Timber Lodge officially opened with joyful celebration

Waldheim, Sask.

About 500 people from across Saskatchewan came together at Shekinah Retreat Centre to celebrate, worship and play on June 1-2. The occasion was the grand opening of Timber Lodge, as well as Skekinah's fifth annual bike-a-thon.

"It was a huge success," said Carl Wiens, administrator at Shekinah and Timber Lodge project manager. "There was an incredible spirit of community and camaraderie here that weekend."

Sandwiched between the celebratory banquet on Friday evening and the opening ceremony on Saturday was the most successful bike-a-thon ever! Close to 200 riders participated, the majority completing the 71 km route from north of Saskatoon to Shekinah. All ages participate.

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"It has developed into a true community and family event," said Wiens.

One of the major fundraisers of the Shekinah board, the bike-a-thon raised approximately $35,000 this year. Each year the number of bikers and the amount raised has increased.

Construction on the Timber Lodge, supported by the Conference of Mennonites of Saskatchewan, began two years ago, but plans for a conference meeting place had been in the works for many years. Rudy Froese, provincial conference minister, has been involved in many of those plans and is proud of the final result.

"It is a very unique building," said Froese. "It is a valuable asset to our conference."

The dedication service involved Froese; Anna Rehan, conference youth minister; Wendy Harder, young adult minister; and Armin Krahn, moderator. The ceremony included the installation of a bell on the outside of the building, a gift from the conference.

"It seemed a suitable gift," said Froese. "It is a symbol meant to call people to worship, to relate, to visit." The bell was crafted by Stu Jantz of Drake.

At the conclusion of the service, participants moved outside and joined hands in a large circle, surrounding the building. Following silent prayer, the bell sounded, calling the congregation to a final song of blessing, led by Duff Warkentin.