Over the last couple of years our church has grown in some unexpected ways.  The influx of Ukrainian refugees to Canada in 2022 led many families to the Arborg area.  Machine shops and businesses in the area provided jobs and our church (and others) helped many families settle into their new life here.  A number of these families have made MEMC their home church and deep friendships are forming.  As we hear testimonies of God’s work in their lives we are encouraged.  However, we also grieve with them over the tremendous loss and separation many continue to experience.  It has been such a blessing to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ from Ukraine.

            Our church membership has also grown through baptism and transfers of membership.  Youth baptized in 2024 were: Nia Dyck, Kate Friesen, Noah Friesen, Heaven Loewen, Amber Unger, Agatha Wall, and Tobias Wall.  Church membership transfers in 2024 were: Pete and Doris Unger, Anthony Unger; Vern, Lana, Reuben and Rachel Knutson; Sergii and Natalia Lozoyvi, Anna Lozova and Anush Lozova; Sergii and Natalia Kuzma.

            Morweena Christian School, our K-12 school, is one of the primary ministries of our church.  The school has been growing through the years and currently has an attendance of approximately 200 students.  Tim Reimer has been the principal for the last 35+ years.  Sadly, he is planning to retire after the current school year.  He has been a positive role model, an innovative educator and a wise leader all these years.  The school community will greatly miss his steady presence there.  The MCS Board is actively searching for a new principal for the 2025-26 school year.

            Kendall and Mikayla Reimer, who faithfully served as youth leaders since 2018/19 have recently stepped down from that position.  They are continuing to plug into our church in other ways as they raise their growing family and we are so thankful for them and their cheerful service.  Joel Plett, who recently moved back home to Morweena, is heading up our youth committee presently.

            There are also changes on the horizon for our ministerial group.  Some ministers and deacons have indicated a wish to retire from active leadership.  This includes Glenn Plett (minister), Tim Reimer (minister), and Delmer and Janice Plett (deacons).  With love and gratefulness we acknowledge their many years of sacrificial service to God, to our congregation and beyond.  They leave a legacy of love, selflessness, and faithful service.  Harold and Marlene Reimer and Henry and Sara Reimer are new additions to the deacon team and have joined Sid and Bea Dueck in this work.  This was a natural fit as we see them simply continuing to do the work of mercy ministry that they were already doing.  We are planning to hold a minister election soon.

            God’s Hand is at work in our church through the addition of new congregants and as people step up to serve in leadership.  Times of testing can feel like a long, dark night.  We rejoice now to see a sunrise of new life that God is bringing to our little congregation in the Interlake.  As we navigate change, we cling to the faithfulness of God and to His promise to never leave us or forsake us.