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Winnipeg, Man.
MB church’s summer schedule shaken by sound of wheels


Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg had its usually quiet summer schedule shaken up with the sound of wheels on wood. Jeremy Epp and Michael Boyce took on the task of starting up a skateboard drop-in centre for neighbourhood youth. A number of the church’s members built sturdy skate ramps. The Church funded the project with help from the city and gifts from corporate sponsors, including Home Depot and Wallace and Wallace.

Over 300 youth, ranging in ages from 10 to their early 20s, were registered. Youth attended three to four evenings a week, interacted with volunteers, bought goodies from the canteen and listened to a “God talk” each evening. A highlight of the summer was the all-night “Skate-a-thon” that had about 80 youth stay from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Portage Ave. MB Church’s goal was to become more “community friendly” and introduce neighbourhood youth to a God who loves them. The congregation praises God for the “success” of the summer where safety was a major concern.

Epp states, “It’s people, not projects that are important. My best memories are about the people I met.”

 – Portage Ave. MB Church

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Last modified November 7, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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