Since December 2024 the Roots & Rising Storytelling Project focused on laying a strong foundation by establishing its core team and artist team, while also generating interest and curiosity among congregational members across the English, Cantonese, and Mandarin ministries.
On March 9, 2025, the Roots & Rising team held a congregation-wide gathering to introduce the project in more detail. As part of the session, attendees engaged in a “Question Generation” activity using the prompts who, what, where, when, why, and how. This activity yielded over 75 thoughtful questions. Key themes that emerged included: the church’s origins, members’ initial encounters with the church, understanding of Mennonite theology and denomination, discipleship formation, church direction, service and leadership, fellowship and community life, commitment, and the significance of storytelling. These questions will guide upcoming individual and group interviews with congregational members.