Background/History of NPMC
Nutana Park
Mennonite Church had its beginnings in mid 1963 when First Mennonite decided to
build a church on the east side of Saskatoon. Plans were drafted and
construction began in September, 1964. The final contract price for the
construction was $90,214, with the kitchen and education wing to be left
unfinished. The Ruth Street lot cost was $6,000.
Edward Enns, First Mennonite pastor, writing in the April 1965 Newsletter, clarified the basis for the re-organization into the two congregations. "We will separate in a non-traditional manner. Not because of internal strife, or cliquishness; not on the basis of age or difference of purpose; but because of a unity of purpose. We will go to one or the other of the two churches for various secondary reasons, but our need for two groups will give us new opportunities to live out the definition of the church: ‘called out’ ones, whose witness will broaden and call out even more into the fellowship of the church. Nutana Park Church will need to catch the proper vision for the residential area, while First Mennonite will need to think about its possibilities in the inner city area. The ‘essence’ dare never change, for it must remain that which gives witness to the redemptive work of Christ for the individual and for society! Over here or over there, this must bind us in our service for God."
The doors were
opened and the first service was conducted on April 4, 1965. The congregation
was formally organized on January 3, 1966, with 103 charter members (76 from
First Mennonite and 27 from other congregations), of whom 43 are still with us.
Jake Nickel and Ernest Baergen, respectively, were the first pastor and
congregational chairperson. Since then, many have made this their church home,
both as members and as adherents.
We feel that the congregation has grown spiritually as well as numerically, as we discover more what our theology and our history mean; many facets of church life contribute to this discovery. But growth—of whatever kind—requires us to know each other; the pictures and the brief notations in this directory will help in this.
Our congregational mission statement, accepted May 28, 1995, reflects our theology and our history:
To be a biblically-based community for
- redemptive nurture
- worship
- invitation to faith
- prayer
- education
- outreach & service
in the context of the global church.
A full auditorium on Sunday mornings, crowded schedules during the week, a growing number of children and youth, attempts to keep worship relevant, extensive membership involvement in community volunteer programs: these shape our congregation today.
The prayer used at the first worship service in 1965 is still ours today.
God, make the door of this house we have raised to Thee wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship and a Father’s care; Narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to childish, weak or straying feet; But rugged enough to turn back the Tempter’s power. God, make the doorway of this house the gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom.
Amen