Good Morning Baren_
I'm actually Mennonite Brethren, yet another "branch" of the Mennonites.
Yes , I am very "normal" as I was not raised Mennonite...but Nazarene. My husband and I changed to Mennonite Brethren because beliefs are closer to what we believe as apposed to the Nazarenes. Anyway, we have friends in all areas of the Mennonites. It just depends on what "branch" of Mennonites... Amish of course are the strictest in dress, and association with non-mennonite. I prefer to say just Mennonite rather than break it down to Mennonite Brethren, Old order Mennonite, Progressive Mennonite....you get the picture... it would get confusing for some.
I'm not sure if I answered you question...I think that the more conservative Mennonite groups are in separate communities but the still venture out into the "world"

yeah, that's great, thanks!
I had to go google 'nazarene' as I had never heard of it at all!
I'm not religeous at all, but I do find it interesting!

I agree, this IS interesting. i didn't realize there were so many different "parts" of the Mennonite church. Many years ago, in his search for the "right" church, my ex-husband and I went to the Mennonite Brethren Church and I found the people to be the nicest I've ever run across. I cherish my memories of that church.

Mennonites were the original and the Amish Old Order broke off and went their separate ways. But they do exist in the same communities mostly.

Thank you for explaining this :D:D:D