Inclusive peace churches, new and emerging
Meet our emerging communities
Each of these communities is walking in relationship with Central District Conference in its own way, and several welcome people who’d never heard of Mennonites before. Visit one, worship with one online, or reach out to learn from their leaders.
Chicago, Illinois
Moveable Feast began in 2022 as a monthly interfaith sabbath supper in Chicago’s Albany Park and now gathers weekly as an ecumenical group to reflect on Scripture, share bread and cup, and seek renewal for the work of justice and peacemaking. It wholeheartedly celebrates its queer members and leaders and keeps sabbath as a countercultural practice.
Pastor Celeste Kennel-Shank is the author of What You Sow Is a Bare Seed, the story of a countercultural Christian community.
When & where
- Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at Borelli’s, 2124 W Lawrence Ave, near the Damen Brown Line stop
- Wild Church outdoors on the last Sunday of the month
- Community meals in Albany Park in partnership with Gather Together
Leadership: Rev. Celeste Kennel-Shank, pastor
Online church
A (mostly) online gathering of believers who, though scattered physically, are united in commitment. Shaped by the prophetic tradition of the historic Black church and the Anabaptist tradition, it welcomes everyone into full participation at all levels.
Pastor Trey Ferguson is the author of Theologizin’ Bigger.
When & where
- Sunday Communion at 4 p.m. Eastern
- Tuesday prayer at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Bible study on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern
- All gatherings on Zoom—see the calendar and join from wherever you are
Leadership: Trey Ferguson, pastor
Portland, Maine
Peace by the Waters
An emerging Anabaptist community in Portland, Maine, where you don’t have to be Mennonite to join. Most gatherings include a meal, children are full members of the community, and there are no restrictions in membership or leadership based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, class, or ethnicity.
When & where
- House Church on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. in a Portland living room, followed by dinner together
- Wild Church outdoors on 2nd Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
- Hymn sing every other month
Leadership: Christie Dahlin, pastor
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids Mennonite Fellowship
Started as a house church of five families in 2018, now an intergenerational, Jesus-centered community committed to peacemaking and sharing life together. It pursues antiracism and welcomes LGBTQ persons, without qualification, to full participation. GRMF also helped start Christians for Peace & Liberation (CPAL).
When & where
- Most Sunday mornings, 10:00–11:30 a.m., in the Activities Building of Creston Church, 1343 Buffalo Ave NE
- Communion and a potluck on the first Sunday of the month
- Children’s ministry for ages 2 through 5th grade
Leadership: Alaina Dobkowski, pastor
Hendersonville, North Carolina (near Asheville)
A community gathering where everyone is welcome, rooted in a deep love for Jesus and affirming of LGBTQIA+ people. Its ministries include Healing Church Hurt, Maria’s Closet, Trans-Action 4 Families, and feeding neighbors who are temporarily unhoused.
When & where
- Thursday evenings, twice a month
- 6:30 p.m. shared meal; 7:00–8:00 p.m. community gathering
- Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road
Leadership: Pastor Francisco
Wayne County, Ohio (Wooster area)
New Life Fellowship
Founded in 2025 by Pastor Noah Raines as a Zoom Bible study, New Life is a Mennonite ministry that welcomes people of all faith backgrounds, or none, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or status. Everyone means everyone.
When & where
- Zoom Bible study on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 7 p.m.
- A monthly fellowship service in person at Wooster Mennonite Church
- Monthly Coffee & Conversation at a different shop around Wayne County
Leadership: Noah Raines, pastor
Archbold, Ohio (near Toledo)
PEACE Mennonite Fellowship
PEACE stands for People Everywhere Are Created Equal. This Anabaptist community strives to be a safe space where all can come as they are, embracing differences in ethnicity, race, economic and marital status, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and age.
When & where
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
- 22897 US 20 Alt, Archbold, Ohio, with a new building under construction on Lutz Road
- Children welcome, with a quiet play space; come as you are
Leadership: David Elkins, pastor
Just beginning
Spanish-speaking groups in Florida
We’re walking alongside small Spanish-speaking groups that are just beginning to gather in Orlando and Jacksonville. They don’t have names, websites, or formal leadership yet. If you live nearby and are looking for a Latine community, we’d love to connect you.
Apenas comenzando
Grupos de habla hispana en Florida
Estamos acompañando a pequeños grupos menonitas (anabautistas) de habla hispana que están comenzando a reunirse en Orlando y Jacksonville. Si usted vive cerca y busca una comunidad Latine, nos encantaría ponerle en contacto.
Is your community next?
An emerging community of faith may be any group that sees itself as growing into relationship with Central District Conference.