One Spirit, One Place: Shalom and First Mennonite’s Shared Home

“We may worship in different ways, but we share the same foundation, the same core, and the same calling to be disciples here in downtown Kitchener,” says Rene, pastor at First Mennonite Church. “That feels like enough to bring us into relationship, to sit together and learn from one another.” 

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INNOVATE @ West Hills, Inspiring Lives, Making a Difference

“Homer would have loved it!” I said.   

One of our families at West Hills Fellowship hosted a movie night at their business location.  It is an OUT weekend for our congregation which means we forego a traditional worship service in lieu of intentional plans to invite those who are part of the fabric of our daily lives but who may not otherwise engage the traditional church.  Our church members were almost outnumbered by the families that accepted the invitation to the movie night.  Those in attendance ranged in age from infant to 90 years of age.

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Ben in the Philippines

As the delegation left the rebel camp, men lined each side of the road, a seemingly stark and tense scene. On one side stood rebels in camouflage, carrying large assault rifles, their expressions hardened by years of conflict. On the other side, the armed forces of the Philippines, equally armed and vigilant.

For Ben Isert Bender, a newcomer from Canada who had just arrived to begin his year-long internship, this was a moment that struck deep. The stark reality of the situation was unlike anything he had experienced before.

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