PERSONNEL NOTES

Sharon Norton has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as the Executive Director of Global Mission. Sharon’s previous mission work spans more than 27 years, including nine years in multiple positions and the last four years as co-administrator for Europe and Africa with the Mennonite Mission Network, a small non-profit enterprise commissioned by Mennonite Church USA. Prior to that, she served 14 years as a Mission Worker in Germany with Eastern Mennonite Missions/Mennonite Mission Network. Currently ordained in the Mennonite Church, Sharon was a licensed minister with the Church of the Brethren in Goshen, Ind., from 2014 to 2017. She presently teaches German at Goshen Junior High School and is transitional pastor at Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church in Elkhart. She holds a master’s degree in Theological Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Her language skills include German, Spanish, and some French. Sharon will begin working as a remote employee from Goshen, Ind., on Dec. 2.

The Idaho/Western Montana District has called John Fillmore to serve as district executive minister in a quarter-time capacity. He was affirmed and installed into this role at the district conference on Oct. 12. John resides in Caldwell, Idaho and serves as pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to ministry, he had a career in construction, working as a finish carpenter and cabinet maker. John received a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2020 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Portland Seminary in 2024 with a concentration in Leadership and Spiritual Formation. His doctoral project focused on social support for pastors in smaller congregations. He has served as a circuit rider and resource provider for the Part- time Pastor, Full-time Church program of the Ministry Office since 2019. In that capacity, he has offered well-received virtual book studies on a regular basis as well as equipping sessions and presentations for the program. John and his spouse, Tatia, are the parents of a young adult son, Cyrus.

Bethany Theological Seminary has hired Ronnie West as systems administrator in its information technology department starting Oct. 21. West has considerable experience in information technology, having held similar positions with the City of Richmond, Indiana, and Whitewater Eye Centers of Richmond. He earned an associate’s degree in computer information from Ivy Tech Community College in 2008.

Hannah Nelson joined the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy (OPP) in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, serving as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker. She is from Southern California and recently graduated with a B.A. in politics from the University of San Francisco, during which time she held internships with a small domestic violence nonprofit and the San Francisco Department of Elections.

Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001. Her first position was as director of the ACTS Ministry Training Program and Continuing Education. She assumed the role of executive director in 2006. Throughout her time with SVMC, Rhodes has continued the mission of grassroots ministry training, maintained strong relationship with partners, advocated for excellent continuing education for clergy, and, along with Middle Pennsylvania District, is envisioning a program for laity ministry training. Her previous employment was as minister of nurture at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. She remains a member of Stone Church and is currently serving on the denominational level as chair of the board for Eder Financial.