Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
PROVO — Provo may not seem like an obvious spot for a Mennonite congregation. Most Mennonites choose to settle in farming communities, said Rick Mast, who moved to Provo in 2017.
"Our Mennonite community is not standard. It's not normal that we chose to come to the city," Mast said.
But for Mennonites, a group of Anabaptist Christians who trace back to Reformation-era Europe, missionary work is important — and bigger cities offer more opportunities to talk about faith.
"Instead of choosing a community … because I want to homestead or farm, my mission would be people," Mast said.
In 2012, a small group of Mennonites came to Provo to establish the Living Water Mennonite Church and Christian Ministry on Lakeshore Drive. Since then, they've found some unique ways to be involved in the community.
It started with church members selling doughnuts at Provo's annual Freedom Festival and farmers market. The doughnut booths were fundraising tools, but positive community feedback prompted members to think a little more about the possibility of a brick-and-mortar cafe.
"We did well (with doughnuts) … it's something that sells, … and I feel like Utah kind of has a sweet tooth," Mast said.
The dream became a reality — Lighthouse Donut, Coffee and Dessert Co. just celebrated two years in June. The cafe, which has hundreds of five-star Google reviews, sells the Mennonite congregation's signature doughnuts and coffee and has expanded to full breakfast and lunch menus.
Faith is a big reason for us being here. Our goal would be that we be like Jesus.
– Rick Mast
The cafe is peaceful. Light instrumental music plays over speakers, and sometimes an employee will sit down at the black stand-up piano to play a song or two. Patrons tend to linger in the generous wooden booths even after their breakfast is gone.
The cafe employs a handful of church members. When things get short-staffed, some congregation members with food handlers permits volunteer in the eatery.
"In that sense, it's been a church project," Mast said. The cafe helps local Mennonites build relationships in the community — which is the most effective way to share their faith, he said.
"More city churches are doing more of this kind of thing, wanting to get into the community, be involved and make a contribution," he said. "We just want to create a healthy space for people to dialogue and talk about faith."
Provo Mennonites model this within their own congregation. Sunday services usually see several dozen attendees, mostly families who moved to the Wasatch Front from out of state. Some Utahns have joined the congregation in the 12 years it's been in Provo.
Following the church service, members share a meal together — and visitors are always welcome.
"Faith is a big reason for us being here," Mast said. "Our goal would be that we be like Jesus."
