Those who make up our staff, Jorge Vallejos (Director), Scott Hartman (Office Manager), Carol Epp (Administrative Assistant) and Rachel Swartzendruber (Associate Director), could easily plan a convention that we would like or see as ideal. However, we want to plan a convention that YOU would like. For this reason we ask people from across the country who are connected to the Mennonite Church in some way to be a part of the planning process. Planning any major event, including our bi-annual Mennonite convention, takes a lot of brainstorming, creativity, and dedication. The volunteers that make up our two planning committees for San Jose 2007 are priceless to our staff and have been of great assistance throughout the planning process.



The Youth Convention Planning Committee is responsible for selecting a theme, setting the schedule, and over all convention brainstorming. The committee met several times and hopes to see you all in San José. Planning committee members are:
Ellie Barnhart, Rickreall, Ore.
Shana Peachey Boshart, Parnell, Iowa
Joy Cotchen, Somerset, Pa.
Charlene Schrag, Estacada, Ore.
Aaron Shenk, Goshen, Ind.
Jeremy Shue, Orrville, Ohio
Victor A. Vargas, Keizer, Ore.
Bob Yoder, Goshen, Ind.
Cheryl Zehr Walker, Bluffton, Ohio – Chair


The Youth Convention Worship Planning Committee is responsible for planning the worship services. It works with the scripture, worship leaders, speakers, drama and music for each service. Worship Planning Committee members are:
Rafael Barahona, Charlottesville, Va.
Audrey Engle, Salem, Ore.
Marlene Frankenfield, Lansdale, Pa.
Kendra King, Hesston, Kan.
Sarah Lapenta-H, Glendale, Calif.
Clayton Miller, Goshen, Ind.
Kent Miller, Wakarusa, Ind.
Hugo Saucedo, San Antonio, Texas
Merv Stoltzfus, Gordonville, Pa.
Heidi Miller Yoder, Keezletown, Va. – Chair