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.” 

Shalom Worship and Healing Center and First Mennonite Church have entered a new covenant as co-owners of the worship facility and property at 800 King St. in Kitchener, ON. Throughout this process, it was clear that both churches genuinely care for one another. Daniel Tela, pastor at Shalom Worship and Healing Center, reflects, “Each supported the other as we came together as one, and this harmony was evident. We didn’t face any really difficult conversations—that is the leading of the Holy Spirit!” 

Shalom Worship and Healing Center, a Tigrinya-speaking congregation, worshipped at First Mennonite Church, an historically Swiss congregation, from 2010 to 2020. Over those ten years, Shalom’s community grew beyond what First Mennonite could fully support. “The building use was too much for us; we didn’t have the resources to support it all,” recalls Rene. When COVID arrived, First Mennonite, like most congregations, closed its doors, prompting Shalom to seek a new home. 

“God had a plan to bring us back to our place of origin. We were born here,” says Daniel. “His path led us back to First Mennonite.” 

“We searched everywhere for a place to worship and tried to buy in several locations, but nothing worked out,” says Daniel Tela. During this time, the Chin Christian Church in Kitchener welcomed Shalom to use their facility, for which Shalom was deeply grateful. Still, they longed for a space of their own—somewhere large enough to accommodate their entire community, including adults, youth and children. 

Meanwhile, the pandemic had brought changes for First Mennonite. It became clear that maintaining their large building was no longer sustainable on their own; it was simply too big and was draining their resources. “We felt called to a new type of relationship—a shared relationship,” says Rene. They approached Shalom Worship and Healing Center, saying, “We know you’re looking for a home, and we’re unable to fill this one. Can we find a way to do this together?” 

“This, I believe, is what intercultural community calls us to. We’re invited to let go of our power as a historically white church and truly share.”

Both congregations began exploring new possibilities, and in February 2024, First Mennonite and Shalom started meeting intentionally to discuss what co-ownership might look like. Norm Dyck, MCEC Mission Minister, and Fanosie Legesse, MCEC Intercultural Mission Minister, facilitated these conversations, guiding discussions on worship schedules, office hours, custodial needs, and financial arrangements. “God had a plan to bring us back to our place of origin. We were born here,” says Daniel. “His path led us back to First Mennonite.” 

It's a new kind of relationship. "We are now in this together. They are coming home, but as co-owners—not tenants with an office in the basement,” says Rene. “This, I believe, is what intercultural community calls us to. We’re invited to let go of our power as a historically white church and truly share.” 

As the congregations embark on this shared journey, they look forward to learning from each other and deepening their understanding of God’s kingdom. Both congregations have adapted—and will keep adapting—as they live into this new relationship. As First Mennonite lets go of sole ownership and all that comes with it, Shalom is learning the responsibilities of caring for a shared building. “Both congregations were asked to take big steps,” says Rene. “It hasn’t been easy, but it has been smooth. I think we both sensed that this is bigger than either of us and is guided by God’s Spirit.” 

“We have come together as sibling churches, growing in one land and with one place to worship God,” says Daniel. “This is a powerful example of the heart of Christ.”