River Corner Mennonite Church

District: New Danville
Location: 524 River Corner Road, Conestoga PA 17516

Date of Founding:
circa 1760
Average Sunday worship attendance: 50

Worship Service:
Sunday School – 9:00 am,
Worship Service – 10:00 am

Pastor: Dave Gochnauer

The River Corner Mennonite Church building is a stone structure nestled in the hills of southern Lancaster County. It was built in 1882 to serve as the meetinghouse for the local Mennonite community. Today, River Corner Mennonite Church continues to meet in the same building, with some structural changes. The name derives from the proximity to the “corner” created by  the junction of the Susquehanna River and the Conestoga River. Historically, the local community referred to the general area as the “River Corner.”

As a congregation, we serve our community in a variety of ways. An annual Senior Citizens Meal occurs each year. This meal has become an anticipated social event for local seniors. A Community Day is held every other year on a Saturday with lots of food, fun, and fellowship. Community Day concludes on Sunday morning with an outdoor worship service. Church members also participate in an after-school Good News Club, for local elementary school students. Community service projects involving the community fire company, ambulance association, police station and swimming pool have been a part of our history. Ice cream socials, along with a family film shown outdoors on the side of the neighboring tobacco barn, have been done. Prayer walks also are done in the community. Our pastor is a member of the Conestoga Pastors’ Consortium, which gives us a connection with other community Churches.

Several years ago we sponsored a refugee family from Burma, and they have been a blessing to us. Their attendance has attracted other Burmese refugees, and on an average Sunday morning approximately one-fourth of our congregation is of Asian origin, which gives us an enriching diversity.

Our vision at River Corner goes beyond the local community of Conestoga. Many of us have volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service. Our work teams have covered the U.S., from California to New York and from North Dakota to Florida. An area that we sense the Spirit directing us to as a congregation is to deepen and strengthen our spiritual relationship with God. To that end, a time of prayer and fasting is scheduled for each month.

The disciples of Jesus at River Corner seek to fulfill our Mission Statement. Our mission is to glorify God as we worship, serve, and share Him. We desire to grow in grace and peace. We are committed to following Jesus. We value each person as a gift to be nurtured, encouraged, and discipled. Shalom!

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