Jenn Dorsch-Messler has announced her resignation as director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, having served for more than 10 years beginning on Feb. 24, 2015. Her resignation is effective Jan. 9, 2026.
She has accepted a position on a new executive leadership team at Mennonite Disaster Service located in Lititz, Pa.
During her tenure with Brethren Disaster Ministries, she provided leadership for the Home Rebuilding Program while supporting all program areas. A key role has been nurturing the network of Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers and supporters in congregations and districts, while also being the representative to national disaster response groups. In just one recent example of her personal involvement in the work of disaster relief, in late 2024 she toured areas hit by Hurricane Helene and the ensuing flooding, visiting people in Southeastern District who were heavily affected and meeting with leaders in Virlina District who were carrying out a district response.
Dorsch-Messler began with Brethren Disaster Ministries as a part-time interim program assistant while also working part-time at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren as director of communications. As a volunteer before her employment with Brethren Disaster Ministries, she served on numerous domestic and international disaster rebuilding project sites including leading church groups in workcamp trips to Haiti. Currently she is a member at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren where her husband, Brian Messler, is lead pastor.
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