| Update on Search for New Minister This is an update on the status of our search for a new full-time minister to replace Rev. Caroline Penhale who we said goodbye to at the end of June. I am providing this update on behalf of Mary Lou Robillard, Chair of the Search Team.The Search Team currently has a fairly large list of potential candidates. Some have applied directly to Orleans United Church, and others have been identified as potential candidates as a result of postings by those ministers on the UCC ChurchHub.The Search Team will be meeting again on Sept. 22nd and they intend to reduce the list of candidates to a handful – a shortlist of candidates that the Team feels are a good fit for OUC. They will make this judgment by comparing the information that candidates submitted in their applications or published on ChurchHub, with the requirements the were specified in the Community of Faith Profile that the congregation approved at our congregational meeting on April In the weeks that follow, the Search Team will conduct a detailed evaluation of the candidates on the shortlist and end up ranking the shortlisted candidates in order of preference. The top candidates will be invited for interviews. Interviewing and obtaining of references will be carried out in November. The next update will be presented during worship services on Sunday Dec. 6 by Mary Lou Robillard.Ron Hunt, Chair of Council Sunday School started on Sunday, September 18 and Nursery care is now open. Parents must register their child for Sunday School or Nursery Care. Please see the Nursery Sunday School or teachers for a registration form. There are no fees associated with these programs. The Nursery officially reopened on September 11th. We welcome Nadine and Holly who will be facilitating care in the Nursery every Sunday. A few details regarding Nursery care: The Nursery is open exclusively for infants that are crawling and children up to 3 years of age.Parents are kindly asked to bring a water bottle labelled with their child’s name.NO solid food is allowed while in the Nursery (please no snacks)Masks are not required for children in the Nursery, however Nadine and Holly will wear their masksOnce worship service has ended, parents are asked to pick up their child(ren) from the Nursery.Should a child require personal care (diaper change) Nadine or Holly will notify the parent(s) in the Sanctuary.Nadine or Holly will accompany your child to the bathroom if they are potty-trained and able to manage themselves independently with verbal support. We are very excited to welcome children back to Sunday School this fall. Classes resume on Sunday September 18th. The calendar of dates will be posted in the Hall on the information board.Here are a few housekeeping details for the classes:Masks are optional for both facilitators and participants; and hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the classroom.Children in grades JK-6 are welcome to attend the classes.Children not in school (3 years of age and under) are welcome to join the Nursery.There will be two classes each week divided by age group.Once worship service has ended, parents are asked to pick up their child(ren) from their classroom.Children are NOT to leave without their parents.Our team is currently seeking 2 more volunteers to join the Sunday School crew. If you are interested in helping, kindly contact the church office by e-mail at orleansunited@rogers.com or by phone at 613-837-4321. |
| Council’s Decision on Changes to Mask-Wearing PolicyCouncil’s discussion about changes to the mask-wearing policy during worship services took place at our meeting on Wednesday Sept. 21. We are very thankful for the feedback that we received by e-mail and in conversations with various members of the congregation prior to last night’s meeting.The deliberations were guided by the feedback from the congregation, and Council’s desire to care for and support both the physical and spiritual needs of all members of our church.Here is a summary of what Council decided at our meeting on Wednesday:We continue to recommend the wearing of masks in the Sanctuary during worship services.However, effective Sunday, Oct. 2 the wearing of masks in the Sanctuary during worship services will no longer be mandatory.Also effective on October 2, a portion of the Sanctuary will be sectioned off and designated as an area where masks MUST be worn. This is being done in order to accommodate those individuals who wish to be physically distant from people who are not wearing masks We recognize that each individual has their own circumstances and comfort level. The implementation of this policy change requires patience, respect and cooperation from everyone.If you require additional information, please contact me at re.hunt@sympatico.ca or 613-298-1626.Ron Hunt, Chair of Council |
| United Church of Canada Policy for Employees on Medical Leave This is a brief description of the United Church of Canada (UCC) policy that applies to Orleans United Church (OUC) employees when they are on medical leave.The policy and procedures are referred to by the UCC as the Restorative Care Plan (RCP). The stated goal of the RCP is “to support individuals during an illness or injury while they recover and prepare to return to their work safely.”OUC is obligated to continue paying the employee’s salary when that individual is absent due to illness. The absence must be supported by the employee’s attending physician.However, if the absence continues beyond 2 weeks, then the UCC reimburses OUC in the amount of 85% of the employee’s salary, subject to the approval of the UCC’s Restorative Care service provider, starting 2 weeks after the first day of absence.If the absence extends beyond 6 months, the employee can apply for long-term disability (LTD). The LTD is subject to approval by the UCC’s medical insurance provider. If the LTD is approved, then the UCC’s medical insurance provider would begin to pay LTD benefits to the employee, and OUC is no longer responsible for the employee’s salary.The members of the congregation of OUC should continue to keep the employee in their thoughts and prayers as that person goes through their personal healing process. At all times, the members of the congregation must respect the privacy of the employee who is on medical leave and refrain from prying for details about their medical condition(s) and status.Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about the statements made in this article. Ron Hunt, Chair of Councilre.hunt@sympatico.ca / 613-298-1626 |
| Pet Blessing Many members make up a family! On Thanksgiving Sunday when we are grateful for much, we will also express our gratitude for family members with four feet or two claws or feathers or fur or who live in water. You are welcome to bring your family member, or photo thereof, to the front lawn at 12:30 Thanksgiving Sunday to be blessed |
| A Celebration of Life for Norman Baines will be held on October 22nd at Manotick United Church, 5567 Manotick Main St., 2 – 4 pm. We will gather to share some of our favourite memories, our stories, to laugh and remember a wonderful person greatly missed. SAVE THE DATE – NOVEMBER 19THOUC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Save your books, puzzles etc. Continue making preserves. Keep on sewing, knitting, woodworking and crafting. Ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Volunteers always needed. For more information contact Lorna Hobbs at 613-824-5805/lornahobbs@yahoo.ca or Alison Sales at 613-983-7974 alisonsales@rogers. How To ForgiveIs anger keeping you awake at night? Would forgiveness help? But what is forgiveness and how do we do it? You are invited to a four week discussion on John Monbourguette’s book: How To Forgive. ( Amazon.ca – $22.00)Join us over Zoom Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm starting Sept. 14, or in person Thursday afternoons from 1-2:30 pm starting Sept. 15, for 4 weeks. To register, contact Heather McGrath at hmcgrath@gmail.com  HELP HintsWhen we are dying, hearing is the last sense to be lost. Music can provide a sense of calm, both for the dying person and for the caregivers. “When words fail, music speaks” For ideas email jennifercunningham at heartformusic@gmail.com  Check out supports in the community:https://www.communityhomesupport.ca Grocery Gift CardsThe Grocery Gift Card table is open in the hall after service. Purchases of gift cards for Metro, Basics, Independent, No frills, Loblaws, Sobeys, Farm Boy, and Shoppers Drug Mart will be available by cash, cheque or e-transfer. Please note there are no Tim Horton gift cards at this time. Gift cards will be available for purchase in the church office during regular business hours as of September 26. Any questions regarding this long standing fundraiser (that costs you nothing extra) can be sent to: dianne.davis@bell.netCGIT Camp Kalalla, is a wooded, waterfront camp that covers 107 acres in the Gatineau, just 45 minutes outside of Ottawa. We are interested in hearing from community members and organizations as we are developing a creative vision for how best to steward this wonderful property. We are having an Open House on site on September 25, from 1:00 to 3:00. We would love to see you there! Email: campkalalla@gmail.com Ottawa School of Theology & Spirituality 2022-2023Connecting People on the Path of Faith and LearningQuality courses are provided by leaders of excellence on a wide variety of issues of theological, spiritual, ethical and practical importance for today. Such courses involve specific Christian theological aspects, Bible study topics, religious history, diverse faiths and current critical issues in our society.Mondays 7:30 pm, Four 5-wk sessions/yr. Fall Term: 19 September—24 October, 202231 October—28 November, 2022Winter Term: 09 January—06 February, 202313 February—20 March 2023Choose from 3 In person classes or 1 ZOOM $75.00/term or $140.00/ yearBOGO Buy 1, get 1 free. Register a friend-free/some restrictionsAdult Learning—All Welcome.More information and registration: https://osts.ca Ways to GiveWE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR CONGREGATION WITH THEIR TIME AND WITH THEIR FINANCIAL DONATIONSIf you would like to contribute financially, you can do so:• By cash or cheque to the main office• By pre-authorized monthly donations(call office for information)• Through your United Way contributions(simply choose OUC as the beneficiary)• E-transfer to:oucdonations@rogers.com• Using a credit card Through CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org |
| This Week at OUC Friday September 23: Orleans Noon – Chapel, NoonSaturday September 24: SDA – Sanctuary/Choir Room/Room 12, 8:30 – 1 pmCoro Vivo – Sanctuary, 2-4:30 pmSunday September 25: Worship service, in person and live-streamed, 10 amMonday September 26: Kim John Tai Chi – Chapel 10:30 – 11:30 amQuilters Workshop – Library, 10-3 pmScouts – Hall, Library, Choir Room, Chapel TOPS – Nursery, 6 pmByTown Beat – Sanctuary 7 pmHELP – Room 12 7pmTuesday September 27: Kim John Tai Chi – Chapel 10 – 11 am Scouts – Chapel/Hall TOPS – Nursery/Kitchen, 6:30 pm Coro Vivo – Sanctuary/Hall, 6:30 – 10 pm Wednesday September 28: A’Chord – Sanctuary – 9:30 – 11:30 amJust Us – Chapel, 1 – 4 pmSDA – Chapel, 6 – 9 pmJoyful Yarn – Hall/Choir Room 7-9 pmThursday September 29: Tops -Chapel/Nursery, 8:30 amForgiveness Workshop – Library 1 – 3 pm |
Volume 83|September 11, 2022
Rev. Nancy Best:
I am delighted to be joining with Reverend Eric Lukacs to be temporarily helping out at Orleans United Church. I will be providing part time pastoral care. This is a role I have accepted with you all before, and will enjoy seeing you again.
For those of you who know me, no introduction is needed. For those I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’ll fill you in a bit. My family and I were members at Orleans United Church for many years. I was an active participant, Chair of Elders, Council member, on the Prayer Chain, and I ran a parent and tots group. I took what was then the Licensed Lay Preachers Course. Later, in 2008 I went into Ministry from Orleans United Church! I was Student Minister at Quyon QC. for five years. Also during that time, I studied for my Masters of Divinity at Atlantic School of Theology. I received my M/Div and was Ordained in 2013. I have assisted by providing pastoral care before, this is my third time helping out. I am currently the part time Minister at Navan-Vars United Church.
Please contact me if you would like to chat by phone or video chat, have a pastoral care visit, home communion, or if you have a prayer request. I am fully vaccinated and boosted. I can visit in person, and will wear a mask, if you wish. I am also comfortable visiting outside, socially distanced or can meet you at the church. My home # 613 834-6816; call or text my cell # 613 863-9056; or email rev.nancy.best@gmail.com.
Blessings, and may the Creator bless our time together.
Rev. Nancy Best
OUC Choir Returns on Sunday Sept. 11, 2022
The choir has been given permission to sing without their masks when they return to OUC on Sunday, September 11 after their summer break.
Here is the rationale behind this decision:
· The choir will be singing from the choir loft and will be well separated from the congregation;
· The members of the choir have difficulty breathing effectively while they are wearing masks – especially when they are singing the anthems;
· Choir members will be able to hear each other better without masks and this will improve the overall performance of the choir; and
· Some members of the choir may choose to wear their masks from week to week for personal reasons, and as a whole, they are all comfortable with the group’s decision to make it optional.
Obviously this leads to the question what about the rest of the congregation?
We know that there are many people who would like to ditch their masks. Ottawa Public Health continues to recommend that masks be worn in indoors and/or in crowded settings. The presence of COVID-19 in the community is gradually decreasing but the overall level is still in the high to moderate range.
Our goal is to ensure that it is safe for all people to attend worship services. One way to do this would be to designate certain sections of the Sanctuary as areas where masks must be worn. Council will be reviewing the mask-wearing policy for worship services as it applies to the congregation at their meeting on September 21.
Please let me know what you think prior to Sept. 21st. In the mean time, thank you in advance for continuing to wear your masks during worship services for another two weeks.
Blessings!
Ron Hunt, Chair of Council
re.hunt@sympatico.ca / 613-298-1626
Sunday School starts on Sunday, September 18
We are very excited to welcome children back to Sunday School this fall. Classes resume on Sunday September 18th. The calendar of dates will be posted in the Hall on the information board.
Here are a few housekeeping details for the classes:
· Masks are optional for both facilitators and participants; and hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the classroom.
· Children in grades JK-6 are welcome to attend the classes.
· Children not in school (3 years of age and under) are welcome to join the Nursery.
· There will be two classes each week divided by age group.
· Once worship service has ended, parents are asked to pick up their child(ren) from their classroom.
· Children are NOT to leave without their parents.
Our team is currently seeking 2 more volunteers to join the Sunday School crew. If you are interested in helping out, kindly contact the church office by e-mail at orleansunited@rogers.com or by phone at 613-837-4321.
Kimberly Corley
Kim will be on holiday from September 6 to 23 inclusive. Special thanks to Jean Shaddick, Marni Hunt-Stephens and Barbara Malarczyk who will be covering the office in her absence.
New School Year – New Hope!
“You are invited to bring your backpack or briefcase or favourite bag for blessing during the service Sunday September 11!”
This is an invitation for everyone to attend a little celebration after Church this Sunday (September 11th) for Vi Mack’s 90th Birthday. Cake and coffee will be available.
Sanctuary helpers needed: Do you have an hour or two once a month to help keep our sanctuary ready for worship? The work would involve tidying the pews, polishing the brass if needed, and watering plants. If you can help, please contact Shirley Holt at shirleyjholt@outlook.com.
How To Forgive
Is anger keeping you awake at night? Would forgiveness help? But what is forgiveness and how do we do it? You are invited to a four week discussion on John Monbourguette’s book: How To Forgive. ( Amazon.ca – $22.00)
Join us over Zoom Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm starting Sept. 14, or in person Thursday afternoons from 1-2:30 pm starting Sept. 15, for 4 weeks.
To register, contact Heather McGrath at hmcgrath@gmail.com
OUC Bazaar – Silent Auction
Looking for items to donate to OUC Silent Auction – hand made crafts big or small can be offered on their own or bundled with other items as a gift basket. What is very popular are coupons or tickets for special experience : spa, restaurant, sport’s event, theatre. Maybe you have season tickets and you know you will not make it to a particular event, please consider giving these tickets as a donation. Please send your ideas and contacts to France Lemay-Legault, lemaylegaf@yahoo.com.
Church Calendars
The 2023 United Church calendar is now available. The cost is $11 each. Please contact the office (613-837-4321, orleansunited@rogers.com) if you would like to purchase one.
| HELP Hints When visiting someone who is frail or ill, as you enter the home, set the alarm on your phone for 15-20 minutes, explaining that it is so easy to overstay a welcome. Then, when your alarm goes off, take your leave. People who frail or tired, including caregivers, do not have the energy to tell you they need to rest. |
| Check out supports in the community:https://www.communityhomesupport.ca |
We are looking for people who feel called to join our group of dedicated Sunday School teachers. If you are one of those people, please contact Kim in the office (orleansunited@rogers.com, 613-837-4321). This position requires about 1 hour prep time per week, not more than once every three weeks (less often if we get more volunteers!).
Here I am, for you called me. 1 Samuel 3:6
Orange Shirt Day Service
The National Day of Truth & Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) was established by the Federal government last year, to be observed each year on September 30. Unfortunately OUC is not in a position to offer a service this year, however member are encouraged to observe the day on their own, respecting the tragic history of residential schools for indigenous children in Canada.
OUC LADIES LUNCH BUNCH is beginning again on Tuesday, September 13th, 12:30 p.m. at Little Turkish Village on St. Joseph Blvd., Orleans. All ladies are welcome to attend. Please notify Lorna Hobbs at lornahobbs@yahoo.ca or phone 613-824-5805 if you will be attending.
Ways to Give
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR CONGREGATION WITH THEIR TIME AND WITH THEIR FINANCIAL DONATIONS
If you would like to contribute financially, you can do so:
• By cash or cheque to the main office
• By pre-authorized monthly donations
(call office for information)
• Through your United Way contributions
(simply choose OUC as the beneficiary)
• E-transfer to:
• Using a credit card Through Canada
Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org
OUC has a Prayer Chain!
For many years now, OUC has offered a prayer ministry. You can request that the members of the prayer team pray for you, for your loved one, or for a particular local or global concern. All payer request are shared among the group confidentially. You are invited to send your prayer request directly toouc.prayersforall@rogers .com, an email monitored by only one CST member. For more information, please contact the office.
Be in Touch!
We would love for you to reach out to us…. we are here for you!
Website: http://orleansunitedchurch.com
Email: orleansunited@rogers.com
Phone: 613-837-4321
If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, sign them up through the main office (call or email)
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ao8Wcc6ZnLallQUatF83qafX3BxR?e=rNkxY6
February 10, 2022
Rev. Molly Bell on Medical LeaveThis is to inform you that our beloved Molly was placed on medical leave by her physician on February 3, 2022. The length of her absence will be a minimum of six weeks, and the reasons for her leave are confidential.The Chair of the Ministry & Personnel Committee, Peter Holt, is in the process of obtaining a supply minister to fill in while Molly is off. We will have more to say about this next week.Please hold Molly in your thoughts and prayers, as we all wish her a speedy and full recovery.Ron HuntChair of Council
Upcoming Worship
February 13 – Join us for worship on YouTube at https://youtu.be/2M2SrviDlYk
February 27th – In-person service. Please contact the office to register. Also, let us know if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, so we can arrange for the lunch to be provided (see below).
OUC/QUC Health and Education CommitteeIt was great to hear from a number of you who took part in the last Royal Ottawa Hospital topic on beating the winter blues.The next free virtual broadcast from the Royal Ottawa, on February 24 at 7 pm, focuses on providing mental health information and resources around the theme “Peer Support: what it is and what it isn’t”. It is of benefit to youth and parents. Register here to be part of this monthly conversation!
Judith Tompkins, on behalf of the Health and Education Committee
ATTENTION CAREGIVERS As a Caregiver who cares for a family member or friend, you most likely need support too. HELP and your adult education team are considering offering 6-8 weeks of weekly 1.5 hour sessions, in the afternoons, covering topics like dealing with stress, handling emotions, navigating the system, grief and loss, and changing roles. If this might interest you, please email Heather McGrath at hmcgraths@gmail.com. It would be lovely to share hugs in person, but if you would feel more comfortable over Zoom please let us know.
Connecting withRev. Caroline
As Rev. Caroline recovers from a recent concussion, she needs to limit her screen time. As such, Cafe OUC is cancelled indefinitely. If you would like to speak with Rev. Caroline or arrange a pastoral call or visit, please call her at 613-292-4801. She would love to hear from you!’
Advance Notice to all Book Worms!In early May, date to be confirmed, Caroline will lead a discussion on the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. We know the book cover is a little cheesy but commend you to consider purchasing this book or borrowing it from your local library (COVID restrictions permitting). We also assure you that the lessons learned can apply to a host of relationships. Looking forward to a great discussion. Enjoy the book and stay tuned for more information.
Many Gifts, One SpiritPlease join us to the 2022 Winter Meeting to be held on February 26, 9 am till noon.This is a time for listening, learning and reflection. You will hear from a variety of people with gifts to share, guided by God’s loving spirit. They offer support and strive for harmony for the people and communities in the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council. The lineup of presenters includes:
- Rev. Whitman Strong, Minister for Pastoral Relations
- Trish Barlow from the Housing Matters Working Group
- Diane Strickland, Compassion Fatigue Therapist and Community and Workplace Traumatologist.
In addition, there will be a discussion about Right Relations and an introduction to a new network in the EOORC called, Indigenous Reconciliation.Our new Minister supporting Visioning with Communities of Faith, Clusters and Social Justice and Outreach Networks, Rev. Dr. Peter Bartlett will offer the Theological Reflection. Since this meeting is meant to be a time of learning and listening, there will be no business discussed and no voting will take place. As with any EOORC gathering, you can look forward to music and prayers. See you on February 26th!REGISTER HERE
Ways to GiveWE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR CONGREGATION WITH THEIR TIME AND WITH THEIR FINANCIAL DONATIONSIf you would like to contribute financially, you can do so:• By cash or cheque to the main office• By pre-authorized monthly donations(call office for information)• Through your United Way contributions(simply choose OUC as the beneficiary)• E-transfer to:oucdonations@rogers.com• Using a credit card Through CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/16982
Black History Month
Black history is Canadian history! Black History Month seeks to be inclusive of the many historical experiences in the Black community in Canada, and the rich contributions the community has made to the foundation of our country. The United Church of Canada Foundation proudly celebrates the history of Black Canadians, including those in our United Church. It is also a time of lament, as we mourn the injustices of the past, and those that continue today. As a Church, we believe in forgiveness, reconciliation, and transformation and the potential to learn from stories and experiences. The Foundation is committed to listening deeply to these stories and working to remove the inequity and injustices created by racism to create a more just planet where everyone can share and celebrate God’s abundance. In June of 2020, Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall, member of the United Church of Canada Foundation Board, called on White people in the Church to put their love into action to counteract racism. You can read his words here: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/dear-white-people/
Grocery gift cards are available for all President’s Choice stores, Metro/Food Basics, Farm Boy and Tim Horton’s. These cards are an excellent fundraiser for OUC. Email Dianne Davis to order yours today!
Be in Touch!
We would love for you to reach out to us…. we are here for you!Website: http://orleansunitedchurch.comEmail: orleansunited@rogers.comPhone: 613-837-4321If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, sign them up through the main office (call or email)
| Volume 52 January 13, 2022 |
| Upcoming Worship January 16th – Join us for worship on YouTube Orleans United Church – YouTube 2022 Offering Envelopes There are still 64 boxes of 2022 offering envelopes in the Church Office. Please help cut down on the need to hand deliver by picking up yours as soon as possible. If you are unable to pick up, please let Winston know at babin.a.w@bell.net or 613-830-8826. The Health and Education Committee hoped to host in-person sessions on mental health issues over these next few months. As that is not possible due to Covid, we will offer a number of on-line information sessions. The Royal Ottawais offering a free virtual broadcast series focused on providing mental health information and resources around a variety of themes. Register by clicking on the title below to be part of the Royal’s monthly conversations! Please take part yourself or share with a family member, friend who might benefit from this helpful information. The first is coming up very soon: January 26th, 2022 Winter blues, seeking sunlight — How to help with the winter blues Stayed tuned for our next session information coming in February. | Afghan Refugees in Ottawa A group of volunteers are helping the Afghans who helped our Canadian Forces and have had to flee their homeland. There are about 300 families in Ottawa and many are currently looking for housing as they have now received their Canadian documents. Here is the wish list. Please note we are not asking or accepting clothes and are only providing furniture to the families. We also ask items be washed, clean and not torn 1. Everything Kitchen (pots, pans, cutlery, toasters, microwaves, spatulas, dishes, glasses, mugs etc.) Kettles for boiling water is a big thing. 2. Beds – Mattresses and Box springs – singles, bunkbeds, double and queen size (singles are in huge demand as the families are quite large) cribs. We are not accepting king size beds at the moment. 3. Bedding – sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowslips 4. Dressers 5. Sofas and living room chairs 6. Dining Table and chairs 7. Lamps 8. Desks (not large ones please) In short – just about everything but clothes and king size mattresses. Drop off is across from St. Elias Greek Orthodox on Ridgewood Avenue. Warehouse is not always open so it would be best to contact me to arrange drop-off time. People can contact us at Afghanmove2022@gmail.com or telephone Mary Logan directly @ 613 853 1576. For those who are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, the Ottawa Humane Society is running online support groups: https://ottawahumane.ca/your-pet/pet-loss-support-groups/ |
January 10, 2022
Beloved Ones,
I have news to share. This news is not easy but it is news that I trust we can and will work through. We are a good community that way; one that consistently finds its way in faith.
I am writing to let you know that I have requested a change in pastoral relations that will go into effect July 31, 2022. I will work right up to June 28, 2022, and then I will take my vacation in July. That way, there will be no interruption of the important work we will do together in the next six months.
Change really is the only constant, or so it would seem in my life story anyway. The past five years that I have served with Molly and with all of you, we have navigated many changes in our faith community.
Being in this community has been a positive experience for me. Particularly, I want to express my gratitude for having been able to work next to Molly. Our collaboration has helped me grow as a minister. From Molly, I have learned what excellence in worship takes, what it is to be a faithful servant leader, and how to keep pace with a big, busy congregation. You are in good and capable hands.
As for me, God is leading me in a new direction. With God’s nudging and help, I plan to start a coaching practice serving clergy and other faith leaders, and I will be discerning how to continue serving as a UCC minister in the wider church. I am both excited and nervous about this new direction and welcome your prayers.
I will miss the “can-do” spirit of Orleans United Church. Over these past five years, I have enjoyed and appreciated working with such talented and caring people, including Scott, Kim and the lay leaders who have stepped up to serve in various ways. I have also consistently felt your love and support. Thank you.
God will certainly be present in this next chapter, guiding and leading in directions that we can’t quite see yet. I trust that this next chapter in OUC’s story will be full of God’s goodness and pray that you will be surprised and delighted by what comes next.
It has been an honour to serve you. I will miss you and I pray that your ministry as followers of Jesus’ Way will continue to flourish in the years to come.
In Christ,
Rev. Caroline