Local and International Ties

Church Structure

First Mennonite Church is an incorporated congregation directed by an elected church council with regular congregational meetings.

Conference and International Affilia­tions

First Mennonite Church is a member of the Mennonite Church USA and the Central District Conference, which covers the Great Lakes area. MCUSA is a participat­ing body in the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a world­wide relief and service agency representing the Men­nonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America . MCC seeks to demonstrate God’s love through committed women and men who work among people suffering from pov­erty, conflict, and natural disasters. MCC serves as a channel of interchange between churches and community groups, striving for peace, justice, and the dignity of all people.

Bluffton Ministerial Association

First Mennonite Church is one of several congregations in the Bluffton area whose pastors participate regularly in the Bluffton Ministerial Association.

Sister Church

First Mennonite Church has developed a relationship with Colonia Lopez Menonita in San Pedro Sula , Honduras .

Mennonite World Conference

More than half of the Mennonites in the world live outside of Europe and the United States and Canada . First Mennonite Church helps to maintain this world-wide fellowship by sending delegates every six years to a Mennonite World Conference. The 2009 Mennonite World Conference is being held in Paraguay .

First Mennonite Church provides financial and volunteer support for the following organizations:

Bluffton University – A four-year liberal arts college affil­i­ated with the Central and Eastern districts of the  Mennonite Church USA.

Camp Friedenswald – A Mennonite organization provid­ing camping and retreat experiences for all ages at this facility located near Cassopolis , Michigan .

Churchpeople For Change and Reconciliation – A Chris­tian organization in Lima focused on social justice con­cerns.

Community Assistance Program – A local food pantry that provides emergency assistance.

Et Cetera Shop and Ten Thousand Villages Store– A store that sells hand-crafted articles to provide income for world-wide artists.  In addition, a thrift shop provides an opportunity to recycle.

Fellowship of Reconciliation – An informal organization that meets to discuss peace and social justice issues.

Habitat for Humanity – Bluffton College and Lima area chapters assist low-income persons to attain safe, affordable housing.

Interchurch Board – An organization of lay members and clergy of local churches which assesses needs, aids and supports local community service projects.

Mennonite Central Committee – an inter-Mennonite, international relief and service agency.

Mennonite Disaster Service – Organizes emergency assistance, along with the wider Mennonite church, in times of disaster.

Mennonite Memorial Home – A residential care facility for the elderly; First Mennonite Church is one of the five sponsoring congregations.

Vacation Bible School – An interchurch annual summer program for children K–6.

Other Community Involvement – Our church facilities are used for many community programs, including Week­day Christian Education.