October 13thJohn Reimer Appointed MCEC Operations Director
A Continuation of His Life of Service
“I have always tried to live my life in service to others,” says John Reimer, newly appointed MCEC Operations Director. “Throughout my life I have been blessed with holding positions of management that were challenging and have also taught me new skills which I now bring to MCEC.”
MCEC is pleased to announce the appointment of John Reimer as MCEC Operations Director. As a member of MCEC’s Executive Staff Team, he will give leadership to operational systems and processes to strengthen MCEC’s ministry supporting pastors and congregations to thrive. He will lead the development and implementation of the physical, technological, communications, financial and human resources needed to operate MCEC.
“God’s guidance played a significant role in my coming to MCEC."
“I firmly believe that God works in my life by providing opportunities and invitations,” says John. “I can then choose to pursue them.” An individual within the MCEC community of faith brought the Operations Director position to John’s attention and, despite being content where he was working, he chose to apply for and subsequently accept the position. “God’s guidance played a significant role in my coming to MCEC,” he says.
Over John’s career, he has worked in management with cause-related or faith-based organizations. Serving with MCC for eight years, he was maritime director with Ten Thousand Villages in Petitcodiac, NB where he led the initiative to open a new and successful store. Most recently, he maintained a group of 150 volunteers and provided support to the business management of MCC Thrift and Gift in Elmira, ON as volunteer and business manager. He has also worked in the technology sector as CEO, manager and technician at PeaceWorks Computer Consulting Inc. in Waterloo, ON.
“John’s career speaks volumes about his character and commitment to be of service to others as a way of living out his faith.”
From 2009, John served with the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale; the past nine years as chair of the organizing committee. He was instrumental in overseeing the creation and launch of the new branding for the relief sale, and the move to online auction prior to and within the Covid-19 pandemic.
“John’s career speaks volumes about his character and commitment to be of service to others as a way of living out his faith,” says Leah Reesor-Keller, MCEC Executive Minister. “In this role John will serve our community of faith often behind the scenes. Yet it is a foundational role that enables ministry to thrive within MCEC.” A key component of John’s role will be the support of the Courageous Imagination strategic planning process. He will put in place the administrative and operational resources needed to support the new directions and priorities that emerge.
“I want to continue to serve God by serving others,” says John. “I look forward to being a contributing member of the MCEC community of believers in this way.”
John is a member at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener, ON and he, his wife Lori Yantzi and family live in New Hamburg. He will begin his new ministry role on October 18, 2021. You can reach John at jreimer@mcec.ca.