Our History

Pastors of the churches of the Leola area have met together regularly as the Leola Ministerium for over 35 years. Today this monthly meeting provides a time for fellowship, for mutual support and for discussion as we work together to address the spiritual and physical needs of the Leola area.

Current members of the Leola Ministerium include:

• Breakout Ministries
• Carpenter's Mennonite Church
• Conestoga Church of the Brethren
• Forest Hills Mennonite Church
• Groffdale Mennonite Church
• Leola United Methodist Church
• Renacer Iglesia Cristiana
• Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers
• Stumptown Mennonite Church
• Worship Center
• Zion Lutheran Church

Regular Activities

Some of the planned activities of the Ministerium include

• the annual Lenten breakfasts – held on each Wednesday of Lent at one of the supporting churches. We believe that these started in the mid-1960s.
• the annual Community Good Friday Service. Our records indicate that the first Community Good Friday Service was held in 1966. Churches that participated then were Zion Lutheran, Conestoga Church of the Brethren, Salem-Hellers United Church of Christ, and Leola United Methodist. Forest Hills joined the rotation in 1988.
• the annual Community Thanksgiving Service.

Additional Service Ministries

Additional service ministries have been added through the years as needs were seen and addressed. These include

• The Community Food Bank – this was started in 1986 and is currently housed at Forest Hills Mennonite Church 100 Quarry Road, Leola, PA
• The Open Door Youth Center – this was started in 1988. While it continues to be strongly supported by the churches of Leola, it is now an independent organization. It is currently located at 6 Keystone Court, Leola.
• The Corner of Hope Clothing Bank - This was started in 2001 by interested persons from Zion Lutheran Church. It is currently located at the rear basement of 54 West Main Street, Leola, PA.
• Conestoga Valley High School Baccalaureate Service – The Ministerium assisted in planning / hosting this for several years.
• 5th Quarter – This was an event that lasted approximately 4 years. (2000-2004). It provided a safe place for students to meet after the home football games.
• The Homes of Hope – This started in 2004 when a local builder saw a need for affordable housing. He approached the Ministerium. Under the umbrella of Love, Inc and in cooperation with Tabor we now offer 90-day emergency transitional housing.
• Auxiliary funding to support the work of the Conestoga Valley School District's Social Worker.