I thought Mennonites ride Horse and Buggy?
Yes, there are Mennonites who avoid modern conveniences including cars, electricity, and the latest fashions. However, this is just one expression of being Mennonite. The truth is, in the Mennonite community, there is a wide spectrum of practice – from those who get around exclusively with horse and buggy to those that can’t wait for the next smartphone gadget. As you might suspect, reading about us on this website, Wanner is on the edge of the Mennonite spectrum that has embraced modern society. We’re proud of our heritage – things like making baptism an informed choice and focusing on social justice.
How do I get to Wanner?
We are located at the corner of Maple Grove and Beaverdale. The 203 bus stop is 200 metres from our front door.
If you are driving we are just a kilometre north of Highway #401, and just west of Highway #24. Take the Highway #24 exit north off Highway #401. Turn left on Maple Grove Rd. and then left again on Beaverdale Rd. The church is on the right, only 200 metres up the road. Refer to the map on the Contact Info page.
There’s plenty of parking at the rear of the church. Use the rear entrance to the church adjacent to the parking lot. There will be a greeter waiting to show you the way from there (not a Walmart greeter!).
What should I know about the Worship Service?
Our services start at 9:45 and go until 11:00. Wanner, like many other Mennonite churches, uses an informal worship style. A typical service includes a sermon, lots of singing sprinkled throughout the service, and a sharing time when attendees are welcome to share joys and concerns in their daily lives. We celebrate communion approximately 4 times a year. All believers are welcome to participate.
We encourage a range of musical styles – everything from traditional hymns (Mennonites are known for good four part harmony), contemporary Christian music, and even gospel and bluegrass music.
People dress for the service in varied ways – some more relaxed, some more formal. You’ll see a range spanning suits and dresses to jeans and shorts.
In the summer, we adopt a less formal worship style. There is no Sunday School in the summer.
What is available for my children?
Children stay in the sanctuary for the entire service. We try to have portions of each worship service that connect with children of various ages. Sometimes, the youth help out with instrumentation on the songs.
During the service, parents with young children are free to sit wherever they wish. If you want to take in the service but are worried about your child being disruptive, you have the option of sitting in the Narthex area. It provides some sound proofing, with glass windows and a speaker so parents can still feel they are part of the service experience.
After the service, there are Sunday School classes for different children’s age groups.
Also know that Wanner values the safety of children. We implemented Safe Spaces guidelines to help protect children, youth and leaders while using our facilities.
