History & FAQ

Until March 15, 2020, we met for worship in the chapel of the Menno Simons Centre, at 4000 West 11th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Since then, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are meeting online in Zoom web conferencing meetings. When circumstances permit, we will be gathering to worship in room 104 (basement) of St. James Community Square (3214 W. 10th Avenue at Bayswater St. in Vancouver).

In 1986, a small group of people started the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association, initially for the purpose of operating the Menno Simons Centre. A number of those people decided to start the Point Grey Fellowship (PGF) at the same time. In 1993, the congregation decided to distinguish itself as a Mennonite congregation but also to embrace its dual-affiliation status by changing its name to the Point Grey Inter-Mennonite Fellowship (PGIMF).

We are a maturing Christian fellowship valuing God and each other. We invite you to join us as we:

• Worship on Sundays with ample opportunity for singing, praying and hearing Bible readings. Our morning talks offer insights into scripture, the nature of God, and faith. Our leisurely discussion times encourage us to reflect on the morning’s activities, and raise thoughtful and honest questions with the Fellowship. Our reflective celebrations of the Lord’s Supper remind us we are members of Christ’s Body across the world and the ages.
• Involve an array of worship leaders and speakers, both members and special guests, young and old.
• Strengthen our faith intellectually, aided by resources available through the church, UBC, Regent College, and the Vancouver School of Theology.
• Meet in the chapel of the Menno Simons Centre, a university student residence seeking to model Anabaptist values. This challenges us to offer students fellowship, encouragement, and practical support during their formative years.
• Practice lay leadership and encourage active participation in the life of the congregation. Our sense of community and fellowship, coupled with our commitment to consensus building, fosters mutual appreciation and support as we attempt to live our Christian lives in one of Canada’s major metropolitan areas.
• Build our interest in, and knowledge of, the Anabaptist/Mennonite spiritual heritage as we share with each other our varied interests and perspectives from our various spiritual backgrounds.
• Learn from each other, whether through open conversation in discussion time, talking individually during the coffee hour, meeting in homes for study and prayer, or sharing lunch.
• Appreciate ways in which the arts can nourish faith and life. Our singing is heart-felt, whether for traditional hymns in four-part harmony or for unison songs in a contemporary style. Our chapel’s walls offer art exhibits by members and friends, inviting us to enter into a world unencumbered by words.

The duties of a pastor are shared by dedicated volunteers in the following ways:

•  The Congregational Care Committee, consisting of two to four people (with overlapping terms of service) enhances the spiritual life of the church. They take care of visiting those who are absent or sick, those seeking counselling (using an outside Christian counselling service), and newly interested people. This group also arranges for flowers to be sent to the ill or bereaved.
• The Worship Speaker Coordinators, consisting of two people, ensure that each Sunday service includes a speaker, whether a testimonial by someone from within the congregation, or a guest speaker from another church or missionary service. Sometimes the coordinators will arrange for one or more speakers to deliver a series of teachings on a topic, such as a book of the Bible. Often the talks are based on the lectionary passages of the day.

PGIMF has no clergy available or licenceds to perform marriages at this time.

Subject to change, but please refer to the following list as a starting point:

• Worship services – 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, except for retreats (e.g. 1st weekend in June at Camp Luther) and ecumenical services (e.g. Trimble Park, etc.).
• Communion – as appropriate in the liturgical calendar
• Coffee Hours – each Sunday after Church (except when there is a Pot Luck Lunch).
• Pot Luck Lunches – the last Sunday of the month from September to April (except December)
• An adult care group (“The Friday Group”) meets at First United Mennonite Church’s Education Building at the rear of 659 E. 52nd Ave. in Vancouver.  All are welcome to join.
• Church Board Meetings – bi-monthly or at the call of the Moderator
• Church Business Meetings – October, January and April (Annual General Meeting). Others at the call of the Moderator (or any group of five members after giving one week’s notice). Elections are held in April; duties start July 1st.
• Vancouver Area Ministers – monthly in winter (Mennonite Church BC)
• West Point Grey Ministerial Association – planning meetings for joint activities.
• Annual picnic in the park and other social events.