March 2026 Book Review – Far Side of the Sea - Leamington United Mennonite Church

Mission Partner

United Mennonite Educational Institute

UMEI Christian High School is the local Christian Mennonite high school. LUMC has deep roots and was a founding church in establishing this school in the 1940’s. LUMC has staff, students and volunteers at UMEI and is a main supporting church.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Steve Enns at senns@ennsplantfarm.com.

Mission Partner

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The Hospice – Erie Shores

Of the two hospice residences in Essex County, the newest one is located in Leamington. LUMC has been supportive of this project since its inception. Programs include the Hospice Residence, the Community Palliative Medicine Program as well as wellness services. LUMC families have been blessed by Hospice and many support their work by volunteering in various capacities.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Jane Wiens at wiens@mnsi.net.

Mission Partner

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The Bridge Leamington Youth Hub

The Bridge is a youth resource centre which focuses on youth aged 14-24, addressing homelessness, food insecurity, poverty and violence. LUMC has been a supporter of this work since it began 5 years ago.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Krista Rempel at krista@thebridgeyouth.ca.

Mission Partner

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Southwestern Ontario Gleaners

Gleaners is located in Leamington. It is an interdenominational charity that dehydrates vegetables and fruit for distribution to needs locally and internationally. Many LUMC members are linked to this food mission as organizers and volunteers.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Alison Klassen at alisoncklassen@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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SECC – Spark

The SPARK After-School Program provides a safe and inviting place for children ages 7-12 living in Leamington. LUMC hosts Queen Elizabeth Public School children four afternoons per week. Snacks, homework help and recreation are the key elements. It is a United Way program via the South Essex Community Council.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Carolyn Warkentin at cwarkentin@secc.on.ca.

Mission Partner

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Soup for Kids

LUMC has a special relationship with the elementary school across the street at Queen Elizabeth School (JK to 8). In partnership with South Essex Community Council (SECC), members of LUMC volunteer to make soup lunches for the students.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Kathy Driedger at rkdriedger@gmail.com.

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The Salvation Army

Leamington Salvation Army hosts a local food bank. LUMC regularly organizes food drives and support for this very important community effort.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Brenda Klassen at P. 519-326-0850.

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Peace Builders Mennonite Church Witness

PBCI is located in Davao City, island of Mindanao, Philippines has been in partnership with LUMC since 2009. MC Canada Witness led a 12 day “learning tour” where 5 LUMC participants experienced a slice of the daily routines that our partners deal with every day. LUMC helped to support our member for a 1 year internship with PCBI. Our MC Canada Witness Partners have visited LUMC on numerous occasions to preach, teach and inform.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Lois Konrad at lois.konrad68@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

MEDA is an international economic development organization whose mission is to create business solutions to poverty. MEDA and LUMC have an ongoing connection supporting MEDA Leamington fundraisers & events, helping support some of the 18 MEDA Projects currently active globally. LUMC has had several constituents visit projects including: Ukraine & Myanmar while also hosting MEDA Project Leaders here at LUMC for mission updates.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Rob Konrad at robert.konrad68@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Mennonite Disaster Service

MDS is a volunteer network that responds in love to those affected by disasters such as floods, fire, hurricanes, tornadoes in U.S. and Canada. LUMC has intermittently organized and responded when called and LUMC members have served at various projects.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Kevin Greenwood at esgreen@mnsi.net.

Mission Partner

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MCEC Relearning Community

LUMC has intentionally linked to the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada’s Relearning program. “ReLearning Community engagement invites leaders and congregations to shift focus from institutions to people…” Several LUMC members have enrolled in this program – with its emphasis in discipleship.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact David Dyck at davidgdyck@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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MCC Thrift on Mill

The original MCC thrift store in Leamington was called the Etcetera Shoppe and began in 1982. Many LUMC members have been, and continue to be, active volunteers with the operation of Thrift on Mill (aka “TOM”). Proceeds from MCC Thrift stores are a major source of funds for Mennonite Central Committee.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Ken Tiessen at kenbtiessen@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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MCC Meat Canner

The meat canner is a mobile canning unit which travels throughout USA and Canada. Local communities provide financial and volunteer resources to process meat which is later distributed around the world to those in need. Leamington (and LUMC) has been supporting this annual event for 20 years.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Marlene Schmidtgall at marlene.schmidtgall@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Mennonite Central Committee

MCC was started in 1920 to provide food to starving Mennonites and their neighbours in Ukraine. Today, MCC provides Relief, Development and Peace initiatives throughout the world. Many LUMC families received assistance from MCC over the years and some were assisted in emigrating to Canada. This has resulted in a strong support for the efforts of this global relief agency.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Randy Lepp at randy_lepp@yahoo.ca.

Mission Partner

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LUMC Refugee Committee

Refugee Committee at LUMC pays attention to world issues, communicates with the congregation and coordinates bringing refugees to the Leamington area. Three families have been sponsored or assisted by LUMC in the past five years. This is done with MCC liaison.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Patti Russell at patti_russell@hotmail.com.

Mission Partner

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LUMC Food Hampers

The LUMC Food Hampers is working with Queen Elizabeth Public School to provide food hampers once a month to families who have requested them. The Leamington Regional Food Hub provides both perishable and non-perishable food hampers for delivery.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Barb Klassen at foodhamp@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Leamington Mennonite Home & Apartments

LUMC is one of the founding churches of this seniors’ complex. They provide both independent and assisted living. Many LUMC members are connected as residents, staff and volunteers. LUMC worship services are broadcast to LMH weekly.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Terri Epp at terri.tinypaws@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Christian Horizons

Christian Horizons provides communities of care for individuals who experience disabilities. One of their group homes is near LUMC and we enjoy providing support to their work and having them join our worship services.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact David Dyck at davidgdyck@gmail.com or Brad Frennette at bfrenette1989@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Canadian Foodgrains Bank

LUMC links to a partnership of 15 churches and church- based agencies working to end global hunger. Local growing projects contribute to emergency food assistance internationally.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Henry Klassen at hklassenh@gmail.com.

Mission Partner

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Search for Jesus – Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc.

Search for Jesus is an online ministry for individuals who are searching to learn more about the Christian faith. Joel Dyck has been involved as a coach and area coordinator over the past year. LUMC supports Joel in this mission.

If you would like to get involved in serving, please contact Joel Dyck at joeldyck99@gmail.com.

Register for Services

Covid 19 Update – March 2022

Ontario has removed the mask requirement. LUMC will respect this change.
Mutual care and respect for each other continues to be our aim.

We are very grateful to our LUMC Covid Response Team for all of their work.

LUMC Youth and Junior Youth Activities are wonderful. You can contact Child and Youth Coordinator – Mykayla – for more information. Children’s Sunday school programs are also occurring. Check the bulletin and Facebook pages for information.

LUMC will continue to broadcast services online. Our YouTube channel is “LUMC Church”.

Services are LIVE at 9:45 on Sundays and available, later, as recordings.

Watch

While the global pandemic of COVID-19 has presented challenges, please be assured that our church is still present as a community of Christian care. We are adhering to all Health and Safety Protocols as we continue to serve the spiritual and physical needs of our congregation and our community. As protocols change we will accommodate and inform you. Church leadership (Pastoral Ministry Team, Deacons, Church Council
and Education Personnel) are all active and ready to address any of your needs and concerns. Please call during office hours or choose any way that is comfortable for you. And if you see a need that may belong to a friend, neighbour or fellow congregant,
please help us identify that concern, as well.

So, in this time of being “home” a lot, please know that you can reach out to your church. If you would like help with physical supplies, a listening ear, prayer — anything… call and we will do our best to get you connected to an appropriate person.

“We are all Sisters and Brothers in Christ, and we need each other to help bear the load.”

One way to stay in touch online is
LEAMINGTON UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH ON OAK STREET
This is our public Facebook Group. Just click on CONNECT to see what is there.

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