GUEST SPEAKERS. Preferred presentation style is Sunday sermon or classroom setting (interactive).

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1 GUEST SPEAKERS This is a compilation of people who have agreed to be available for speaking assignments in congregations. Except for MCEC staff persons, individuals on this list do not directly represent MCEC and as such MCEC does not accept responsibility for their views or presentations. Please make all arrangements for availability, honorarium and travel expenses directly with the individuals. Chris Brnjas I do ministry with PiE - Pastors in Exile, a ministry startup that I am co-founding with Jessica Reesor Rempel, which seeks to be pastors to youth and young adults in Waterloo Region who struggle with church. I am passionate about helping people discover newness in their walk with Jesus. I also have done a lot of research on contemporary idolatry, and love preaching (among other things) about reducing the idolatries in our lives that distracts us from pursuing God. I am a recent graduate of Conrad Grebel's Masters of Theological Studies program and attend The Gathering Church in Kitchener. I normally do Sunday sermons, but also can be used for a wide variety of teaching and preaching events and activities. I do have a very flexible schedule throughout the week. I can preach anywhere within driving distance from Kitchener-Waterloo. I would appreciate receiving reimbursement for travel costs as well as the standard honorarium for your church. I am available year round. Contact: by chris@pastorsinexile.org Barb Draper I deeply love the church and am happy to serve, especially in speaking and teaching. I graduated from the MTS program at Conrad Grebel in 1997 but do not feel called as a pastor. Local history (and Mennonite history) is a passion of mine and I have also written dramas for the church. Preferred presentation style is Sunday sermon or classroom setting (interactive). Contact: by telephone or by edassist@canadianmennonite.org Sarah Freeman I have a PhD in preaching and I am a minister of Outreach and Christian Formation in Elmira. My focus is homiletics, aka preaching. I also have experience writing Gather Round curriculum for children and as a youth pastor. I enjoy any presentation style including preaching, small groups, teaching Sunday school classes, or leading interactive activities with adults or youth. I am also able to prepare children s stories. I work in Elmira part-time so I am usually free to preach elsewhere one or two times a month. I am in Kitchener, but I have a car and am willing to drive to various other locations. Contact: by telephone or by srfreeman02@gmail.com Gary Harder Interests are supply preaching on variety of topics or biblical passages. Will also lead workshops or retreats together with Lydia Harder on a) church leadership b) sexuality c) Healthy conversations in the church d) challenges and opportunities which conflict offers

2 e) Being church in today's world Willing to travel if expenses paid. Contact: Telephone: or by Catherine Hunsberger I am an ordained, recently retired pastor, available for occasional or short-term pulpit supply. I enjoy preaching and can work with the lectionary or other texts. My preference is preaching in the Sunday worship setting, and I would also be open to leading a discussion of the sermon after it. I live in Waterloo, but am willing to travel outside this area, providing that it is within a few hours of travel of my home. Honorarium/mileage according to MCEC guidelines would be appreciated. Contact: by telephone or by catherinehunsberger@hotmail.com Susan Kennel Harrison I am available for preaching and/or teaching an adult Sunday school series. Minimum honorarium $100. Contact: by telephone or by susankennelh@gmail.com Fanosie Legesse I am a believer in Christ, a husband to my wife Dianne, and a father to my children Zachariah and Lydia. I have been in pastoral ministry, teaching and preaching in Ethiopia at Meserete Christos Church. We were in Ethiopia for three years serving as Mennonite Church Canada Witness international volunteers. I was teaching at Meserete Kristos College (biblical and religious courses). My family and I are members of Bethel Mennonite Church in Elora. I would be happy to serve churches using my gift of Preaching and Teaching. I can preach Sunday mornings, teach bible courses or thematic topics Discipleship, Prayer, Worship - from a biblical perspective. As a preacher of gospel, anyone who is willing to listen to me is my audience. As long as the interested party is willing to cover my mileage cost and whatever their normal honorary gift, I am willing to drive to anywhere. Weekends are the only time I am available. Contact: by telephone or by di_and_fanosie@bell.net Lifted Voices, Singing group Lifted Voices is a singing group of six women from First Mennonite Church in Kitchener who have been singing and praising God together for over 25 years. We can provide special music or a full worship service. Our worship services consist of music, scripture, readings, prayer and drama. We are open to singing for small groups or for the entire congregation for a Sunday morning worship service. We would prefer to stay within a one hour drive of Kitchener/Waterloo, however, would consider further distances if there was compensation for travel. Due to vacations, we are typically not available during July and August.

3 Contact: Peggy Roth by phone or by Maurice Martin, Retired Minister Maurice Martin is available to speak in congregations on a variety of topics as desired, including Anabaptist History and thought, or from the lectionary texts, in the role of pulpit supply preacher. Will travel, so long as mileage is covered beyond our Region. Conference guidelines for fees - and somewhat more if he creates new material for preaching or teaching contexts on specified topics. Contact: by telephone or by mauricem@sympatico.ca Earl Meyers Sunday sermons and Christian theme programs 45min to 60 min. with a musical background while doing a chalk pastel drawing and a colored lighting conclusion. A darkened room is needed for the lighting effect. These programs have been used for retirement homes, evening services or other. Groups have given an honourarium. Willing to travel within 40 km of Kitchener-Waterloo. Contact: by telephone or by ce.meyers@yahoo.ca Lydia Neufeld Harder I can provide a general preaching ministry and am particularly interested in biblical interpretation. But I also like to address contemporary issues such as peace, being a missional people, and gift discernment. I also do workshops or retreats together with my husband, Gary, on topics such as sexuality, marriage and healthy church process. I like to teach in an interactive style. My preferred audience is adults of any age. Willing to travel if travel expenses will be paid. Contact: Telephone: or by lydia.harder@utoronto.ca John Peters John is currently engaged with Miserete Kristos College in Ethiopia, having taught there in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and He and his wife served as missionaries in the jungle area of Brazil from He taught at Wilfrid Laurier University for thirty years as a sociologist. John is committed to the world church, having taught in Lithuania, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia. John is a member of Waterloo North Mennonite Church. John would be glad to simply step into the series that is being used at any particular time by a congregation, follow the church calendar, or take a topic of the congregation s choice. He is committed to God s work in the church. Contact: by telephone Edmund Pries Fluent in both English and German. Preaching. Teaching Sunday school series on various subjects, i.e. Anabaptist History and Theology (10 Session Series), Atonement Theology (5 Session Series), numerous other historical and theological topics, church seasonal series related to Advent or Lent, has also done various music historical series etc.

4 Prefers to follow the lectionary and the church year for sermons. Also engages the current issues of the day; seeks to do justice to the historical context and the meaning of the text. Also seeks to have the Biblical text interact with the world of the listeners. For a preaching assignment, Sunday school or workshop series, a reasonable fee would need to be negotiated. Depends on travel and availability. Contact: by telephone or Fax: or epries@citycorp.ca or edmund@pries.ca or epries@wlu.ca Elmer John Thiessen I am a semi-retired philosopher, having moved to Waterloo in While living in Alberta for most of my teaching career, I was active in my home church as Moderator, Elder, Lay-minister and Sunday school teacher. I have also preached and given teaching seminars in other churches and church colleges. In I did a year of pulpit supply in the Seven Persons Community Church in Alberta, while this church was without a pastor. I like topical preaching, but am quite willing to follow the church s lectionary. Some possible topics for seminars or a Sunday school series: the Ethics of Evangelism; Biblical Ethics for Today s Postmodern Society; A Christian Worldview; A Biblical Approach to Knowledge; Doubt; Committed Openness; Christian Education in the Home and the Church. I am available during most of the year. An honourarium and travel expenses as per church policy would be appreciated. Contact: by telephone or by ejthiessen@sympatico.ca MCEC STAFF Brian Bauman, Mission Minister Presentations typically focus on the mission of the local congregation and their support of MCEC in mission. Sermons, S.S. classes, meeting with Mission Committees and other Leadership groups are educational and inspirational. People are invited to see God at work in the midst of their local context as well as the wider church. Evangelism in a Mennonite Perspective, Church Planting, Paul s Mission Journey and We are a SENT people are a few current themes. Contact: telephone: ext. 705 / ext. 705 or brian@mcec.ca Brent Charette, Church Engagement Minister I would be pleased to preach, provide a presentation, or lead a discussion on the vital role of the wider church. I enjoy sharing stories about MCEC ministries and congregations across Eastern Canada. I have also been asked to talk about stewardship, and the role of the church in an increasingly post-christendom world. When preaching I can either use the lectionary readings, or suggest readings that suit the topic. Contact: telephone: ext. 709 / ext. 709 or bcharette@mcec.ca David Martin, Executive Minister My presentations are usually focused on the mission and vision of the MCEC community of congregations and how we engage our common mission at the local congregational level as well as at the Area Church and national level. Sermons are biblically based and will challenge listeners to engage the call/mission of the church. Education and awareness related to MCEC and MC Canada ministries is reserved primarily for small group or Sunday School settings. I enjoy an interactive approach to small group presentations. As time permits, I am also open to working at congregational discernment around vision and direction setting.

5 Presentations options can include sermons, small group presentations, and Sunday School class interactive engagement about the ministries of MCEC. Depending on availability, congregational or small group retreats may be an option. Flexible availability depending on schedule with the exclusion of the July and August Contact: telephone: ext. 706 / ext. 706 or dmartin@mcec.ca Henry Paetkau, Area Church Minister Contact: telephone: ext. 704 / ext. 704 or hpaetkau@mcec.ca Al Rempel, Regional Minister I would be delighted to participate in your service of worship or adult education time. I am open to speaking on a number of themes including but not limited to Christian discipleship, stewardship and missional vocation. I am open to being a resource for interactive events large or small chiefly dealing with themes around generosity and vision. Contact: telephone: ext. 719 / ext. 719 or arempel@mcec.ca Jeff Steckley, Congregational Ministries Minister I would be happy to provide an update on the work of Congregational Ministries Council. Other themes that I'd be open to working with include: stewardship, gift discernment - identification of assets, new ministry directions for congregations I will do interactive activities with small or large groups, Sunday Christian Education time or Sunday sermon Contact: telephone: ext. 707 / ext. 707 or jsteckley@mcec.ca MCEC PARTNERS IN MINISTRY Denominational Partner Mennonite Church Canada - offers a wide variety of speakers on a wide variety of topics. Go to for a complete listing of the MC Canada Speakers Bureau. office@mennonitechurch.ca Telephone: Educational Partners Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary provides graduate level ministry training and theological education, undergraduate ministry study programs, and continuing education for people in ministry. Faculty and staff can speak on a variety of topics related to the church and ministry, including missional church, the Bible, spiritual disciplines, worship, pastoral care, youth and culture. info@cmu.ca Telephone: Canadian Mennonite University CMU is an innovative Christian university, rooted in the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition, moved and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through teaching, research and service CMU inspires and equips women and men for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. info@cmu.ca Telephone:

6 Conrad Grebel University College Grebel offers undergraduate courses in Arts, Church Music and Worship, English, Fine Arts, History, Mennonite Studies, Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Grebel also has a residence which houses 142 Waterloo students a term in a dynamic community. congreb@uwaterloo.ca Telephone: Fraser Lake Camp is located near Bancroft, ON. Fraser Lake Camp has been "camping with a purpose" for over 50 years. With campers arriving from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds (mostly from the GTA), Fraser is more an urban mission field than traditional church camp. eric@fraserlakecamp.com Telephone: Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Hidden Acres is a 22 acre camp and Retreat Centre and has been operating for over 50 years. It is owned and operated by a private association of Christians and is affiliated with the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada. The camp provides a multifaceted program and year-round facility to provide a setting in nature for people to experience a meaningful encounter with God through times of recreation, relaxation, reflection and worship. info@hiddenacres.ca Telephone: Ontario Mennonite Music Camp Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) is a place for 12 to 16 year olds to get together to sing and play violins, pianos, trombones, trumpets, violas, tubas, slide whistles, capture the flag, cellos, flutes, percussion, toss the chicken and much, much more! OMMC is a program hosted at Conrad Grebel University College and is supported by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. We welcome campers from many Christian denominations. ommccgr@uwaterloo.ca Silver Lake Mennonite Camp We hear it at baptisms, weddings and other milestone events camp experiences change lives is profound ways. But why? Dave Erb will explore his theories of why based on his first hand experiences as director of Silver Lake. Dave Erb, Director dave@slmc.ca Telephone: United Mennonite Educational Institute - UMEI Christian High School is a place where students can come to learn and refine foundational beliefs, leading to a lifetime of service and witness. Strong Christian teachers and other staff seek to partner with families and churches in nurturing the academic and spiritual wellbeing of each student. office@umei.ca Telephone: Willowgrove located near Stouffville. They operate 4 main programs: Glenbrook Day Camp, Fraser Lake Camp, Willowgrove Primary School, and the Willowgrove Outdoor Ed Centre. Willowgrove seeks to nurture the social, physical, spiritual and emotional growth of children and youth through a holistic range of quality outdoor programs and Christ-centered peace education. info@willowgrove.ca Telephone:

7 Financial/Stewardship Partners MAX Canada MAX offers a full range of competitively priced auto, homeowners, farm, business, life and related forms of insurance in most U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. MAX lives out their commitment to faith and mission through Mutual Aid Ministries. Working primarily through churches and faith communities, they devote a portion of our revenues to emergency grants for people in need of shelter, clothing, utilities, health care or other services insurance can t provide. Telephone: Mennonite Foundation of Canada Talking about money is a difficult task, yet it is a vital part of our lives and spiritual growth. MFC consultants specialize in discussing spiritual and practical issues around generosity, contentment, charitable gift planning, estate planning, and how they relate to our lives. Call us when you want a Sunday morning speaker or resources for your pastor, board, committees, groups or individuals. We look forward to talking with you! You can find more information at Contact: Sherri Grosz, Mike Strathdee, Marlow Gingerich address: mfceast@mennofoundation.ca Telephone: (Toll-free), Historical Partners Detweiler Meetinghouse The Detweiler Meetinghouse provides an ideal historic setting for special events. The present meetinghouse was built in 1855, and was dedicated on December 2. ddroeder@sympatico.ca Telephone: Mission Partners Mennonite Central Committee Ontario MCC is a global, non-profit organization that strives to share God s love and compassion through relief, development and peacebuilding. In all their programs they are committed to relationships with their local partners and churches. As an Anabaptist organization, they strive to make peace a part of everything they do. When responding to disasters they work with local groups to distribute resources to minimize conflict. In their development work they consult with communities to make sure the projects meet their needs. And they advocate for policies that will lead to a more peaceful world. Telephone: Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network through which various constituencies of the Anabaptist church can respond to those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States. While our main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this activity becomes a means of touching lives and helping people regain faith and wholeness. mdscn@mds.mennonite.net Telephone: Multifaith Council on Religious and Spiritual Care The Ontario Multifaith Council is dedicated to working with related agencies and organizations in Ontario in order to promote timely provision of adequate and appropriate spiritual and religious care for persons in care. omcsrc@omc.ca Telephone:

8 Publication Partners Canadian Mennonite To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Mennonites in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective, through a print publication (published 24 times a year) and through other media, working with our church partners. Dick Benner, editor/publisher editor@canadianmennonite.org Telephone: office: home: MennoMedia MennoMedia produces faith-based print, video, radio and web materials with ideas for living out your faith. craiga@mennomedia.org Telephone: Resourcing Partners Mennonite and Brethren Marriage Encounter provides Marriage Encounter weekends for couples, to strengthen and revitalize marriages, to take couples beyond the frustration, disappointments, or loneliness that can be a part of their everyday life, to work toward God's ideal for marriage. Contact: Jim and Ruth Martin mbmeec@gmail.com or Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Response/Resource Team (SMAART) SMARRT offers services and support for Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches who find themselves in the midst of sexual misconduct or abuse. A program of Mennonite Central Committee. Contact: Eileen Henderson eileenh@mennonitecc.on.ca Telephone: