history

A Brief History

Mountain Community Mennonite Church (MCMC) had its beginnings in 1977when a group of people began gathering regularly in homes for common worship, spiritual study and fellowship. Most of this group had been or were currently employed at Frontier Boys Village, then located 5 miles north of Palmer Lake. Over the next year and a half, several families and individuals moved from the community and FBV closed its doors. The house church disbanded.

In 1981, interest in a church was rekindled as more Mennonites moved out of urban Colorado Springs and Denver to northern El Paso County and southern Douglas County. Thirty-two individuals began meeting to explore interest and commitment to beginning a new church in the Tri-Lakes area. Most of the people were currently attending Beth-el Mennonite in Colorado Springs. Others were not attending anywhere. Both Rocky Mountain Conference and Western District Conference leaders provided consultation and support.

When commitment was evident June 4, 1982, the group began meeting for planning meetings, and regular worship October 3, 1982. We developed a Statement of Faith, By-Laws and the current administrative structure.

MCMC met for worship at Palmer Lake Town Hall, soon moving into the gym at Palmer Lake Elementary School. When the school district decided to remodel PLES, MCMC was forced to move again. This time MCMC moved to the Chapel at Pine Crest where we remained until we finished our own building in 1987. The meetinghouse is of informal design with a multi-use sanctuary. The congregation is used to a large group of children contributing to an informal worship atmosphere.

Tim Detweiler served as the first pastor 3/4 time for the first several years then later full time. Tim served MCMC until mid 1990. Roger Richer began his ministry at MCMC December of 1992, installed formally January17, 1993. Roger served until May 31, 1996. Don and Jan Rheinheimer became co-pastors beginning January 1, 1997.  In 2008 Melissa Roth became the pastor.  In 2012 Paul Johnson began serving as the current pastor.

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