Sprout Publication

A Conversation on Faith & Hope with Callum and Peer

Callum Wideman and Peer Wahlquist are youth from MCEC who participated in the Youth Engagement in MCEC Churches research project, offering their voices and wisdom. As active members of the youth group at Avon Church in Stratford, ON, they recently traveled to Montreal, QC, for a learning experience. During their trip, they packed meals at a kosher Jewish soup kitchen, volunteered at a food bank, toured an urban garden program, visited a local market providing produce for those in need and learned about homelessness and gentrification. Now that summer is over, the Avon youth group gathers weekly for games, fellowship and Bible study.

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More Gifts than Challenges

“We caught new glimpses of the image of God in the people that we met through Renewing Rural Worship,” says Mykayla Turner, project director.

What does it mean to be in a rural place? What makes rural people and their connections and interactions unique? The Church at Nairn began to explore the nuances of worship in a rural setting. Mykayla developed a six-session workshop series entitled Renewing Rural Worship. Recognizing the importance of this work, she applied for and received a grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

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Hawkesville 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.

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