Who We Are

Mission

We are a caring community of Jesus’ followers, sharing God’s love, mercy, and justice.

Vision

To be an Anabaptist witness for Jesus, blessing our local and global communities.

Values / Affirmations

• Inspired, joyful worship leads to transformed lives
• Community: a place to know and be known, love and be loved, accept and be accepted, serve and be served, celebrate and be celebrated
• Importance of nurturing our children and youth
• Christian education encouraged in our denominational schools
• Peace that is expressed in justice
• Small groups encouraged for discipleship, accountability and support
• Every person has God-given gifts
• Participation is more important than excellence
• The Good News should be shared with our neighbors, locally and globally
• Devotion to God comes through prayer, Bible reading, study, meditation and reflection

Basic Beliefs of Mennonites

• Jesus Christ is Savior
• Authority of the Bible, God’s Word
• Voluntary commitment to Christ and the church followed by believer’s baptism
• Sent into the world to share the good news
• Committed to community
• Ethical lifestyles
• Peacemaking, non-violence and social justice
• Commitment to service and mutual aid

Affiliation

We identify with the larger Christian tradition, but give special commitment to Anabaptist Mennonite understandings and expressions of faith. We seek to be faithful to Christ in partnership with other like-minded congregations throughout the world. We are members of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and the Mennonite General Assembly.

History

Sunnyside Mennonite Church was born out of an outreach program of the Goshen College Young People’s Christian Association. In 1946, summer Bible School and worship services were held. – This led to the formation of a small congregation and the erection of a modest building in 1947. In the early years, ministry to the children of the community was the primary focus.

The 1965 Palm Sunday tornado destroyed the church building and devastated the surrounding community. A decision to rebuild at the same location symbolized a rededication to the community. An expanded congregational ministry emerged as a result of changing needs in the community.

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary, the congregation has interest in growth and in providing opportunities for worship, nurture, fellowship and service to people of all ages.