The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren has called an interim district executive minister team to serve beginning July 29. The three-person team consists of Rebecca (Beckie) Zeek, Janet Sell, and Mark Liller. All members of the team will address the needs for pastoral placement and will cover the remaining duties of the position description according to interest and gifts.
personnel
Nancy Miner retires as manager of the Church of the Brethren General Secretary’s office
Nancy Miner will retire Oct. 31 as office manager of the Church of the Brethren General Secretary’s office. She has worked for the denomination for more than 31 years in a wide variety of positions.
Blaine and Nancy Miner to lead Western Plains District
The Western Plains District of the Church of the Brethren has called Blaine and Nancy Miner to serve as co-district executive ministers in a half-time role. While they will begin familiarizing themselves on a limited basis with the work of the district during June and July, their formal starting date will be Aug. 5 following the Western Plains District conference.
Eric Miller has concluded his work as executive for Global Mission
Eric Miller on May 15 concluded his work with the Church of the Brethren as executive director of Global Mission. Roy Winter, executive director for Service Ministries, will provide interim leadership for Global Mission.
Jacqueline Claire Flowers to direct the Brethren Historical Library and Archives
Jacqueline Claire Flowers of Blacksburg, Va., has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA). She holds a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary and a bachelor of arts in Psychology from Argosy University. She will begin working from the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on July 15.
Atlantic Southeast District announces staff appointments
Atlantic Southeast District has called Michaela Alphonse to serve as temporary director of program, a part-time role she began this past February and will resume Aug. 1 after she completes a pastoral sabbatical. The district has called Larry O’Neill to serve as director of English ministries, a role he began on March 23.
David Banaszak announces conclusion of his service to Middle Pennsylvania District
David Banaszak has announced the conclusion of his service as executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District, a position he has held for the past six-and-a-half years since Sept. 5, 2017. He plans to conclude his ministry for the district on July 28.
John Jantzi to conclude his leadership of Shenandoah District in early 2025
John Jantzi has announced that he will conclude his service as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Shenandoah District, as of March 1, 2025. He has served in the position for almost 12 years, since Aug. 1, 2012. During these years, he has given leadership to district ministries during a season of significant change while faithfully guiding district staff and leaders in their work.
Mark Cunningham retires from leadership of COBYS, J. Michael Lausch appointed executive director
J. Michael Lausch has been appointed executive director of COBYS Family Services, a non-profit organization based in Lancaster County, Pa., that is related to the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District. Mark Cunningham retired from COBYS in Dec. 2023 after serving as executive director for the last 14 years of his 26-year tenure.
Douglas Veal to lead Mid-Atlantic District
Douglas Veal has been called as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District, beginning June 25. Veal is currently pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in South Central Indiana District and also has served pastorates in Southern Ohio and Kentucky District and in Virlina District.