Mark Diller Harder

mark computer Mark began his ministry here at SJMC in August of 2005 and is excited to be here. Mark brings gifts in preaching, worship planning, pastoral care, community building and administration. Previous to SJMC, Mark served as a pastor at First Mennonite (Kitchener) and as Student and Young Adult Minister for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC).

Other ministryexperience includes music and pastoral ministry at Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church (Kitchener), the Men's Hostel at House of Friendship (Kitchener)and Voluntary Service at Welcome Inn (Hamilton). Mark completed studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, University of Waterloo, and Canadian Mennonite Bible College.

Mark is married to Rachel and they have three children, Micah, Lorena and Nathan. Their family enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, music and visiting their respective families in Toronto, ON and Bluffton, OH. Mark sings in Menno Singers and enjoys choral music, hymnology, and piano as well as hockey and other sports.

"St Jacobs is a vibrant congregation with a diversity of ages, gifts and experiences, all united by Christ in worship, community, mission and discipleship."

Wendy Janzen

wendy desk Wendy has been part of the pastoral team since January 2002. The things she loves about SJMC are how well the generations interact together, the lovely four-part harmony sung during worship, and the way people pray for and care for each other and their broader communities. In addition to sharing a portion of preaching and pastoral care, Wendy’s job description includes missions and youth ministry. She is also a member of the Creation Care small group that formed around a common interest in environmental concerns & faith.

Wendy is married to Chip Bender and they have two young boys, Levi and Kai. By both working part time and sharing parenting, they enjoy a (somewhat) less hectic pace of life. They like spending time as a family at the park, playing games, camping, and visiting with friends and neighbours. Wendy also enjoys sports, knitting, cooking & baking, canoeing and travelling.

Prior to coming to SJMC, Wendy completed a Masters of Divinity degree at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She has also served as Youth Pastor at Leamington United Mennonite Church, Admissions Counsellor at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, and has done short-term service assignments with Mennonite Voluntary Service (in Kansas) and Mennonite Central Committee (in Southern Africa). These experiences have created a passion for the global church and an eye for how God is at work in our world.

Kevin Derksen

Kevin Derksen Kevin joined the pastoral staff at SJMC in September of 2009. This is his first ministry position, and he is excited to be part of this mature and experienced pastoral team in a vibrant and creative congregation. Kevin enjoys working with preaching, teaching and worship, and is particularly involved in Christian Formation at St. Jacobs.

Most recently Kevin was in Hamilton studying theology at McMaster University, and before that in Winnipeg at Canadian Mennonite University. His previous ministry experience includes pastoral and chaplaincy internships in Toronto.

Kevin and his wife Pamela live in Kitchener, where they enjoy reading, taking walks, and getting involved in community music. They also enjoy frequent visits to family and friends in Hamilton and Toronto, as well as regular trips to their hometown of Winnipeg.