Columbus Mennonite Church: Contact Us

Contacting Columbus Mennonite Church

35 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43214-4146
Phone: 614-784-9002

Staff

Goerings

Pastors: Steve Goering & Susan Ortman Goering

Susan and Steve began serving Columbus Mennonite as pastors in June, 2004. Prior to coming to CMC, they served pastorates in Arvada, Colorado and Boulder, Colorado for almost twenty years. Both are second career pastors. Prior to congregational ministry, Susan worked in law offices and taught language arts. Steve was a chemical engineer working for Exxon, electric utilities, and as a consultant.

Both Susan and Steve have Master of Divinity degrees from The Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Susan’s strongest interests are preaching, teaching, and coordinating worship. She has recently completed training to be a Spiritual Director. Steve brings expertise and interest in the areas of community outreach, peace and justice issues, pastoral care, and small group ministries.

Their older children and grandchildren live “out west” in Seattle and Northern Colorado. Their youngest daughter is a student in Virginia. Steve and Susan love traveling together, especially long car trips; and Colorado, Washington, and Virginia are often on their agenda. Also, they are determined to visit the best Bed and Breakfast in every county in Ohio as well! When they are home, they enjoy flower and vegetable gardens, good movies, good books, and tinkering. Susan tinkers in her sewing room making comforters, and Steve tinkers in his workshop with various home projects. He’s also enamored with fly fishing in Ohio’s rivers, and Susan has promised to give it a try this summer!

Pastors Susan and Steve welcome all to join Columbus Mennonite Church in worship, small groups and in our social activities whenever that might be possible.

You can contact Susan or Steve by calling (614) 784-9002.

E-mail Steve at swogoering.cmc@gmail.com.

E-mail Susan at sogoering@sbcglobal.net.
If you wish to follow Susan's current journey with breast cancer, you can do so at her CaringBridge website.

Church Administrator: Lavonne van der Zwaag

Lavonne van der Zwaag began working in our church office as the Office Administrator in 1999 and became the Church Administrator in 2004. In the past, Lavonne has also served on our Christian Education and Worship Commissions and on the Shepherding Team. She and her husband live in Worthington with their youngest daughter. Their oldest daughter is a junior in college in Virginia. Lavonne is also a part-time student at Otterbein College where she is majoring in English with a focus in Creative Writing. During the summer, Lavonne is generally in the office on Wednesday & Thursday from 10 am-5 pm. You can contact Lavonne by calling (614) 784-9002 or emailing her at office@columbusmennonite.org.

Gwen.original

Office Assistant: Gwen Reiser

Gwen Reiser began serving as our Office Assistant in 2003 on an "as needed" basis; and in the fall of 2008, Gwen began working part-time as a permanent church office employee. She is also the editor of our church newsletter, The Lamplighter. Gwen also coordinates our Keeping CMC Safe program. In the past, Gwen has served on our Community Life Commission and our church's Administrative Team. Gwen and her husband live in Dublin with their two sons. Their daughter is a junior in college in Wooster, Ohio. During the summer, Gwen is generally in the office on Monday from 8 am-1 pm. You can contact Gwen by calling (614) 784-9002 or emailing her at office@columbusmennonite.org.