Mennonite Church congregations in B.C., most of whom are just resuming in-person worship, are celebrating the beginning of the church year in various ways.
Youth and young adults from Chinatown Peace Church in Vancouver started off the year in August with tent camping on Mt. Seymour.
“[We] had some great campfire conversations around anxiety and relationships (God, our parents, romantic, friends) during this season of COVID,” reports English pastor Tim Kuepfer. “It was so good to get to do this again (an annual thing) because last year covid had cancelled it.”
Sunday, Sept. 12 was kickoff Sunday for many churches. Members of Cedar Valley Church in Mission celebrated Launch Sunday with a “launch lunch” following the worship service. A bouncy castle, bubble-making, chalk-drawing and indoor wall-climbing were included as entertainment for the younger generation. Participants from Canadian Blood Services, The Manor seniors residence, and Christ Family Church, who meet on Cedar Valley’s campus, were invited to participate.
Crossroads Community Church of Chilliwack started off the year with its first worship service back at its usual location at Vedder Middle School. Following the worship service, members enjoyed a potluck lunch featuring pulled-pork sandwiches. Other entertainments included potato-sack races, a bouncy castle and road hockey.
Do you have a story idea about Mennonites in B.C.? Send it to Amy Rinner Waddell at bc@canadianmennonite.org.
Anne Herridge (director of children’s ministry) and Gerry Binnema (lead pastor) enjoy some lighthearted moments as they help launch the church year at Crossroads Community Church in Chilliwack, B.C. (Photo courtesy of Crossroads Community Church)
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