Large bequest ‘threatened to swamp us’
Shantz Mennonite Church held a dedication service on Sunday, June 5. It was intended to be for our new facilities, but in truth, it was primarily a rededication of ourselves. Like other followers of Christ, we have been aware that God is calling the church to a new beginning—one that reestablishes its centeredness in a…
Hope and faith . . . even when things don’t go as planned
There is a new church among the farmlands of southwestern Manitoba, but it has more than a hundred years of history. This spring, Crystal City Mennonite Church and Trinity Mennonite Fellowship in Mather merged to create the new Prairie Mennonite Fellowship congregation. Crystal City Mennonite was founded in 1948, while Trinity began in 1976. Only…
‘House church with a building’
With eight members, Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship of Dawson Creek is the smallest congregation in Mennonite Church British Columbia. It is also the most remote, located about 1,880 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. Northgate was not always its current size. It began as a Mennonite Brethren church plant in 1962, first known as…
From days gone by to ‘Richer Days’
Like many rural congregations, Pleasant Point Mennonite Church isn’t as large as it once was. But, although small in number, the church enjoys a rich and interesting congregational life. Pleasant Point also has an intriguing history. It’s the only Mennonite Church Saskatchewan congregation with a building that boasts a steeple and a church bell. Moravian…
Riverton Fellowship Circle closes its doors
Riverton (Man.) Fellowship Circle decided on June 24 to close its doors, passing a motion to dissolve the church corporation and its assets. The congregation began meeting in 1985, when the Indigenous community expressed its desire for a church. They were led by Neill and Edith von Gunten, who also did ministry work in Matheson…
‘Firestarter stories’ spark the imagination of the church
“My job is to love the people in my neighbourhood, accept them for who they are and create a safe place where they are welcome,” said Lyne Renaud, pastor of Hochma in Montreal, as she shared her “firestarter story” to spark the imagination of the church at Mennonite Church Canada’s Gathering 2019. Lyne, along with…
‘How can I help?’
Driving to the cottage while listening to a recording of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Justin Martin had an idea. Could Breslau Mennonite Church stage it? More than a year-and-a-half later, that dream came true. Enthusiastic visioning from a group in their 30s and 40s was matched by wholehearted support from others in the…
Peace pole reflects prayer for peace and harmony
The peace pole and peace garden in front of Steinbach Mennonite Church connect the congregation with more than 200,000 groups and churches worldwide that desire a world at peace. The pole displays the prayer, “May peace prevail on Earth,” in eight languages. Surrounding the pole is a newly planted peace garden with an inviting path…
Rural church celebrates 70 years of God’s presence
About 160 people gathered in Crystal City Mennonite Church, Man., on Nov. 4, 2018, to celebrate 70 years of God’s faithfulness and guidance.The theme “In God’s Hands” was reflected in the stories and memories that were shared of the church’s past and present experiences, says Pastor Erin Morash. “God’s presence is constant and eternal, even…
Emmaus Mennonite closes after 90 years
“There’s not one of us that isn’t grieving,” said Lorna Wiens. “We’re all unhappy to lose our church building, our congregation, our friends.” Wiens was reflecting on the decision to close Emmaus Mennonite Church in Wymark, Sask. “We’ve seen it coming for 20 years,” said retired pastor Fred Heese, who still resides in the community.…
