PERSONNEL NOTES

Rachel Johnson is joining the FaithX short-term service office as assistant coordinator for the 2024-2025 season, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service. Rachel is a 2024 graduate of Messiah College with a degree in Youth Ministry. She is a member of Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren (Quarryville, Pa.) in Atlantic Northeast District. Rachel began her work from the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 5.

The Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren coordinating team has called an interim district executive minister team to serve beginning July 29: 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 gifting.

Beckie Zeek currently serves part-time as pastor of the Bedford (Pa.) congregation and was ordained in 2008 having completed her ministry training through the TRIM program. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Juniata College and a Master of Education through Penn State University.

Janet Sell is retired from pastoral ministry, having served the Snake Spring Valley and Altoona (Pa.) 28th Street congregations. She was ordained in 2002 following her completion of the TRIM program. Janet worked for 26 years at the Village of Morrison’s Cove, including two years as hospice chaplain. She currently serves as co-chair of the calling and credentialing team of the district. She holds an associate degree from Penn State University.

Mark Liller is serving at First Presbyterian Church in Tyrone, Pa., where he has been pastor since 2007. He previously served pastorates at the Altoona (Pa.) 28thStreet congregation and the Moscow congregation in Shenandoah District. In1993, he completed a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary and was ordained to the ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in social work from Manchester University. He will represent the interim DEM team on the Council of District Executives.

Souleymane Abdoulaye Diori joined the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy in Washington D.C. on July 23 for a year-long internship as an associate volunteer. Originally from Niamey, Niger, he graduated from George Mason University Carter School with a Master of Science in conflict analysis and resolution and with a BA in public administration and international studies from the University of Central Arkansas.