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 Ministries,

First Pilgrim UC and City of Hamilton.

Global Perspectives Experience in Venezuela.

Every person I worked with and learned with over the four years were significant mentors for me.

What called you to Diaconal Ministry?

The diaconal ministers I met drew me towards diaconal ministry. The experiential learning model of CCS drew me to the school.

Describe some of your experiences of ministry

Since commissioning in 2011 I have been serving as solo congregational minister for a two-point charge in a remote isolated part of Quebec.

How you explain diaconal ministry to others….

In my experience, a diaconal minister sees things through the lens of justice, listens with open ears and heart, and thinks things through critically.  A diaconal minister would use these skills wherever they find themselves – whether in congregational leadership, team ministry, social ministry or working outside the traditional church environment.  Diaconal ministers are part of a vital network that maintains community – they learn in community learning circles, and they have regional, national and international gatherings.

What gives you the most satisfaction, reward, sense of fulfillment from the work you do?

My greatest satisfaction has been in developing relationships with the community, listening for common desires and hopes, and then using my creativity to design some kind of program or process that will address the community’s desires.  And I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I design a program in such a way that it will continue , with or without my leadership.

 January 2013