Nestled on nearly 20 acres in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Paoli Mennonite Fellowship is surrounded by God’s beautiful creation. Approximately 17 acres are wooded, with winding paths that lead to peaceful places for worship, reflection, and exploration. Two acres are home to our orchard, where fruit trees remind us of the gifts of the land and our calling to care for creation.
We invite you to come and walk with us.
Our sanctuary is filled with natural light and surrounded by views of the woods through large windows, reminding us of God’s presence in creation. High ceilings create an open, welcoming space where people gather to worship, pray, learn, and celebrate together.
The sanctuary is also designed to be flexible. The chairs can be rearranged or removed completely, allowing the room to become a space for fellowship meals, community events, and even to play volleyball. For us, worship doesn’t end when the service is over. This room reflects our belief that faith is lived in community—in worship, play, conversation, and shared experiences.
A short walk down a mulched woodland path leads to one of our favorite places to worship. Surrounded by towering trees and seated on split cedar log benches, we gather to pray, sing, reflect, and celebrate God’s presence in creation.
This space reminds us that church is not confined to four walls. The beauty of the natural world becomes part of our worship, inviting us to slow down, listen, and reconnect with God and one another. Transportation by side-by-side vehicle is available for anyone who would prefer not to make the walk.
A quiet walk along a mulched woodland path leads to our memorial wall, where large native boulders bear the names of members of our congregation who have gone before us. This peaceful place invites reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.
The memorial wall reminds us that we are part of a story much larger than ourselves. We give thanks for the lives, faith, and love of those who helped shape our congregation, and we remember that their legacy continues to live on in our community.
The woods surrounding PMF are more than a beautiful backdrop—they are part of our life together. Woodland paths invite quiet walks, children explore among the trees, and our outdoor worship area offers a place to encounter God in creation.
Each spring, we tap our maple trees, collect it, and members of the local Amish community help boil the sap into delicious maple syrup. This seasonal tradition reminds us of the gifts of creation and the joy of working together. We then sell the syrup and funds raised is donated to Growing Hope Globally.
Our orchard is a place of beauty, abundance, and hope. A mowed path winds among apple, pear, peach, persimmon, and walnut trees, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the gifts of creation.
The entrance is marked by a handcrafted sign that reads:
“A community flourishes when the old plant trees underneath whose shade they shall never sit.”
These words reflect our hope to care for the earth and invest in future generations. Whether harvesting fruit, taking a quiet walk, or simply enjoying the changing seasons, the orchard reminds us that faith often grows through patient care and generosity.
Children (and adults) are encouraged to play, explore, and experience the outdoors at PMF. Along with a playground and basketball goal, our grounds offer countless opportunities for adventure. Kids can follow woodland paths, climb trees, balance on rocks in the dry creek bed, and discover the wonders of nature.
These spaces encourage curiosity, imagination, and joyful play while helping children develop a love for creation and a sense of belonging within our church family.