Worship
We meet Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for worship. We value our worship services, where people of all ages can feel at home and draw closer to God. Scripture readings, prayer, sharing joys and concerns and honouring offerings are always included. Music takes many forms, with hymns from a variety of worship traditions, both North American and international. We encourage participation of children, young people and adults in various elements of the service. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper four or five times a year.
Support
We support the following organizations through general and designated offerings and/or with our time:
1. Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC)
2. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
3. Refugee Sponsorships
4. Local Community Organizations
5. Canada Foodgrains Bank
Confession of Faith
https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/about/confession-of-faith
Our Core Convictions
The History of Our Congregation
The First Mennonite Church in Vineland Ontario is the oldest organized Mennonite congregation in Canada. In 1786 Mennonites began migrating from Pennsylvania to Canada. Some Mennonites were undoubtedly motivated by concerns about religious freedom in the newly formed United States. Others came because good farmland was becoming scarce in Pennsylvania, and opportunities for land were plentiful in Upper Canada (Ontario).
Mennonites came to the area of the Twenty Mile Creek in Niagara starting in 1786. In 1801 this congregation was formed, meeting at a log building also used as a schoolhouse. This first church building was erected on the farm of Jacob Moyer, and the present church is still located on what used to be part of the Moyer farm. The church was known as the “Meyer meeting house” (later anglicized to Moyer). The church officially changed its name in 1955 to “The First Mennonite, Vineland”. There have been four different church buildings on this site, built in 1801, 1810, 1897, with the current building being built in 1962. A major renovation of the building was done in 2000.
The early settlers spoke German, and this language was used in worship until the 1890’s. Differences over worship practices resulted in a number of church splits in the 1800’s, with members from The Moyer Church beginning and joining other congregations in the area.
In 1986 Mennonites in Canada celebrated a bicentennial of their arrival in this country, and this occasion was commemorated by a monument that is located just outside of the church. There is a historical stonewall cemetery located next to the church as well, where many of the early pioneers are buried.
Service Work
As a congregation we are committed to supporting mission and service programs through Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Central Committee. We support various programs with our time and donations. We hold regular collections for groceries for our local foodbank. As a congregation we have sponsored many refugee families over the past decades, from Laos, Bosnia, Colombia, Syria, Pakistan, and more. We have made a big difference in many lives and you can help!
Junior Church
"Let the children come to me"
Christian education is very important in nurturing faith. Children check in with our Pastor during the service on Sundays and then move to separate spaces for Sunday school from September to June. Sunday school involves learning about the Bible in interactive ways.
The First Mennonite Cooks
During the pandemic we worshipped in a variety of ways, and it was hard to gather for communal meals. One way we continued to share our love of food was through a video series that turned out to be lots of fun! Here are those videos as well as a discussion of the Mennonite faith in general.
Portzeljke with Mary Anne and Tom Neufeld
As an Anabaptist church community we have come together from many faith backgrounds. A significant influence on our culture is the Russian Mennonite experience – including lots of delicious food. Cooking and sharing portzeljke was a common way to usher in the new year for many families. Enjoy!
Borscht with Matthew Bailey-Dick
Who’s hungry? Matthew Bailey-Dick shows off his culinary chops in a new video in the First Menno Community Cooking collection – “How to Make Beef Borscht”. Don’t miss special guest star Nina Bailey-Dick! All you really need is some dill, some cabbage, and some water. Well, maybe a few other things, and probably some extra dill. And hungry friends!
Scones and Crème Caramel with Jane and Harold
Jane and Harold Nigh share tips and advice for crafting fluffy scones and rich crème caramel in a delightful addition to the First Menno Community Cooking series. These kitchen pros show off their expertise with two different recipes, and no lack of style. Do try this at home!
The Goal Here is Cinnamon Buns
Derek Schulze shows off his cinnamon bun baking prowess with no shortage of flair. Enjoy liberation from the shackles of a recipe while watching Derek baking with ingredients that are roughly 5% healthier, and effortlessly sharing nuggets of chemistry knowledge. Does everything turn out okay? Would Edna Staebler be proud? Just how “alluring” are these cinnamon buns? Watch to find out!
Homemade Pasta!
Join the Thiessen-Scott family as they create delicious fresh pasta with simple sauces. Would you like some whimsy on the side? Coming right up! Jennifer, Nathan, Abby and Anna had a great time making this video. Click on the “CC” icon to turn subtitles on or off. Ciao!
Who Are The Mennonites?
This short video produced by Third Way Cafe is a great introduction to the many varieties of people who consider themselves Mennonites.