Personalia

Christine Longhurst became pastor of worship on a part-time basis (two days per week) at River East MB Church in Winnipeg effective July 1, 1996. She continues her role as adjunct professor of church music at Concord College, teaching three half courses. Previously she was assistant professor of church music and worship at Canadian Nazarene College in Winnipeg for five years. She has a B.R.S. from MB Bible College, a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, A Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Tex. and a Master of Music from Southern Methodist University. Her husband, John recently became Coordinator of Marketing and Media Relations at Mennonite Economic Development Associates in Winnipeg. They have two children, Rebecca, 5 and Dylan, 2.

Jim and Judy Heene resigned as pastor couple of Komoka (Ont.) Community Church in December, 1996 after four years of service. Jim had previously worked in the Traffic Department in Hamilton, Ont. for 17 years. He also served as moderator of Valley Park Community Church in Stoney Creek, Ont. for two years. He has a B.Th. from London Baptist Bible College and Seminary. The Heenes have five children, Jeff, Justin, John, Joy and Jason. Replacing the Heenes at the church are Jack and Ella Sailor who have been SEND missionaries for over 20 years.

Les Klassen has been hired as youth leader at Black Creek MB Church on a part-time basis effective Apr. 1. He was hired from within the congregation. He and his wife Val have two children, Jamie, 18 and Jennifer, 16.

McIvor Avenue MB Church in Winnipeg held a commissioning service for associate pastor couple John and Rose Neufeld the evening of March 16. Canadian MB Conference executive minister Reuben Pauls encouraged them with a message from I Timothy 4:9-16. He challenged John to set an example in speech, life, love, faith and purity, and to develop the character of Jesus Christ. Manitoba MB Conference assistant moderator John Epp prayed that the Neufelds would "have an exciting ministry here". Pastor Cal Bergen of Fort Garry MB Church challenged John and Rose to build strong relationships and join the church in reaching out to pre-Christians. After they were prayed over, John responded, "I have two former commitments . . . to God and to my family. When I honour those commitments, I will be free to honour my commitment to the church".

Greendale MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C. held a commissioning service May 25 for senior pastor couple Reg and Brenda Toews. Commendations were presented from Ian and Robin Caldwell of their previous care group, from Chilliwack Central MB Church and from the B.C. Conference. Elders laid hands and prayed for them.

A noon lunch farewell and commissioning service was held May 25 for Wayne and Valerie Dirks of Greendale MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C. before they left for Nairobi, Kenya to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

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