In 1943, a group of Mennonite households came together to purchase the sacred space we fondly call Laurelville. This founding group called “The Association” remains as the heart and soul of our organization. It has grown into a network of hundreds of key stakeholders from all faith backgrounds who love Laurelville and play a vital role in supporting and growing our mission and ministry. Each year, Laurelville hosts two gatherings — in the Spring and in the Fall — for Association members and prospective members (learn more about membership below) to come together for worship, fellowship, volunteer projects, and more.
Fall Gathering 2023 - 80th Anniversary Details/Schedule
Fall Gathering: Oct. 20-22, 2023
Help us celebrate Laurelville’s 80th Anniversary!
FRIDAY – 4:30 – 5:30pm Register and enjoy light appetizers in the SMALL DINING HALL (entrance facing the office). We dine at 6pm. At 7pm in the Shenandoah, 3-5 members of the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center provide an intergenerational American Indian Dance Performance. At 8:15pm, visit the Ten Thousand Villages store and the Silent Auction in the Meetinghouse.
SATURDAY – After a delicious breakfast at 8:15am, head to the Meetinghouse to shop the Ten Thousand Villages store and Silent Auction until the Mission Update begins at 9:15am. At 10:30am, we’ll assemble for a group Association photo, and then welcome the community in the Youth Village for activities from 11am to 1 pm, including lunch, a foam party, mud games, Marie’s Exotic Reptile Encounter, the MDS storm van, Caricaturist Andy Balko, corn hole, and more!
Our traditional building owner meetings will also happen today, as well as a tree planting, a 2:30pm creation care talk on monarch butterflies, and from 2:30-4pm, those 12 and older can brave the giant tree swing and the tree climber, parents must accompany participants under 18. There’s another chance to visit the Ten Thousand Villages Store and Silent Auction from 4-5:15pm. Our 5:15pm dinner theme is “Dress for the (19)80s”! At 6:30pm, Honeytown Band will perform in the Shenandoah and we’ve invited the community to the concert.
SUNDAY – After the 8:15am breakfast, we will gather at the Meetinghouse for an old time hymn sing led by Benjamin Bergey at 10:30am. Reid Carpenter and Brad Henderson of Pittsburgh Kids Foundation will deliver a recorded video message, “PKF and Laurelville celebrate 60 years.” The weekend concludes with lunch in the Dining Hall at 11:45am. We’re blessed to have past camp-counselors join us this weekend in the Lodge for a reunion.
rev 8-28-23
Spring Gathering 2024 Details/Schedule
FAQs
How do I join Laurelville’s Association?
Joining our Association is an exciting way you can partner with us and make a difference in the lives of the countless people Laurelville touches.
There are two basic levels of membership in the LMCC Association:
- Lifetime Membership
$750.00, a one-time contribution - Annual Membership
$100 or 10 hours voluntary service per year
If you are interested in becoming an Association member, join us as a guest at an Association Gathering (details above). If you have any questions, we’re happy to discuss membership with you! Reach out to us at info@laurelville.org or 724.423.2056.
What is involved in membership?
Membership grants you eligibility to vote at Association meetings and free room, board, and activities at both spring and fall gatherings for your household. Whichever level you choose, we are grateful for your pledged support and willingness to partner with us in ministry.
In addition to initial membership fees, we invite our Association members to consider contributing to Laurelville’s Annual Fund to make our ministry viable and our services affordable.
Is it really free to attend Gathering?
Yes, registration for Association weekends is provided at no cost to friends of Laurelville joining us for the celebration, Laurelville Association members, and those considering joining the Association. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support, both financially and through prayer and volunteer work. Many attendees typically make a monetary donation during their stay, but you are not required to do so. To support us with a financial gift, make an online donation or send us a check.