Joan Schooley Retires After 18 Years of Ministry

Celebrating A Journey That Has Made A Difference

Joan Schooley is retiring at the end of the year. “It’s eight days away now and I’m trying not to think too much about it,” she says with a smile.

Joan began her ministry with MCEC in 2005. “I was attending First Mennonite Church and had served on a search committee for a new pastor. I was intrigued by the whole process and found it interesting,” she says. “When MCEC advertised for an administrative assistant, I applied and felt that through this role, I would continue to do work that would make a difference in people’s lives.”

Previously, Joan had worked with the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region (ILCWR) for 20 years. "I was privileged to work with Joan for more than a decade at the Independent Living Centre,” says Fred Kinsie, former executive director of ILCWR. “It was a sad day when Joan left our agency but it became a blessing for MCEC!”

"It’s hard to imagine walking into the office without Joan being there to greet you.”

David Martin, former MCEC executive minister, recalls starting also in 2005, one month after Joan. “I still remember my first weeks at MCEC. Joan and I were the new staff people learning the ropes,” says David. “Joan always made people feel welcome and at home. She made my role and work easier.”

Joan has been the first person to greet people when they come into the office, whether in-person or on the phone. Marianne Mellinger, former colleague, says, “Joan has been the face of MCEC for so many years, it’s hard to imagine walking into the office without her being there to greet you.”

"We will miss her!"

Joan has one of the most comprehensive understandings of MCEC ministry as throughout her career she has worked with every MCEC department at one time or another:  leadership, congregational ministries, mission, executive and communications. “I am a person who is most comfortable supporting other people in their work, helping them to achieve their goals behind the scenes. And I have found that very fulfilling,” she says.

As office administrator, Joan gives administrative oversight to the executive council and reflects, “I’ve enjoyed working in all areas of MCEC, and the last number of years with the executive portfolio. I feel privileged to be hearing those high level conversations that shape the future of MCEC and how that ripples out to the congregations.”

"There are times that have been joyful and times that haven't been easy - but it has been a good journey.”

Ann L. Schultz, executive team leader, has worked with Joan over the past year and says, “Joan has worked tirelessly for the past 18 years and MCEC is grateful for the strong administrative gifts she has shared with us - we will miss her!"

Joan’s ministry with MCEC concludes at the end of the year. You can reach her at jschooley@mcec.ca until December 22 at which time she will join her husband, Chris, in retirement. “I plan to slowly live into this new reality,” she says. “I look forward to reading a book every day, sleeping in when I want to and hope to discover some new things about myself.”

In reflecting on the last 18 years, she says, “Being the church together can be hard work, but I am hopeful that the church still has a place in our communities and in our world. During my years at MCEC, there are times that have been joyful and times that haven't been easy - but it has been a good journey.”