Tavistock Mennonite Church welcomes Grace United congregation for Sunday worship

Those helping lead Sunday’s service at Tavistock Mennonite Church included, from left, worship leader Ruth Steinman, pianist and music leader Mary Ellen Ferguson, Pastor Julie Ellison White, and Emma and Mike Ellison White, who helped lead the congregation in song accompanied by guitars and keyboard. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of two Tavistock churches came together Sunday morning when Tavistock Mennonite Church welcomed members of Grace United Church to share in its weekly worship service.

The two congregations, whose churches are located just a short distance from one another, gathered at Tavistock Mennonite while Grace United Rev. Marilyn Arthur was away on vacation and study leave.

Mary Ellen Ferguson provided the prelude on piano as worshippers arrived before Pastor Julie Ellison White welcomed members of both congregations.

Ruth Steinman led the congregation in worship, while Ellison White’s husband, Mike, and daughter, Emma, helped lead the congregation in song accompanied by acoustic guitars and keyboard.

An important part of the service was an opportunity for members of the congregation to share their joys and concerns and ask those gathered to pray for people facing illness and other challenges. Prayers were also offered for those with family members living in areas affected by wildfires.

Ellison White’s message drew from the Gospel of John and the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, including the miraculous catch of fish and breakfast on the beach.

The joint worship continues next Sunday when members of Tavistock Mennonite Church are invited to join the Grace United congregation for a 10:30 a.m. service led by Arthur in Zion Hall.

On Aug. 30, Tavistock Mennonite Church will welcome Amanda Zehr as guest speaker. On Sept. 6, the congregation will join Cassel and East Zorra Mennonite churches for a joint service in Cassel beginning at 10 a.m.