January 25th

An Intercultural Presence in Markham

Finding Their Way Together

“We try to be a Mennonite presence in our neighbourhood - a presence that looks like our neighbourhood,” says Roberson Mbayamvula, pastor of Hagerman Mennonite Church in Markham, ON. Sharing facilities with Markham Chinese Mennonite Church and Markham Christian Worship Center has been an intentional part of embracing the multi-cultural landscape of Markham. As the English, Chinese and Tamil congregations work together in the same facility, they intentionally strengthen and foster an intercultural relationship among each other.

"God has led us to come together and be unified in one place.” - Paul Mo

“We have differences,” says Paul Mo, pastor of Markham Chinese Mennonite Church, “but God has led us to come together and be unified in one place.” Markham Chinese Mennonite Church has been a part of the Hagerman site since 1990 and, prior to Covid-19, held their worship services at the same time as Hagerman Mennonite while sharing Sunday school programming for children.

The Hagerman site welcomed a new partner in 2005 – Markham Christian Worship Centre, a Tamil-speaking MCEC congregation. Also prior to Covid-19, they worshipped and held Sunday school on Sunday evenings. “Christ unites us,” says Kapilan Savarimuthu, pastor of Markham Christian Worship Centre. “When the love of Christ comes into all of the small things as we relate to each other, it builds us together.”

The building, renovated in 2018, provides opportunities for these very distinct cultural groups to work together as a family of faith. A team of people from each congregation cares for and oversees the facility needs. “We need to think about others first and then ourselves. We have a mutual respect for each other,” says Paul. “It is a blessing for all three churches to be together. Harmony is very important. This is the teaching of Jesus Christ.”

"The church is about the people. It’s exciting to think about our children’s future and what the Hagerman site may be in ten years.” - Roberson Mbayamvula

Each group has its own identity, history and ways in which they minister. They have entered into an intentional covenanted relationship with each other. “It is like a wedding – like a family,” says Roberson. “You have new people in the circle and you extend the table so that there is a place for everyone. The church is about the people. It’s exciting to think about our children’s future and what the Hagerman site may be in ten years.”

“Hagerman encouraged and welcomed us,” says Kapilan. “We have never felt as though we were outsiders. That drew us more into this partnership. It‘s an amazing relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

The three congregations continue to discuss with and listen to each other as they begin to understand what it means to be God’s presence in Markham together.