First nation congregation sees church as a community resource

Cross Lake, Man.

Cross Lake, a first nation community 100 kilometres from the northern shore of Lake Winnipeg, has historic connections to Mennonite Church Manitoba and Mennonite Church Canada. The roots of the relationship go back to the mid-1950s, when the congregation erected its current church building.

The congregation is relatively autonomous, with local leadership and clearly articulated goals and dreams for its community. Formerly known as "Elim," this congregation recently became a chartered church and required a name. Under its new name, "Living Word Church," this congregation is seeking to make some of its visions for this community come true.

The …