When the Central Mennonite Brethren Church (Winnipeg) closed in 1995, many of its members scattered to other churches. Others decided to form a new congregation. It was called the New Hope Community Church, and was envisioned as a church-plant in nearby Bird's Hill. The church began with 38 charter members, and met in rented facilities. In 1997, pastor Victor Neufeld resigned, and the congregation began to reconsider whether it had the numbers, finances, and energy to continue the church planting effort. The problems were many: the old Central M.B. Church building had not been sold, young families were transferring to churches with more established children's programming, the congregation failed to attract new members, financial assistance was needed from the Manitoba Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, and now they needed a new pastor. In light of these difficulties, the congregation decided to close its doors, this, despite the fact that its members felt very positively about the worship services they had held together. The leaders of the congregation were Walter Thiessen (1995-1997) and Victor Neufeld (1995-1997). Sources: Epp, Marlene. "Winnipeg Central Mennonite Brethren Church (Winnipeg, MB)-Bib." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. February 1989. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 16 June 2006 (http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/W571-Bib.html); and "Congregational meeting minutes. â€" 1995-1997," New Hope Community Church fonds, volume 534:3 (see below).