Before the Revolutionary War, when the United States had not yet formed, a small church began in Elizabethtown. The earliest members met in homes, and the first deed was delivered to the church in 1775. Now, 250 years later, Rissers Mennonite Church will mark its milestone anniversary with a celebration on Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15.

"God has been faithful in sustaining the church all these years, and we celebrate His goodness," said Arlene Heistand, a member of the celebration planning committee. "Families have come and gone over the years, but the congregation is still here, vibrant and alive, and continues to love and serve God."

The celebration will take place at the church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown. The weekend will kick off with a bus tour of local historical sites, with stories and facts along the way presented by Lloyd M. Weiler, director of Muddy Run Library, a Mennonite research library and archives located in Ephrata. The bus tour is sold out, but people are invited to a light meal after the tour, as well as an opportunity to enjoy fellowship and view displays of photos and artifacts. The meal will be served at 5 p.m. on June 14, and it will be followed by the first session of the weekend.

"Each session will have special music, and a family who was involved at Rissers will be highlighted," Arlene explained. Session one will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and will feature song leader Merle Ressler with special music by German singers.

Steven M. Nolt will be the speaker for the first session. He is a professor of history at Elizabethtown College and senior scholar at the college's Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. He is the author or co-author of 15 books on Mennonite, Amish and Pennsylvania German history. He will speak on "Lillian Risser, the Pennsylvania Garb Law and the Free Exercise of Anabaptist Religion 1908-1910."

On June 15, Sunday school classes for children and adults will be held at 9 a.m., followed by piano prelude music at 9:50 a.m. and session two, featuring music by song leaders Brad and Mary Barrows at 10 a.m. The speakers for session two will be Daryl Heistand, pastor of Rissers Mennonite Church, and Lloyd Weiler. They will discuss "1525-1775 - 250 Years of Stories Leading Up to Rissers Mennonite Church." A fellowship meal at the church will follow the session and will be served at noon.

At 7 p.m. on Sunday, session three will feature song leader James Zimmerman and special music by his family. Lloyd Weiler will speak on "1775-2025 - 250 Years of Stories From Rissers Mennonite Church."

"People should come to all three sessions as there will be new info presented at each one," Arlene shared.

Linda Umbrell, a member of the planning committee, published a book about the Risser family and the church. She traced her family's history back to the 1680s and noted that remembering the past is important for informing the future.

"The present makes sense only through the eyes of the past," she said. "Our ancestors gave of themselves to further the cause of humanity. We should honor those who came before us for their vision, courage and dedication."

Daryl emphasized the 250th anniversary celebration provides a way to learn more about the church and the community's history.

"There will be lots of stories as well as the opportunity to dialogue with others regarding the past, present and future God has for us," he said. "Rissers exists to worship and give glory to God by loving God and loving others. Our desire is to show that in everything we do, including this 250th celebration. We'd love to see you there."