team provides a safe and joyful place where babies and children learn about Jesus through Bible stories, worship and play while their parents take part in the service. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Working alongside Pastor Jesse, our youth ministry team helps teenagers grow in faith, build lasting friendships and discover their calling. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
CATECHISM AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our catechism and Christian education team teaches the foundations of the faith, from the Creeds and the Scriptures to the sacraments, and prepares children, youth and adults for baptism and confirmation. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our evangelism and discipleship team shares the good news of Jesus and walks with new believers as they grow in faith, learn the Scriptures and become disciples who make disciples. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
MARRIAGE MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our marriage ministry team prepares engaged couples for marriage and helps married couples grow in love, communication and faith through premarital preparation, enrichment evenings and mentoring couples. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
FINANCIAL FREEDOM MENTORING TEAM (MONEYWISE)
Team members: TBD
Our MoneyWise mentors help individuals and families build a budget, get out of debt, save for the future and practise generosity, with biblical wisdom and without judgment. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
COMMUNITY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY TEAM
Michelle, Cheri, Cheryl, Janice and Dianne
A team of dedicated women from the community who provide a safe and welcoming space for women to feel loved and valued. They facilitate gatherings where women city-wide can openly share experiences, challenges and insights from a faith-based perspective.
MEN’S MINISTRY & BIBLE STUDY TEAM
Roger, Mike, Jim and Ryan
A team of men who provide an opportunity for men city-wide to embrace their spiritual journeys fully by prioritizing mentorship, fostering authentic connections and modelling a servant-hearted approach.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Micro Altars
Small gatherings in homes around the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). Teams open their homes and care for one another.
04 · CONNECTION
Teams that help people belong
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
NEXT STEPS WELCOME TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our Next Steps team follows up with every guest who fills in a Connect Card, answers questions, and helps newcomers find their place in the church family and on a family team. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
College & Career Groups
Students and young professionals growing in faith, friendship and purpose together. A team of young adults prays, plans and hosts the groups.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Breakfast and a Side of Connection
A warm breakfast table where neighbours and newcomers meet, eat and belong. A team cooks, welcomes guests and follows up with them.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our Young Adults ministry is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
LADIES NIGHT TEAM
Kaila and Heather
Kaila and Heather provide a space for women of all ages, from all churches, to gather together for fellowship and inspiration once per month. Ladies Night is currently on pause while they await the arrival of their second babies.
OASIS SENIORS MINISTRY TEAM
Marsha, Connie, Mary Gail, Doug, Mervin and Jim
Our Oasis leadership team is dedicated to leading and guiding our seniors ministry. They have a heart for seniors, not because they are seniors, but because they understand and believe in the wisdom and value this generation brings to the church.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
CAMP MINISTRY TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our camp ministry gives children, youth and families time away to rest, have fun and meet God in creation. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
KINGDOM BUSINESS MINISTRY TEAM
Team lead: TBD
Our Kingdom Business ministry gathers business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who see their work as a calling from God. Drawing on the Business as Mission movement, members learn to run their businesses for a fourfold good: spiritual, economic, social and environmental. They pray for one another, share wisdom, and create good jobs that help families move out of poverty, in Lethbridge and beyond.
Perhaps you own a business or lead in the workplace and wonder how your daily work fits God’s purposes. This team will help you serve Christ in the marketplace, for the greater glory of God. It is guided by a team lead. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
05 · SERVING
Teams that serve the church family every week
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Hospitality Teams
The first smile at the door, the coffee, the seat saved for you. Our hospitality teams help every guest feel expected and at home.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Ushers Teams
Ushers greet, seat and serve the congregation, receive the offering and help each service run with order and warmth, so everyone can focus on worship.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Facility Management Teams
Our facility teams care for the building and grounds: setup, maintenance, safety and cleanliness, so every ministry has a welcoming space to meet.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
Stewardship Team
The stewardship team helps The Miz honour God with the resources entrusted to us, caring for finances with integrity, transparency and accountability, and encouraging generosity across the church family.
TBD
TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON
SAFE CHURCH TEAM
Team members: TBD
Our Safe Church team keeps our ministries safe for children, youth and vulnerable adults through screening, training and clear policies, so every family can worship and serve with confidence. Like our other ministries, it is headed by a team instead of one single person. Names and a team photo are coming soon.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Three steps to your Kingdom Life Group
No one was made to walk alone. Staying on the edges can leave us tired, isolated and unsure of where we fit. God has a better way, and it begins with one step.