Mennonite Church USA nominees

Affirm as moderator-elect for a four-year term:

MODERATOR-ELECT

Dick Thomas (moderator-elect and moderator, 2009-13), Ronks, Pa., Ridgeview Mennonite Church, Atlantic Coast Conference

Dick is superintendent of Lancaster Mennonite School where he has served in a variety of roles for the past 36 years. He is chair of the Mennonite Schools Council and has served on the Eastern Mennonite University board. Dick has taught Sunday school and served as lay minister of administration and ministry team member at Ridgeview Mennonite Church. He also served as moderator of Atlantic Coast Conference and member of the Constituency Leaders Council. Currently he is serving as a member of the Executive Director Search Committee for Mennonite Church USA.

Dick writes, “Mennonite Church USA is my spiritual home, nurtured through participation in congregations of Allegheny, Atlantic Coast and Lancaster conferences. These congregations, along with Lancaster Mennonite School, have called me to a Christ-centered faith. Together they have provided a variety of leadership experiences that I hope will be helpful to the Executive Board and the denomination as we move forward in our missional calling, guided by the Holy Spirit.”

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Moderator, moderator-elect and 14 members are elected by the Delegate Assembly. The Executive Board appoints up to four additional members. Members are eligible to serve two full four-year terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly:

Ed Diller (moderator, 2009-11) – Ft. Thomas, Ky., Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship, Central District Conference and Ohio Conference of Mennonite Church USA

Jim Beitler, Jr. (1st term, 2007-11) – Berne, Ind., Emmaus Road Mennonite Fellowship, Central District Conference (in process)

Brian Boettger (1st term, 2007-11) – Harrisonburg, Va., Park View Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Dave Boshart (1st term, 2007-11) – Parnell, Iowa, West Union Mennonite Church, Central Plains Conference

Kim Vu Friesen (2nd term, 2007-11) – Minneapolis, Minn., Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Central Plains Conference

Charlotte Hardt (1st term, 2007-11) – Spokane, Wash., Menno Mennonite Church, Pacific Northwest Conference

David Sutter (1st term, 2007-11) – South Bend, Ind., Kern Road Mennonite Church, Indiana-Michigan Conference

Sharon Waltner (past moderator, 2009-11) – Parker, S.D., Salem Mennonite Church, Central Plains Conference

Members appointed by Executive Board:

Glen Guyton (1st term, 2007-11) – Hampton, Va., Calvary Community Church, Virginia Conference

Janeen Bertsche Johnson (2nd term, 2007-11) – Goshen, Ind., Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Central District Conference

Patricia Shelly (2nd term, 2009-13) – North Newton, Kan., Bethel College Mennonite Church, Western District Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Elizabeth Soto Albrecht (1st term, 2009-13) – Lancaster, Pa., Laurel Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference

Coordinator of Field Education, Lancaster Theological Seminary; Associate Chaplain, Lancaster General Hospital; ordained pastor; co-producer of Spanish radio show “Usted y su Familia” (You and your Family); served with MCC in Colombia and pastored a congregation in Colombia; author of Family Violence: Reclaiming a Theology of Nonviolence published by Orbis Books; SEMILLA seminary in Guatemala is working with the Spanish version of the book designed to accompany families of the church struggling with family violence.

Elizabeth writes, “I enjoy working with the richness of the Biblical text. I have developed my Anabaptist identity after being a Mennonite Christian for over 34 years. I have played many roles at church but currently my identity lays in having a pastor’s heart. One of my gifts is to be a facilitator and bring to the table those voices which are not heard. As a Latina woman I aim to work in compassion, justice and peace with those who are hurt by oppressive systems. Most of all I embrace the nonviolence of Jesus to my spirituality because I love Jesus.”

Addie Banks (2nd term, 2009-13) – Bronx, N.Y., King of Glory Tabernacle, Lancaster Conference

Executive Director of The Groundswell Project, part of the congregation’s Peace and Justice Resource Center; spiritual director; New York state certified mediator; Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition; co-developer of Creating Peaceful School Culture, a non-violence/peacemaking curriculum used in New York high schools; former peace evangelist for Mennonite Church USA.

Addie has a passion for peace and justice as noted in a presentation she made on Psalm 23: “Not only does God prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies, but we are called to prepare tables for our adversaries. The surprise is that we are not only led to the table, we are also called to lead others to the table. We are at the table, but God requires more of us. I believe that God is seeking to use Mennonite Church USA so my brothers and sisters can walk in the light as he is in the light.”

Tina Begay (1st term, 2009-13) – Bloomfield, N.M., Light of Life Mennonite Church, Mountain States Mennonite Conference

Retired cashier supervisor at casino in Colorado; member, Native Mennonite Ministries; congregational board member; chair of congregational nurture and outreach; delegate to Mountain States conference annual meetings.

Tina writes, “I am a member of the Navajo tribe from New Mexico and also an active member of the Light of Life Mennonite Church in Farmington, N.M. I have been a member of Native Mennonite Ministries for several years. Being a Native American, a Mennonite and a member of Native Mennonite Ministries, I understand some of the concerns facing our native people in the Mennonite churches and their needs. I’m also concerned about how best to meet their needs.”

Merrill Moyer (2nd term, 2009-13) – Souderton, Pa., Souderton Mennonite Church, Franconia Conference

Retired executive in banking and financial services; former moderator, Franconia Conference; former congregational chair; former board member, Mennonite Economic Development Associates.

Merrill writes, “In Isaiah 43:19, God, speaking to His people through the prophet Isaiah says, ‘Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present, I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?’ This sums up my desire and intent well. I believe we need people who see the big picture and then know how to apply it to Mennonite Church USA. What is the challenge for the future of Mennonite Church USA? How can we take the message of God’s love and forgiveness to the world, but especially across the street?”

Juanita Nuñez (1st term, 2009-13) – Ocoee, Fla., Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer, Southeast Conference

Co-pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer; moderator of Iglesia Menonita Hispana; member of Constituency Leaders Council; missions director and women’s Sunday school teacher for congregation; board member of community Missions Cooperation of Hispanics in North America.

Juanita writes, “One of my greatest interests is establishing God’s kingdom by sharing the Gospel with unreached people groups, counseling and developing one-on-one relationships. I have gained much insight working with the poor and immigrants. Additionally, I’ve been blessed to teach and work with women so they can understand their identity in Christ.”

Terry Shue (2nd term, 2009-13) – Dalton, Ohio, Kidron Mennonite Church, Ohio Conference

Lead pastor, Kidron Mennonite Church; member of executive committee, Mennonite Church USA Executive Board; board member Goshen College; active in various roles at Central Christian School.

Terry says, “One of the joys of my life in the past decade has been actively recognizing, calling out and developing leaders for the church. My passion is to strengthen the church to continue to be vital and relevant in reaching the world that God loves and is in the process of calling to be redeemed.”

MENNONITE EDUCATION AGENCY

Six board members elected by the Delegate Assembly, five appointed by the Executive Board and up to two additional members selected by MEA with confirmation by the Executive Board. Members are eligible to serve three full four-year terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly:

Ronald Headings (1st term, 2007-11) – Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship, Central District Conference and Ohio Conference

Paul Johnson (3rd term, 2007-11) – Denver, Colo., Peace Community Mennonite Church, Mountain States Conference

Franzie Loepp (3rd term, 2007-11) – Normal, Ill., Mennonite Church of Normal, Illinois and Central District conferences

Janet Elaine Rasmussen (1st term, 2007-11) – Urbana, Ill., First Mennonite Church of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and Central District Conference

Members appointed by Executive Board:

Rosalind Andreas (3rd term, 2007-11) – Essex Junction, Vt., Taftsville Mennonite Chapel Fellowship, Franconia Conference

Rose Baer (1st term, 2007-11) – Elizabethtown, Pa., Landisville Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference

Anne Hege (3rd term, 2007-11) – Aberdeen, Idaho, First Mennonite Church, Pacific Northwest Conference

James L. Rosenberger (chair, 3rd term, 2009-13) – State College, Pa., University Mennonite Church, Allegheny Conference

John Stahl-Wert (3rd term, 2009-13) – Pittsburgh, Pa., Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, Allegheny Conference

Members appointed by the MEA board subject to confirmation by the Executive Board:

Steven Brown (1st term, 2007-11) – Hampton, Va., Calvary Community Church, Virginia Conference

Basil Marin (1st term, 2007-11) – Harrisonburg, Va., Immanuel Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Noel Santiago (2nd term, 2009-13) – Souderton, Pa., Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Franconia Conference

Executive conference minister, Franconia Conference; former vice chair, Constituency Leaders Council; Damascus Road anti-racism team member; congregational elder; active in community Regional Interdenominational Prayer and Worship Initiatives.

Noel writes, “Through a primary lens of prayer I seek to contribute to tasks, assignments, roles and responsibilities with an intercultural, formational and missional value. Through encouragement and alignment, I seek to work across barriers and walls that keep people separated from one another. Through the work of the church in education, I seek to contribute to improving quality of life and access to resources for all. My hope is to contribute in ways that are aligned with Christ’s great commission and commandment for Mennonite Church USA.

Jennifer Davis Sensenig (2nd, 2009-13) – Harrisonburg, Va., Community Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Lead pastor, Community Mennonite Church; former pastor, Pasadena (Calif.) Mennonite Church and Cedar Falls (Iowa) Mennonite Church; district elder, Pacific Southwest Conference; pastoral intern supervisor; School for Urban Mission instructor.

Jennifer writes, “I am an advocate for Christian education across the church and across the life-span. Christian education in an Anabaptist key will build faith and equip students for engaging the mission of God in the world in the name of Jesus Christ. I find the education I received at AMBS informs my practice of ministry daily.”

MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK

Seven board members elected by the Delegate Assembly, six appointed by the Executive Board and up to two additional members selected by the Mission Network with confirmation by the Executive Board. Members are eligible to serve three full four-year terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly:

Bill Hochstetler (chair, 2nd term, 2007-11) – Iowa City, Iowa, First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, Central Plains Conference

Tanya Ortman (1st term, 2007-11) – Kansas City, Mo., Rainbow Mennonite Church, Western District

Steve Penner (1st term, 2007-11) – Reedley, Calif., First Mennonite Church of Reedley, Pacific Southwest Conference

Tonya Ramer Wenger (3rd term, 2007-11) – Madison, Wisc., Madison Mennonite Church, Central District Conference and Illinois Conference

Sheri Williams (1st term, 2007-11) – Land O’Lakes, Fla., College Hill Mennonite Church, Southeast Conference

Members appointed by Executive Board:

Richard Baum (2nd term, 2007-11) – Perkasie, Pa., Deep Run Mennonite Church East, Franconia Conference

N. Leroy Kauffman (3rd term, 2007-11) – Clyde, N.C., Asheville Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

G. Craig Maven (2nd term, 2007-11) – Harrisonburg, Va., Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

José Ortiz (2nd term, 2009-13) – Goshen, Ind., Iglesia Menonita del Buen Pastor, Indiana-Michigan Conference

Lee Schmucker (3rd term, 2009-13) – Wichita, Kan., Hope Mennonite Church, Western District

Members selected by Mennonite Mission Network subject to confirmation by the Executive Board:

Loren E. Horst (2nd term, 2007-11) – President, Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions, Harrisonburg, Va., Zion Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Richard Showalter (2nd term, 2009-13) – President, Eastern Mennonite Missions, Salunga, Pa., West End Mennonite Fellowship, Lancaster Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Madeline Maldonado (1st term, 2009-13) – Lehigh Acres, Fla., Iglesia Evangelica Menonita Arca de Salvacion, Southeast Conference

Associate pastor, Iglesia Evangelica Menonita Arca de Salvacion; teacher, preacher, counselor; Iglesia Menonita Hispana board member; coordinator, Hispanic Mennonite Women’s group; advocate for undocumented immigrants; travel to Guatemala at least once a year to preach and reach out to communities in need of Christian education; congregation has a Bible institute in Chiul, Quiche, Guatemala.

Madeline writes, “I believe I will contribute in this position by listening and discerning what the Holy Spirit is trying to do with our Mennonite church. I feel that there is an ongoing transformation that we are going through as we discern that we are a body with members of many different origins and backgrounds. I feel that we are recognizing this as we continue to be a missional church.”

Mattie Marie Mast (2nd term, 2009-13) – Dalton, Ohio, Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, Ohio Conference of Mennonite Church USA

Associate pastor, Sonnenberg Mennonite Church; former missionary in Argentina; member of Ohio Conference Ministry Development Team and Evangelism Commission; creator of summer internship program for college age young adults, called to any vocation, to serve and learn in congregational life.

Mattie Marie writes, “I bring as my service to Mission Network varied life experiences which include: many years as a mission worker in Latin America, several years serving among poor and disenfranchised people in an inner city in the U.S. and most recently pastoring a rural church. These experiences have impressed on me the urgency for the Church to be mission and to nurture ‘third way’ communities of healing and hope.”

MENNONITE MUTUAL AID

Four board members elected by the Delegate Assembly; up to seven appointed by MMA board subject to confirmation by the Executive Board; five appointed by other Anabaptist denominations participating in MMA. Majority of members must be from Mennonite Church USA. Members are eligible to serve three full four-year terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly:

Natalie Francisco (3rd term, 2007-11) – Hampton, Va., Calvary Community Church, Virginia Conference

Duane Oswald (1st term, 2007-11) – Fresno, Calif., Mennonite Community Church, Pacific Southwest Conference

Continuing members appointed by MMA board subject to confirmation by the Executive Board:

Jennifer Landis (1st term, 2007-2011) – Souderton, Penn., Franconia Mennonite Church, Franconia Conference

Larry Nikkel (1st term, 2007-2011) – Hillsboro, Kan., Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, Mennonite Brethren Conference

Paul Quiring (1st term, 2005-09) – Fresno, Calif., College Community Church, Pacific District of Mennonite Brethren Church

Pat Swartzendruber (1st term, 2005-09) – Harrisonburg, Va., Park View Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Arlan R. Yoder (3rd term, 2005-09) – Hesston, Kan., Whitestone Mennonite Church, South Central Conference

Gene E. Yoder (3rd term, 2005-09) – Livingston, Texas, College Mennonite Church, Indiana-Michigan Conference

Continuing members appointed by other Anabaptist denominations:

Andrew Eversole – Goshen, Ind., Conservative Mennonite Conference

Stephen M. Lane – York Haven, Pa., Brethren in Christ

J. David von Gunten –Fort Wayne, Ind., Missionary Church

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Sandra Vielman (1st term, 2009-13) – Goshen, Ind., Iglesia Menonita del Buen Pastor, Indiana-Michigan Conference

Ambassador for The Corinthian Plan; member of conference Stewardship and Finance Committee; former MCC Great Lakes Community Resources Coordinator.

Sandra has experience as a youth sponsor, women’s group leader, worship team member, congregational treasurer and translator. She is involved in the Center for Healing and Hope urgent care clinics in Goshen and Elkhart which provide services for people without health insurance. Sandra’s work as an ambassador for The Corinthian Plan, the new health plan for Mennonite Church USA pastors and church workers, provides connections with many congregations in several conferences.

LaVern Yutzy (chair, 3rd term, 2009-13) – Lititz, Pa., Landisville Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference

Self-employed consultant; previously served at Philhaven for 30 years; CEO for 17 years; consultant for Lancaster Conference Governance Structure Task Force; board member, Mennonite Health Services Alliance; consultant for church operations and alignment for Mennonite Church USA.

LaVern writes, “Mennonite Mutual Aid is in a unique position to provide opportunities for Anabaptists to integrate their faith and finances. On the MMA board, my experience as CEO and board member is helpful as we work together to ensure that MMA continues to serve the denomination and its members.”

MENNONITE PUBLISHING NETWORK

Five members from Mennonite Church USA (three elected by the Delegate Assembly and two appointed by the Executive Board); three members from Mennonite Church Canada. Members are eligible to serve three full four-year terms.

Continuing member previously elected by Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly:

Rachel S. Gerber (1st term, 2007-11) – Goshen, Ind., Belmont Mennonite Church, Indiana-Michigan Conference

Melba G. Moore (1st term, 2007-11) – Pasadena, Calif., Pasadena Mennonite Church, Pacific Southwest Conference

Members appointed by Mennonite Church USA Executive Board:

Phil Bontrager (chair, 2nd term, 2007-11) – Archbold, Ohio, Zion Mennonite Church, Ohio Conference of Mennonite Church USA

Joseph Lapp (2nd term, 2009-13) – Harrisonburg, Va., Parkview Mennonite Church, Virginia Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Marco Güete (1st term, 2009-13) – Brandon, Fla., Southeast Conference

Conference minister, Southeast Conference; former associate conference minister for South Central Conference and Western District, Texas; former Mennonite Church USA Executive Board member; member, Iglesia Hispana Menonita; implemented AMBS Seminario Biblico Anabautista in Dallas; implemented Instituto Biblico Anabautista (IBA); coordinated publishing of textbooks for IBA; former hurricane evacuees coordinator in Texas.

Marco writes, “I have over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry and community service including supervision, leadership training, church planting, conference leadership, budget projection and administration. My work has included creating and implementing programs as well as church and public speaking engagements. The accumulation of these experiences has given me an understanding of communication and human relations.”

Members serving from Mennonite Church Canada:

Abe Bergen (2nd term, 2007-11) – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bethel Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church Manitoba

Dan Jack (2nd term, 2009-13) – Calgary, Alberta, First Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church Alberta

Joan Pries (1st term, 2009-13) – Kitchener, Ontario, Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

THE MENNONITE

Three board members elected by the Delegate Assembly, three members appointed by the Executive Board and one additional member appointed by the board of The Mennonite. Members are eligible to serve three four-year terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly:

Gerald Mast (2nd term, 2007-11) – Bluffton, Ohio, First Mennonite Church, Central District

Esther Vazquez (2nd term, 2007-11) – Dallas, Texas, House of Healing Mennonite Church, Western District Conference

Members appointed by Executive Board:

Sarah Kraybill Burkhalter (1st term, 2007-11) – Seattle, Wash., Seattle Mennonite Church, Pacific Northwest Conference

Barth Hague (1st term, 2007-11) – Newton, Kan., member of College Mennonite Church, Indiana-Michigan Conference; currently attending Shalom Mennonite Church, Western District Conference

Member appointed by the board of The Mennonite subject to confirmation by the Executive Board:

Jason Moyer (1st term, 2007-11) – Iowa City, Iowa, member of Salford Mennonite Church, Franconia Conference; currently attending First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, Central Plains Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Susan Sommer (chair, 3rd term, 2009-13) – Tremont, Ill., First Mennonite Church of Morton, Illinois Conference

Former administrator, Illinois Conference; former Constituency Leaders Council member.
Susan writes, “As a past newspaper publisher and editor, I’m always interested in communication. I enjoy working with information and ideas and I’m glad my gifts along these lines can be used for my denomination. I bring a knowledge of how the broader church works through my past experience as conference administrator and though it, my role on the Constituency Leaders Council. I also bring a realistic business view from my experience both as a former small business owner and through my relationship with our larger family business.”

LEADERSHIP DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE

Four members nominated by the Constituency Leaders Council and elected by the Delegate Assembly, four members appointed by the Executive Board. Members are eligible to serve two full four-year terms or partial terms.

Continuing members previously elected by Delegate Assembly after nomination by CLC:

Maria Magdalena DeLeon (2nd term, 2007-11) – Mathis, Tex., Iglesia Menonita Tabernaculo de Fe, South Central Conference

Duncan Smith (1st term, 2007-11) – Beaverton, Ore., Portland Mennonite Church, Pacific Northwest Conference

Members appointed by Executive Board:

Dionicio Acosta (1st term, 2007-11) – Lancaster, Pa., New Holland Spanish Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference

Edith Landis (1st term, 2009-13) – Telford, Pa., Zion Mennonite Church, Eastern District Conference

George Stoltzfus (1st term, 2007-11) – Lititz, Pa., Landisville Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference

Louise Wideman (1st term, 2007-11) – Bluffton, Ohio, First Mennonite Church, Central District Conference

Affirm the following for a four-year term:

Paula Brunk Kuhns (1st term, 2009-13) – Colorado Springs, Colo., Beth-El Mennonite Church, Mountain States Conference

Literary resource teacher; member, Leadership Board of Mountain States Conference; former vice-president, Mennonite Women USA; congregational discipleship elder; served with MCC in Mexico.

Paula writes, “I enjoy being with people and value the rich diversity of our Mennonite Church USA family. I’ve found significance in the relationships I’ve developed with women, men and youth in our church and conference. I have lived in many parts of the country and participated in numerous congregations and conferences which I believe will be helpful in identifying persons to serve the church. Interactions with and stories about Anabaptist sisters and brothers around the world continue to inspire me.”

Horace McMillon (1st term, 2009-13) – Jackson, Miss., Open Door Mennonite Church, Gulf States Conference

Bivocational (pastor, Open Door Mennonite Church and senior territory manager, Sealy Mattress Co.); former pastor, Community Mennonite Church, Markham, Ill.; PTA president; local facilitator for Mission Mississippi, racial reconciliation effort.

Horace writes, “I have a passion for cross cultural ministry and racial reconciliation. I have experience in the joys and challenges of ministry in a cross cultural setting. I have a desire to explore ways to better unite the vision of Matthew 25 with the vision of Matthew 28. My current interest has to do with examining ways to effectively use the resources already available to better facilitate the ongoing transformation process of families and individuals in our congregations. I also have an interest in helping develop approaches that allow churches to be better able to welcome and invite people seeking hope, healing and purpose.”