Third in a series featuring congregations in WDC 

First Mennonite Church is a rural congregation located outside Beatrice, a town of about 12,000.  The church was founded in 1877 by immigrants from Prussia seeking a home that might grant them exemption from military service.

First Mennonite values service to its own members and the community.  Several people volunteer with Mother to Mother Ministries which was founded by Mennonites and provides resources and friendship to mothers searching for community and assistance.  Women’s Mission Society meets every Tuesday afternoon, featuring some of the best desserts north of Interstate 70.  Every winter the church organizes an MDS trip to aid in rebuilding efforts.  The annual church highlight is the MCC Mini-Auction in October.  A jar of strawberry jam goes for a $100 donation!

Our community enjoys spending time with each other.  People vacation together and enjoy a Shepherd Group which plans regular social gatherings so that we get to know each other.  We partner with Beatrice Mennonite Church sharing Wednesday night activities and other gatherings.  This summer both congregations held a joint Sunday School class to hear personal stories of service  while the kids tended a new flower garden called “Menno’s Garden.”                          

-Pastor Brett Klingenberg