London, Ont.
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In June, Enos and Doris Kipfer completed 15 years of pastoral leadership with the Agape Fellowship House Churches here. Their first worship service was at the Rotholme Women's Shelter in 1988. In 1990, both Enos and Doris were licensed by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.
They shared a full-time job. Enos was also on call as a volunteer chaplain at the Men's Mission (Mission Services of London). Doris had another part-time job.
In one of their last services, Enos recalled the change and growth over the years, and peoples' eager contributions to worship. He affirmed the group's ready acceptance of newcomers. He said it was a challenge to find sermon material relevant to the needs of people from the inner city.
Doris appreciated the way people put their trust in her. She saw people who faced significant mental health issues taking risks and trying new things. Over the years she accepted the fact that she could not meet everyone's needs--she needed to know when to help and when to back off.
The Kipfers' sense of humour was evident as they reflected on their shared ministry.
Enos said, "We had fun...I'd do it again." They have enlarged the original vision of Agape Fellowship, a vision that welcomes marginalized people as well as more traditional church members.
There was a great farewell party following worship on May 25. Ruth Johnston is the new interim pastor.
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