November 3rdChanges in MCM Staffing Reflect Renewed Commitments
Members of Mennonite Church Manitoba congregations will notice some changes to MCM staffing as we head into 2022.
Recently, long-time staff member Kathy Giesbrecht was appointed Director of Congregational Ministries, reflecting a need for staff leadership focused on congregational support. She will be working with the newly formed Congregational Health Committee to resource congregations toward greater health and vitality, especially in the areas of worship, faith formation, and congregational care.
As of January 1, Dorothy Fontaine will move into the role of Director of Camps with Meaning. This move allows Dorothy to focus her energies on MCM’s camping ministries during an especially pivotal time for Camps.
“As we come out of COVID and build a camping and retreat ministry that is sustainable for the future, it is important that we have someone with experience and passion for Camps steering the ship,” Executive Minister Michael Pahl says. “Dorothy is the right person for the job.”
There are other changes in staffing at Camp Assiniboia. Early in the new year David Hogue will be retiring as Site Manager after more than 13 years of faithful service in that role. Lauren Gervais has recently been hired as Food Services Coordinator for the Camp. There remains an opening for the Head Maintenance position.
The shift in Dorothy’s role opens up a part-time need in the area of Mission, especially to support congregations in their local outreach efforts. This need will be combined with the ongoing part-time need for Church Engagement to create a full-time Mission Engagement position. Those interested in this or other positions are encouraged to see the MCM website under “Get Involved.”
Another change for 2022 was announced last week: Rick Neufeld, Director of Leadership Ministries, will retire effective March 31. MCM will be hiring for this position in the new year.
“Rick has done a tremendous job in supporting our pastors over the past six years, and we will miss him,” says Michael. “Yet we are confident that God will supply the right person for this crucial role to pick up where Rick has brought this ministry.”
Michael notes that the shifts in roles help to streamline MCM’s programs.
“We will now have a clear focus on our key programming areas and areas of support for churches, with staff members charged with overseeing those areas,” Michael says. “Our camping ministry has always been important to us as MCM, and that continues to be so as we look to new retreat possibilities. And the focus on three areas of church support—supporting our pastors, our congregations, and their distinctive missions—is crucial for us as a community of churches going forward.”