November 5thHawkesville Mennonite Church's Journey
“There truly are no regrets,” says Julene Fast from Hawkesville Mennonite Church. “There is sadness and we wish it had not happened. But there are no regrets.” After 74 years of ministry, Hawkesville Mennonite Church closed their doors in June 2024.
Nestled in a small village overlooking the Conestoga River Valley, the congregation was known for their deep care for both their members and the wider community. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and with their pastor’s retirement, the church decided to take time to reflect on their future direction before calling a new pastor.
Betty Pries and Marjike Strong, consultants with Credence & Co, conducted interviews with members and listened intently to their feedback.
The results of this process, not surprising to the congregation, revealed a significant sense of tiredness and a clear recognition that change was needed. In response, the congregation embarked on a six-week intentional season of prayer, seeking guidance and clarity for their future.
An internal reference group began to process the options for the congregation. When David Martin arrived as interim pastor, he was aware of the process already underway and began to support the congregation through their discernment journey.
As the group deliberated, it became clear that closing the church might be the most viable option. “It was a painful, painful conclusion,” recalls Julene. “I think most of us thought that that’s where it would go but most of us had hoped it wouldn’t.”
Within the congregation, there were mixed emotions: some members were ready to accept the closure, while others found the prospect too difficult to bear. Despite these differing feelings, the congregation decided to face the end together and close.
“It was no small task! You have to do the work. This was now our job and it was an important job to do well.”
They chose to spend a purposeful final year together, focusing on closing this chapter well. To manage this transition, they formed several committees. One was responsible for handling the sale and cleanup of the church building. Another was tasked with organizing celebrations and transition planning and another on fostering intentional connections among members after closure.
Julene notes, “It was no small task! You have to do the work. This was now our job and it was an important job to do well.”
David Martin played a crucial role in guiding the congregation through their final year with sermons that addressed grief, lament and new opportunities. Julene emphasized the importance of his support, stating, “We needed a shepherding leader. I don’t know how anyone could close a congregation without strong help. David was a gift.”
"We did not fail. If you are in a congregation where you are getting smaller, you may feel as though you are doing something wrong because you are not growing. You are not doing anything wrong. Just be who you are and do it well and with integrity.”
On May 4, 2024, Hawkesville Mennonite Church held a heartfelt celebration. The event brought together former members and friends, creating an opportunity to reminisce, rekindle connections and honour the congregation’s legacy. Many spoke about the profound richness and lasting influence of their connection to Hawkesville Mennonite Church.
The final worship service for the congregational family took place on June 2. This service provided a reflective and intimate space for members to express their thoughts, feelings and farewells. Julene describes the service as deeply meaningful. “It was a morning of quiet sharing where we all had a chance to say what we needed to say.”
She emphasizes that the story of Hawkesville Mennonite Church is not a story of failure: “We did not fail. If you are in a congregation where you are getting smaller, you may feel as though you are doing something wrong because you are not growing. You are not doing anything wrong. Just be who you are and do it well and with integrity.”
For 74 years, ministry at Hawkesville Mennonite Church has influenced countless lives. They have been a community deeply committed to loving God, their neighbors and the world around them. The faithfulness of this congregation has created a lasting impact for years to come.