About Us
Our Purpose
Sterling Mennonite Fellowship exists to be a Christ-centered body in our community of St. Vital, Winnipeg. We seek to study and obey the Word of God while being and making Disciples of Christ. We express our faithfulness to God by:
worshiping together
supporting each other in fellowship
engaging in outreach and service to those in need spiritually and physically
We are a family that loves to welcome new people into our fellowship. Come join us! We would love to get to know you.
Our Beliefs
We recognize that we are diverse individuals with unique perspectives, united by our faith in Jesus Christ. We are a part of the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition that worships God as our Father and Creator, is centred around the saving life of Jesus, and looks to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We believe that we are all in need of forgiveness and that no one is too far away from God's love.
As a community of faith, we practice believer's baptism, celebrating the Lord's supper, and pursuing lives of love and peace. We strive to take seriously the teachings of Jesus who taught us to live in a counter-cultural way. We are committed to community by supporting each other and being vulnerable with one another. All have a place in the church as all have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit.
To read our full Sterling Confession of Faith, click here.
To read the Confession of Faith from a Mennonite Perspective, click here.
Our Staff
ASSOCIATE pastor
Kennedy Froese
Kennedy is the part-time associate pastor here at Sterling. She grew up in rural Manitoba attending Elm Creek Mennonite Brethren where she was affirmed in her gifting and passion for church ministry. Post-graduation, she went to His Hill Bible School in Texas where she developed a love for studying and reading scripture. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Canadian Mennonite University. Kennedy is an extrovert who fills her time with people, but she also enjoys reading, gardening, and listening to as many podcasts as possible. You can email Kennedy at kennedy@sterlingmennonite.ca.
Administrative Assistant
Andrea De Avila
Originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Andrea did her university studies in the United States. In 2016, she moved to Winnipeg where she worked as a pastor at a Mennonite church and was ordained. During that time, she went back to school and in 2019 graduated from Canadian Mennonite University with a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies. Andrea loves travelling with her service dog and is also in the process of training her next furry companion. She loves to do volunteer work and has been involved with organizations such as Community Peacemaker Teams, Mennonite Central Committee; and currently served on Quaker United Nations Committee - New York, and with Friends World Committee for Consultation - Section of the Americas.
You can email Andrea at admin@sterlingmennonite.ca.
Our Story
In the 1940's, Winnipeg saw an influx of Mennonites who came into the city to serve under Selective Service (as an alternative to taking up arms). After the war, some of these families and couples stayed and worked in the city, living in the St. Vital Area. They gathered in homes for Bible study, worship and Sunday School. In the early 1950's, this group rented a community centre to meet in and, by the mid 1950's built their first church building on Sterling Ave. This was an exciting time of growth and activity, including Sunday School, Family Bible Studies, and DVBS summer camps. On November 23, 1958, Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church was officially organized with 18 members and 14 associate members (later renamed Sterling Mennonite Fellowship).
Sterling built its second church building in 1969 on Marvan Place (where the McDonald's is now beside St. Vital Mall), and its third building on Dakota Street in 1981, where we still meet today. The theme used for the church dedication service was taken from I Peter 2:4-5: We are living stones. Each of us with our gifts and abilities, is an important part of the Church, built up around the cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Sterling has experienced many seasons of life during these years. Membership has fluctuated, but always, due to the commitment of Sterling members, the decision was made to carry on. Community activities have always been important to this church, including VBS summer camps, youth groups, church picnics, and outreach ministries. Sterling has always tried to live out what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus in our time, in our community.
Former pastors of Sterling in recent history include: Terry Goertzen (2008-14), John Wiebe (2001-07), Norm Voth (1988-2000), Erwin Wiebe (1984-86), Garry Martens (1979-84), and Gary Loewen (1977-79). During the 1990's, several associate pastors served, including Carl Schartner, Doug Klassen, and Terry Dueck.
Our Connections
Sterling Mennonite Fellowship is part of the family of Mennonite Church Manitoba and Mennonite Church Canada. We are connected to the world-wide Mennonite church through Mennonite World Conference. Through these organizations, we are engaged in Christian formation, resource development, camping ministry, Indigenous relations, and International Witness. We love being a part of such a diverse and beautiful family!
Connected Organizations: