Blog
Full IndexEverything we post on a regular basis in our website in different categories, appears in this index by chronological order, newest entries at the top.
Alice Dahms Irwin
In Memorium Alice Dahms and her two brothers grew up in Ontario as “pk’s” (preacher’s kids), in the former Evangelical United Brethren Church; since 1968 it has been part of the United Church of Canada. Alice was only sixteen when her mother died. Her father...
Debbie Voss Coss
Profiles Commissioning 2000, at Portage la Prairie in Conference of Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Program of Formation Five-year program at the Centre for Christian Studies, which I began when CCS was in Toronto, and completed after the move to Winnipeg. I...
Jen Dresser
Profiles Commissioned to Diaconal Ministry in 2009, at Sherwood Park, Alberta and Northwest Conference Program of Formation The four year program at CCS. Field placements included a Lutheran-United Shared Ministry in Spiritwood, Sask and a Women’s Shelter in...
Bessie Julien Dayfoot
In Memorium Bessie Julien was born in Wheatley, in southwestern Ontario in 1918, the second of 4 children, into an active Methodist family. Her mother was in the Woman’s Missionary Society (WMS) and hosted visiting missionaries upon occasion. That is where Bessie...
Maria (Shepherd) Joyea
In Memorium Maria Joyea, Miyocasatawiskwew, Good Claw Woman, born March 30, 1935, was a respected elder of the Whitebear First Nation in Saskatchewan and she served First Nations people throughout the Canadian prairies and across the border in Montana and North...
Colleen Erb
In Memorium Colleen Erb fell in love with music and God at an early age. She lived a full life as teacher, pastor and theological reflector. When invited to give a title to her life story she suggested, “Feasting on a life’s journey.” Colleen was born in...
Elinor Cox
In Memorium Elinor Cox served the United Church as a Deaconess/Diaconal minister from 1956 until her retirement in 1991. She continued to a provide ministry as a volunteer at St. Andrew’s, Moose Jaw. At her funeral it was said of her, “In a way, Elinor was the...
Debra Kigar
Profiles Commissioning I was commissioned in 2011, Hamilton Conference Program of Formation 4 year program at CCS in Winnipeg Many experiences had a role in my diaconal formation: Field placements at Five Oaks, Bethel Stone UC, Lowville-Nelson United...
YoonOk Shin-Kang
Profiles Commissioning I was commissioned June 3, 2000 at MacDougall United Church in Edmonton Alberta. Program of Formation I studied in the 5-year Regional Program at the Centre for Christian Studies both in Toronto and Winnipeg. I also took some of my...
Kathy Douglas
Profiles Commissioned in 2008 Settled to Huron-Perth Presbytery Youth Minister -full time In 2019, with church restructuring, Kathy became the Minister, Faith Formation for three regions in Southwestern Ontario…Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, &...
Tammy Allan
Profiles Tammy Allan was commissioned in 2000, at McDougall United Church in Edmonton, at the Service of Celebration for Alberta and Northwest Conference. Her Program of Formation was as a member of the Regional ’95 group, at the Centre for Christian Studies...
Joan Tuchlinskly
Profiles Commissioning 2000, in Winnipeg Program of Formation Diploma in Diaconal Ministries: Studies in Transformation and Action What called you to diaconal ministry? I remember being at church, picking up a Centre for Christian Studies newsletter,...
Debra Schweyer
Profiles Commissioning I was born and raised in Toronto. My home congregation was, as far as I know, the United Church’s first tri-congregational church building, established in the 60’s. It was a cinder block building with three sanctuaries and crazy...
Mark Laird
Profiles Year of Commissioning Hopefully 2015 Program of Formation Four year program at CCS What called you to diaconal ministry? I was called to diaconal ministry through a desire to work in education. After not being admitted to Teachers’ College I...
Terrie Chedore
“Diaconal ministry is a model of ministry that embraces a strong commitment to lay involvement. I have chosen to work on the edge of the church encouraging a diaconal style of ministry for all people.”