Rev. Caroline Penhale
Team Minister, Congregational Care & Outreach
ouc.carolinepenhale@rogers.com
Rev. Caroline was called to serve Orleans United Church as of January 2017, after having served churches and ministries in BC, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Before ministry, Caroline worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor in various community agencies and ran a private coaching practice for over 10 years. Born in Montreal, she grew up on the West Coast of BC and is a graduate of the Vancouver School of Theology. She holds a certificate in Bilingual Ministry from United Theological College and is currently training to become a mentor with Backstory Preaching.
Over the years, Caroline has trained in both Reiki and the Healing Pathway and serves as clergy support to OUC’s Healing Pathway ministry. In 2018, she began serving a three-year term on the Board of Governors of United Theological College. Previously, she has served the Wider Church as a presenter and animator for Emerging Spirit events, as a member of the General Council Executive and as a member of several Presbytery and Conference committees. She lives in Ottawa with her “church dog”, a West Highland Terrier named Riley. Riley can be seen hanging out in Caroline’s office several days per week and he loves to meet new people. Please come by and say hello!
Rev. Molly Bell
Team Minister, Faith Formation & Leadership Development
ouc.mollybell@rogers.com
In September of 2002, Orleans United Church welcomed Rev. Molly Bell to the ministry team. She is married to Stephen Ellsworth, a civil engineer working with Transport Canada. They have one daughter, Emma, who is the light of their lives and who keeps them on their toes.
Born in Winnipeg, Molly considers herself an Ottawa girl as she spent all of her school days in the city. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Queen’s University, and then remained at Queen’s to pursue a Master’s of Divinity degree at Queen’s Theological College. Following ordination in 2000, she served the Aylwin Pastoral Charge in Western Quebec.
At OUC, Molly is involved with a variety of programs with a particular focus on Leadership Development, Christian Education, Children and Youth Ministries. She enjoys being part of an equal and collaborative staff team, where all aspect of ministry including Worship leadership are shared. She is energized by the creative, dynamic worship experiences OUC offers, and feels blessed to be invited into families’ lives through weddings, funerals, baptisms, and milestone occasions. Engaging in long-term ministry with Orleans United, she particularly enjoys watching the generations grow and change, and being part of the on-going faith journey of the families of our congregation.
Time at home or away is spent watching movies, quiet (or not so quiet) evenings with friends, and spending time at the cottage. Music plays a big role in her family’s life, and Molly is happy to play chauffeur, cheerleader, and equipment manager as Stephen & Emma pursue their various passions. Any spare time is spent planning the next great family adventure, as this family trio travels the world exploring new cultures and contexts.
While she has been with OUC for many years, Molly continues feels called to ministry at Orleans United and is excited and humbled by the opportunities for growth, care, and learning that are offered as she journeys with the congregation. She looks forward to sharing God’s goodness with this faith family for years to come!