Linda Helmus, Associate Pastor of Christian Education,  joined the staff in 2009.  

Linda spent her formative years living near Mount Joy (PA). She attended Mount Joy Mennonite Church with her parents and three siblings. For most of her adult life, she and her family have been active members of Akron Mennonite Church . 

A graduate of Goshen College and Villanova University , Linda was a classroom teacher for 18 years. She met her husband, Dave, while both were living and working in suburban Philadelphia . Prior to relocating here, they spent 3 defining years in Egypt with Mennonite Central Committee.  

Then a vocational shift surprised her. After serving as a layperson on Akron Mennonite’s pastoral team, Linda felt lead to attend seminary. Following graduation from Lancaster Theological Seminary, she was called as an associate pastor at Landisville Mennonite. Since then, she has been energized by spiritual direction ministry and retreat work. She is passionate about spiritual formation in congregational life—especially among young families. Linda also appreciates serving on the board of directors for Love, INC. 

Dave and Linda have been married for 30+ years. For the past two decades, they have enjoyed country living not far from Lancaster city. They are the parents of a young adult daughter, Nora, a social worker in Denver , CO .