Church celebrates anniversary

Basing the celebration on Psalm 100, Elm Creek MB Church celebrated its 75th anniversary July 9–10. Former members came from as far away as Quebec, B.C. and California to join in the festivities.

Brunch on Saturday allowed for time to get reacquainted with friends and to tour the new addition to the church: a larger sanctuary, new classrooms, library and offices. The evening saw five former ministers contributing to a panel discussion. Present were J.K. Kroeker, Neil Funk, H.R. Baerg, John Balzer and Kevin Peters. Included in the evening were reminiscences by Mary Wall, age 97.

Gareth and Gail Goossen of Kitchener, Ont. led the worship and praise times both Saturday and Sunday morning. Pastor John Willems chaired the morning worship service. The speaker was Kay Rempel Neufeld, former associate pastor of Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton, who grew up in the district and attended the church. She reviewed the history of the people who came from Russia to Elm Creek, always bringing in the goodness of the Lord, and how He carried them through difficult as well as good times.

Delicious meals, activities for the children, and tours to the old country church and surrounding district rounded out the weekend. A colourful pictorial book was available to remember the church.

—from report by Helen Kroeker