Church anniversary – Waterloo MB Church

Lead pastors through Waterloo MB Church’s history. PHOTO: courtesy WMB

Over the week of Oct. 14–15, 2017, WMB (Waterloo [Ont.] MB Church) enjoyed a meaningful celebration of 50 years as a church, following God’s calling and hope. Sent from Kitchener MB Church in 1967, 47 charter members of WMB began meeting at Brighton Public School, with Al Enns serving as the first lead pastor.

The 50th anniversary weekend was incredible – moments of laughter, music from across the decades, displays telling the story of WMB’s various ministries throughout the years, drama, delicious food, many volunteers and a palpable feeling of celebration. As former lead pastors – most of whom were in attendance – shared stories, tears and memories a renewed sense of family was gifted to those who are newer to WMB.  Presenting alongside each lead pastor was someone who was transformed for Christ during that era, remembering gratefully how the Spirit works creatively and actively.

WMB current lead pastor Chris Stevens with Waterloo mayor and city counsellor. PHOTO: courtesy WMB

Church stories almost always include pain – the 50th anniversary provided a profound space for reconciliation. We ate together, sang together, cried together, prayed together and now we walk forward together into this next era.

On Sunday morning, the kids had a birthday party while the adult congregation heard stories of the past and were called to take steps forward as church community, firmly rooted in WMB’s anchor causes: neighbours, marginalized and generations. As the stories revealed how these ministry focuses have been woven into the DNA over the years, we had the chance to remember how God has provided in the past and be challenged to walk in obedience with him into the future.

[Sarah Whyte, pastor of home groups, WMB Church

PHOTO: courtesy WMB

PHOTO: courtesy WMB

ONMB executive director Ed Willms, WMB lead pastor Chris Stevens, CCMBC executive director Steve Berg. PHOTO: courtesy WMB

Pastor Chris Stevens, WMB board chair Terry Shuh, charter member. PHOTO: courtesy WMB

PHOTO: courtesy WMB

PHOTO: courtesy WMB