Cheryl Braun ordained in Manitoba

The Glenlea Mennonite Church family was thrilled to ordain Cheryl Braun on June 11, in the presence of not only the local congregation but also many of Cheryl’s friends and family who came to show their support.

Cheryl grew up in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg and worked for years at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Manitoba. She has served Glenlea church—located just south of Winnipeg—for several years following her time at the collegiate. In that time, she has shared many gifts with our church as well as the wider Mennonite church. These gifts include leadership abilities, administrative skills, a passion to serve others and a great sense of humour.

The ordination event was full of laughter, tears, hugs and, of course, food. The morning began with the singing of some of Cheryl’s favourite worship songs. Worship leaders Jon and Rachel Regehr were joined by a company of strings. Collectively, we raised the roof of our little church. Our small, but powerful, children’s Sunday school group sang “This Ground,” a familiar camp song, to Cheryl.

The ordination was led by Jeff Friesen, co-director of Leadership Ministries for Mennonite Church Canada. Friesen’s co-director, Karen Schellenberg, was unable to attend but was instrumental in walking with Cheryl along the journey to this important day.

Three key women in Cheryl’s life spoke words of affirmation: Lucy Epp, a mentor at Glenlea Mennonite; Kathy Giesbrecht, friend and director of Congregational Ministries at MC Manitoba; and Jen Baerg, Glenlea Mennonite council chair. This was followed by an anointing led by Friesen. The attendees broke into applause as Cheryl was welcomed into the MC Manitoba group of ordained pastors.

A journal was placed in the foyer for people to write words of encouragement and congratulations.

Nothing says celebration like pulled pork, coleslaw and homemade dessert squares, so after the service, we pulled out lawn chairs and enjoyed the warm sun, tasty homemade food and fellowship. There were lawn games available and the chatter with guests, old and new, was invigorating. Cheryl’s face was beaming and the joy in the occasion was evident.

It was an honour to celebrate this significant milestone in Cheryl Braun’s spiritual journey. We delight to have her as our lead pastor at Glenlea Mennonite and look forward to what comes next.

Tammy Rempel is a member of the Glenlea Mennonite Church council.