The Conference Board supervises the business of the conference, including conference committees, and does strategic planning to ensure that the conference is maintaining alignment with its vision and following the lead of the Spirit into areas of growth and change.
Gwen Groff
Member-at-LargeBethany
Gwen Groff has served as pastor of Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater Corners, VT since 1999. She grew up in Lancaster County, PA, and completed her undergraduate work at Eastern Mennonite College and Franklin & Marshall College. She later received a master’s degree in theology and pastoral counseling from Lancaster Theological Seminary. While in seminary, Gwen interned with and then served part-time at Community Mennonite Church in Lancaster. Prior to pastoral ministry, Gwen held several roles with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), including working in peace education in the Akron, PA office, and at the London Mennonite Center in the United Kingdom. She also served as MCC’s director of women’s concerns. Gwen is married to her husband Robert Buchan, and they have two adult children, Lilian and Andrew.
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Lucy Hannanto Parsono
Member-at-LargeInternational Worship Center
Lucy Hannanto Parsono is an elder at International Worship Center in San Gabriel, CA. She and her husband Alfred live in Hacienda Heights, CA. They are the parents of a daughter and have three grandchildren who also live in Southern Calfironia. Lucy was born on the island of Sumatra but grew up in Tangerang, Indonesia near Jakarta. Her parents converted to Christianity from Buddhism, though she grew up in the church. Lucy runs an import/export business dealing mostly with trade between the US and Indonesia. She moved to California in the 1980s. In her discernment of joining the Conference board, she felt encouraged to say yes by family and mentors who said "this kind of work is your life." Lucy loves to find opportunities to serve in the church and sees this as another way to serve and to learn within the Mosaic community. Lucy receives strong affirmation for her role from Leadership Ministers Aldo Siahaan and Jeff Wright and her brother, Buddy Hannanto, pastor at IWC.
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Stephen Kriss
Executive MinisterPhiladelphia Praise Center
Stephen Kriss began working with Franconia Conference in 2005 when he focused on young leaders and new initiatives. Previously, he served as a pastor at Mennonite congregations in Somerset County, PA and Staten Island, NY. Steve's also worked in areas of communication, editing and public relations. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and from seminary at Drew University in Madison, NJ. Steve lives in Northwest Philadelphia and is part of Philadelphia Praise Center. He began serving as executive minister for Franconia Conference in 2018 and into the formation of Mosaic. He's also a leadership minister with a diverse array of congregations from South Philly to Vermont. Steve has taught at numerous colleges, universities and seminaries across Pennsylvania. He continues to work in areas of communication serving as a reviewer for the Pennsylvania Communication Association's journal and the Journal of Communication and Religion.
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Cory Longacre
Finance Committee ChairSouderton
Cory grew up at Swamp Mennonite Church (Quakertown, PA), settling in after college at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church with his wife, Linda. He is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, both the former Penn View Christian School and Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. He also received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Eastern Mennonite University. Cory currently co-owns TNC Self Storage and is Fleet Operations Manager at Perkiomen Tours. He enjoys hunting, riding dirt bikes, playing pickleball, and serving in the church. Cory and Linda have three children: Olyvia, Davry and Zeke.
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Kiron Mateti
Member-at-LargePlains
Kiron Mateti attends Plains Mennonite Church (Hatfield, PA) and lives in Telford, PA with his wife Rachel, and kids, Asha (10), Jaya (7), and Noah (3). He is a robotics engineer developing software for autonomous semi-trucks, and will talk for hours about robots if you will let him. He enjoys playing guitar, throwing frisbee, and building Legos with his kids.
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Angela Moyer Walter
ModeratorRipple
Angela Moyer is one of five co-pastors at Ripple in Allentown, where her ministry focuses on serving children and women. She is bi-vocational also working at as an occupational therapist for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. Angela has been working as an occupational therapist since graduating from Elizabethtown College and accepting a post at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). During that time she felt drawn to youth ministry and began working with the youth at her home church, Rockhill Mennonite, eventually serving as youth pastor. She completed her studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Pennsylvania campus in 2012 and then joined the team at Ripple. Angela enjoys living in Allentown in the intentional community Zumé, in a neighborhood full of people from varied backgrounds and experiences. She brings to the board the perspectives and needs of Lehigh Valley congregations as they continue to grow.
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Jim Musselman
Executive CommitteeZion
Jim Musselman was raised in Souderton, PA, and graduated from Souderton Area High School, followed by Penn State-Harrisburg. Jim worked for Musselman Builders, Inc. beginning in 1979 until his retirement, and served as Moderator of Eastern District Conference from 2016-2019. He is a member of Zion Mennonite Church (Souderton, PA). Jim’s wife, Barbara, is a retired Registered Nurse and a certified holistic nurse, having worked 42 years at Abington Hospital in Lansdale, PA. Together they have a son, Matt, a daughter, Kate, and two grandsons, Liam and Gray. Jim volunteers with Zion’s Table of Plenty and Bean Bag Project, as well as the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, PA. He enjoys genealogy, history, and traveling and camping with Barbara in their tear-drop camper.
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Emmanuel Mwaipopo
Intercultural Committee ChairNorristown New Life
Emmanuel Mwaipopo was born in Tanzania. Although his mother was a Mennonite, he was raised in his father’s Roman Catholic tradition. He moved to the US in his 20s to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he studied computer information systems. A professor at Temple introduced Emmanuel to a local Mennonite church in Philadelphia. Later he moved to Norristown, PA where he became involved with Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church, where he now serves as an elder. Emmanuel is a software engineer and works for Comcast. He and his wife care for four children. In his free time, Emmanuel plays ultimate frisbee.
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Janet Panning
Ministerial Committee ChairPlains
Janet Panning became a Christian at age 14 through an experience with Young Life Club, while attending an Episcopalian church. She met her husband Steve while both were studying at Michigan State University. Janet has a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling. After graduating from MSU, Janet was introduced to Mennonites through the Inter-Menno Program, spending a year in the Netherlands. Janet and Steve then spent much of the next 17 years working with MCC in Jamaica and Kentucky and raising two daughters, Megan and Molly. Janet is actively involved in Plains congregation (Hatfield, PA) where she serves as an elder. She is employed by Montgomery County’s Office of Public Health
in Maternal and Child Health.
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Maati Yvonne Platts
Executive CommitteeNueva Vida Norristown New Life
Maati Yvonne Platts was baptized at an early age in the Mennonite church and is a lifelong member of the Norristown congregation, now Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA). Maati serves her congregation as the Minister of Youth and Community Outreach, and on Enlarging Our Place in God’s World Leadership Team. Maati is committed to anti-racism and is a facilitator with the Roots of Justice Anti Racism Organization. Committed to peacebuilding education, Maati has co-created a Restorative Justice Movement, called Restorative Norristown, which trains, equips and empowers youth and community residents in learning and implementing Restorative Circles. She graduated from the Center for Urban Theological Studies and holds a Master of Science in Restorative Practices and Youth and Family Counseling from the International Institute of Restorative Practices. Maati has a deep drive, sense of purpose and calling to address institutional and systemic racism within her community and Mosaic Conference.
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Herman Sagastume
Conference Related Ministries Committee ChairPerkiomenville
Dr. Herman Sagastume was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where he attended the National University of Honduras and received a degree in General Medicine and Surgery. During his time as a student, Dr. Herman was an active member of InterVarsity Honduras, and through this association, participated in many workshops and trainings in Central and South America and volunteered with US mission groups doing medical brigades in rural areas of Honduras.
Dr. Sagastume worked in Honduras for about 15 years with non-profit organizations and public health. As a board-certified physician in Honduras, he was the Field Director of the MAMA Project, Inc. from 2005- 2017 in Honduras. Since September 2017 he has been the Executive Director of Healthy Niños Honduras, a non-profit organization in Green Lane, PA and continuation of the MAMA Project’s work in Honduras. Dr. Sagastume directs the programs in Honduras, including the nutritional center, community service and education, deworming programs, and service teams.
Herman lives with his wife and three children and attends Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite Church where he serves on the Elder team. In his spare time Herman enjoys soccer and sports in general, history, geography, and documentaries.
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Rodger Schmell
Member-at-LargeDeep Run West
Rodger Schmell is the pastor of Deep Run West (Perkasie, PA) Mennonite Church—the congregation in which he grew up. After high school, Rodger served with Youth With A Mission in several countries in Central America and the island of Grenada. Rodger also served three years at Crossroads Community Center in North Philadelphia, PA, and several summers at Camp Men-O-Lan. Rodger, and his wife Diana, served together with Youth With A Mission in Miami, FL before coming to Deep Run West. Rodger worked for six years as the youth director before being called as the pastor. Rodger received an associate degree from Eastern Mennonite University through the S.T.E.P. program at the EMU satellite campus in Lancaster, PA. Rodger and Diana have three children and three grandchildren. Rodger enjoys puzzles, cutting firewood and anything that makes him laugh.
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Roy Williams
Assistant ModeratorCollege Hill
Since 1985, Roy Williams has served as Pastor of College Hill Mennonite Church in Tampa, FL. Along with serving on the Mosaic board, he is also the Vice Chair of Mennonite Education Agency.
Roy has served the church in various roles during his career, including Moderator of Mennonite Church USA, Constituency Leadership Council Chair, Moderator of Southeast Mennonite Conference, and Urban Ministry Director for Mennonite Mission Network. He has been an evangelist, serving several denominations and independent churches since he was licensed for ministry at age 16 by the Wesleyan Church of Jamaica.
Outside of the church, Roy has worked as a senior Vice President of real estate and commercial lending and a Chief Internal Auditor.
Roy and his wife, Ruth Leair-Williams, have two children, Sherilee J. Samuel and Rian C. Williams, and four grandchildren. In his free time, Roy enjoys gardening, fishing and building things.
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The Executive Committee works on behalf of the Board between meetings and also reviews and grants approval for Missional Operations Grant proposals.
Stephen Kriss
Executive MinisterPhiladelphia Praise Center
Stephen Kriss began working with Franconia Conference in 2005 when he focused on young leaders and new initiatives. Previously, he served as a pastor at Mennonite congregations in Somerset County, PA and Staten Island, NY. Steve's also worked in areas of communication, editing and public relations. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and from seminary at Drew University in Madison, NJ. Steve lives in Northwest Philadelphia and is part of Philadelphia Praise Center. He began serving as executive minister for Franconia Conference in 2018 and into the formation of Mosaic. He's also a leadership minister with a diverse array of congregations from South Philly to Vermont. Steve has taught at numerous colleges, universities and seminaries across Pennsylvania. He continues to work in areas of communication serving as a reviewer for the Pennsylvania Communication Association's journal and the Journal of Communication and Religion.
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Cory Longacre
Finance Committee ChairSouderton
Cory grew up at Swamp Mennonite Church (Quakertown, PA), settling in after college at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church with his wife, Linda. He is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, both the former Penn View Christian School and Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. He also received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Eastern Mennonite University. Cory currently co-owns TNC Self Storage and is Fleet Operations Manager at Perkiomen Tours. He enjoys hunting, riding dirt bikes, playing pickleball, and serving in the church. Cory and Linda have three children: Olyvia, Davry and Zeke.
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Angela Moyer Walter
ModeratorRipple
Angela Moyer is one of five co-pastors at Ripple in Allentown, where her ministry focuses on serving children and women. She is bi-vocational also working at as an occupational therapist for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. Angela has been working as an occupational therapist since graduating from Elizabethtown College and accepting a post at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). During that time she felt drawn to youth ministry and began working with the youth at her home church, Rockhill Mennonite, eventually serving as youth pastor. She completed her studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Pennsylvania campus in 2012 and then joined the team at Ripple. Angela enjoys living in Allentown in the intentional community Zumé, in a neighborhood full of people from varied backgrounds and experiences. She brings to the board the perspectives and needs of Lehigh Valley congregations as they continue to grow.
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Jim Musselman
Executive CommitteeZion
Jim Musselman was raised in Souderton, PA, and graduated from Souderton Area High School, followed by Penn State-Harrisburg. Jim worked for Musselman Builders, Inc. beginning in 1979 until his retirement, and served as Moderator of Eastern District Conference from 2016-2019. He is a member of Zion Mennonite Church (Souderton, PA). Jim’s wife, Barbara, is a retired Registered Nurse and a certified holistic nurse, having worked 42 years at Abington Hospital in Lansdale, PA. Together they have a son, Matt, a daughter, Kate, and two grandsons, Liam and Gray. Jim volunteers with Zion’s Table of Plenty and Bean Bag Project, as well as the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, PA. He enjoys genealogy, history, and traveling and camping with Barbara in their tear-drop camper.
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Mary Nitzsche
Leadership MinisterPerkasie
Mary serves as Leadership Minister for three Mosaic congregations. Prior to serving in this role, Mary was the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference. She also has nine years of congregational pastoral ministry experience at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church and 12 years of conference ministry experience in Ohio Conference of Mennonite Church USA. In both congregational and conference ministry roles, Mary is inspired accompanying people in the ordinary experiences of life and observing the Spirit's transforming power in their lives. Mary is a graduate of Hesston College and Goshen College and taught elementary school for three years. She received her Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, son-in-laws, Michael and David, and one delightful grandson, William. For relaxation, Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, hiking, knitting, and sewing. Read Mary's profile here.
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Maati Yvonne Platts
Executive CommitteeNueva Vida Norristown New Life
Maati Yvonne Platts was baptized at an early age in the Mennonite church and is a lifelong member of the Norristown congregation, now Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA). Maati serves her congregation as the Minister of Youth and Community Outreach, and on Enlarging Our Place in God’s World Leadership Team. Maati is committed to anti-racism and is a facilitator with the Roots of Justice Anti Racism Organization. Committed to peacebuilding education, Maati has co-created a Restorative Justice Movement, called Restorative Norristown, which trains, equips and empowers youth and community residents in learning and implementing Restorative Circles. She graduated from the Center for Urban Theological Studies and holds a Master of Science in Restorative Practices and Youth and Family Counseling from the International Institute of Restorative Practices. Maati has a deep drive, sense of purpose and calling to address institutional and systemic racism within her community and Mosaic Conference.
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The Finance Committee provides leadership on fiscal matters and develops the budget based upon the vision of the Conference.
Ryan Ferguson
Finance CommitteePhiladelphia Praise Center
Born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia, Ryan works with numerous projects in the conference in areas of data, finance, communication and technology. He recently completed a graduate degree in analytics at Drexel University. Ryan is part of the worship team at Philadelphia Praise Center. He enjoys teaching piano to give back to the community and likes to cook, bake, and hike.
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John Goshow
Finance CommitteeBlooming Glen
John Goshow retired after 33 years of service and leadership at Penn Foundation, Sellersville, Pa, where he served as president and CEO for over a decade. John and his wife Janet live near Perkasie, Pa, and are the parents of three adult children. They attend Blooming Glen Mennonite Church where John is a Sunday school teacher. John has served on the Board of Directors of Mennonite Health Services Alliance and in local and regional associations for community building and behavioral healthcare. He brings experience with organizational leadership as well as a social work background, combined with years of service connected with the church.
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Cory Longacre
Finance Committee ChairSouderton
Cory grew up at Swamp Mennonite Church (Quakertown, PA), settling in after college at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church with his wife, Linda. He is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, both the former Penn View Christian School and Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. He also received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Eastern Mennonite University. Cory currently co-owns TNC Self Storage and is Fleet Operations Manager at Perkiomen Tours. He enjoys hunting, riding dirt bikes, playing pickleball, and serving in the church. Cory and Linda have three children: Olyvia, Davry and Zeke.
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Conrad Martin
Director of Finance/FMC Properties Board Chief Operating OfficerBlooming Glen
Conrad Martin is responsible for the conference’s finances and oversees all conference-owned properties. Before working for the conference, Conrad spent time working abroad for Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Economic Development Associates in Tanzania and Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh. Conrad has been married to his wife, Josephine, since 2001. In his free time, Conrad enjoys gardening and golf. Proverbs 3:9 is meaningful to him because it fits the best with his personal mission statement. “Honor GOD with everything you own; Give him the first and the best.” (The Message)
Conrad appreciates the response he gets when he visits Conference congregations, “even when they learn I work for the conference,” he said. “I am excited that [the Conference] is becoming more intentional about reconnecting with congregations.” Read Conrad's profile here.
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The Ministerial Committee makes decisions on ministry credentials and policies that promote the support, health, and training of credentialed leaders and safe church practices for congregations.
Marta Castillo
Associate Executive MinisterNorristown New Life
Marta (Beidler) Castillo is the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference. As the daughter of Franconia Conference-rooted mission workers, Marta has been shaped by four of the linguistic cultures in the Conference, growing up in both Vietnam and Indonesia. Marta currently attends Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life where she has attended for over 25 years and served on the pastoral team from 2007-2017.
Marta served five years on the Franconia Conference Board, two of those as Assistant Moderator, and has been employed by the Conference since 2016 beginning as a Lead Minister. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a major in Elementary Education and has a Certificate of Christian Ministry from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a Master of Arts from Kairos University. Marta lives in Norristown, PA, with her husband, Julio, and has three adult sons and one granddaughter.
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Josh Meyer
Leadership Minister, Ministerial CommitteeFranconia
Josh Meyer is a Conference Leadership Minister and the pastor of Discipling and Preaching at Franconia Mennonite Church. He's also served on the conference's Faith and Life Commission, Ministerial Committee, and EDC/FMC Structure and Identity Task Force. In addition to these roles, Josh is an Adjunct Professor at Eastern University. He is particularly interested in helping congregations connect the good news of God's great love with younger generations and those without a faith background. He recently completed doctoral work at Missio Seminary focused on millennials & ministry. Having not grown up in the Mennonite Church, he is grateful for the way he's been grafted into the Conference and considers it an honor to listen, learn, and lead in this setting. Josh's wife, Kim, is a licensed Social Worker and together they have three children - Selah, Eve, and Paxton. Read Josh's profile here.
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Janet Panning
Ministerial Committee ChairPlains
Janet Panning became a Christian at age 14 through an experience with Young Life Club, while attending an Episcopalian church. She met her husband Steve while both were studying at Michigan State University. Janet has a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling. After graduating from MSU, Janet was introduced to Mennonites through the Inter-Menno Program, spending a year in the Netherlands. Janet and Steve then spent much of the next 17 years working with MCC in Jamaica and Kentucky and raising two daughters, Megan and Molly. Janet is actively involved in Plains congregation (Hatfield, PA) where she serves as an elder. She is employed by Montgomery County’s Office of Public Health
in Maternal and Child Health.
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The Credentials Committee interviews and recommends individuals for credentialing.
Marta Castillo
Associate Executive MinisterNorristown New Life
Marta (Beidler) Castillo is the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference. As the daughter of Franconia Conference-rooted mission workers, Marta has been shaped by four of the linguistic cultures in the Conference, growing up in both Vietnam and Indonesia. Marta currently attends Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life where she has attended for over 25 years and served on the pastoral team from 2007-2017.
Marta served five years on the Franconia Conference Board, two of those as Assistant Moderator, and has been employed by the Conference since 2016 beginning as a Lead Minister. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a major in Elementary Education and has a Certificate of Christian Ministry from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a Master of Arts from Kairos University. Marta lives in Norristown, PA, with her husband, Julio, and has three adult sons and one granddaughter.
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Aldo Siahaan
Leadership Minister, Credentials CommitteePhiladelphia Praise Center
Aldo is a Leadership Minister for three congregations, assisting churches to reach their vision and serving as a bridge between the conference and the congregation. Aldo currently serves on the credentials committee. He appreciates how the Conference is much more than a building—it’s like being a part of a big family, across the nation and across the globe. Aldo is also the pastor of Philadelphia Praise Center, a multi-ethnic church on the south side of the city. He is originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, and is married to Viviani Chandra. Read Aldo's profile here.
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Ertell Whigham
Interim Leadership Minister, Credentials CommitteeNorristown New Life
Ertell Whigham is the out-going executive minister of Franconia Mennonite Conference, a position he has held since 2011. Ertell is also a LEADership minister for several congregations, and represents Franconia Mennonite Conference at the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council, and is the director of the Mennonite Health Services board. Previously, he was a conference minister for more than a decade, and pastored congregations in Reading, Philadelphia and Norristown. He remained a part of the pastoral team when his congregation in Norristown, Bethel Mennonite Church, joined with First Mennonite and Fuente de Salvación to form Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church, an intercultural, multilingual congregation.
Ertell grew up in Philadelphia, served with the Marines in the Vietnam War, and connected with Mennonites when he relocated to Reading as a Marine recruiter. It was here that he became a pacifist while having a devotion one morning. “I remember walking away from that and the Lord speaking to me and saying, “How can you tell someone about Jesus and want to take their life?”
Ertell and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 44 years. They have three adult children and five grandchildren. Ertell is passionate about music—particularly playing jazz saxophone—and his Rottweiler dog, Ramses.
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The Properties Board manages real estate on behalf of the Conference and contributes excess funds to support the ministry of the conference.
John Goshow
Finance CommitteeBlooming Glen
John Goshow retired after 33 years of service and leadership at Penn Foundation, Sellersville, Pa, where he served as president and CEO for over a decade. John and his wife Janet live near Perkasie, Pa, and are the parents of three adult children. They attend Blooming Glen Mennonite Church where John is a Sunday school teacher. John has served on the Board of Directors of Mennonite Health Services Alliance and in local and regional associations for community building and behavioral healthcare. He brings experience with organizational leadership as well as a social work background, combined with years of service connected with the church.
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Conrad Martin
Director of Finance/FMC Properties Board Chief Operating OfficerBlooming Glen
Conrad Martin is responsible for the conference’s finances and oversees all conference-owned properties. Before working for the conference, Conrad spent time working abroad for Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Economic Development Associates in Tanzania and Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh. Conrad has been married to his wife, Josephine, since 2001. In his free time, Conrad enjoys gardening and golf. Proverbs 3:9 is meaningful to him because it fits the best with his personal mission statement. “Honor GOD with everything you own; Give him the first and the best.” (The Message)
Conrad appreciates the response he gets when he visits Conference congregations, “even when they learn I work for the conference,” he said. “I am excited that [the Conference] is becoming more intentional about reconnecting with congregations.” Read Conrad's profile here.
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The Faith and Life Commission plans times for credentialed leaders within the Conference to study scripture with one another in order to build ties of friendship and support. Visit the Faith and Life page for information on upcoming gatherings and resources.
Hendy Matahelemual
Associate Minister for Community EngagementIndonesian Light
Hendy Matahelemual was born and grew up in the city of Bandung, Indonesia and graduated from Parahyangan Catholic University with a bachelor’s degree in Law. He worked in the music entertainment industry and a law office before being called to full-time ministry. He served as a pastor in Elshaddai Creative Community in Bandung before coming to the States. Hendy received a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2019. He serves with the Conference through his role as Associate Pastor at Philadelphia Praise Center. He believes with the power of the Holy Spirit; we can be Jesus witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Hendy lives in Philadelphia with his wife Marina and their three boys, Judah, Levi and Asher. He enjoys singing, playing guitar, and doing music collaboration in a band. He likes soccer, basketball, and watching movies. Read Hendy's profile here.
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Noel Santiago
Leadership Minister for Missional TransformationBlooming Glen
Noel Santiago works with pastors and leadership teams to help them align what they do with what they say in their vision and mission. He also works with leaders and networks seeking to bring a transformational impact to their neighboring communities, through prayer. Noel and his wife, Juanita, were both born in Puerto Rico, but he was raised in Pennsylvania. They lived together a year in Costa Rica as co-leaders of the SST program of Goshen College. To relax, Noel barbeques and hangs out with family and friends. The promise of God’s guidance and strength in Isaiah 58:11 is particularly meaningful to him. “I have experienced this time and time again as a reality in my life,” he said.
Noel loves when the vision “clicks” for congregational leaders. He remembers one significant meeting with a pastor and elder team that “led to an ‘aha’ moment,” he said. “They recognized a way they could better align some of their activities with their vision.” Read Noel's profile here.
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The Nominating Committee vets and discerns new Conference Board and Committee members. They ensure that those who fill these roles are balanced in terms of the gender, racial, cultural, geographic, and historic diversity of the Conference, reflect the diverse giftings represented in the Conference, and exhibit a high level of intercultural capacity.
The Nominating Committee welcomes your nominations for persons who would serve well on Mosaic’s committees and board.
Marta Castillo
Associate Executive MinisterNorristown New Life
Marta (Beidler) Castillo is the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference. As the daughter of Franconia Conference-rooted mission workers, Marta has been shaped by four of the linguistic cultures in the Conference, growing up in both Vietnam and Indonesia. Marta currently attends Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life where she has attended for over 25 years and served on the pastoral team from 2007-2017.
Marta served five years on the Franconia Conference Board, two of those as Assistant Moderator, and has been employed by the Conference since 2016 beginning as a Lead Minister. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a major in Elementary Education and has a Certificate of Christian Ministry from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a Master of Arts from Kairos University. Marta lives in Norristown, PA, with her husband, Julio, and has three adult sons and one granddaughter.
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Marco Güete
Leadership MinisterIglesia Seguidores de Cristo
Marco Güete grew up in Colombia before emigrating to the United States in 1970. In 1978, he received his first pastorate at a small church and then spent time as an international salesperson and eventually opened two small stores in Queens, NY. In 1981, Marco enrolled in the Pastoral Ministry Program at Goshen College, and then Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Since then, he has pastored at Community of Faith Mennonite Church, Chicago, IL, served as Hispanic Ministries Program Director of General Conference Mennonite Church. In 1996 served as Director of the Colombia Mennonite Seminary, Colombia, South America until he was called in 2000 as Associate Conference Minister of Western District Conference and South Central, then as Conference Minister for South East Mennonite Conference. Currently serves as Director of the Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Eduction Agency and Leadership Minister of Mosaic Conference. Marco is married to Sandra, and they reside in Sarasota, FL. Read Marco's profile here
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Janet Panning
Ministerial Committee ChairPlains
Janet Panning became a Christian at age 14 through an experience with Young Life Club, while attending an Episcopalian church. She met her husband Steve while both were studying at Michigan State University. Janet has a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling. After graduating from MSU, Janet was introduced to Mennonites through the Inter-Menno Program, spending a year in the Netherlands. Janet and Steve then spent much of the next 17 years working with MCC in Jamaica and Kentucky and raising two daughters, Megan and Molly. Janet is actively involved in Plains congregation (Hatfield, PA) where she serves as an elder. She is employed by Montgomery County’s Office of Public Health
in Maternal and Child Health.
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Roy Williams
Assistant ModeratorCollege Hill
Since 1985, Roy Williams has served as Pastor of College Hill Mennonite Church in Tampa, FL. Along with serving on the Mosaic board, he is also the Vice Chair of Mennonite Education Agency.
Roy has served the church in various roles during his career, including Moderator of Mennonite Church USA, Constituency Leadership Council Chair, Moderator of Southeast Mennonite Conference, and Urban Ministry Director for Mennonite Mission Network. He has been an evangelist, serving several denominations and independent churches since he was licensed for ministry at age 16 by the Wesleyan Church of Jamaica.
Outside of the church, Roy has worked as a senior Vice President of real estate and commercial lending and a Chief Internal Auditor.
Roy and his wife, Ruth Leair-Williams, have two children, Sherilee J. Samuel and Rian C. Williams, and four grandchildren. In his free time, Roy enjoys gardening, fishing and building things.
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Margaret Zook
Director of Collaborative MinistriesSalford
Margaret's board work with not-for-profits, as Executive Director at Souderton Mennnonite Homes and as Director of Church and Community Relations at Living Branches, has provided her a strong commitment to the value of the connectedness between the Conference Related Ministries and the Conference. Through many mission trips to Honduras (MAMA Project & Healthy Ninos Honduras), Margaret has developed a firm belief that CRM's give on many levels. "There is richness in our CRM's - visible, living stewardship gifts shared with our communities. Understanding their unique missions, sharing stories of their services and work, and walking with CRMs will be an honour." Outside of work, she can be found visiting grandchildren (so filled with joy and energy!), walking, reading, traveling with sisters, and enjoying learning especially with friends. She and husband, Wib, are members of Salford Mennonite Church and live in Harleysville, PA. Read Margaret's profile here
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The Sistering Committee’s mission is to provide gatherings for women to share about their lives and to sister one another — and then to spread what they have learned to others. The term “sistering” refers to a practice in carpentry in which structural repairs are made by attaching new wood beams to weak joists to make the original stronger. All of us are strong at times and can help those who are weak; all of us find it difficult to make it on our own at times and need others to support us. Sistering is a gift that we embody as God’s women as we follow Jesus into the Church and the world. The Sistering Committee is a local ministry of Mennonite Women USA, for the women of Mosaic Mennonite Conference.
Marta Castillo
Associate Executive MinisterNorristown New Life
Marta (Beidler) Castillo is the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference. As the daughter of Franconia Conference-rooted mission workers, Marta has been shaped by four of the linguistic cultures in the Conference, growing up in both Vietnam and Indonesia. Marta currently attends Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life where she has attended for over 25 years and served on the pastoral team from 2007-2017.
Marta served five years on the Franconia Conference Board, two of those as Assistant Moderator, and has been employed by the Conference since 2016 beginning as a Lead Minister. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a major in Elementary Education and has a Certificate of Christian Ministry from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a Master of Arts from Kairos University. Marta lives in Norristown, PA, with her husband, Julio, and has three adult sons and one granddaughter.
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Jaye Lindo
Leadership Development Associate7 Ways Home Fellowship
Jaye Shelton Lindo serves as Pastor of 7 Ways Home Fellowship in Bowie, MD. She also provides spiritual companioning relationships with Integer Network. Prior to her current pastoral role, Jaye served with another congregation for thirteen years in a variety of roles, from director of operations, pastoral care team member, and Youth Pastor. Jaye and her husband, Robert, have three beautiful adult daughters, two sons-in-law, two awesome grandchildren, and 4 grand-dogs. Her family truly is the blessing of her life. She treasures her faith in Christ and relies on her relationship with Jesus to get her through each day. When her schedule allows, Jaye enjoys reading. However, her all-time favorite thing to do is laugh until she cries…and a very close second would be worship.
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The Intercultural Committee provides leadership in the areas of undoing racism, sexism, and cultural bias, and in facilitating and supporting mutual transformation in intercultural contexts.
Emmanuel Mwaipopo
Intercultural Committee ChairNorristown New Life
Emmanuel Mwaipopo was born in Tanzania. Although his mother was a Mennonite, he was raised in his father’s Roman Catholic tradition. He moved to the US in his 20s to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he studied computer information systems. A professor at Temple introduced Emmanuel to a local Mennonite church in Philadelphia. Later he moved to Norristown, PA where he became involved with Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church, where he now serves as an elder. Emmanuel is a software engineer and works for Comcast. He and his wife care for four children. In his free time, Emmanuel plays ultimate frisbee.
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Danilo Sanchez
Leadership Minister for Intercultural TransformationRipple
Danilo Sanchez lives in Allentown with his wife Mary and two daughters. He is Mosaic's Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation. He also is one of the pastors at Ripple (Allentown, PA) and leads in the areas of leadership development, discipleship, and teaching. Danilo also works part-time for Ripple Community Inc at the community center as the Interfaith Chaplain. He graduated from Eastern University in 2010 and received his Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2013. He enjoys playing guitar, playing futbol, and spending time with his family.
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The CRM committee provides relationship accompaniment to Conference Related Ministries (CRMs) providing conference presence and support through resourcing, visibility, and relationships as organizations continue in their ministries of providing care, hope, healing and resources to their communities.
Lindy Backues
Faith and Life Commission, Conference Related Ministries CommitteePhiladelphia Praise Center
Herman Sagastume
Conference Related Ministries Committee ChairPerkiomenville
Dr. Herman Sagastume was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where he attended the National University of Honduras and received a degree in General Medicine and Surgery. During his time as a student, Dr. Herman was an active member of InterVarsity Honduras, and through this association, participated in many workshops and trainings in Central and South America and volunteered with US mission groups doing medical brigades in rural areas of Honduras.
Dr. Sagastume worked in Honduras for about 15 years with non-profit organizations and public health. As a board-certified physician in Honduras, he was the Field Director of the MAMA Project, Inc. from 2005- 2017 in Honduras. Since September 2017 he has been the Executive Director of Healthy Niños Honduras, a non-profit organization in Green Lane, PA and continuation of the MAMA Project’s work in Honduras. Dr. Sagastume directs the programs in Honduras, including the nutritional center, community service and education, deworming programs, and service teams.
Herman lives with his wife and three children and attends Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite Church where he serves on the Elder team. In his spare time Herman enjoys soccer and sports in general, history, geography, and documentaries.
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Margaret Zook
Director of Collaborative MinistriesSalford
Margaret's board work with not-for-profits, as Executive Director at Souderton Mennnonite Homes and as Director of Church and Community Relations at Living Branches, has provided her a strong commitment to the value of the connectedness between the Conference Related Ministries and the Conference. Through many mission trips to Honduras (MAMA Project & Healthy Ninos Honduras), Margaret has developed a firm belief that CRM's give on many levels. "There is richness in our CRM's - visible, living stewardship gifts shared with our communities. Understanding their unique missions, sharing stories of their services and work, and walking with CRMs will be an honour." Outside of work, she can be found visiting grandchildren (so filled with joy and energy!), walking, reading, traveling with sisters, and enjoying learning especially with friends. She and husband, Wib, are members of Salford Mennonite Church and live in Harleysville, PA. Read Margaret's profile here
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