Editor appointed for the MB Herald

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Kalmar as editor of the MB Herald, effective September 2005. Kalmar fills the vacancy left by Susan Brandt’s upcoming retirement.

Most recently Kalmar served as associate pastor in children’s ministry at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. For the past five years, she has provided oversight for the children’s programs, leading teams of volunteers, writing and developing curriculum, as well as planning and leading worship services and preaching during Sunday worship services.

Kalmar also served as chair of the Board of Discipleship Ministries and most recently has been serving on the Executive Board of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. She is known as an excellent communicator, both orally and in writing. Her writing includes articles for the MB Herald and Direction, and curriculum for Kindred Productions. She has a BA from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C. and an MDiv from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif.

Kalmar brings a passion for the church to her new role. “I find myself strongly influenced by the Anabaptist distinctives central to the Mennonite Brethren faith,” she says. “The church is to be a herald of God’s kingdom, displaying a visible counterculture and seeking to transform the world through Christ’s love, wisdom, justice and salvation. . . . I feel called to help people navigate their lives as Christians, to become growing disciples, and to develop a deep, life-giving relationship with Jesus!”

The MB Herald serves the MB Conference by sharing the life and story of the church, nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection, teaching and equipping for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values and heritage, and by sharing the Good News. The MB Herald enables communication by serving Conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world.

—Cam Rowland, Discipleship Ministries