Our People

 

 

"All believers are given gifts for ministry, and the Mennonite church values the priesthood of all believers.  Each believer has direct access to God.  All are called to share in the priestly role of interpreting Scripture, participating in mutual discipline and forgiveness, and being Christ's witness."

- A Shared Understanding of Ministerial Leadership 

Council of Church Ministries

Our council is made up of our pastor along with elected executive officers and ministry coordinators from amongst our congregation.  They are accountable to our congregation and gather together every month to discern and administer the activities and direction of Calgary First Mennonite Church.  The council roles are currently being filled by:

 

Executive Officers:

 

Moderator: Erv Thiessen

Vice-Moderator: Nina Kesel Adrian

Recording Secretary: Rob Ratzlaff

Ministry Coordinators:

 

Congregational Life: Karen Janz

Christian Education: Moni Janssen

Stewardship: Henry Bergen

Outreach and Service: Jenn Ratzlaff

Deacons

The deacons are elected from among our congregation to exercise leadership through a ministry of caring, visitation, and reconciliation, working closely with the pastor.  They can often be seen assisting our pastor with communion, baptism, leading prayers, or assisting with various other ceremonial occasions or aspects of our communal worship.  And behind the scenes, our deacons seek to keep a pulse on the spiritual well-being of our congregation, while listening to, and discerning, the needs of our members.  Our current deacons are:

 

Nathan Burgess

Bernie Feddema

Susanne Feddema

Richard Gorecki

Kelly Janz

Marlene Pytyck

Staff

Jenn Ratzlaff

Jenn has been a member of Calgary First Mennonite since 1998. She has held many roles over the years in a variety of ministries especially with a focus in education and music.

In addition to being the church administrator Jenn is currently the chair of the Outreach & Service Ministry and a member of the Camp Committee with MCA.

 

In her spare time, Jenn loves to knit, cross-stitch, bake, and play a variety of instruments.