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Our Ministry Team

Rev. Dr. Philip Mathai 


Pastor Philip found his way to Waterloo and Mount Zion from the Karnataka region of southern India where his father was a seminary professor. After completing his bachelor degree in science, he did his basic theological training while still in India. Then he worked for a year with the church of his roots, the Marthoma Church, a reformed church of the St Thomas tradition.

He received his MTh (Master of Theology) and spent the next nine years working for an organization involved in theological education.

Philip continued his studies at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey for a year followed by several years at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago where he received his doctorate.

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Sarah E. Cardwell

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Sarah Cardwell holds a BA (music) from The University of Western Ontario, and ARCT (piano) and an A.Mus. (pipe organ).

Since 1970 she has worked as an organist and choral director for the Anglican Church in the dioceses of Keewatin, Moosonee, and Niagara. She has also maintained a private teaching studio in piano and theory.

In 2005, Bishop Ralph Spence conferred on her the Order of Niagara in recognition of exceptional service to the church.

Most recently and since moving to Kitchener in 2013, she has been an associate organist at the Church of St. John the Evangelist.

She and her husband, Archdeacon Ken Cardwell, are the proud parents of a daughter and two sons, and have three grandchildren.

Christine Ramseyer, Parish Nurse  

A parish nurse is defined as “a registered nurse with specialized knowledge, who is called to ministry and affirmed by a faith community to promote health, healing and wholeness”. Christine is  a perfect fit for the job. She tells us that she loves being a nurse and believes that the experiences and lessons learned by working the profession have enriched her life. Christine brings over 20 years of nursing experience but more importantly enthusiasm and excitement for her new position at Mount Zion where she is integral part of the Mount Zion Cafe, a seniors ministry.

Christine is married to Tim and together they have two daughters Alyssa and Katie.

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Margaret Waechter, Administrator

 

We welcome Margaret Waechter as Mount Zion’s new office administrator. For many of you, Margaret doesn’t need an introduction as she is a long-time member, who at times has sung in the choir and acted as Assistant Minister. She brings with her years of experience in office management. .

 

 

Church Council
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Mount Zion’s Church Council is made up of up to 11 members elected by the congregation

at its Annual Meeting. 


Church Council members for
2022- 2023 are:

Karen Gastmeier President

David Murison,  Vice President

Stephanie von Schilling, Secretary

Richard Brubacher, Treasurer  

Betty Behm. Chair of Health Council

Kirk Swanson, Chair of Property Committee

Bill Gastmeier, Chair of Worship and Music

Mary Thompson, Chair of Justice through Service Committee

Kayleigh Swanson

Ross Schlegel

Hanne Kuhnert

Pastor Philip Mathai, ex officio

​Use the contact page to leave Church council members a message.

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