TY - JOUR KW - Mennonites KW - Mennonite churches KW - Religious congregations KW - Anniversaries AU - Dave Rogalsky AB -

The roots ran deep in both the Berea and Moorefield Mennonite Churches, north of Kitchener-Waterloo. Berea, first known as the Parker Mission, was founded in 1941 and joined the Ontario Mennonite Conference in 1947. That same year a congregation was founded less than 10 miles away at Moorefield, using a disused Anglican church building. On the weekend of May 22 to 24 the congregation celebrated their 25th anniversary under the theme, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever" (Psalms 136:1). A community fair ran most of Saturday, including food and live music. Inside the building were quilts and historical displays. Sunday saw a worship service, in which previous pastors shared, followed by a potluck meal. Elder Darlene Wideman notes that the congregation hopes to continue to build relationships within the community so that people will see Christ through them, and will join their congregation. Even with seven other churches in Drayton there are folk without a church home in the community. She notes that it is a "challenge to always be listening and following the leading of the Holy Spirit." The congregation is currently seeking a pastor.

BT - Canadian Mennonite (Waterloo) DP - ocul-wtl.primo.exlibrisgroup.com IS - 15 LA - eng PY - 2015 SN - 1480-042X SP - 15 EP - + T1 - Community Mennonite celebrates 25 years T2 - Canadian Mennonite (Waterloo) VL - 19 ER -