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.
Spring Gathering 2023 Details/Schedule
Spring Gathering: May 5-7, 2023 STEWARDSHIP THEME
Friday – 4:30 – 5:30pm Check in at the side Dining Hall entrance facing the office. At 6pm, enjoy dinner. At 7pm, hear special speaker Dorothy Nyambi, CEO of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). We’ll serve snacks and our interns will offer a separate activity for kids ages 6 and older.
Saturday- After a delicious breakfast at 8:15am, join us for the Laurelville Mission Update in the Meetinghouse at 9:15am. Building owner meetings will be held today. Following lunch at 12:15pm, take part in some programmed options, including service projects, speed-networking-meet-and-greets with Mennonite stewardship organizations (MDS, MMN, Everence, Seed & Soil, and MEDA), and creation care programming. Finish out the day with dinner at 5:15pm, then Walking Roots singer Seth Crissman, creator of the Seed & Soil Project, will lead us in joyful singing around the campfire.
Sunday – After a light breakfast at 8:30am, we will gather for a service at 10:30am with Pastor Leah Rittenhouse providing the message and Seth Crissman leading music. The weekend wraps up with lunch in the Dining Hall at 11:45am. Scottdale Mennonite Church will record the service.
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 Check in at the side Dining Hall entrance facing the office. Enjoy our 6pm dinner and then later, scrumptious snacks and special family-friendly activities.
Saturday – After a delicious breakfast at 8:15am, join us for the Mission Update in the Meetinghouse at 9:15am. Planned activites include a Fundraising Mud Run, A Foam Party on Saturday afternoon, a silent auction, Giant Swing Rides, and more. Our traditional building owner meetings will also happen today.
Sunday – After a light breakfast at 8:30am, we will gather for our worship and hymn sing at 10:30am. The weekend concludes with lunch in the Dining Hall at 11:45am. Scottdale Mennonite Church will record the service.
More information to come soon!
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.