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Record Crowd Packs Menno Office Coffee House

  • Writer: Gladys Terichow
    Gladys Terichow
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

WINNIPEG, MB – Charcuterie boards overflowing with food, Valentine-themed decorations and the warm hum

of shared laughter greeted guests as they arrived at the Menno Office Coffee House and Charcuterie on February 13 at Morrow Gospel Church in Winnipeg.

Extra tables and chairs were set up for a record-breaking turnout of over 120 people who had gathered to support students as they shared their musical gifts through a rich variety of instrumental and vocal performances.

“Students were enthused about performing and already on Friday were talking about what they might like to do next year,” said Chaplain Mark von Kampen.

This annual fund-raising event not only raises much needed funds for Menno Office, an on-campus University of Manitoba chaplaincy ministry, it also builds community through bringing together current students, alumni and supporters from various churches.

“It was so neat to meet the parents and grandparents of some of our current students and also to see some students who graduated from the Menno Office years ago coming out to support our coffee house,” von Kampen remarked.

Notably, the audience included a significant number of university students and their families. Based on conversations he had with guests that evening, von Kampen noted many guests were encouraged to see such a strong younger presence, viewing it as a hopeful contrast to the declining youth attendance reported by many congregations.

Menno Office, supported by the Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association (IMCA), is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It is a place where students find peer support, guidance and pastoral care in a welcoming Christian atmosphere. Von Kampen noted in an era where many university students face mental health challenges and isolation, this space serves as a vital sanctuary for holistic well-being.

IMCA receives its primary funding from Mennonite Church Manitoba and the Evangelical Mennonite Mission

Conference, but it is also sustained by congregations, small groups, alumni and individuals who care deeply about providing spiritual and tangible support to students.

To become an active partner and to learn more about this ministry visit mennooffice.ca.


Gladys Terichow is a freelance journalist and member of the IMCA board.





This article was originally published in Recorder vol 63, No. 1


 
 
 

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