Sitting on the ridge, with a view to both Pequea Valley and the ELANCO area, Ridgeview Mennonite Church has been a beacon for the Anabaptist faith since 1963. In late August, the church called a new pastor. Katelyn Robbins, who lives in the Hempfield School District, began preaching and overseeing the small but active congregation situated on the hilltop.

"I grew up at Neffsville Mennonite Church, and that has been my spiritual home," said Robbins, who graduated from Hempfield High School before attending Penn State University in University Park. Robbins earned degrees in both history and English, completing a five-year program to obtain her master's degree in English in 2021. When she started college, Robbins planned to become a professor, but she was not sure the halls of academia were the right place for her. While matriculating at Penn State, Robbins had become involved with the ministry of a local church. "(Working with that church) really gave me a lot of life," recalled Robbins. "It gave me a lot of purpose." Robbins realized she could utilize her skills and love of reading, writing, and history with work in a community. Acting on that epiphany, she attended seminary at Boston University School of Theology in Boston. "(The seminary) is historically Methodist, but there were people there from lots of denominations, which is something I was looking for," said Robbins.

As she approached graduation in the spring of 2024, Robbins knew that she wanted to stay true to her Mennonite roots, so she contacted Mennonite Church USA. "I reached out to them and got into the system," said Robbins, who soon learned Ridgeview was looking for a pastor. She interviewed with the Ridgeview search committee twice before taking part in a "candidating" weekend where she enjoyed a fellowship meal with members of the congregation and preached a sermon.

Robbins was attracted to the church's willingness to nurture a new pastor. "It's a congregation that does have a lot of people who have worked in ministry," said Robbins, who was also attracted to the church's appreciation for marking life events. "There was a lot of overlap in needs for the ritual acknowledgement of transition, which is something I feel passionate about," said Robbins, who referred to "moments of change and transition, including retirement, graduations, and funerals." "For me, that's a big part of the life of the church," she said. Robbins added that search committee members showed enthusiasm about Ridgeview being a place where differing opinions can thrive side by side. "I look for that because we live in a polarized time," reflected Robbins, who noted that being a place where people can come together to worship and talk together and be OK with holding different views is important.

Ridgeview regularly holds Tuesday Alive programs for area residents who are 55 and older. The gatherings involve lunch and other activities. The church also runs Lifeways Food Pack Program, which provides food and other necessities for students in the Pequea Valley School District. Robbins said the church is also interested in her input on a community event that would engage younger families.

Currently, Ridgeview, located at 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, holds Sunday school for people of all ages at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. Robbins said she is especially looking forward to preaching during Advent, and she is planning a series with a lot of art involved, beginning in December. "It should be visually engaging. I hope we can get a little creative," said Robbins.

More information about the church may be found by visiting https://ridgeviewmennonite.net or searching for "Ridgeview Mennonite Church" on Facebook.