River of Life Fellowship (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada)
in 1994 three groups related to the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada (Hope Fellowship from the Tavistock, Ontario area, Living Water Community Christian Fellowship from the New Hamburg area and Kitchener-Waterloo House Church) believed there was a need for a new new cell church fellowship in the Kitchener/Waterloo area. The Kitchener-Waterloo House Church withdrew from the exploration, but persons from the other two groups joined their efforts to form the River of Life Fellowship on 17 December 1995.
The 60 initial participants met in cell groups and held weekly celebration worship services. The celebration services included everyone for an hour of celebration, followed by an hour of teaching for adults and separate ministry for the children.
The leadership of River of Life has been provided through a volunteer team of elders. Wayne and Mary Wagler were early leaders; Peter and Denise Gruber also provided much leadership through the years.
Initially the group met in a variety of locations before settling for nine years at the Pioneer Park Community Centre. Later the group rented chapel space from Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener
Over time the congregation has shifted from a narrower identity as a "cell church" to being a church with cells in which all members were encouraged to participate. In 2017 the group continued to have a variety of cells for all ages and interests.
In 2017 spiritual direction continued to be provided by a lay leadership team.
Bibliography
"About Us." River of Life Fellowship. 2009. Web. 6 January 2017. http://www.riveroflifefellowship.ca/site/?page_id=16.
Mennonite Reporter (19 February 1996): 14.
Additional Information
Address: 110 Fergus Ave., Kitchener, ON N2A 2H2
Phone: 519-894-1504
Website: http://www.riveroflifefellowship.ca/
Denominational Affiliations: Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Conference
Ordained Leaders at River of Life Fellowship
| Name | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Leadership/Elder Team | 1995-present |
Membership at River of Life Fellowship
| Year | Membership |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2015 | 69 |
River of Life website
| Author(s) | Sam Steiner |
|---|---|
| Date Published | July 2000 |
Cite This Article
MLA style
Steiner, Sam. "River of Life Fellowship (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. July 2000. Web. 22 Nov 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=River_of_Life_Fellowship_(Kitchener,_Ontario,_Canada)&oldid=142657.
APA style
Steiner, Sam. (July 2000). River of Life Fellowship (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 22 November 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=River_of_Life_Fellowship_(Kitchener,_Ontario,_Canada)&oldid=142657.
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