The regular worship service starts at 11 a.m. It usually begins with music, scripture reading, special presentations and a children's story. After the children's story, the younger children leave for supervised play. The worship continues with a sermon or meditation, sharing and more singing. The meditation is usually given by our pastor although frequently someone in the congregation or people from the greater Church community are invited to speak.
Music is an important part of the church and the Mennonite tradition. Four-part harmony is common during hymns. People are invited to join in the music in whatever way they may feel the most comfortable. Many of the hymns are chosen from the Mennonite Church hymnal. Sometimes musical contributions come from one or several of the many musically inclined in the congregation.
The church service takes place in English. However, as we live in a French province and as many people in the group are bilingual, sometimes a French hymn is sung or a scripture reading will take place in French. We are linked to French Mennonite congregations north of Montréal.
At 9:45 a.m., prior to worship, all ages are welcome for Sunday School. Themes for adult Sunday School are often announced in church. For children, there are different groups depending on their age-level.
There is an autumn weekend retreat in the country to celebrate the beginning of fall in September. On the first Sunday of Advent, 'Faspa' is another time for gathering with meals in the participants' homes followed by a carol sing at the church. Community meals are also held on Thanksgiving (Canadian), at Easter and sometimes in between.
Other special events that help mark the church year are Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Sunday School Picnic, Arts Evenings, Peace Sunday, and Communion. Once a month after church, plan to stay for a coffee and cakes hour if you can.
In response to God's goodness in our lives, we participate by returning some of that generosity to us through tithes and offerings. Locally your gifts provide for church expenses such as Sunday School materials, some mission work, our pastor's salary, the use of the building, and more.
Checks should be made out to Mennonite Fellowship of Montréal. Church giving can be tax deductible. To obtain a receipt, use an envelope or a check with your name on it.
