100th Anniversary

Saturday October 3

1:00 PM Tour of Historic Sites
Join us for a scenic bus tour through the beautiful Cocalico Valley as we visit places that hold special historical significance to Blainsport Mennonite Church. We’ll enjoy a comfortable ride on a motor coach while learning more about our church’s history and the places that have shaped our story. Aaron Groff will serve as our tour guide, sharing stories and insights along the way.
Reserve your seat by contacting Grace Sensenig at 717-278-8459 or [email protected]

3:00 PM Fall Festival
For many years, Blainsport has enjoyed gathering together for a Fall Festival. While the celebration has looked a little different over the years, the heart of it has remained the same, enjoying good times together with our community.
This year, we’re bringing the Fall Festival back! Come enjoy the beautiful fall weather, catch up with friends and neighbors, and make some new memories together. There will be plenty of fun activities for children, making this a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy an afternoon together.

5:00 PM Fall Festival PicnicAs we enjoy the Fall Festival and welcome those returning from the Historic Tour, we’ll gather together for a picnic meal. Take a seat around the tables under the tent, catch up with friends, and continue the conversations as we share a meal and make new memories together.
Or, step outside and take in the beauty of the evening as the setting sun lights up the fall colors across the valley. It’s a simple and special way to enjoy one another and celebrate the memories we’ve shared through the years.

6:30 PM Hymn Sing
After the picnic, we’ll transform the tent into a place of worship as we gather together for an evening of hymn singing. All ages are invited to join us as we sing the familiar hymns of our faith and lift our voices in praise to the Lord.
The Weaver family will also share some special bluegrass-style gospel music with us as we bring this good and full day to a close.
As the sun goes down and the fall evening cools, be sure to bring a jacket and come prepared to enjoy a wonderful evening of worship, music, and fellowship together.

Sunday Morning October 4

9:00 AM Reflections from Our Past
Join us Sunday morning as we gather to worship, remember, and celebrate. Several people will share stories and memories of Blainsport’s early days, giving us a glimpse into the people and experiences that helped shape our church.
We’ll also celebrate completing our 100 Acts of Service, highlighting the many ways Blainsport members served our local community and reached around the world throughout our 100th year.
Come join us as we look back with gratitude, celebrate what God has done, and look forward with hope to what He has yet to do.

10:00 Homecoming Service
This will be our focused time of worship and celebration as we gather to remember how God brought Blainsport Mennonite Church into being and has faithfully led us throughout the past 100 years.
We are pleased to welcome several special guests who represent organizations that played an important role in helping Blainsport get started as a mission post and eventually become the church we know today.
Bishop Keith Blank will share about the Lancaster Mennonite Conference’s connection to the beginnings of Blainsport. Keith serves on the Executive Bishop Team for LMC and as bishop for the Landisville-Manor District.
Keith grew up in Mexico, where his parents served for 12 years as pioneer missionaries among an indigenous people group. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University and Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Keith and his wife, Brenda, have been married for more than 38 years. His passion is helping the church grow in discipleship and mission and equipping leaders to discover and faithfully use their God-given gifts and calling.

Marvin Lorenzana will help us understand how Blainsport began as a mission station in 1926 and how the Eastern Board of Missions and Charities, now Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), helped give birth to Blainsport Mennonite Church.
Marvin serves as President of EMM and is committed to helping carry out EMM’s vision to cross cultures, engage the world, and multiply disciples of Jesus. His leadership focuses on helping catalyze movements that multiply disciples around the world, with particular attention to people and communities who have had little opportunity to hear the gospel.
As we listen to these stories, we will be reminded that Blainsport’s story is part of a much larger story of God’s work through His people. We look back with gratitude for those who helped plant the seeds of faith in the Cocalico Valley and celebrate God’s faithfulness through the generations.

Pastor Eric Marshall will cast a vision for the future of Blainsport Mennonite Church, building on the solid foundation God has established through 100 years of ministry. Together, we’ll consider the unique opportunities the Lord is giving us today and look ahead to what He may have in store for the years to come. As we move forward, we’ll be reminded of the importance of staying in step with the Holy Spirit and faithfully following His leading for our church.

Sunday Afternoon October 4

11:30 AM Lunch and Church History Display Tables
Following our morning worship gathering, be sure to stay for a delicious lunch catered by Cocalico Coffee Crafters. We’ll have plenty of seating in the church fellowship hall, as well as some outdoor seating under the tent for those who would like to enjoy the beautiful fall day.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy catching up with friends and making new memories around the tables. And be sure to visit the library, where historical items and artifacts from Blainsport’s past will be on display throughout the room. You can also check out the new History Wall in the hallway outside the library, tracing 100 years of Blainsport Mennonite Church’s history and highlighting some of the people, places, and events that have shaped our story.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meal together, reconnect with one another, and remember the people and stories that have helped shape our church over the past 100 years.
To reserve your place at the lunch, contact Grace Sensenig at 717-278-8459 or [email protected]

1:00 PM Cemetery Tour
One last stop before you go! We’ll take a walk through the church cemetery as we remember and celebrate the lives of those who helped shape Blainsport Mennonite Church over the years. Grace Sensenig will lead us on a special journey of remembrance, hearing first-hand stories from loved ones and helping us thoughtfully honor those who have gone before us. It will be a meaningful opportunity to remember their lives, honor their legacy, and give thanks for the part they played in our church’s story.