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Previous | Next Churches celebrate 75th
Church celebrates 75
Manitou, Man.
Manitou MB Church is one of a number of Mennonite Brethren churches celebrating significant milestones this year. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary August 10–11. People came from outside the province, as well as from the US and Italy to renew old friendships. A theme of “looking back” and “moving forward” guided the reminiscing on Saturday evening, as well as the messages on Sunday. The first message, by former resident George A. Klassen, now pastor of North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, focused on looking back, not with a selective eye that filters out the bad, but with an honest look that acknowledges past failures yet recognizes God’s presence and blessing, and moves forward in hope and faith. George Toews, a former pastor, challenged the church to “move forward” stating that even a glorious past does not guarantee a secure future.
The children were entertained with animated Bible stories enacted by the Pauls family; a golf tournament on Saturday was followed by a barbeque; and a pancake breakfast and lunch on Sunday rounded out the day. – adapted from a story by John Heinrichs
Hillside Christian Fellowship Church |
Hillside turns 75
Beechy, Sask.
Hillside Christian Fellowship Church in Beechy, Sask. celebrated its 75th anniversary July 5–7. The theme of the weekend was Psalm 145:4, 7: “One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.” Invitations were extended to those who had attended Friedensheim Church, later named Beechy MB Church, now Hillside Christian Fellowship Church. Guests came from Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Nunavut, the US and many parts of Saskatchewan.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a historical music review written by Mel Wiens and narrated by Herb Swan and Cathy Ringrose. The songs, led by Melvin Wiens, Cliff Nickel and Fred Mielke, featured music of the church from 1927 to 2002.
A pancake breakfast on Saturday morning was followed by homestead tours and a Texas Scramble golf tournament. Youth spent time at the beach, and children enjoyed videos, activities and a special craft. After a roast beef supper, Saturday closed with a variety night program featuring a mass choir, a tale of thanksgiving by Margreta Fleuter, various musical numbers and a time of sharing stories. Mike Housek, present pastor of the church, gave a devotional.
On Sunday morning, past and present members of the worship teams led in praise of Jesus. Guest speaker John Wiens, grandson of Johann Wiens, one of the church’s first ministers, spoke about the church being God’s showcase to the world. The choir ended the service with “How Beautiful”, a song illustrating the servanthood of the Bridegroom and the Bride.
Food for the weekend was catered. The weekend was filled with visiting, renewing old acquaintances, laughter and reminiscing. A history room with old church records, pictures, a timeline and municipal maps brought back many memories. – Hillside Anniversary Committee
Manitou MB Church |
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Last modified October 9, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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