The Village Launches In Ottawa

It was standing room only as the excited group gathered in the Vanier district of Ottawa, Ontario on March 21, 2010. Years of prayer and hard work were coming to fruition as a diverse group came together for the official launch of The Village International Mennonite Church.

The Village is self-described as a “new, multi-cultural, multi-lingual group of Jesus-followers seeking to join what God is doing in the healing and transformation of the Vanier neighbourhood of Ottawa.” They worship each Sunday afternoon at the St. Margaret’s Anglican Church and share worship space with the Anglican church, who worship on Sunday mornings, and with an Inuit congregation, who meet monthly. Both the Anglican priest and the Inuit leader were present at the launch, along with community leaders, MCEC friends, and neighbouring congregations.

“There was such a spirit of joy and celebration - it surpassed my expectations both in terms of God’s overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit, and in how many people come out,” reflects Stefan Cherry, pastor and church planter at The Village.

Under the theme of “Dedicated to God, Dedicated to Vanier,” the worship that afternoon was energetic and festive. A four piece band led the celebrations, combining contemporary worship and hymns. People danced in the aisles to an African song in recognition of God’s goodness. Hans Peters, MCEC elected personnel and long term friend of The Village states, “It was fun to see Stefan dancing to an African song during the offering – showing how offerings are collected in Africa. He was excited about what was happening and he wanted to share that.”

Many extended a warm welcome to The Village during the afternoon. The president of the Vanier Community Association expressed that he looked forward to partnering with them in finding ways to serve the community. In fact, that is one of the goals of The Village. Later this month, they will be breaking ground as they develop a long anticipated community garden in the Vanier district. Spearheaded by the congregation and the neighbourhood, and supported by various levels of government, the city, and the Vanier Community Association, they are excited that they will have 42 raised garden beds available to the community by June 1^st.

As the din of conversations ended and the laughter ceased, the fellowship hall that afternoon slowly emptied as people left and returned to their own realities. Like little mustard seeds that have been planted, a small group of individuals who met for the first time a year and a half ago, now known as The Village International Mennonite Church, left feeling energized and hopeful. Stefan, on behalf of the congregation, asks for continued prayer as they seek to follow God’s leading and guiding as they serve God in Vanier.

The Village International Mennonite Church is an MCEC supported ministry. For more information on The Village, visit their website at http://www.thevillageimc.com/home.html.