Canadian Mennonite University appointed Gordon Zerbe as vice president academic effective June 2014, replacing Earl Davey who retires in June following 6 years in that role. Zerbe served as academic dean 2004–2007 and taught in the biblical and theological studies department at CMU (and its predecessor colleges MBBC/Concord) since 1990. Zerbe holds a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary, MAs from Western Washington University and MBBS, and a BA in social work from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan.
McIvor MB Church, Winnipeg, welcomed Justin Fraser as worship coordinator Jan. 2, 2014. Set to graduate from Canadian Mennonite University in spring with a BMus degree, he has led and participated in worship teams at many churches including Fort Garry MB, Winnipeg. Justin is married to Brittany.
Westside Community Church, Morden, Man., welcomed Nichole Forbes as a half-time children’s pastor starting Sept. 1, 2013. Nichole and Brad have 3 children.
Shannon Girard began as pastor of youth and family at Community Fellowship Centre, Newton, Man., Jan. 1, 2014. She has a BRE with a specialty in lay counselling and youth ministry from Heritage Bible College, Cambridge, Ont., and has previously worked for Compassion Canada, and volunteered as a youth worker in her local Alliance church. Shannon and Paul Henry have 3 boys.
Cecil and Tracy Ramos of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif., arrived in Thailand in December 2013 to begin a 10-year assignment as church planters with MB Mission. Cecil has a BA in Spanish and history from California State University of Bakersfield, a master’s in education from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, Cal., and has pursued seminary courses at Western Theological Seminary, Portland. Tracy has a BA in English and linguistics, an MA in education, and spent a year at seminary in Brazil. As lay leaders at Laurelglen, they led Bible studies and missional initiatives. During their first term in Thailand, they will be involved in learning language and culture. Cecil and Tracy have 2 sons: Solas, Judah.
Leslie Hawthorne Klingler accepted the position as contract editor for Rejoice!, a daily devotional released quarterly, co-published by Kindred Productions and MennoMedia. Hawthorne Klingler has worked for MCC in Central America, as communications manager for a Christian nonprofit, and launched a freelance writing, editing and graphic design business. She has an MA in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Cal. Hawthorne Klingler currently teaches part-time at Wheaton College, Ill., and delights in raising 3 school-age children. She and Tim have been members of Lombard Mennonite Church in Illinois since 1995. Previous editor, J Janzen concluded his tenure Dec. 20, 2013, to devote full-time attention to the growing Highland Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., where he serves as pastoral elder. Hawthorne Klingler began Jan. 6, 2014, working from her home in Illinois.
Selkirk (Man.) Community Church pastor Scott Koop has resigned effective Feb. 28, 2014. He is seeking God’s leading for work in the marketplace. He will continue in the role of chaplain for the Selkirk Steelers Jr. hockey team and the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball club.
Director since March 2012, Kendra Freeland concluded her time with Camp Likely, Williams Lake, B.C., at the end of 2013. The Camp Likely board thanks Kendra for her service.
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Contact kbraun@mbconf.ca with pastoral transition and church anniversary information.
