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Abbotsford, B.C.
New church TV channel cleared to broadcast


A new television channel operated by a Mennonite Brethren church has been certified to begin broadcasting in Abbotsford, B.C.

In spring 1999, Clearbrook MB Church was granted a licence by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to operate a low power ultra-high frequency TV transmitter. The church set up a production control room, purchased broadcast equipment, appointed a part-time technical director and trained a number of volunteers to operate the equipment. Industry Canada gave the church authorization to test its transmitter. After a successful test period, the church is now cleared to broadcast.

Clearbrook MB Church is in the heart of a condo retirement community. Many seniors have made this church their home church, but for various reasons are unable to attend services at the church. The church saw this as a mission and began exploring the possibility of meeting the spiritual and social needs of these people via television.

The station, CFEG (an acronym for Christ’s Followers Extending Grace), broadcasts on channel 19 UHF (not cable station 19) from an antenna mounted on the roof of the church. To receive this channel, a UHF antenna is required on most TV sets. The church provides the antennas for free, but may have to charge a small fee for other connectors. At this point, the broadcast signal has not reached the 3.8-kilometre radius first anticipated, but the church hopes to strengthen the signal.

Programming on CFEG consists of the church’s worship services, including the German and English Sunday morning and evening services as well as the Wednesday morning German Bible study. In the future, the station hopes to add other locally produced programs in keeping with the church’s mission. The licence does not permit the station to run advertising or rebroadcast programs produced by other stations. All operational costs are paid for by the church.

An official inaugural broadcast and dedication service for the station are being planned for September.

 – A Clearbrook MB Church release

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Last modified July 16, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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