November 17thMCEC Appoints Ann L. Schultz Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader
Excited to Help Write the Next Chapter
Mennonite Church Eastern Canada’s executive council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann L. Schultz as MCEC’s Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader.
“I've lived a life of working for the church,” says Ann. “I love people, I love building team and I am passionate about advancing the mission, vision and values of the organization in which I serve. I commit myself to listening, learning and encouraging MCEC to new ways of being and doing.”
Ann studied theology and church music at Canadian Mennonite Bible College. Her ministry as a music educator, and then principal for nine years, at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate ended with her retirement nearly one year ago. In addition to her commitment to honor and advance Rockway’s mission, it was important for her to incorporate respect, collaboration, spirituality and inclusion into her leadership practice.
Ann officially begins her ministry with MCEC in January 2023 and her role will be part-time for the year, primarily focused on supporting the MCEC staff team. During this year of transition, the executive council will also support MCEC staff to ensure that congregations and leaders will continue to be resourced and encouraged.
"I humbly ask that you hold me and the entire team in your thoughts and prayers as we make courageous decisions and work together to navigate change, develop leaders, embrace diversity and seek peace and justice. I am excited to help write the next chapter in the MCEC story.”
The MCEC executive council expressed confidence that Ann’s leadership skills and experience will bring the wisdom, compassion and passion needed for this time of transition. Arli Klassen, moderator, describes this as “our time to grow into our courageous imagination for the future of our church.” This interim appointment is an opportunity to develop broader understanding of and commitment to the Strategic Priorities 2022-2027 approved at the Annual Church Gathering in April 2022. The MCEC executive council now also begins the process of searching for an executive minister, in order to have a permanent executive minister begin in January 2024.
Ann eagerly looks forward to this year at MCEC. “With God’s grace and a commitment to realize the fruits of the Spirit, I believe possibility awaits,” she says. “I humbly ask that you hold me and the entire team in your thoughts and prayers as we make courageous decisions and work together to navigate change, develop leaders, embrace diversity and seek peace and justice. I am excited to help write the next chapter in the MCEC story.”
Ann and her husband, Steve Pfisterer, are members at Waterloo North Mennonite Church and have two adult children. You can reach her at aschultz@mcec.ca.