From 2005 to 2023, MCCN had an advisory council. The council met three times a year to advise MCCN leadership, exchange news from different regions of North America and maintain the flow of resources across the U.S.-Canadian border. Its members included four U.S. representatives, two Canadian representatives, the staff person and two ex officio members from MCCN’s sponsoring organizations, Merry Lea and Everence.
The council concluded its work in September 2023, following the transition to MC USA. We are particularly grateful for two members who were part of the council throughout our history: Dave Hockman-Wert of Corvallis, OR, and Joanne Moyer of Edmonton, AB. Below is a list of council participants:
- Alexis-Baker, Nekeisha MC USA Rep, 2009
- Beck Kreider, Janie Merry Lea staff, 2013 – 2014
- Beck Kreider, Luke Merry Lea Rep, 2023
- Bertsche Johnson, Janeen MC USA Rep, 2023
- Bowman, Greg MC USA Rep, 2006 – 2014
- Currie, Mike MC Canada Rep, 2014 – 2017
- Dueck, Emily MC USA Rep, 2016 – 2014
- Gascho, Luke Founding leader/staff, Merry Lea rep, 2006 – 2019
- Gingrich Regier, Caleb MC Canada Rep, 2019 – 2021
- Harder, Annalisa Merry Lea intern, 2012
- Hockman-Wert, Dave MC USA Rep, 2006 – 2023
- Jennings, Lawrence MC USA Rep, 2018 – 2021
- Kniss, Phil MC USA Rep, 2019 – 2023
- Koerner Eisenbeis, Lillie MC USA Rep, 2018 – 2020
- Kroeker, Marlene Everence Rep, 2019 – 2023
- Lobe, Kenton MC Canada Rep, 2019 – 2023
- Moyer, Joanne MC Canada Rep, 2006 – 2023
- Neufeld, David MC Canada Rep, 2006 – 2011
- Nunes, Haraldo MC USA Rep, 2017 – 2018
- Plett, Sandy MC Canada Rep, 2023
- Schrock, Jennifer Merry Lea staff, 2006 – 2016 and leader, 2016 -2023
- Thut, Amy MC USA Rep, 2006 to 2010
- Smith, Jim Everence Rep, 2006 – 2018
- Stoltzfus, Karla MC USA Rep, 2009 – 2012
- Wynward, Todd MC USA Rep, 2016
- Yoder-Bontrager, Marlisa MC USA Rep, 2013 – 2015
Meet the Current Council Members
Dave Hockman-Wert
Dave Hockman Wert, Corvallis, Ore., is a geographic information systems (GIS) analyst with the Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program of the U.S. Forest Service. Dave has earned an M.A. degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, with an emphasis on the role of religion in motivating sustainable behavior. His research focused on the environmental attitudes and behaviors of Amish and Mennonite farmers in Belleville, Pennsylvania. In the past, Dave has worked with sustainable forestry in southern Oregon and watersheds in central Pennsylvania. Presently, the idea of responsible consumption energizes him. Dave challenges his ingrained Mennonite tendency toward frugality with the mantra, “Cheaper isn’t always better.” He’s learning to vote with his dollars, purchasing products and services that support the kind of world he wants to live in.
Janeen Bertsche Johnson
jbjohnson@ambs.edu
Janeen Bertsche Johnson is Director of Campus Ministries at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. She is also conference coordinator of AMBS’ biennial Rooted and Grounded Conference on Land and Christian Faith, and co-editor of the book Rooted and Grounded: Essays on Land and Christian Discipleship. She teaches two spiritual practices courses, “Water of Life” and “Trees of Life,” and loves to teach people about the seminary’s restored prairie. Janeen is a member of Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen, and an Indiana Master Naturalist.
Phil Kniss
540-434-1604 (office)
Phil Kniss serves as senior pastor at Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, Va. since 1996. With the help of his leadership and that of committed lay leaders, his congregation installed solar panels, began a climate change reparations fund and follows a lawn care plan involving youth and a rotary mower. Phil says, “If we Christians had read Genesis and Jesus right, we would have been admired worldwide for our courageous and sacrificial love for our planet and cosmos. I’m trying to correct that.”
Luke Beck Kreider
lukebk@goshen.edu
Luke Beck Kreider teaches core and elective courses in ethics, peace studies, and religion at Goshen College, Goshen, Ind. His particular focus is the moral, religious, and spiritual dimensions of sustainability. Part of his job includes working with the Sustainability Leadership Semester at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College.
Kenton Lobe
Kenton Lobe teaches international development and environmental studies at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Man. He also stewards 15 acres as a sustainable farmer.
Joanne Moyer
Joanne Moyer is associate professor of Environmental Studies and Geography at The King’s University, Edmonton, Alta. She enjoys the opportunity to integrate faith into her teaching on environmental issues. Her recent research explored faith-based organizations engaged in environmental work in Canada, and her broader research interests centre on the relationships between humans and their socio-ecological environments, the factors that influence these relationships, and how these relationships can be modified and improved. Joanne has worked as an environmental consultant for various research and writing projects, including the Mennonite Central Committee’s 7 Days website, which was later published as Earth Trek: Celebrating and Sustaining God’s Creation. She also volunteered with Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba Peace Advisory Committee and Mennonite Church Canada’s Climate Change Working Group.
Sandy Plett
Sandy Plett, Morden, Man., is Mennonite Church Canada’s climate action coordinator. In this role, she coordinate efforts across the regional churches to build understanding of the climate crisis and inspire action. Sandy’s background includes leadership in alternative models of church and in camping and youth ministries.