Park worship service brings Tavistock churches together

Worshippers filled the Queen's Park Pavilion in Tavistock for the annual ecumenical worship service hosted by the Tavistock and Area Ministerial Association. Rev. Julie Ellison-White photo

By Gary West

Members of congregations from across the Tavistock area gathered at the Queen's Park Pavilion on Sunday for the annual ecumenical worship service hosted by the Tavistock and Area Ministerial Association.

The annual outdoor service brought together residents from a variety of local churches for a morning of worship, music and fellowship, followed by a shared meal.

This year's service was led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur of Grace United Church, Pastor Julie Ellison-White of Tavistock Mennonite Church, Rev. Steve Hoffard of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Ray Martin of East Zorra Mennonite Church, Alexis Leis, summer intern at East Zorra Mennonite Church, and Rev. Heidi Wachowiak of St. Matthew's and Bethany Lutheran churches.

Special music was provided throughout the service by Heidi Wagler, Lindsay Zehr, Linda Schumm, Kim Leis, Kim Gruber and Myron Ruby.

Angela Brenner, executive director of Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP), was invited to speak about the organization's work in the community. She thanked those attending the service for supporting TAP through the morning's offering, with all donations collected going to the organization.

The annual ecumenical service continues to provide an opportunity for area churches to worship together while strengthening relationships across congregations and celebrating their shared commitment to the community.