Delegates vote to approve ‘visionary’ budget

Incoming Director of Communications Scott Marble and Diana Peters, Board of Church Ministries chair, visit during a break. (Karenna Pauls)

On November 22, 2025, EMC delegates, staff and guests gathered at the Kleefeld EMC for the fall Conference Council meeting. A big thank you to pastor Greg Klassen and his team for hosting the meetings this year. There was a lot of fellowshipping around good food and the atmosphere was welcoming.

A key part of the meetings was the decision to support the 2026 budget of $2.2 million. After numerous questions and following discussion, the motion was put to the delegates and was passed with overwhelming support. It was an emotional moment as this budget is seen as visionary in moving the conference forward. The budget is both exciting (as EMC adds new young missionary couples to our staff and support for future leaders through scholarships and bursaries) and challenging (as it is an increase of 9% over 2025). The vote was a sign of strong unity in our conference around the needs and costs of missions, leadership development, and church supports.

A key part of the meetings was the decision to support the 2026 budget of $2.2 million.

The entire meeting is available to be viewed on our website, but I would like to draw your attention to a few key presentations:

Erica Fehr’s retirement celebration was held during the afternoon coffee time. (Karenna Pauls)

Pastor Abe Berg (Straffordville) and Pastor Albert Loewen (Mount Salem) shared their experiences at the first EMC Equip event which was held in Region 9 (southern Ontario churches).

Jen Kornelsen, of Many Rooms Church Community in Winnipeg, reported on Mennonite World Conference and the 500th year celebrations.

President Dave Reimer reported on Steinbach Bible College and the new campus project.

Executive Director Emery Plett presented EMC Delegate 101 to remind and train delegates on how to be a delegate.

Prior to lunch, a farewell was held for Erica Fehr who has served the conference in different roles for over 19 years. Diana Peters, Board of Church Ministries chair, and Director of Global Outreach Gerald Reimer both paid tribute to the work she has done. At coffee time cupcakes were shared and attendees were able to reminisce with Erica.

Thank you to all the delegates that attended both in person and online. As the delegates left, I hope they went with a sense of optimism they can share with their churches as they report on the meetings.