|
On May 27, Lakeview Bible Church, Lethbridge, Alta. held a commissioning service for new pastor Nigel Wheeler. Previously from Toronto, Nigel began ministry at the church in February. He is married to Janice and they have five children, Aliya, Jadyn, Ryan, Katelyn, and Holly.
Linda Whitmore was recently appointed communications and media relations manager for Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). Linda has 18 years experience in corporate communication, most recently with St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ont. She has a BA in anthropology and an MA in journalism from the University of Western Ontario, and has won numerous community service and communications awards. “While MEDA is well-known in many Canadian and American Mennonite communities, especially among Mennonite business people, Linda’s first priority will be to reach a wider audience and enhance MEDA’s influence in North America on key issues,” said Ed Epp, vice-president of resource development.
|
Kelly Wiens was welcomed as half-time associate pastor for youth and young adults at Hillside Christian Fellowship, Beechy, Sask. May 6. Kelly and his wife Lani previously lived in Saskatoon, where they attended Hope Fellowship Church and ran a music business. Kelly attended Bethany Bible Institute, received a BA in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan, and also studied music and teaching. Kelly and Lani have 6 children, Abby, Chris, Josiah, Elizabeth, Samuel, and Sasha.
In April, Steve Savage began serving as associate pastor of discipleship and care at West Portal Church, Saskatoon. Originally from B.C., Steve worked for the past 12 years as director of marketing at Caleb Group in Saskatoon. Steve and Debbie have 3 children, Sydney (10), Dustin (7), and Bryce (5).
On July 15, Rob Kroeker began ministry as associate pastor of outreach and ministry at West Portal Church, Saskatoon. Previously, Rob was part of the pastoral staff at Richmond (B.C.) Bethel MB Church. Rob and Krista have 2 daughters, Joselyn (3) and Jenavieve (2).
Steve Klassen began serving as youth pastor at South Park MB Church, Altona, Man. Aug.1. He graduated this spring from Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. He also studied at Atlantic Baptist University and participated in CMU’s Outtatown program.
LaVerne Jantz retired from Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask., where he served as part-time associate pastor for 7 years. LaVerne and Lorna will continue to be involved in ministry at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp.
On Aug. 1, Karla Braun of Crossroads MB Church, Winnipeg, began a one-year service term with World Team in Cameroon. She will be supporting the Oroko language translation team.
On Aug. 1, MB Biblical Seminary’s public relations and alumni relations staff team underwent a shift, as Megan Richard replaced Brad Thiessen as director. Megan has been the public relations, alumni relations, and recruitment assistant since joining the seminary in May 2005. Brad will work for the school on a part-time contract basis, primarily in graphic design and editing.
In July, Mennonite Central Committee Supportive Care Services (MCC SCS) changed its name to Communitas Supportive Care Society and will continue to serve people who have mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities. The Abbotsford-based organization, in operation since 1973, “has reached a time in its history when it has become important to establish a separate identity from MCC,” said CEO Steve Thiessen.
Neil Matthies, a former Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., music faculty member, has come out of semi-retirement to rejoin the Columbia team in the area of church and donor relations.
Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, held a ministry appreciation for Abe and Alvina Klassen, June 24. Friends and family honoured the Klassens for 10 years of service at Forest Grove Church and more than 38 years of pastoral ministry. Abe completed his ministry as pastor of care Aug. 31.
| 
