Due to persecution, the Swiss Mennonites who founded Berne, Indiana tearfully left the majesty of the mountains in the mid 1800s in order to relocate their congregation to a safe, albeit flat land. Continuing the pursuit of service to Christ, First Mennonite currently has four commissions which oversee key components of ministry. With a focus on worship, care, witness, and discipleship, all members and attendees have an opportunity to continue the faith heritage. 

Our Sunday morning services find us singing through a blend of time-tested hymns and contemporary choruses. Various choirs and congregational singing are accompanied by a magnificent pipe organ or a multi-generational worship band.

By partnering with the MCC meat canner, the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, a local thriving Et Cetera Ecke shop, and special projects, we offer the love of Jesus to those who are struggling overseas while our Peace and Service Committee strives to meet the pressing needs of local people. 

Outreach to others occurs through our seasonal farmers market, which includes a prayer tent for shoppers. Additionally, every other year we transform the gymnasium into the bustling town of Bethlehem—reminding the community of the promised Messiah. Mostly identified as a missions supporting church, we also raise funds each fall through our week-long Missions Festival to financially sustain workers who are witnessing here and abroad. 

With thriving small groups, studious Sunday school classes, and Wednesday night programming, growing in the knowledge of God’s word continues to be a focal point of our congregation. We take this so seriously that First Mennonite launched Renew Publishing, an Evangelical Anabaptist adult Sunday school curriculum, to share with other like-minded congregations.

With many more ministries worthy of mentioning, there’s a place for everyone seeking to serve the Lord in our congregation. May we continue to glorify Christ through all generations.