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Volunteers
The Denominational Deacon Ministry is guided by a cabinet of volunteers. The cabinet has five slots representing four geographical areas and one at-large position. Another slot is filled by the Deacon News Associate Editor of Caregiving, ABC's quarterly publication. Each slot may be filled by one person or shared as a couple. Members include: Amy Beery – Amy, of Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as deacon to the children and youth of the Northview Church of the Brethren. Margaret (Margie) Yoder Fultz – Margie is new to the office of deacon, both in her church and on the Deanominational Deacon board, and considers herself a "baby deacon." She is presently chair of her church deacon board. Margie served six years on the ABC Board, and has a strong interest in Whole Health Ministry. She is a registered nurse and is currently teaching in an RN program in a local community college. Barbara and Lester Kesselring – Barbara is a Licensed practical nurse, retiring in 2003 after 45 years of ministry in two Church of the Brethren Homes, Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home and The Palms of Sebring, where she was director of Admissions and Social Services, specializing in Medicaid/Medicare and advanced Directives. Barbara is active in the local church music program and is a member of the Sebring (Fla.) Church of the Brethren. She has been a member of the National Older Adult Conference Planning Committee, 1992-2006. Lester is a certified Activities Professional who recently retired after 45 years of ministry with two Church of the Brethren Homes, The Palms of Sebring and Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home. He has served the church in various positions locally and on the district and denominational level. He has been a member of the National Older Adult Conference Planning Committee 1992-2006. Also, he is a member of the Sebring (Fla.) Church of the Brethren. Dale and Beverly Minnich – Dale and Beverly of Moundridge, Kan., are the deacon representatives from the Western District. Bev grew up in foster homes in central Pennsylvania, the last two in the Bellwood Church of the Brethren. She served in BVS, where she met Dale during orientation. Her service was in the Williamson Road congregation in Roanoke, Va. She and Dale served as Church of the Brethren field staff in Ecuador. In addition to periodic assignments as an administrative assistant she has always been active in local congregations. Currently she is a member of the Nurture Commission of the Western Plains District Board. She and Dale live in Moundridge, Kan. near one of their sons and family (including their three grandchildren.) They have another son in North Carolina and a daughter in Florida. Dale Minnich was raised in the Salem Church of the Brethren near Dayton, Ohio. Following BVS (Mexico) and Ecuador mission service (Executive of the Brethren/United Foundation) Dale served as vice president or CFO of colleges in North Dakota, Minnesota, and McPherson, Kan. For 18 years he was on the General Board staff in stewardship and executive assignments. Dale is a member of the Steering Committee of the Western Plains District’s congregational transformation project. Since his retirement from McPherson College he is involved in carpentry/home rehabbing projects and serves as a member of the General Board. Wayne and Evelyn Zook – Wayne and Evelyn of Green Valley, Ariz., are the deacon representatives from the Pacific Southwest District. Fred Swartz –Fred is currently Annual Conference Secretary. He retired from pastoral ministry August 2003 after serving congregations in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He also was on the General Board staff from 1977 to 1983 as director of stewardship and communications. In 1983 he became involved with denominational deacon work, helping to edit and write resources for deacons. He has conducted numerous deacon training events for congregations and districts and he writes the deacon pages for Caregiving, ABC's quarterly publication. In non-church-related ministries, he is a member of the Virginia Leadership Council for Family and Community Services. Also, Fred and his wife, Nancy, volunteer at the Bridgewater Retirement Community. Kathy Reid – As executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Kathy is involved with many aspects of deacon ministry, family life ministry, wellness ministry and disabilities ministry. |
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