Joining Jesus in Ogden: A New Expression of FAC this Fall

"Over the past few years, we’ve been praying and discerning as a church how we can join Jesus in the vision of 10 new expressions of FAC over a 10-year period," shares Jeff Marshall, Senior Associate Pastor – Campuses. "One opportunity grew out of First Alliance Church's years of involvement in the SE community of Ogden, as Pastor Briana Southerland connected with Pastor Connie Jakab from Ogden Community Church. The two realized they shared a similar heart, vision, and hope for this neighbourhood. Their conversations sparked new possibilities, and Pastor Briana brought those ideas to Pastor James and the Lead Team. This led us to explore what a meaningful partnership with Ogden Community Church (OCC) could look like." 

“FAC has been actively involved in Ogden since 2012. This has taken many forms over the years, including a breakfast program at a local elementary school, school supply drives, summer day camps, lunches and groceries during COVID, and a partnership with the Ogden Youth Centre,” explains Jeff. “More recently, FAC has had the privilege of coming alongside Connie, OCC, and their community by supporting activities and events that open the door to something new God is doing in Ogden.”  

We asked Connie more about this partnership and the heart behind it. 

FAC: Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Connie Jakab? 

Connie: “I'm a Kingdom community-builder at heart. For most of my life, I've been passionate about those who are forgotten or overlooked, like those struggling with poverty, addiction, or isolation. Ministry started for me in the heart of East Vancouver in the late 90’s. 

I’m also the founder of Bravely Connected Communities, a nonprofit focused on strengthening mental health, resilience, and belonging in neighbourhoods. Having spent years working in schools, leadership, and mental health, I've become convinced that one of society's greatest challenges today is disconnection. Disconnection with one another and disconnection from God. 

I'm a mom, a speaker, an author, and someone who genuinely loves sitting down over coffee and hearing people's stories.  I love helping people discover that they matter and that they have something valuable to contribute.” 

FAC: What does the community of Ogden mean to you? 

Connie: “Ogden is home. I grew up in Ogden and I now live in my grandparents house that has only been owned by our family since it was built in 1956. Ogden is often overlooked, but it’s filled with incredible people! Neighbours deeply care about one another. There’s a mix of older and younger now in the community. 15% of the community lives under $30,000 a year, and many are on disability. There’s much work to be done in poverty reduction. 

What I love most about Ogden is its heart. There’s a deep sense of history and grit here. For me, Ogden isn't a project. It's a community I love. The people have become friends, partners, and family. I've celebrated with them, grieved with them, served alongside them, and watched them show up for one another time and time again. 

Ogden has taught me that transformation doesn't happen because someone comes in with all the answers. It happens when people come together and recognize the strengths that already exist within a community.” 

FAC: When and how did Ogden Community Church form? 

Connie: “Ogden Community Church grew out of relationships long before it became a church. As we spent time in the community, we began to notice that many people were searching for more than just programs or services. They were looking for belonging, purpose, hope, and meaningful relationships. 

Rather than asking people to come to a traditional church model, we began gathering around tables, meals, conversations, service projects, and community events. Faith became something we lived together in the neighbourhood rather than something confined to a building or day of the week. 

These relationships have naturally formed into a faith community.  Ogden Community Church was born from a desire to create a place where people could explore faith, ask questions, belong before they believed, and encounter Jesus in authentic community. 

Today, OCC continues to be a church rooted in relationships, hospitality, and loving our neighbours.” 

FAC: When and why did you first approach FAC? 

Connie: “I first approached FAC because I saw a church that cared deeply about both the Gospel and Ogden. As OCC continued to grow, I recognized that we needed partnership, wisdom, accountability, and support. Building a healthy and sustainable church requires more than passion—it requires being connected to a larger body of believers who can encourage and strengthen one another. 

What stands out to me about FAC is your commitment to serving the city, investing in communities, and joining what Jesus is already doing. There seemed to be a shared vision for the community of Ogden, and we knew we couldn’t sustain the church alone. I felt there was a natural alignment between FAC's heart and what was already happening in Ogden.” 

FAC: What do you want the people of FAC to know about OCC and the people of Ogden? 

Connie: “The people of Ogden are incredible. Many people only hear statistics about communities like Ogden. We see something very different. We see generosity, resilience, creativity, compassion, and courage. We see neighbours checking on neighbours. We see volunteers showing up for community projects. We see people overcoming difficult circumstances and finding ways to contribute to the community around them. 

Many people in Ogden have experienced hurt, disappointment, poverty, isolation, addiction, trauma, or exclusion. They don't want fixing. They need people willing to walk alongside them. We as believers don't swoop in and out. We live among and are committed to the low and slow journey of walking alongside people for as long as we need to. 

OCC is a community where people can belong, be known, and discover that they’re deeply loved by God. We’re far from perfect, but we’re committed to creating a place where people can encounter Jesus through authentic relationships and shared life.” 

FAC: What does it mean to you to join Jesus in the renewal of all things? How do you see this applying in Ogden? 

Connie: “To me, joining Jesus in the renewal of all things means participating in the work He is already doing to restore people, relationships, communities, and creation. 

Jesus is making all things new! He’s restoring hope where there is despair, belonging where there is isolation, healing where there is brokenness, and purpose where people have lost their sense of value. 

Our role is not to bring Jesus somewhere He isn't already present. Our role is to notice where He is working and join Him there.  

In Ogden, this looks incredibly practical: 

• It looks like helping a lonely senior find community. 

• It looks like creating opportunities for people living with disabilities to discover their gifts and contribute. 

• It looks like helping local entrepreneurs start businesses. 

• It looks like parents finding support and friendship. 

• It looks like neighbours serving one another through initiatives like Love Ogden. 

• It looks like gathering around tables, sharing meals, celebrating volunteers, mentoring youth, supporting families, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. 

Every time someone moves from isolation to belonging, from hopelessness to purpose, or from being a consumer to becoming a contributor, we are witnessing a part of God's renewal process.  

My dream for Ogden is not simply that more people attend church. My dream is that more people experience the love of Jesus, discover their God-given value, and become part of a flourishing community where everyone knows they matter and everyone has something meaningful to contribute. 

That's what joining Jesus in the renewal of all things looks like to me,” shares Connie.  

Pastor Jeff Marshall adds, “One of the most meaningful moments for our Lead Team was visiting the Sunday morning gatherings at OCC and seeing a beautiful expression of church in a different form. Around shared meals, honest stories, open conversations, and mutual learning, we witnessed a community where people were welcomed, heard, and invited to encounter Jesus without pressure. 

It became clear that this partnership would not simply be about FAC supporting OCC. We realized we had just as much to receive, learn, and gain from Connie and her team as they hope to receive from us.  There’s a deep sense of excitement, openness, anticipation, and hope for what God is going to do. Many of you have felt that same excitement, asking questions, offering support, and expressing a desire to get involved. We are truly grateful and encouraged by your response!” 

As Pastor Connie joins the FAC staff team on July 13, we'll continue to explore how we can best help, pray, and give towards what Jesus is already doing in Ogden. Watch for opportunities to engage as we welcome Ogden Community Church as an expression of FAC as “Ogden Community Campus” this coming Fall! To learn more, please reach out to Pastor Jeff Marshall or Pastor Connie Jakab.